Alder in Toronto

51 Camden St, Toronto, ON M5V 1V2, Canada

★★★★★
(378 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant

About

A celebration of simplicity and warmth created in collaboration with Chef Patrick Kriss, featuring ingredients selected at their flavourful peak and delicately enhanced with smoke, flame and a deft touch. Fire, not fireworks.

Website
aldertoronto.com
Address
51 Camden St, Toronto, ON M5V 1V2, Canada
Plus Code
JJW2+MP Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
5–10 PM
Tuesday
5–10 PM
Wednesday
5–10 PM
Thursday
5–10 PM
Friday
5–10:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM–2 PM – 5–10:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM–2 PM – 5–10 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails Live music
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Private dining room Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilets
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
378 reviews

Most Mentioned

cream pie (35) beef carpaccio (34) short rib (25) burrata (15) cucumber salad (14) potato flatbread (14) baked clams (11) grilled sea bream (9) endive salad (7) alo (5)
5 stars
260
4 stars
66
3 stars
27
2 stars
17
1 stars
8
★★★★★
December 15, 2024

Alder is hands-down the best dining experience I have ever had. I've been going since it opened in 2022, and the chefs and staff continue to exceed my expectations each time. The menu rotates so often that I feel as if I'm going to a new place each time, but somehow my old reliable favourites still hold a spot (looking at you, cucumber salad and coconut cream pie!). I genuinely cannot overstate how incredible this place is. It's a beautiful space with high ceilings and great lighting, and even though it's spacious, you still feel like you have an intimate experience. The staff are always so kind and attentive and ready to chat about any item on the menu. If you're going, I recommend getting several plates to share so you can try a big of everything. Each dish has been so carefully thought out and curated, and cooked to perfection. I'm not a drinker, but they are always ready to let me go off menu with a fun mocktail, which I really appreciate. And if you're looking for a place for a special occasion, truly look no further. I was here in December 2024 for a final girl dinner with my friend before she moves abroad, and we had the best service I've ever gotten anywhere, and the staff dropped off a hand-written card with well wishes for my friend ahead of her big move. Alder is such a special spot and I can't wait until I get the chance to go back again. Special shout-out to Victoria for making our last night so memorable!

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

The experience at Alder was absolutely top notch. From the first hello to the bill, the hospitality was absolutely splendid. We ordered their Butcher's Block, which was a 45-day aged Ribeye that was cooked to perfection. It was topped with a chanterelle mushroom and beef jus. We had the beef carpaccio, the cucumber salad, the bread and butter, and the pear and burrata. The beef carpaccio was a harmonious plate. There was an aioli underneath (seeded mustard, I believe), olives were cutting through beautifully and the fried shallots were the perfect complimentary texture. The cucumber salad was also delicious. If you like the taste of dill, you'll enjoy this; the combination of feta and dill were just the right balance. We enjoyed this a lot; enough that we started looking up recipes to see how we could make this at home. The bread and butter is this fluffy milk-bun. Very similar to the ones you get at Aloette. The butter was whipped and light. Absolutely beautiful compliment to the salads we had. The asian pear and burrata was topped with a mint garnish that was very delicate. There was some kind of balsamic that was very sweet and complimented the cheese very well. Desert was a coconut cream pie. This came with shavings of white and milk chocolate and toasted coconut flakes. We absolutely loved topping off our entire meal with this desert. It was light, the crust was the right amount of salty, and I loved picking away at the shaved chocolate. This was enough to share for two. Our server was the friendliest and most down to earth. She made the best recommendations and we left beyond satisfied. I'll be back for sure!

