492 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2, Canada
Bohemian French bistro specializing in classics with focus on great steak, duck confit, Canadian game, seafood and killer selection of wine. Open later than most places. Cosy dining room, curbside patio and lively bar scene.
The dishes were tasty - the pâté was flavorful, and the mushrooms were well-seasoned. But the portions felt small for the price. I believe there are other French restaurants offering a similar ambiance and quality at a reasonable cost.
Stopped in for coffee, dessert, and drinks. Exceeded expectations on all levels. Will definitely be returning to try some of the items on the menu. Great bar with a fantastic selection of scotch. Went with The Balvinie Doublewood. Very generous pour for a single! Desserts were both perfect, and the americano was also top tier as well. Staff were also wonderful. Highly recommend!
Was able to make a reservation here by calling the restaurant like it says on their website, which was a pretty straightforward process. Came on a Saturday night and it was quite busy. Their dining room is pretty crowded and the tables are way too close to each other that you can barely pass through if you were sitting on the inside. I don’t typically like to check in my coat, but I wouldn’t have been able to physically pass through the small gap between the tables if I had it with me. Definitely in terms of being able to have personal or private conversations, the people to either side of you would be able to ‘overhear’ your conversation. The volume level was also quite loud because of all of the people in the space so definitely have to raise your voice a bit. My biggest issue with the food isn’t so much the taste or quality, but the pricing and how much you’re getting in terms of portion sizes and ingredients. The bill came as a surprise in the end and definitely felt like a disconnect to what we got. The food was fine, but I can’t say that I had anything extraordinary compared to other French restaurants in the city. On value alone, I can’t recommend this place for what we received.
This place hits the trifecta when it comes to food, service, and ambiance. Service was fast, kind, and informative. Ambiance was tight but quaint and comfortable. Above all else, the food was superb!! What an amazing experience to see such attention to detail in these dishes, and to see them be made right behind the bar. Highly recommend!!
The service was of high quality without being obnoxious. Our server was polite, friendly and made great recommendations. She checked in on the 3 of us often. The food was excellent. I had the Duck Confit which was cooked to perfection, skin crisp and the meat tender and juicy. The couscous was packing flavor. My friend had the Horse Tartare and he was very pleased with his choice and the other friend had the salmon, which was filling and flavorful. We decided to order a bottle of Passion rose and it was refreshing for a summer night but not too sweet, which we enjoyed. Would definitely return when I visit Toronto again.
My best friend and I wanted an upscale and easy go to place; this place fits the bill. They're a good bistro like place tucked away on Queen. The menu is selective but definitely perfect. My best friend had the 3oz Steak Tartare and I had the Saffron Risotto; which was quite rich. Our server was also quite knowledged on the wine selection and recommended great pairings for the whole meal. This place would be a treat to come back to.
The service was fantastic. Friendly and attentive. The fries and salad w watermelon and feta were amazing. The saffron risotto - the texture was right, the presentation was lovely. Unfortunately - and I love putting salt on my dishes, but the risotto tasted extremely salty. As though there had been an accident with how much salt was added. So - absolutely go there for the ambience, and service and try the food! But maybe skip the risotto.
My boyfriend and I celebrated our 2-year anniversary at this restaurant, and the food was excellent. We tried the chef's special pork, served medium rare, though I can't recall the French name. It was a solid 4.5/5 for me—slightly heavy on the salt, but the pork itself was outstanding and didn't need much seasoning. The salmon belly appetizer was decent, but the highlight was the horse steak. Despite the 6oz portion being too small for my liking, the meat was exceptional. It had a unique nutty and aromatic flavor, possibly from the chef's seasonings or the natural taste of horse meat itself. It's a must-try! The ambience of the place was 100% and we had a pleasant server.
Great french restaurant. Located on queen street not far from live music for the after-dinner follow up. Cozy place with friendly staff. Very french cuisine. Fair price for this type of cuisine and restaurant. Would go back.
Great snacks and drinks menu. Definitely recommend for a meal, of late night finish to an evening out.
DO NOT GO HERE, unless you want really good food and exceptionally friendly staff. This is the place for good food and wine, Ill have to go back for more.
La Palette, a charming French bistro tucked away on Queen Street, is like discovering a secret garden in the heart of the city. Run by the dynamic duo of Shamez and Maria, this place exudes a captivating charm thats as intoxicating as their signature horse meat tartare. Now, lets dive into the culinary adventure. The steak tartare is a classic, but why settle for ordinary beef when you can indulge in a hearty serving of horse? Dont knock it til youve tried it! Its a flavour explosion that will leave you neighing with delight. The risotto, a creamy and dreamy concoction, is like a comforting hug in a bowl. And while the steak frites is a classic, its best enjoyed medium rare. Anything higher is a culinary crime. For dessert, the dark chocolate ganache is a rich, decadent finale that will leave you feeling satisfied and slightly tipsy. But the true stars of the show are Shamez and Maria. These two are the heart and soul of La Palette. Their kindness, humor, and evident affection for each other make this place a truly special dining experience. So, the next time youre in the neighborhood, saddle up and head to La Palette. Just remember, if you order the horse meat tartare, dont blame us if you gallop home.
