Avant Gout in Toronto

1108 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L6, Canada

★★★★☆
(140 reviews)
Categories: French restaurant Bar Bistro Italian restaurant Restaurant

About

Moroccan-influenced French bistro dishes in a cozy space with exposed-brick walls & wood paneling.

Website
avantgoutrestaurant.ca
Address
1108 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L6, Canada
Plus Code
MJH5+CR Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Sunday
5:30–8:30 PM
Monday
5:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday
5:30–8:30 PM
Wednesday
5:30–8:30 PM
Thursday
5:30–8:30 PM
Friday
5:30–9 PM
Saturday
5:30–9 PM

Services

Service options
No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Spirits Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Photos

Reviews

4.0
★★★★☆
140 reviews

Most Mentioned

price (15) food and service (5) lamb (5) steak (5) cyclists (3) grilled (3) brunch (3) crab cakes (2) sticky toffee pudding (2) carrot cake (2)
5 stars
88
4 stars
20
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 stars
28
May 25, 2024

It is a nice restaurant with few tables. We were the first to arrive and only a couple of table were occupied when we left. The food was only so so. The crab cakes consisted of two small way overpriced and not very tasty deep fried cakes accompanied by a tiny portion of sauce ( hardly enough for one) and few greens. The shrimp appetizer was better but way overpriced for 5 tiny shrimps. It would have been better if we could have had some bread to soak the sauce with. Unfortunately the waiter never came back. The lamb shank was not bad with the vegetables nicely cooked. The steak and frites were quite good. What really ruined the meal is the service. The waiter was bored, uninterested and just going through the motions. Considering that we were the only customers he ignored us once we ordered. It certainly not because he was too busy. He brought the appetizers with the bread and disappeared. We kept looking back to try and get his attention to get some more bread but he continued to ignore us. He ignored us again after he brought the mains only to return at the end to clear the dishes and bring the bill. Only then he replenished our empty water glasses. The service was not any better at an adjacent table. He equally ignored them. Even though our reservation stated a birthday celebration no mention of that on arrival and no offer of a dessert to celebrate even though we did tell the waiter it is a birthday celebration. I doubt we will return in spite of the food being not too bad.

May 13, 2024

The food was good but our dinner experience was extremely disappointing and ruined by the appaling service. The one person providing service could not handle the amount of tables (9-10 small parties while we were there) and was almost defiantly inattentive to our table. We understand that sometimes there are staffing issues, but then it is best to communicate that fact to diners and apologize. Only some dishes were cleared after the starters, the other dirty ones had to wait until the main courses were cleared. We asked for a second glass of wine, it arrived 15 minutes later. We ordered 2 desserts, only one arrived. Had to ask for water twice before getting any. The waiter delivering and moving our water glasses by the rim was both unprofessional and unhygienic. We waited 30 minutes for the bill, until finally going up to the waiter (owner?) in order to have him print the bill and collect the payment. Have not had such poor service in a Toronto restaurant ever. There seems to be a lot of regulars, as the person working there was hugging and chatting with many patrons. Maybe they have enough customers, because they definitely made us feel that no effort is needed to host new customers, like us.

April 26, 2023

Ordered through uber eats approx one hour before they closed yesterday. Menu seemed great but we were extremly disappointed. Food came cold which obviously could be on the delivery side but the fries were far from fresh as they were crunchy and full of oil with no seasoning. My steak came in well done with no sauce (was supposed to be peppercorn) and my friends salmon came smelling very fishy like it wasnt fresh. Our desert was the sticky toffee cake and both came with the caramel sauce burnt which overpowered the taste and was very bad. We also threw those out. Both pops came warm. Felt like their last orders of the day didnt matter at all. For 130$ ill go somewhere that has a bit more pride in their quality and service.

★★★★★
February 24, 2023

Have walked by many times in the past and now regret doing so. What a wonderful restaurant. From the ambience, service, food and price’s everything was superb. Even my picky 17-year old loved it. Warm sourdough bread and soft butter set the tone for the wonderful meal to come. We had arugula and pear salad and escargot for appetizers - generous portions and super tasty. Entrees were rack of lamb, veal limone, and liver - all were delicious and great value. Desserts were sticky toffee pudding and carrot cake YUM. Service was wonderful and I love that the owner is the chef. Highly recommend and will definitely be back.