★★★★★
December 6, 2024

Dining at Adler was nothing short of magical. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a celebration of flavors and textures. The lamb, marinated to perfection and roasted with care, was tender and paired beautifully with the pistachio-topped greens and vibrant sauce. The grilled fish was a masterpiece, its charred skin complemented by a delicate sauce that let the freshness shine. Each dish, like the crispy chickpea creation and the refreshing salad topped with herbs and pops of flavor, was a testament to the chef’s artistry. The ambiance added another layer of charm to the experience, making it not just a meal, but a memory. Adler is more than a restaurant—it’s a place where culinary passion meets thoughtful presentation, leaving you with a full stomach and a happy heart. I can’t wait to return!”

★★★★★
November 19, 2024

Alder is a Mediterranean wood-fired grill style restaurant in the lower level of Ace Hotel. The building itself is a wonderful blend of industrial and modern architecture in one. In Alder, there is a bar and an open kitchen where you can see the staff prepping your meal with the iconic wood-fired grill at the back. We shared the Burrata and Pear along with Sourdough Bread, Grilled Beets, Crispy Iberico Pork Chop and their Butcher's Block specialty of the night which was a 12 oz. Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak along with their Fresh Cut Fries. The favourite of the night for everyone was the steak which was cooked to perfection. Alder has been awarded as a Michelin star restaurant in 2023 and 2024. The ingredients are fresh and the staff here are friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, we missed their Coconut Cream Pie as we were too full but I would love to come back to try it along with some of their other dishes. A bit on the pricier end but highly recommend you try it out.

★★★★★
November 13, 2024

take a seat so you can have a view of the kitchen, it gives “The bear”. I loved the food, the drinks and the deserts. The service was really great and we enjoyed the friendly suggestions which ended up being amazing. Definitely try small dishes as they are somehow tastier. Mushrooms and grilled beets were extraordinary. We also had the Seabream which was good. The coconot cream pie was probably the best part. Will definitely recommend for dates.

★★★★★
October 30, 2024

A last minute girls dinner was delicious and a fantastic choice. Can’t recommend the short ribs enough and don’t skip out on the coconut cream pie for dessert. Lovely service too in a beautiful restaurant.

★★★★★
October 13, 2024

Went here for my 4th anniversary dinner. The service was great. Both our servers were on top of making sure we had our needs met. We got some complimentary champagne which really started the night of great. We got beef tartare, Iberico Jamon and oysters to start. The beef Tartare was a stand out. For our main we got the grilled sea bream with some mushroom on the side. The mushrooms were mouth watering. Finished the night with their famous coconut cream pie which has every right to be famous. Our favourite drinks were the current affair and espresso martini

★★★★★
August 9, 2024

Our favourite Toronto restaurant of 2024! Every dish was delicious. Try the beef carpaccio appetizer & have a slice of coconut cream pie for dessert. Special thanks to the staff at Alder - well done.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 19, 2024

Fantastic evening. All the dishes were outstanding and our server made my dining partners dairy allergy like his own. So helpful! Some good NA wine options. The open kitchen and audible chef speak was very entertaining.

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

Wow, I havent experienced a place this good, with amazing service and ambiance in TO in a while! Probably since Alo. Everything we had from apps to mains were unique and amazing. The service was impeccable, everything on time. We had a slightly cold dish and it was swiftly taken and replaced. Would highly recommend and cant wait to go back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

The food was great tasty and healthy. The service was good. The desert i had Tiramusi wasnt as good as expected, but overall, I would recommend the place. Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Great dinner we had an impromptu dinner outing and decided to come to Alder. We ordered everything to share of which the wagyu beef carpaccio is sometbing I loved the most of all the appetizers if there is one you are deciding on try this one! For entrees we got the pork, fish and chicken! To be honest all of these were delicious and cooked perfectly it is hard to choose a favourite! Its going to really depend on what protein you fancy for the day. We found every single one was extrmely moist, tender and delicious! Basically cant go wrong with any of these options! Lastly get the coconut cream pie, trust me you have room for dessert! This pie is delicious it is not too sweet and the chocolate coconut bits are scrumptious! Worth every bite!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Great vibe here. The food is amazing and service was great too.