The gentleman that served us really knew his stuff and recommended a great wine! Loved my experience
I booked this place for my birthday celebration, and so happy I did! Finally, I was able to find a restaurant in Toronto that was able to accommodate for a large group of 11 people (without headaches). Every single dish we tried was absolutely spectacular. The horse meat, steak, fish, and all the wines we got were fantastic! My favourite was the horse meat! Connor was our server - he is hands down one of the best servers Ive ever had in Toronto - give him a raise!!! He is what stellar customer service looks and acts like. Definitely coming back here as its the perfect place in Toronto for special celebrations. Probably one of my favourite French restaurants in Toronto now too!
Love the place and vibe!
Best service and immaculate vibes the special was mind-blowing and I can t wait to come back!
Food - I had the duck and although it was fairly nice and crispy on the outside, I found it a bit dry on the inside and the portion was quite small. The salad that it came with was also very salty. In my opinion, it wasnt worth the $42. I tried my friends horse steak and it was cooked well. But I also found the fries portion small and the sauce on the side was basically just mayo. Service - The service was prompt and the water was informative. However, they only asked at the end of our dinner what we thought of the meal. The service was also a bit slow. Atmosphere - The seats are located very close to each other. My seat was very uncomfortable as I was sitting on a wooden chair with no cushion, whereas my friend had a cushioned seat. It is weird to have this inconsistency across seating types and comfort level with guests. The bathroom is also very dingy and could use a minor reno, including the walls which could use a patch up. In comparison to a recent visit to the Le Baratin restaurant, Id choose to go back to Le Baratin instead.
Our new favorite place? Wife and I rarely have an evening without the kids and based on reviews we headed to the West side of Yonge to La Palette. The place is exactly what we would like to have as my restaurant if we were to take on such a huge challenge. The whole place drips of irreverent urban cool. Definitely NOT uptight. My wife had the moules and I opted for the striploin. I hadnt had a meal this memorable since we ate a year ago at Don Alphonso. It wasnt just that the food was soo good, it was the whole vibe and casual nature of the evening. Best time ever - so much so we didnt bother moving to our next stop instead opting for aged whiskies and dessert (crème brûlée). Loved the staff, the food, the location - everything about it. Thanks and well be back! Highly Recommended
Excellent food
Mmmm delicious!!!
The best bar in the entertainment area! Hands down amazing food and service! Kudos La Palette!
Relaxed atmosphere, great staff, great food. Recommend the moules frites
Youd think a server would know not to bring out the appetizer and main dish at the same time, crowding an already small table and causing the main to go cold by the time youd eat it. A head-scratching, novice move that ruins the entire experience. If anyone reads the reviews, it was the long-haired, Indian-looking server with muted hand expressions. The large, bearded server, in our limited interactions, was a professional.
A delightful French restaurant. I had a steak and it was lovely. I turned down the waiter s recommendation of horse meat. They even let you sample the wine before ordering, which I thought was a classy touch.
This experience was incredible. Service was amazing. Atmosphere is quaint and cozy. Food was delish. The wine options were all fantastic. Highly recommend if youre looking for a wine bar with great French food.
Great place with excellent appetizers and drinks Awesome ambiance and excellent service Would definitely recommend this place which is a complete package and makes it an great experience I would definitely recommend this super awesome place and will be going there more often
Thought this place was not great (especially for the price point). Service /vibe was weird as the guy in a hat (clearly the owner) was walking back and forth patrolling. Also saw him yell at his waitstaff right in front of us. Food would have been mid / decent had everything not been so oversalted.
I don t remember my servers name, I believe it was Wes. My boyfriend and I walked by La Palette a couple of weeks ago and he noticed me eyeing the tables by the window and when he approached me at the door, his mindfulness drew me in to eat. I was already thinking about it. Wes took care of us and recommended the horse steak over the regular and my boyfriend who is not an adventurous and picky eater even tried the horse steak and loved it. Thank you Wes for the amazing service and the humour and even the other staff at La Palette who made us laugh and our night more enjoyable! I ve worked in the food industry for years and rarely go to eat at restaurant so much- It was a fabulous evening.
I liked the unique flavors. I had the appetizer special of calamari soufled and then seared in a mango sauce that was delicious. I tried the horse and while it wasnt a flavor of meat I enjoyed it was really well cooked, very lean, and paired with a delicious sauce. The fries were well cooked and well seasoned. I also had the foie ice cream. Really unique flavors with the candied macadamia, fermented blueberries, and cookie dough bites. A really nice atmosphere and great service.
Best Crème Brulée i had in years! We went there for desserts and everything was perfect. The chocolate ganache is amazing!
A great artisans bar/restaurant. french style food with a mix of world wines and beers. Great atmosphere and staff. Dont forget to ask if there is any special dish of the day menu.
The place gives you an old French bistro vibe, feeling like I was in Europe. The service was chilled, no rush. The food was not great and bland; I couldnt recall any impression of it while writing this review. I will not come back.
A perfect Parisian Bistro from the 1970s. Like being in a favourite movie. Fabulous music and great ambiance. A one-of-a-kind, and one of the very best, casual fine dining restaurants in Toronto. Shamez and the *EXCEPTIONAL* staff provide exceptional, friendly, attentive service. The whole experience is a work of art. And the food is *excellent.* Staff are knowledgeable about food and drink. The spirit, beer, and wine options are *astounding.* The food quality is *exceptional.* If you want to eat food that is *only* exceptional, and be served by people who sincerely love food, drink, music, and joi-de-vivre, treat yourself to La Palette.
The audacity to not update their google hours, 40 minute Uber ride just to find out its closed
Excellent atmosphere and welcome
Way overpriced!! Tiniest crème brûlée Ive ever seen! Too bad because the vibe is good, selection of wine is good as well, but not worth it overall, especially given some of the alternative options in this neighborhood.