★★★★★
February 9, 2023

Went here with a group of 10 and the server took really good care of us. Water and drinks were always topped off. Ordered the steak and it was cooked to how I requested/liked it. Had a great intimate atmosphere

★★★
October 28, 2022

It was alright. The food was good without being fantastic. Portion size was great though! Service was ok, we had ordered one dish of escargot to share but the server brought out two (benefit of doubt, it was a little loud inside so he might have misheard). We tried the lamb and the prawn pasta, both were cooked well and tasty. At the price point however, I'd be just as willing to try somewhere new as to return. The restaurant is also really small and the tables are quite close together so we could easily hear pretty much every conversation in the restaurant which isn't necessarily a bad thing but if you're looking for something a little more intimate I'd go somewhere else.

★★★★
September 5, 2021

Overall delicious French food in a cozy atmosphere. Do try whatever specials they have for the day! They do not have much outdoor patio space. My only issue was with the grilled calamari app - the calamari was over cooked, and under seasoned… think they forgot the salt

★★★★
July 24, 2019

Avant Gout the Cozy Restaurant on Yonge Street. I had dinner here with friends. French Moroccan-inspired cuisine I ordered liver, and it was delicious prices are a reasonable variety of wine

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Great food, gracious host.

Local Guide
April 23, 2024

I take the Yonge street bikelanes on a daily basis. Makes it easy and convenient to hit up local business on the way home from work. I will NOT be visiting this business, thats for certain. Any business who would actively attempt to abolish bike lanes on an important street does not deserve the patronage of cyclists.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Never been before went for a family dinner two brothers and family friend one brother and family friend said it was good - and so right they were the food was outstanding and they were able to accommodate allergies I did not pay so far I not know final tally but guessing

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

My fiancé and I really enjoyed your vday dinner here last night. Service was excellent and kind, food was succulent, and people around us were classy. Only complaint would be that the restaurant is small, which means that when the door to the business is opened by the occasion Uber eats, it tends to slam behind them, reverberating across the restaurant. Easy fix though, if they put in some sort of soft door stopper. Really enjoyed our time at Avant Gout, and would highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Great food, great service. A bustling restaurant full of locals.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Loved the liver, food was fantastic and the service was great

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Terrible experience. Bad service, slow, food was mediocre and not as ordered.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Avoid at all costs.

December 23, 2023

Any business that lacks awareness concerning the value of bike lanes does not deserve our business. Food is overpriced, bland, and boring. Outdated decor, rude staff, and unclean establishment. Take your business elsewhere.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Was referred by a friend to try it. I biked there only to find a sign in the window indicating they don t want cyclists for customers ? Was confused and didn t feel comfortable going in with my helmet.

December 23, 2023

Absolute trash. Wouldnt eat here if they were giving their slop away.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Overrated. There are better and friendlier options elsewhere in the city.

December 23, 2023

Received raw chicken, wasted my time.

December 23, 2023

A bit too snooty of a place. We like nice restaurants with good food, but, this place doesnt seem to serve cyclists. Bicycles are smaller than cars, resulting in more public traffic outside your restaurant. Its literally free marketing. Pay attention to Dutch countries.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Rude staff, average food

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I recently tried the blackened chicken at this restaurant and was blown away by the flavors. The seasoning was spot on, with just the right amount of heat, and the chicken was cooked to perfection- juicy and tender. The dish was beautifully presented and I couldnt help but devour every last bite. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal. Five stars all around!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I recently tried the rack of lamb and was blown away by the quality for the price. The lamb was tender and juicy, with a delicious crust that added an extra layer of flavor. The portion was generous and the dish was beautifully presented. I highly recommend this dish to anyone looking for a decadent dining experience.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best pasta in Toronto!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best food, great service and amazing atmosphere!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Delicious food, warm atmosphere, amazing staff and chef! One of the best local restaurants on Yonge and highly recommend!