★★★
Local Guide
November 25, 2024

Perhaps it was the time of day (3pm), but this is not cocktail place .really slow to serve them too busy serving coffees I guess.

★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

The food and service were delightful. The ambiance and interior of the restaurant are charming and uniquely appealing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Had an amazing time at Alder. Beautiful interior space and ambiance. Delicious food and great service. Would love to visit again!

★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

The space is lovely, high ceilings helps it feel open. The service is very attentive and friendly. The food overall was good, the grilled fish and Iberia starter is excellent, drinks were great. The baked clams were too chewy, likely the time needed to cook the sausage resulted in over cooked clams, and there were only 4 clams for $22. The pasta, the filling lacked flavour, chanterelles were great though. I liked the beets but my partner thought they were too smokey. The music was quite loud which made it hard to hear at times and felt like a hybrid club/ restaurant. If I came back I would stick to the grilled proteins.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

I had short ribs, and it was fantastic! It was so soft and tasty it could melt in your mouth! I also had tiramisu which was the original taste and a big portion. My company had the crispy pork chopand they liked it too. Food : 5/5

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

The beef carpaccio is soooo good!!! And the burrata! And the blueberry flan definitely will visit again

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Great ambiance, great people .you don t need much more than that honestly!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

My friends and I had an amazing dinner here the other night! While the food was fantastic, it was the entire experience that truly made our evening memorable. Our server, Hailey, was incredibly knowledgeable and brought so much fun to the table, elevating our night to the next level. The sommelier was also outstanding approachable and helpful, making our wine selection both enjoyable and effortless. We couldnt have asked for a better night out!

★★
October 23, 2024

This was my 4th time dining at Alder and unfortunately the last. The food was below average, service mediocre and overall very disappointing. The steak was very chewy and tough, pork chop average. Portions have become smaller and prices are up.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Overall the food was very good. The duck however was overcooked and dry, I wouldn t recommend. Short rib, scallop, octopus and the coconut cream pie were great. Service was strange. Our server greeted us with I assume you have never been here before? In a slightly condescending tone. When we asked what sides would go well with the mains we ordered she told us what sides would work with a main that we did NOT order. Not sure how that information is helpful. All in all the food and vibe of the restaurant made up for it. A close 5 star but the duck and the service didn t cut it.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Best experience, no other words!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

-East Coast Oysters -Halibut * -Hudson Valley Duck Breast * -Coconut Cream Pie *

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

The food here is absolutely fantastic every bite is delicious. Plus, the staff are incredibly accommodating, and welcoming, making the dining experience even better. The atmosphere is very pleasant as well. Highly recommended!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Found our new favourite place in the city! The food here is exceptional, my husband took me for my bday, and a few days later we went back again because we were craving it. A must try is the potato flatbread!! But besides the food, the service from all of the staff is awesome. Our server Brayden on my birthday made the whole evening so special and fun! When we went back the second time, again our server Dave was amazing! They truly take the time to explain the dishes, offer suggestions and create a welcoming environment. Def will be back to try new dishes!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

We came here for a birthday brunch & the team at Alder went above and beyond to make it special! The dishes were so creative - the cucumber salad was a standout.

★★
August 23, 2024

I am giving the place only 2 stars because the staff basically trying to kick us out after being there for just 1 hour. We had a reservation, we re dressed appropriately, we we re kind to everyone, spent nearly $200 for just 2 people. But still, employees tried to rush us to leave, despite the restaurant being half empty. After paying the bill we were waiting for our leftover food to be packed up and the waitress told us to leave and wait at the front. Unprofessional and disappointing - we will not be returning.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

The food, service, atmosphere & care at Adler is exceptional. Our server: Tiffany was outstanding & made the experience magical. I love the flow you have going at this resto keep serving up more of this energy ..it s palpable

August 23, 2024

food was OK classic Toronto 6/10 king street vibes. I will say our server was amazing but I was sick for days after eating here. I would avoid - a ton of better options in the city.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