This is one of my favorite spots. The most welcoming knowledgeable staff provide incredible delights of wine and food. Always a high spirited space full of laughs and common ideology.
I called to inquire about something today and was recieved rudely by a pompous male staff member, which is unfortunate because I did enjoy my dining experience there a few weeks ago. Do better.
Such a great restaurant. Went with my husband and daughters for a celebration meal. The restaurant itself has an excellent vibe. Super fun and relaxed. The menu is terrific. Everything we ordered was delicious and interesting. The desserts were also very unique and made from scratch. Excellent service. Also set in a terrific part of town. I must see and visit when visiting Toronto.
We stumbled across this little gem while rushing to find dinner before a show. Although the restaurant was pretty full, the owner and his team quickly set us up and expedited our orders right away. Were French foodie fans and really enjoyed our meals ranging from fried camembert and pate as starters through to moules et frites, duck, salmon and the saffron risotto. The flavours and presentation were all outstanding while the portions were more than adequate. Well definitely be back!!!
Beautiful, (perfect size) small restaurant, well appointed down to the tablecloths! Loved the decor with high ceilings and a sky light in the back and a kitchen in full view of the patrons. The food was excellent, well portioned (although some might consider small), and mouth watering presentation. This is the kind of restaurant where the quality stands out and every morsel is delicious! We met the owner and he was extremely friendly and welcoming. Wheelchair accessibility: It is accessible for those with mobility difficulties except for the bathrooms.
Amazing food. Super friendly staff Great wine selection Worth every penny Food : 5/5 |
Just WOW WOW WOW!!! Amazing staff, incredible food, lovely list of wine! Unpretentious setting yet food is worthy of the best french restaurants. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
My daughter and I had daddy daughter date, and I always wanted us to have a glass of wine & the charcuterie board with a dinner. It was a memorable event that this fine establishment provided for us. The food phenomenal. The service was an A++ tier. It was a modern rustic setting that was very pleasing. I was out of my normal element, but I felt welcomed and satisfied to the fullest. Highly recommend.
perfect!!
Best Green Tea Jameson in the city.
La Palette is a beacon of culinary excellence in the heart of the city, offering a modern twist on traditional French cuisine, a realm where gastronomy meets artistry. Now, lets talk about the star of the show the food. Each dish at La Palette is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion. The chefs innovative approach to French cuisine shines through in every bite, from delicate appetizers like Salmon Rillettes, Pate & Horse Tartare to main courses such as Duck Confit. Service is impeccable, with attentive staff & owner who anticipate your every need without being intrusive. The waitstaffs knowledge of the menu and their genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. For anyone seeking a truly exceptional dining experience, La Palette is not to be overlooked. They ve been open in Toronto for over 20 yrs, I ve been remiss not having gone sooner..
David was our server at the Bar Delightful Knowledgeable Gets all the steps right We had Oysters, mussels (lovely sauce) And a few glasses of wine at the bar A must go to when downtown midtown A true getaway from the noise Felt like a holiday Thanks so much!
went in yesterday and enjoyed the experience took 1 star off because table was a bit small to fit the plates and somehow the escargot was cold inside even though the plate is hot. not sure if thats the way it should be but i personally prefer it served hot. the duck leg is crispy and might be a bit salty but is perfect when you mixed with the mashed peas . it would be my got to place when i visit the well in the future
Update, I am changing my review from 5 star to 1. We went back a couple of times to celebrate special occasions and once was during a summer evening when there was still light outside and the atmosphere wasn t necessarily magical due to dimmer lights. Portions are generally small but what we saw happening in the kitchen was a bit distasteful. I am sure a lot happens in restaurant kitchens behind the scenes but here it is all in the open and you can observe. We ordered 8oz horse steak, beef steak and duck. We saw that the chef is taking a piece of each and every meal he prepares and puts it in his mouth and eats it. One can argue he might want to ensure meal is cooked properly and tastes good! ( forgetting about the list weight of steak you ordered ) But then we saw him licking his fingers and then taking the cooked meat with his hands and places it on the plate. That was indeed disgusting! Portions are generally small anyway. From deserts menu, flambé tart was the nicest - Wanted to try La Pallete for some time and specially their horse steak and finally did it to celebrate a birthday! And loved it sooo much. The atmosphere is really nice and staff are welcoming. We tried oysters for starters and venison and horse steak as our main! I tried venison before and it is a favorite of mine but horse steak was absolutely heavenly. Very tender and a very delicious taste to it. I will definitely try it again. For desert we had cream brûlée and a cake that was three layers of walnuts, pistachio and almonds which was really great. Initially didn t want to get the cake thinking it is one full of cream like a shortcake which I don t like but glad we did get it because of bday and very much fell in love. On Thursdays, they have live music which starts around 9. Unfortunately we left around that time and couldn t enjoy it much but will plan for it for next time
10/10 one of the best spots in the city, fine cuisine and wine experts with a laid back fun environment, the staff is top notch , they also have live music sometimes. A real pillar of the community.
Came here twice and overall nothing but good things to say. The food is always top notch. Duck confit is amazing, has such a nice crisp on the skin.
Such a gem in the area. They ve been around for a long time and the food is consistently amazing, service is great, and the vibe is refreshingly laid back and not pretentious.