December 23, 2023

Overrated. Much better places in the area!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I find it very frustrating when a group of people who have never eaten in the restaurant all decide to rate the restaurant a 1 star because they are angry due to their position on the bicycle lane. 10 one star ratings in 2 weeks seems very dubious. My wife and I have been coming to this restaurant for years and one the food is fantastic, two the staff are extremely social and engaging, and the three the prices are very reasonable. Thank you again for a wonderful meal tonight. The steak was delicious, the pasta was a perfect a la dente, and the carrot cake was divine.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food, looks a totally different restaurant after the renovation.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This Rosedale Gem offers an interesting menu coupled with consistent quality, excellent service, ample servings all at reasonable prices. My personal favorite is the lamb shank and in my opinion, the lamb is the best in the city plus the waiter pairs wine perfectly. Highly recommended for a delicious and value added full dining experience..one of my favorite spots to bring family, friends and colleagues. Top drawer.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This neighborhood is very lucky to have this establishment! From their service to the decor and food everything is just perfect. Lots of tasty options to choose from and they have various drinks to complete your meal. You will not regret stopping by and this can easily become your new favorite local spot!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great service

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I have been to Avant Gout many times. The food is wonderful. The Chef cooks fish perfectly every time. The portions are large and the value is fantastic. The service is great as well!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food and service!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

We ate here a few weeks ago and had a great time. The wine selection was great. I had steak frites and the steak was fantastic. Service is great. Id definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a reasonably priced restaurant in Summerhill.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Had an amazing dinner with local friends at this restaurant. Delicious specials and very reasonably priced. Definitely will return again soon.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Delicious food in a wonderful, cozy atmosphere. Great service and the food was interesting and was done very well. Glad I picked this for an intimate birthday celebration!

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Ordered the salmon and I was extremely disappointed. It tasted terrible and smelled so bad like it was old fish sitting in the fridge for days... I couldnt eat it, went straight in the garbage.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Took a friend for the first time. They serve the best liver. She loved it and is bringing her boyfriend. Service wonderful. Great little restaurant

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

For such a large party the service was impressive. The meal was delicious, from the mouth watering fresh bread, tantalizing appetizers and the superb main dishes all the way wonderful variety of desserts. Not an overly loud location especially for having a party of over 16 in a relatively small dining area. Very happy with the overall experience.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great place / Van is the best

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Its always excellent here!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

A great neighbourhood place with an interesting menu, good wine list and fantastic service. Good value (especially compared to other nearby places) Reservations are recommended. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Feb 14 2022 - Pre-Valentines Day Special last night was outstanding. Happy Valentines Day Avant Gout! Service and food are always fantastic, no matter how busy they are. The liver and fries were wonderful. Ive had the rack of lamb several times and its always great. If you are looking for a cozy, romantic venue you wont be disappointed with Avant Gout.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

I just eat it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Must try their lamb racks!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Every dish was superb. Artic Char cooked perfectly, excellent crab cakes, big enough to share. Veal tender. Specials were not overpriced as they often are without you knowing it. Great service.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Quiet French bistro; excellent food; service somewhat abrupt.

December 23, 2022

The waiter was extremely rude!!! Both me and my friend do not drink alcohol so we asked for water instead of ordering wine, he gave us a super rude face. When we were ready to order and asked him, he wasnt even looking at us and said I am not ready and walked away. The restaurants was not even busy with only 3 tables occupied. We just couldnt stand him and since he walked away, so did we. I wonder why such nasty restaurant is still surviving! They dont deserve any customer at all!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

This is one of those hidden restaurant finds, a popular local choice, it offers an excellent menu, great prices, reasonable wine selection, gracious, helpful staff. Simple and cozy its the perfect place for a quiet night out with friends.

Local Guide
December 23, 2021

It s not fair to say that this is the worst restaurant, so I won t. I will say that the angel hair with grilled chicken from this restaurant is the WORST dish I ve ever tried. The pasta was mushy, there was hardly any tomato sauce, and the few scraggly chunks of chicken were just sad. There was a buy 1 get 1 free deal on UberEats. So perhaps the folks at Avant Gout thought they could disregard quality. I won t order from this restaurant again.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

We have been eating here for 20 years. Its consistently good. Their braised lamb shank is a favorite.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Best food in Rosedale!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

I have been coming here for a few decades. The service is too notch and the food, delicious. I love Avant Gout.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

A small, neighborhood French restaurant. Nice service. Food is good. From starters, entrees to desserts.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Finally an enjoyable quiet dinner. Lamb shank

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Amazing restaurant with friendly staff and great dinner options. It s a perfect place for a date night.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

A small yet very pleasant restaurant. Wide selection on the menu of well executed dishes . Something for everyone! Decent wine list. Friendly, informal but well informed service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Amazing pasta. Cozy ambiance. Great service.