I ve been here a few times but this time I really enjoyed my food, the ingredients together were mouth watering and I m going to be thinking about it everyday until I go back haha service was ok, I do notice a bit of attitude from some of the staff which makes the place a little cold and unwelcoming which is disappointing when the staff in the kitchen are creating magic.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

This restaurant was booked by our son for his after graduation party. It didn t disappoint at all. Waiters, chefs, food & drinks were all top notch. Our waiter Dave was a great guy to chat with . His food & drink recommendations were excellent. Highly recommend a visit if within your budget.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

The restaurant is really good, the food is combination between Japanese and Peruvian. Really nice atmosphere at the heart of Toronto. The staffs are also nice but always busy...

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Great experience overall! The ambiance was charming, service impeccable, and the food exquisite. Highlights included the grilled sea bream, grilled chicken & their cucumber salad. Prices were reasonable for the quality offered. Our server, Dave, was amazing and truly enhanced the experience, especially considering we were a large group. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Dave is amazing. Food was amazing. No notes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

WOW, Alder s the perfect brunch spot. We brought our parents and everyone was 100% pleased. + Steak frites, perfect. + Quiche and croissants, superb. + Service = friendly and not overbearing + Vibe = chill and unpretentious + Highly recommend, with a preference for the outdoor patio.

July 23, 2024

For the price point, one of the worst dining experiences I have had. Food was just ok though mainly just salty. Service was terrible waited over thirty minutes for our bill.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

I ve been many times. Highly recommended. Service, Food, Archtiecture, Lighting. Alder is like nothing else I ve experienced in Toronto. Vegetarian options: Many vegetarian options. Wheelchair accessibility: Fully accessible.

★★
July 23, 2024

While the food was pretty good, the service at Alder is a reason not to go. Our server was rarely seen and we waited 40 minutes before he even took our orders and another 30 or so after that before our basic appetizers showed up. We ordered a bottle of wine and they keep bottles at the bar, far away from the table, with the expectation that the server would bring the bottle around to pour. Because the server was so inattentive and rarely seen, our glasses were often empty. At one point I saw the waiter at the bar drinking wine from a glass. I m not saying it was wine from a customer s bottle, but strange to me this waiter was drinking on the job at all and was so overall scarcely seen. Maybe this guy and this place was having an off night, but I wouldn t ever recommend this spot based on my experience last night. We spent about $800 after tax and tip for 4 people and it was not worth it at all.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Fantastic place to have dinner in Toronto. The sea bream is delicious and the coconut tart is another highlight. The music is on the louder side playing bar/club tunes. This might be something you might like or not. This is a place for dates and celebrations although families with small children come too. I ll be definitely returning for more coconut tart!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

We had last minute dinner plans and were pleased to find plenty of availability. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made for a welcoming experience. The potato flatbread was a great starter, and the seabream was tasty, though we had to be careful with the bones. The agnolotti was very filling, and the coconut cream pie was a generous portion, perfect for sharing between two. Weak cellphone reception near the kitchen. Overall, a delightful evening. Headed upstairs to Evangeline to finish the night with more cocktails.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Mediterranean cuisine lovers don t miss this Michelin Guided restaurant in downtown Dishes, cocktails, desserts, interior design.... from the beginning of your night till the end with every detail it is a remarkable experience not just food. They have brunch, lunch and dinner options. All their vegetable dishes are my favourite Aaand check the Ace Hotel rooftop after the dinner Great destination for dates, birthdays or any special occasions