Mussels and tartare were amazing
Great knowledgeable staff. If you dont know what you want they have great recommendations.
Had a bison and frites... Amazing! Great spot
Love this place. It never disappoints. The service was exceptional and my partner and I had a wonderful dinner before heading to a show. We shared the house salad, pork terrine and entree beef tartare avec frites. All were executed very well, fresh and tasty ingredients. Look forward to the next time!
Bartenders yelled at us and kicked us out the second we walked in the door cause we never said hello
The deserts were not very good and TINY
This is where you gotta be. The horse tartar is legendary the wine list is well thought out and extensive with 20+by the glass why not adventure a bit . Tip top marks here
amazing steak frites, the butter complimented well with the steak. friendly and attentive staff. atmosphere is cozy and homey. definitely worth the visit!
A wonderful authentic restaurant. Steak frites were good, but the service and ambiance was impeccable. Instead of blaring music out loudspeakers, we had the spontaneous privilege of hearing an acoustic musician playing, but never in a way that might overpower conversation. A wonderful place to bring someone for a good meal and intimate conversation.
The elegant, cozy French atmosphere is complimented by great service and solid food. We split several appetizers - the beef tartar, fromage, mussels and oysters, all of which were great. The beef tartar definitely was the worst of the group, but the fromage was a genuine standout. For mains, the duck confit and steak frites were the best items on the menu. Most of us had a slight moral issue with eating horse, but those that tried it said it was excellent. The taste and presentation of all of the food was on point, and one of the biggest drawbacks is that the small space makes conversation a bit difficult. Overall, I would give it a solid 4.5/5, but in this case the overall review will be a 4, and the service and atmosphere are both 4.8 s. I would recommend La Palette for anyone who is in the area looking for upscale French food with a unique taste and flair. Dietary restrictions: Plenty of options for those with all types of restrictions Wheelchair accessibility: Not very wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms down a flight of stairs
This is a cute spot to have some unique food you usually can t find in Toronto. We got the horse steak frites which was cooked perfectly rare and came with a delicious ramp butter. The frites also had a great crunch to it. I did find it a little weird that the mayo for the frites came on a wonton spoon. The duck confit had a crispy skin which was really good, but the couscous it came with I felt like didn t match the dish that well since it had a seaweed-esque taste to it. Service was very friendly and took the time to describe the specials and the horse meat. We also came back for the bar later that night for some drinks and the beef tartare and the bartender was awesome and attentive.
Really great date spot with a romantic atmosphere and not that loud. I thoroughly enjoyed the steak frites, the horse was tender, cooked perfectly and was topped with a delicious ramp butter. Rare is the way to go. The waiter was responsive and knew the menu well. I usually dont like fries with my food, but these were amazing and perfectly crispy. The duck confit with couscous was well executed for what it is but I dont think its my personal preference as the meat is more stringy than a steak. The steak tartare is well seasoned and mixed; its pickle flavour would go better with rye bread or something more interesting than plain white, for the price. We went for drinks after and the bartender was lively and attentive.
I never tire of La Palette, for they who tire of it are tired of life. I have been coming to La Palette since it was in a tiny Victorian in Kensington Market, when I lived around the corner, and the cheval was off-menu. It was always a charming and delicious treat back then, and Im so happy it survived the dark Covid days -- so many restaurants did not. The Queen St W version is more spacious, the kitchen is right there in front of you, it has the vibe and atmosphere of a Paris bistro, though I admit Ive never been to Paris. The staff are efficient, knowledgeable and helpful. The menu is a delight. Tonight it was fromage fondant, a clean and sensible charcuterie, and finally a perfectly cooked steak frites. Creme brulée to finish, and our stomach were well satisfied. This is not my first time here, and wont be my last. Though we had planned on trying another new spot nearby tonight, by happy accident it was full and my memories of La Palette reassured me wed be well looked after here.
One of my favorite places to go to in Toronto. The wine the food the staff. To me, this what a restaurant should be. The perfect combination of food and drink and good vibes. The only thing I dislike is that I dont go here enough.
I love La Palette for lots of things. The ambiance most of all but that is because of the melange of the people food wine music smells and tastes of the open kitchen and the almost always armours ambience of a Paris Love. Those are in no order because they swirl like waves on the Seine, all together, all at once. I look forward to each time I go to this community center for the soul because the journey is so complete, just like good poetry. I will be back. Another note, I was discussing with a new friend on how he never dines alone. I told him I learned how to do it in my travels. You get used to it and you get used to spotting places good for that. The Parisians have that so much. Perhaps it is that love of liberté and egalité that comes before fraternité. In Toronto, for raison detre, La Palette is a marvelous place to dine alone. You have so many choices. I would vote for this Bistro and one of the Best Places in Ontario in which to write a novel. Indeed take that on as an assignment. Then.. if you talk to the staff deeper than just ordering pleasantries, ask about the Drom, and Radio Free Toronto, your welcome ... I am Rob and I am a builder. Je faires Les Rêves. Vegetarian options: Its French food.
This is one of my, and my partners, favorite restaurants in Toronto! The food is always delicious and the atmosphere delightful. The steak frites is so tender and the mussels are excellent as well. Highly recommend any of their specials as well. Its been a fantastic way to try things when decision making is hard! Their wine selection is always excellent as well. Service has always been fantastic and enormously generous. Special thanks to Wes for being kind, attentive and really helping us walk through out wine selection last time we came in.
