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Momofuku Daishō, Shōtō New York star chef David Chang arrived in Toronto with a bang, opening three eateries plus a cocktail lounge in one 6,600 square foot extravaganza. Each an instant success, the jewel of the collection is Daishō, wowing flannel shirts and bespoke suits alike with Momofuku favourites deftly touched with Canadian flavours. The wildly inventive specialties include large-format feasts for groups as well as exquisite a la carte dishes, which are also available at the equally popular Shōtō. You’ll simply have to try their ice cream flavoured with cedar leaves for the perfect Canadian finish. And for a nice change of pace, drop into the well-priced Noodle Bar on the ground floor. |
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NOTA BENE A new breed of Toronto restaurant, Nota Bene continues to expose this city to unstuffy fine dining, one dish at a time. Set daily specials and a pre-theatre prix fixe menu allows for the option of a casual dining experience; but if you have the time, bookend a meal with housemade charcuterie and a cheese plate. Request a corner table to oversee the entire room with its modern art and dark wood furniture, and behold expertly executed service. Chef David Lee of Splendido fame has created a menu that highlights local Canadian products and dishes, such as Nova Scotia Lobster Salad and BC Black Cod. If a superior midweek drink in the downtown core is what you seek, then Nota Bene’s bar area and classic cocktail list will satisfy. |
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ORO After bursting onto Toronto's elite restaurant scene years ago, Oro continues to soar beyond the boundaries of the culinary imagination with its neo-Italian array of cuisine, accented by flavourful hints from around the world. Well-heeled literati, glitterati and heads of state flock here for sumptuous dining experiences. Crackling fireplaces set the warm and inviting ambience. Extensive wine list. |
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PATRIA Charles Khabouth scores once again with this popular energetic venue, gastronomically on track and attracting the fashionable set. New age lighting cris-cross the ceiling of this two story open space with its three 7-foot stylized portraits and cast iron candle holders. Best described as modern-rustic; it's as if you dropped into an upscale tapas bar in Barcelona. Sherry is the perfect sip with the salted almonds or spicy olives. Tapas includes imported fresh-sliced Spanish hams and cheeses with quince jam and fresh sourdough bread, Polpo a la Gallega dusted with smoked paprika served in traditional earthenware cazeulas, crunchy Ham Croquettes, and non-traditional Clams & Chorizo Pasta. Move onto the Cuttlefish Pasta, wood fire roasted Rib-eye, tasty Lamb Chops in Romanesco sauce, and of course Paella– which is big enough for sharing. Don't forget to sample the sugar-dusted Churros (crispy fried dough), perfect with coffee. An attractive well trained staff can assist you with your wine choices from the amazing wine list. |
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RODNEY’S OYSTER HOUSE Shucking oysters for over 20 years, “The Oysterman” Rodney Clark still packs them into his casual oyster house – a Mecca for seafood lovers. The knowledgeable oyster-barman, a walking encyclopedia on bi-valves, happily leads you through the bounty of over 26 seasonal varieties of oysters – with some drawn from their own oyster beds in Prince Edward Island, and others flown in just hours after harvesting. But there’s much more than oysters, such as the freshly caught Scallops and Shrimp. Or live Lobsters and Crabs from the in-house tanks. The White Plate Specials are a nice choice and can include Dungeness Crab or Alaskan Chinook Spring Salmon. A good way to begin your feast is with the rich Manhattan Clam Chowder, a special recipe loaded with clams. An interesting wine and beer list offers affordable choices. It’s no wonder Rodney sold over a million and a half oysters last year. Tried and true still seems to be the best. |
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Minutes from Toronto's Financial and Theatre districts, Rosewater is the perfect venue to enjoy cocktails, an exquisite dinner, or a special event. The menu harmonizes with the beauty and elegance of the heritage building structure-- an eclectic palette of styles and tastes. Each member of the staff adheres to the highest standards of quality and meticulous attention to details. |
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SALT WINE BAR Chef Dave Kemp uses mainly seasonal local products in his eclectic menu featuring a concise selection of Canadian/Iberian tapas. Located at the top of the trendy Ossington strip, this cozy sixty-seat restaurant boasts snack-sized dishes that satisfies – without taking a bite out of your wallet. Start with the Iberian charcuterie such as exquisite Jamon Iberico and Venison Sausage. Move on to the sublime Pork Belly Tacos, Octopus, the crisp-skinned Duck Confit Gnochi or dry aged Ribeye. A well balanced wine list offers extensive choices of reasonably priced Spanish and Portuguese wines. The inventive cocktail list is worth sampling. Salt's crowd pleasing cuisine and warm, knowledgeable service will leave you saying "El gusto es mio" or "The pleasure is mine". |
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SUSHI KAJI It's no secret that Sushi Kaji has the best sushi in the G.T.A. This is traditional Japanese cuisine, so leave thoughts of syrupy teriyaki sauce and California Rolls behind. Instead, there's Lobster Tail Sashimi, and flavourful cooked items like Eel poached in vinegar accompanied by Pork Belly. Diners choose between three Omakase menus priced at $80, $100 and $120, depending on the number and type of dishes desired, and the kitchen designs the menu. Expect a number of small plates, with Sashimi and Sushi platters nestled in, followed by desserts such as Green Tea Crème Brûlée. Japanese beer or sake pairings are recommended, but cost extra. The menu changes frequently according to chef Mitsushiro Kaji’s mood, and whatever fish and produce has been flown in from Tokyo that morning. While dishes are plentiful, they are small and light, leaving diners sated and feeling that they have experienced the most inspired Japanese dishes in the country. |
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TASTE OF CHINA Heavenly food has returned at last to Spadina Avenue. This Hong Kong-style seafood restaurant looks ordinary from the outside, but inside are some of the freshest, most perfectly cooked seafood this side of Vancouver. Knowledgeable servers might suggest live, sweet B.C, spot prawns, giant crab or razor clams which are expertly prepared by the skillful kitchen. While fresh seafood is the star, other dishes get high marks including the always popular General Tso’s Chicken, and cognoscenti rave about the silky-crunchy tofu. Added benefit: they're open until 4:30am. |
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THE CHASE There's informal seafood dining on the ground floor. But on the fifth floor, prepare to be seduced by the casual elegance and spectacular food – with prices to match. This is a big spenders paradise, and it delivers. With an emphasis on fine dining, highlights of the dashing menu include a whole roasted Chicken with fois gras, prunes and Armagnac, the melt in your mouth Arctic Char and Sea Bream. An abundant "Pearl Platter" dares you to eat all the oysters, crab salad, scallop ceviche, poached shrimp and big eye tuna placed before you. Veal tenderloin or Rack of Lamb are prepared to perfection. Be sure to leave room for their artisanal cheeses or mouthwatering desserts. Some of the most knowledgeable staff in the city are there to serve. Sommelier Anton Potvin focuses on Old World wines, and there are some amazing bargains to be had. |
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