★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Housed in the Ace Hotel. A relatively new restaurant in downtown Toronto. The restaurant is managed by the Alo Group which is one of the most successful restaurant operators in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Very modern decor, comfortable. Appetisers are tasty dispites not too many selections. The endive salad is good. For main courses, most dishes are of high standard apart from the suckling pig. The pig skin (scratchings) are very crispy and thin but the whole dish have too much sauces on it making it not quite recognisable as a suckling pig dish. Taste is also soso. The best main course dishes I found are the braised beef short ribs/ Octopus and the lamp chop. As for the dessert, Coconut pie is very good. Mille Fille is quite good (suggest less the peanut sauce which should make it more delecate). All in all, a good restaurant worth visiting. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Do not leave without having the coconut cream pie!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Architectural design space with concrete high ceiling arches, lots of sunlight, warm walnut wood accents and beautiful decor. Luxurious retail fragrance and tasteful light design. The ambiance was very chic, place was packed for Saturday brunch. The breakfast and brunch menus are different. Limited vegan options but some decent vegetarian options with cheese. I had a chubby toast with whipped ricotta with roasted pecans, honey chilli and mizune(greens): the flavors were impeccable Nice space for solo or groups Vegetarian options: Limited options for brunch Maybe cucumber salad, overnight oats and few sides. Ricotta toast has cheese so really limited for vegans

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

I took my parents here for the first time (my 2nd time). SO great. The highlights were the flatbread, sea bream, and tiramisu. All 10/10. I would love for them to add a chocolate dessert option like a mousse, but to be honest the tiramisu blew me away (and I dont even like tiramisu). The service was 10/10. Cant wait to be back to try more dishes!

★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Had brunch with my girlfriend and her friends here for her birthday, we were delighted to have a live performance from a great singer. The food was great, service was decent, our waiter was missing sometimes but the hosts picked up on loose ends.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Smoke. Heat, Perfection.

★★★
June 23, 2024

I went on a Wednesday. We ordered Baked clams, Grilled short ribs and Grilled octopus. Short ribs were good but octopus was stale. Clams were not also tasty. Kind staff, very polite. Parking: There is a parking lot next to the hotel.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Only stopped for cocktails and snacks but everything we had was delicious and service very attentive! Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Had Brunch on weekend. Standard. Will come back try dinner menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

A for sure bet to get great food and Service at Alder. The staff go well out of thier way to make you happy. The bar ladies are knowledgeable and friendly. Coconut cream pie, and grilled octopus are heavenly....Go!!!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

One of my very favorite restaurant experiences (ever!) was at Alder, 3 nights ago. And yes I still can t stop thinking about it. Gorgeous dining room with the roaring kitchen fires in full view, every plate so thoughtful and delicate, a great selection of wines by the glass, and perfect, exemplary service by Emily who really made our night unforgettable. We re huge carnivores - but this menu gave us a renewed appreciation for vegetables, with the roasted miso butter cabbage being the showstopper of the meal! And the coconut cream pie was exactly as amazing as everyone says. Thanks again to Emily and the whole team <3 we can t wait to come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Everything was absolutely perfect. Thank-you for a great experience. Amazing and well thought out

★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Alder restaurant in the Ace Hotel is a nice place for cocktails. The architecture and design is interesting in the cool boutique hotel. There is also a cocktail lounge on the top floor. Food is good and the service is ok.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Wowww such a good brunch

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Terrific restaurant. Came here last night and had the share menu. Clams were amazing, Carpaccio was amazing, poblano vinaigrette with the seabream was great. They were accommodating with a seafood dietary requirement as much as they could, you could tell they were genuinely trying to make everyone happy without sacrificing anything (the kitchen, the guest). Felt very full by the end of dinner. Service was very attentive, warm and timely. Just had one occasion that a server droped off food interrupting our conversation but largely the service was like ghost whispers and timed perfectly. All food dropped off at the right temperature. Aperol spritz was perfect, though I let the ice melt too much as the weather was wet and the restaurant was a bit humid. Restaurant was beautiful and quality build. Dietary restrictions: Were able to take the meat off the clams. Able to substitute a veg salad for the carpaccio

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Food was disappointing. I was expecting more as its highly rated. I felt everything needed acid of some sort. We got the crudo which desperately needed acid, the carpaccio which was decent. Fries were good, lamb was very very fatty., I had to spit it out Clams also were mediocre. My cocktail was sooo sweet. I dont want to just complain but want to be realistic that this isnt for everyones palette especially if you like balanced food. It really sucks to spend so much and leave not feeling satisfied. Service and music were quite good though. But fyi it is LOUD in there

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Dined here after a long work evening. Excellently hospitable staff. It was a joy to experience and watch the harmonius service provided by the restaurant team. Ambience was up there with the best.