Beautiful late afternoon meal. We had mussels, steak and charcuterie board with a bottle of wine. All around well executed meal with high quality ingredients. Very European experience!
We love this place. Shamez and his crew are incredible!
it was amazing experience so tasty, so friendly, so warm! imma excited! thanks a lot for a great wine recommendations
I went there for drinks and was so happy to discover endless wine options and the bartender was so lovely explaining us about each wine we tried 10/10 The only thing I don t like is when they cook food, expect food smell to get stuck into your clothes :( Food
Amazing food,wine and service
Not worth it! Very disappointing experience. The service felt like I was in parts of France (poor) while the food didnt! There are other options of French restos at similar price points. Id pick those instead. The restaurant has been around for some time but I had never been until this past weekend. Small space, open kitchen which could have its charm but not in this case. Ill spare you the details but even the french posters on the wall are crooked and faded. We had a mix of entrees which were average. I had the steak frites as a main and one of my friends as well. The fries were over-salted, like someone forgot they salted them and did it again. When we told the waiter, the answer was its to make you drink more! and a laugh. Rude! Only offered a lame apology when he took the plates away with the fries nearly intact on them and we repeated the complaint. No offer to replace the fries or a free small token of apology.
Had a great meal with friends. Everyone I was with really enjoyed their meal.
Duck was amazing
As always very friendly and accommodating Great food and drinks Food
We only came in to kill an hour before dinner. We stumbled on this place. Small, vibrant culture around food and drink. They are serious but not. Bartender cares. I will go back for dinner as the vibe and menu were really great. Kitchen is intimate and professional. Great just B from your Winnipeg friends.
Food was amazing, we had fromage fondant, escargo, fois gras, and horse tartare. The fois gras and the fromage were my two favourites! For my main I had the Riostto, it was lacking a bit in the texture but the flavour was great. Definitely would recommend this restaurant.
The specials always smash - I will forever miss the leg of lamb from 2023. Their current special is venison and it is delicious. The regulars are amazing too - moules (mussels), duck confit, steak frites .
If you re a woman and want to be disrespected, this place is the place to be! There s a bald bartender there that accused me of trying to kick someone out of their seat when I asked him if I can stand at the bar and grab a drink while I waited for my table to be ready. I wasn t rude to him I didn t provoke him I had just asked him a question & it was really uncalled for and disrespectful- the other people sitting at the bar were also appalled by his attitude, felt bad for me and paid for my drink to make me feel better. If it wasn t for the other staff there I would not have tipped at all and they would have received a 1 star review. Maybe the bartender gets off on disrespecting women, who knows why he did it but he should not be working there
Food is good with elevated flavours but I was sharing these dishes with 3 other guys so I didn t get a lot for what I paid
Amazing food, great service, great atmosphere.. I mean what else could you ask for?
Our server Wes was very friendly and welcoming! We arrived toward the end of the night (11:30) but were assured we would be able to order before the kitchen closed. Wes was familiar with the menu and the wine list and was able to give us excellent recommendations and make us feel very welcome. Wes and the kitchen staff were also accommodating to mine and my partner s dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options: One of the owners/cooks is vegetarian, and put a lot of love into the mushroom risotto.
Came here for Valentine s Day but deeply regretted it. Might be the worst dinning experience in a long time. We spent 3 hours here and now the whole night was spoiled. First of all, the restaurant was severely overbooked, that for at least an hour there was always a line waiting at the entrance with people who had made reservations but could not be seated since there was no empty table. However, upon this time we still tried to understand - it s Valentine s Day after all, right? Then, we found ourselves with a server who was just outright ignoring us. He didn t even care to fake it, as he was apparently very welcoming and accommodating to the guests sitting beside our table. I don t know if it s because we are Asians, and the other guests are White, or if it s because we look younger? I mean, bro I can hear you making all the introduction and stuff to other guests ok? We re like 5cm away with other tables! And yes I speak and understand English, alright? He didn t even introduce the courses to us when serving, and literally just put down the dishes and got away every time, not to mention checking in with us. And still, upon this time, we thought we could take that - as long as the taste was good, we could try to make excuses for him - it s Valentine s Day, they re busy, right? Sadly, the taste was NOT good. And it took us an ENTIRE HOUR to have our main course ready. By now almost all the other previous guests were gone, and when I looked at my plate I couldn t even believe my eyes. Is THIS what you offered me after an entire hour of waiting?? Bouillabaisse, the fish stew, was merely ONE small piece of fish just a bit longer than my thumb, in a big plate with a lot of mussels, and there was barely any sauce at all. What s more, the bread was burned, and the mussels still had grit in them. The horse strip loin was also just a small piece with a whole plate of fries. When we made the complaint, they changed a course for me, and now the server finally stopped and checked in with us. However it was all too late, and the time has come to about 10:30pm. We were both tired and angry, and I have lost all my appetite. Yet we were still waiting for the dessert. When I took out my phone and tried to make some arrangements for work (by texting), the server came tell me that it was no cell phone policy tonight . I mean, by now there had been at least TWO rounds of guests come and gone, and we were kept here for 3 hours, and you expected me to continue with your cell phone policy?? Not to mention that I don t even get why there existed this policy in the first place, as the room was not dimmed and it s not possible for phone screen lights to disturb other guests. The dessert that came at last could only be described by the word sloppy. I sincerely doubt if the tart dough was even baked properly. And the macaroon was worse than supermarket frozen ones. In a word, will not return and do not recommend to anyone unless you look for utter disrespect and borderline racism.