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Fabulous dinner thanks to Avant Gout s delicious food and excellent delivery service. Made my Friday evening absolutely perfect.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Best experience ever! I want to hire their decorator to furnish my apartment. Everything was simply decadent. Make sure to save room for dessert, because that was the best part of the meal! Overall experience: 5 stars.

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

I ordered the blackened branzino and the pan fried shrimp best seafood delivery I ve had the sauce for both dishes where out of this world the sides for the fish where okay also they could use better bread but that s shrimp dish was the best I ve had for a more expensive restaurant definitely worth the price

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Amazing experience. For those looking to dine outside, they do have tables in front of the restaurant. You can make a reservation via their website or phone. Wonderful service and delicious food. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Great food!

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Great ambiance and delicious cuisine. We tried the escargot and the lamb. Both were done very well. Reminded me of being in France again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Great food and ambiance. The owners are nice. fair prices for the good food and service. Everything I had tasted amazing

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Simply the best restaurant in Rosedale !!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Very good food and service; great neighborhood restaurant

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Lovely brunch spot with great service. Charming.

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Although the atmosphere is simple, do not let it stop you from thinking the food will be. The food is the showcase with great additions, the only thing I find hard to accept is when I miss out on enjoying a personal favourite with seasonal changes. Thankfully all their dishes are fantastic and not specifically heavy despite the french influence. Trust me you wont be disappointed. Please check out this place and keep a beloved and favoured neighbour small business open!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

The steak frites was amazing. One of the best cooked steaks I have ever had. Service was wonderful, we were not rushed at all. Its a smaller place, perfect for intimate dinners or smaller groups. Would highly recommend and will for sure be going back!

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Went for a celebration dinner with friends and we were happily surprised by how good the food was. The service was professional and discreet. Going back tomorrow with another group of friends. Cant wait.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Small, Bistro on Yonge Street (Rosedale area) serving Italian dishes like pasta, fish and meat. Food is fresh. Service pretty good. I had the special -- a 12oz Veal chop grilled and topped with mushrooms in a wine sauce with mashed potatoes and green vegetables (asparagus green beans and spinach). Delicious! Other good dishes are a linguini with shrimps, scallops, and mushrooms in a ehite whine garlic sauce or Artic Char. Best to make reservations in advance as there is limited seating. Popular place with an upscale, older crowd.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Great atmosphere, excellent food, wonderful flavors

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Lovely meal, wonderful service.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Interesting flavors and good service

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Quiet good food

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

A nice, cozy restaurant. We had a delicious brunch. The service was very good.

Local Guide
December 23, 2019

I ordered through Uber eats and they only sent 1 of 3 items. When I called and asked what had happened they were rude on the phone at first (until they realized it was their mistake), then they asked my phone number to call back and never did. Restaurant might be better, but service by arrogant and disrespectful people will never be good. I would steer clear if I were you. Food item was ok though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Always great food and service

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Loud

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Service and food are exceptional as always

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Excellent food, many choices, great atmosphere and the 2 best waiters in the city.

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Always reliable but need to reserve

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Excellent food! Small cozy restaurant in a good location. The menu is very diverse. Many options of appetizers, saladas, pasta and meet. They also have daily menus. Everything tasted very fresh and delicious! The price is fair and the service is good!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Not fantastic but pretty good for the price

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Cozy restaurant in Rosedale. Food is excellent. Service is always pleasant and courteous.

December 23, 2017

Horrible service . Drove from ottaa with two children and they looked at us and would not seat us. There was a empty tables and the manager says they were fully booked. Right. He saw kids and didnt want us in his restaurent. I called to complain and he hung up on me. Wouldnt spend a dime on this place.

★★★★
December 23, 2017

Really lovely food and selection of wines. Good atmosphere a little pricey.

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

First visit. Fab food. Great atmosphere. Good service. Coming back.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Great Sunday brunch.

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

Always great food at good prices for the neighborhood and the service (Tim) is excellent. Greta Sunday night dinner place for the family before starting a hectic week. Enjoyed for years!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

Wonderful neighbourhood bistro. The food is excellent -- both reliable and interesting. Dont forget to ask about the specials. The service is amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

If u want a relax atmosphere this is the place!! The food is awesome !!!