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

IMPORTANT: check ur bill in this restaurant. They over charged me for one item. But couldn t refund on that day. 1. Baked clam: the butter sauce is a bit too heavy for the clam (my opinion). Not a good value for sure. 2. Beet crudo: love the light taste 3. 20 onze Steak is amazing. Medium rare is perfect good for the texture. Garlic sauce is fabulous. 4. The pepper tempura: taste good at first few bites. Nevertheless, really heavy and greasy for the later few bites. 5. Lemon posset: light, good balance, different layers of the taste. 6. Others: there was one period of the time, music was horribly loud. Was killing my ears.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Delicious food, great atmosphere, and very attentive staff.

★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Amazing beef carpaccio. However, the octopus texture is weird which seems like overdone.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Came here on St Patrick s day, so this is long over due but, it was an absolutely fantastic experience. We sat in a booth in the nook by the hostess stand around 7ish I can t remember our servers name but he was incredible. Wine knowledge was phenomenal and made it such a good experience. All of the staff from the hostess, servers, kitchen, bartenders were just so lovely. Everything came prompt will definitely be coming back to visit all you angels that make this place best. Xoxo

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Alder is OUTRAGEOUSLY good! Everything we had was delicious, especially the steak, seabream, ravioli and beef carpacio, plus the wines were also so yummy!

★★★
May 23, 2024

We went back for brunch and the experience was quite bad. Took hours for us to be served and eggs Benedict were hard (twice). Others dishes were just ok. Dinner 5 stars. Brunch 1 star. Going with the average for 3.

Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Nice spot but very pricey and food was not great. We ordered oysters (not fresh) endive salad - tasted like butane and beef carpaccio which were plain. For the price, it wasnt worth it. Very nice wait staff. Food

★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

we recently visited alder restaurant in toronto. my first impression was wow, beautiful open space, large modern kitchen and friendly staff. we ordered baked clams, endive salad and hamachi and beet crudo. dishes were hot and arrived quickly. baked clams were fresh and tasty. endive salad had nice salty pecorino romano taste with surprise pops of smokey sweet grapes. the hamachi was beautifully presented with light creme fraiche, hints of acidic orange notes and sweet thinly sliced beets; colours were vibrant. however, i found the entrees and side not as tasty as the appetizers. we had grilled octopus, australian lamb, braised short ribs and grilled sea bream as entrees and grilled maitake mushroom as the side. . octopus was tender but could have used more bite of shishito peppers. lamb was very tender but i found the sauce a bit gummy and thick. short ribs were fairly tender but again the sauce was on the gummy, thick side. both lamb and short ribs could have used more seasoning and lacked flavour. sea bream had beautiful grill marks, was fresh tasting and well-seasoned. unfortunately, fish was a bit dry. grilled maitake mushroom could have been charred more; i was hoping for crispy mushroom edges with a tender meaty interior. this mushroom was more a one-note texture with lack of flavour. overall, my experience at alder was positive, the wait staff were attentive and frequently refilled our drinks. beautiful interior design and food was high quality. some dishes were truly spectacular but others could be tweaked.