Truly the most disappointed Ive ever been at a restaurant. My boyfriend & I went here last night for Valentines Day and we were so excited. Upon making a reservation, they failed to let us know that it is ONLY pre-fixed menu available on this day, with no option to order a la carte. This would have been fine however their selection was so limited to the point where steak tartare was not even allowed to be a choice of appetizer (which is 50% of the reason why we wanted to come here). The other 50% was to try their steak frites. So we opted for another appetizer, I had oysters (3 pieces) when I had originally wanted to have their oysters that came in 6. Basically, everything was lower portions, less choices, no room for flexibility. When the steak frites came, it was so tiny ... not at all what the google photos had shown from people who had visited in the past. Dessert was not good at all and of course, tiny... Keep in mind, we are paying $100 per person, which in my opinion would have been more than what we would have spent had we just selected the items we wanted on the menu. It was so so disappointing. Not only this, the server we had (young guy curly hair) was so terrible. You have to ask multiple times throughout the night just to get your water filled, took 20 minutes for him to clear our plates and move on to the next course, it took another 20 to order another drink (which they forgot about), and wouldnt clear the empty glasses of drinks on our tiny & crowded table. This was such an awful experience that it made me write a Google review (I dont do this at all). I felt robbed of my evening & paid more than deserved. I will not be recommending this place ever.
Worst valentine dinner I have ever been through. TRAUMATIZED. DONT GO. Food : 1/5
This place has a great atmosphere and amazing food. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could for the amazing customer service.
Had the most wonderful experience last night! Our waiter helped us pick out amazing wines (red and white) and digestifs; both exactly to our liking. We had a side of fries, fromage fondant, mushroom risotto and chocolate ganache. So far it s my favourite mushroom risotto in all of Toronto. All in all, the food and the service were outstanding, would highly recommend!
One of the most pretentious french restaurants ever, the food and service is abysmal and nothing close to french cuisine. Also, when we tried conversing with the management, turns out the manager is drunk and only knows how to communicate in an obnoxious manner. Save yourself the money and effort and go visit a true french restaurant who know how to honor french culture and cuisine.
Had the soup, mussels, oysters and steak (with veggies substituted). The mussels and oysters were sublime, and the steak was also exceptional. Ive never had mussels that tender before. The oysters were just the right levels of brine for me.
A delicious spot for steak frites! The fries are thin enough with a nice crisp and chew but are also seasoned well. The mussels were also deliciously cooked in a sauce that is basically drinkable! Cozy ambiance that is dimly lit. Would return for a good steak frites with no frills.
We were a big group of people celebrating our friend s birthday. The food was too salty at least Steak, mussels and fries were too salty. The waiter had an attitude according to most of us and his tone was condescending. The bill we got at the end included 22 percent MANDATORY tip! And we were not informed about it beforehand. We had a very small cake bought from outside and they charged the table about $60 just to plate the cake! They didn t tell us about this fee either. So the bill was a surprise to all of us! Would not go there again!
Server was extremely personable and fun to talk to, ambience was cozy and nice. Would come back to again :)
We had an excellent server and the food was fantastic! Definitely try the duck confit, steak and mussels. The special of the day was bone marrow which was amazing. The only downfall of the place is they need extra ventilation in there but that s it!
Had a wonderful meal here. Service was great and the venison was outstanding. Thanks for making our night out special.
-Bone Marrow & Brioche Bread * -Venison Rack & Pomme Purée * -Steak Frites * -Chocolate Ganache w. Coconut Shavings
Horrible experience
5 stars rating not only as a restaurant but also as neighbors
Probably best reataurant Ive been to.
Restaurant was nice and cozy. The favourites of the night were the tartare and rabbit foie gras. However, was not too impressed with the mussels (taste preference, lots of ginger) or the duck. Ordered the duck based off of reviews, however not currently like the photos, the duck now sits on top of a simple bed of baked beans. Service was nice and attentive. Wine is also on the pricey side for what it is.
I wish I could give them 10+ stars, amazing service, mouth melting food, and amazing wine selection. It was our first time here and it is so amazing how an amazing service can change your whole entire experience. We also met the owner who served us with our main dishes and he was so welcoming and down to earth that we almost didn t realize he is the owner. We are definitely taking more of our friend back here.
Great foie gras
Cozy little place, great service and very nice wine collection!
Best French. Unfuckwithable.
Everything was just perfect. The food, the wine suggestions, the service. If I could I would rate with a 6!!
I like the atmosphere here. It is very romantic with real candles. The food is also delicious. The steak is perfect to me.
The service could have been friendlier
We stumbled onto this gem on the Queen St strip, and I am now officially obsessed with it!! The staff are friendly, funny, and amazing at suggesting different food combinations with their gorgeous wine list! We had the camembert for starters and then, THE MOST DELICIOUS Horse Tartar!! Yessssss eat it!!! So amazing! Quite possibly one of the best French bistros in the city! Cant wait to go back!
Unbelievable wine list.. ask for special offerings, and off menu options. These guys are the real deal! Unbelievable ambience, incredible food, committed, knowledge, passionate staff. This place is a must see in Toronto. Community oriented, and beautiful people!
Food is pretty unbeatable. seasonal menu makes this place a must to visit often! Always top tier wine suggestions! And the street patio is iconic. 10/10
I really enjoyed my time here. The decor is very cute and everything feels very french and authentic. I got the duck confit which was delicious. The skin was super crispy and the meat was tender and tasty. My friend to the special pork chops which were also flavorful and tender. Great experience!
Delicious! I was craving bone marrow post dinner and they so happened to have it on special. Also, got the horse tartare which was a treat. Both dishes were wonderful! Finished it off with the hazelnut ganache/banana (I didn t capture the exact name). Staff and maybe even the owner was friendly and attentive to detail! Would definitely come back! Cheers!
I had a very nice experience. The staff was beyond dedicated. I went to a birthday dinner and everything was so delicious. I highly recommend the Beef Tartare. So good and tasty.
Great staff and food!
Had a great dinner here with a great wine list and perfectly cooked meat. Had some great recommendations from the owner for a digestif and it was so one of the best I have ever had.
Classic bar with a unique period aesthetic, great whiskey and cocktail selection.
Service was great. Atmosphere was cool. Food was good but not outstanding. Enjoyable meal but nothing out of the ordinary. Overall, good but not excellent Food
waitress was very nice and personable! Very happy with all our interactions with her. However the food options were quite limited, no vegan options except fries and vegetables, and a vegetarian risotto. I guess a huge part of the experience is alcohol though so maybe that would be better. Portions were also small for the price but that may just be how French food is. The various meat options aren t that interesting, i.e. horse, foie gras. They are nice to try if you re curious but really aren t special or won t fill you up. We were charged $3 each for them to plate our cupcakes (we bought elsewhere and brought in) we were completely fine eating them after the restaurant at home, but were encouraged to give it to them to plate. I asked about the plating fee, and was told by an employee it s $3. I definitely understand the fee and didn t mind paying that. However, it was only after receiving the bill when I noticed it would be $3 per person and not in total. To plate cupcakes. And light a candle? I wish I d gotten clarity on that before being roped into the option. I don t think this service was worth $9 in total, especially when I had no idea it d be per person.
Authentic French restaurant. French hospitality :)
I went to this restaurant for my birthday. However, I was disappointed with the food. I ordered duck confit and my husband ordered stake. Dock tasted old and it came on a mushy, soaked in oil noodles, the stake was very blend. They changed the noodles for me to their house salad which was pretty good. Overall noting special.
We wanted a quick bite between Fringe Shows and La Palette was a knock out choice. The duck and fromage were of high quality whilst the french wines were divine. Expect a relaxed ambience and unpretentious charm.
One of the best experiences we ve had in Toronto! The food was delicious and wine pairings were perfect.
Excellent service and good vibe for a busy Saturday The tartare and mussels were very good Food
We started off with a watermelon salad which was nice, and a charcuterie board (which was definitely overpriced), then had duck confit and the foie gras for the mains; the duck confit was great but the foie gras was superb. Hard to get attention of waiters sometimes (even though they had a surplus of them?..), but it was a good atmosphere overall. Dont think Ill come back but was a overall a nice experience.
A staple of Toronto - incredible food, service, and story telling about where the food and wine was sourced! Just an absolute treat every time
My favourite restaurant in Toronto
Great patio and enjoyed my beer watching the scene on Queen
Beef tartare and fries were too salty compared to other restaurants that offer this dish.
Great establishment with some of the best wine youll find in the city. Make sure to chat with the sommeliers to find the right pick for your palette.
Best place to eat and chill
Our favourite place in Toronto for dinner. My partner and I are both in the service industry and recently have had a case of the blahs when it comes to dining out and restaurant experiences in general. This place was so perfectly what weve been craving. Delicious, wonderfully crafted food served unpretentiously. You can tell the staff care about what they put on your table and that theyre proud of it. We went all out and spent some dough, but it was so worth it. Good for a special occasion, but also has options for a casual dinner. Love, love, love!
Horrible, tiny food portions. Very cheaply prepared. A tiny duck drum with some stale salad, 42$. Huge rip off. Very disappointing. Was always fond of French cuisine. They ruined it.
The food was terrible. It was my first and last time going to this restaurant. Overpriced ! And we left hungry! Dont waste your money there! Food : 1/5
Looks like the business hours may be incorrect here? Listed as open until 2:00 on Sundays. When I walked in at 12:30 (front doors were open and unlocked, and some guests seated in the dining area) the server behind the bar told me I should have recognized that they were obviously closed . Was excited to try the food here, have had it bookmarked for a while; but I now have no interest in returning or recommending after the curt interaction. Maybe it was an off night.
My favourite place on planet Earth
The restaurant is alway a terrific experience. Food is delicious, drinks are strong, service is fun and fast, and the ambiance is amazing. Great spot for a date, dinner with friends, or if you are really lucky, an occasional nights of raucous live music on the bar Coyote Ugly Style (check out the awesome A Little Rambunctious . You will feel like you are in a fun Parisian neighbourhood restaurant filled with Torontonians. Don t miss it. Vegetarian options: Veg friendly menu (rare for a French spot)
My boyfriend and I went there to try the horse meat. We tried the tartar and the rare steak. It was excellent and we could say it was some of the best steak we ever had. We also got the cheese board. The waiter was excellent, I can t remember his name but he was from England. He was so knowledgeable about the French cuisine and was able to teach me a lot. I loved my experience there and really tied in our first trip to Toronto. I would go back.
What an amazing experience This place is a must Food
A Toronto must!
The person who served our dinner, had only eyes for my partner, thats fine its flattering! But my plate was only SALT. I didnt say anything.. but the tall bald dude, should find a real job, or get his own lady
Amazing food here if you like French cuisine. We tried a bit of everything and it was all fantastic (the salmon was the highlight, crème brûlée the lowlight since my expectations were higher for a nice French restaurant). The don t have a full bar so cocktails are hit or miss. Service was great & the atmosphere is very classic (loved it even more as the evening went on and some mood lighting was introduced) Would definitely recommend!
Very pleasant service and its the best meat Ive eaten in Toronto. I recommend
I just went to celebrate my friends Birthday tonight and the food was incredible. I went many years ago and I m glad I came back because they still have wonderful food and service. I will bring my husband next time as we love good French food. My favourite was the steak frites and fois gros. Thanks for such a wonderful night.
We had the horse, rare steak and horse tartare. Unfortunately, I cannot have dairy or yeast, but they were accommodating enough to even put fog raw on top of the steak, which made it amazing (extra $30). We were happy with the overall vibe, but for a Monday it was pretty busy, and the server was slow. This was during the Toronto international film festival, but to accommodate that they should have had extra staff. AC at the back was insane so bring an extra sweater.
I love this place.
A wonderful place to visit. Price is worth to get a family like service. I ordered roast duck leg. It was juicy and crispy on the skin. It was recommended by the server which introduces a shrimp appetizer too. The appetizer comes with tasty and refreshing favor. My partner had steak for dinner. It cooked with crispy top and rare finishing, but the steak came with too many tendon. So the server bring us other one, the second one is perfect. Also, the owner explained everything for us, really entertaining. He is a knowledgeable guy with humour. I have a nice meal with nice atmosphere in the restaurant. Its a great place for getting food there.
Food was good and rest of the servers were also good except for one. One was EXTREMELY rude by taking a chair out of our table without asking. He said he had to set up a table to serve 6 humans but our chair was originally sat by a pet dog while she was away for a little walk. Please note, there were empty tables and chairs around us. Apparently, its definitely our fault to have that chair occupied. When I said the chair was occupied, he said I gave him attitude Had he ever asked? No! He didnt ever ask? Luckily, that human table saw everything -- who was giving who attitude! Speechless! Well, Toronto has lots of good French restaurants, if they dont care about us, then let me tell you something, feeling is mutual!
Such a lovely spot. Great food and view of Queen Street. I always ask for the Quack and Track, which is just delicious along with a half litre of red wine.
Davi helped me with my order and it was amazing! 10/10 environment, food, service. Food : 5/5
Had a little impromptu day date with my spouse, the wine/food and service was impeccable. Looking forward to going back. Recommended dishes
A beautiful and quaint place to visit and a hidden gem in Queen West. Wide variety of cocktails and wine to choose from that you can t find anywhere else, friendly staff, great and affordable food/light bites.
Great food but unfortunately service was a let down. Our food came in 45 mins, we barely got any water or bread refills at all. The food portion was extremely small for a bistro. Maybe well stop by just for drinks because dinner service was a disappointment especially for our first visit .
One of my favourite place
Booked at La Palette for my partner s birthday, and couldn t have been happier. Super kind staff, beautiful space and amazing food &wine. They have a vegetarian option which I appreciated; and my partner said the duck confit was incredible. We also shared a few more dishes which were all delicious. Loved it so much we ll be returning:)
Cozy French restaurant serving classics like steak frites, escargot, and pâté etc. 3 stars because although our steak was cooked perfectly, everything was too salty.
The food was very good and the service was also very good. As a group we shared the escargo, steak tartar, mussels and the duck all was very tasty
Great food and fantastic drinks
Food was amazing but honestly impossible to enjoy with how small the tables were and how tight the seating is. We were sitting against a wall with only a few inches on the other side to the table next to us. Made it very difficult to eat with utensils. Since we were in an awkward spot the server never came back to check on us. We eventually flagged a server down to ask for our bill so we could leave. This place would be amazing if they could fix the seating and service.
This establishment offers a variety of French cuisine dishes and excels in providing an authentic experience!
A lovely place with attentive service and exquisite food. The beef tartare hits the spot and feeds the soul. The wine selection and the staff s knowledge about the regions/palette/specifications of the grape is outstanding!
Haven t been there in a while and me and my girlfriend decided to go there after another French restaurant that s wasn t living up to our expectations. The place never disappoints, extensive selection of wines, outstanding knowledgeable staff and unobtrusive service. We got steak tartare and cheese platter which were great and delicious.
The staff were very friendly! Great food with an authentic European interior. One of the best beef tartares!
A great place for a delicious dinner pairing with delicious wine and the smile of all the team. Thanks for your kindness. We ll come back!
One of my favourite restaurants in the city. Every single time I ve come in, the food and wine has been unbelievably good. I d post a picture of the food but I took a bite and forgot about it.
The crême brulee was burned both times. I know its difficult, but then dont offer it. The other dessert, a supposed tart, was truly a brick. But the horse steak was truly spectacular. It made up for anything else. The charcuterie and cheese were good, as well as the escargot.
where on Queen West can you get a bar top lunch and wine pairing
Delicious. Good vibes too.
Fantastic spot for tasty french food! One of my favourite spots to hit for lunch or dinner, highly recommend!! On the more expensive side, but totally worth it. 1 10/10 date spot
Everyone at the table really enjoyed their meal and I did too. I had the 1lb of mussels with frites. However, The frites were very salty and the mussels were not filling enough. Mussels, The crème brûlée and the salad were very good.