★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Had my birthday dinner here. Atmosphere is nice but the food is just mediocre. The 2 best items were beef carpaccio and the coconut cream dessert. Not sure if it was an off day or the chefs are just giving 60% effort in other dishes. Not worth the trip as we drove over 30 min to get downtown. If you are celebrating an occasion, I would recommend other restos that are at similar price points

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

I had a fantastic experience at Alder Toronto. The atmosphere was stylish and cozy, and the staff was very friendly and attentive. They helped me choose my dishes and wine, which were all delicious. The food was prepared with fresh ingredients and beautifully presented. The server explained each dish in detail and answered all of my questions. I also appreciated the excellent service. The server was very polite and professional, and they quickly refilled my drinks and checked in on me throughout the meal. Overall, I highly recommend Alder Toronto. Its a great place for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious food, a charming atmosphere, and impeccable service.

★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Pros: Our server was great. I also appreciated the hostess hanging my coat. Cons: The vibe is just so weird. It feels like you re in a cafeteria. The seating is so cheap and dinky and the McDonalds style plastic tables felt insulting. You definitely do not get the vibe you expect at that price point. The food was fine, not bad but nothing special either. The whole thing is very casual and average, but then for casual you would expect not to pay $12 for a side of fries or $36 for 6 ricotta ravioli served in a white Corelle plate.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Everythings top notch. Musics slightly too loud but no big deal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

We have been very lucky with dining in Toronto. Alder is another dining establishment that must be experienced. We came here for brunch and we enjoyed our experience. Great service. Great food and nice dining area.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Bright combination of flavors. Its a fantastic place for groups and business meetings.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Greatest dessert Ive had in a while - the coconut cream pie is a must

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Dinner was incredible. Great service and atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Very good food and cocktails! Definitely advise yourself of the menu prices beforehand though so you don t end up with a surprise come time for the bill. Unique atmosphere and dining experience.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Everything was sublime. Great vibe. Service & dishes top tier!

★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

The service and ambiance were fine. The food was disappointing. Started with cucumber salad, endive salad and fried. The fries were amazing, 11/10. Cucumber salad was delicious. The endive was not our favorite. The mains were just bad. The sea bream was very fishy tasting and had small bones left in it. The short ribs were bland and dry and lacked flavour. The sauce was tasteless with a very unpleasant gummy and oily texture. Our server removed them from the bill, which we did not request or expect, so that was very kind of him. We had higher expectations based on the chef and what we d heard about it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Everything we ordered at this restaurant was quite delicious, including the Tomahawk steak which our whole table shared. However, the coconut cream pie (which we devoured so quickly, there was no time to take a photo of) is so good, so decadently good, that on the strength of that one dessert alone, I would have rated Alder five stars. Do *not* skip it when you visit.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Outstanding service with articulate attention to detail. Food quality and taste was delicious. Buns are a must try!! Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Came in for a B-Day dinner, the service was impeccable, the food was delicious! The only small downer were the oysters, they were extra-mini and 6 for $26, not worth the price:( We enjoyed the beef carpaccio, the cucumber salad, braised short rib and grilled octopus. Every single bite was a masterpiece, amazingly seasoned and all the flavors combined were just delicious! Of course had to try the coconut pie and the sticky toffee pudding, which were just luscious! Definitely coming back for more:)

★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Great upscale brunch with a decadent pineapple waffle and perfectly cooked pork belly. The croissant was just ok and the burrata toast was served cold and a bit burnt.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Brunch was incredible! Don t skip dessert. The atmosphere is amazing too. Food

★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Meh Met a couple friends for brunch. Two of us were interested in the Prawn Choron. We asked the server some questions: Us: what is the sauce choron? S: its like a hollandaise, but different Us: how is it different? S: its like a hollandaise Us: what is it, exactly? S: it goes on top of the dish Us: but what is it exactly? S: its an egg-based sauce Okay, we know what hollandaise is. I couldnt count how many times Ive eaten hollandaise. But sauce choron is not hollandaise! So what is it?! Anyway we both ordered the Prawn Choron and our friend ordered the quiche. Our food came. I dipped my fork into the sauce choron to taste it. It was coral-coloured and very spicy. My friend took a bite of his. It was far too spicy for him. If this was hollandaise then when does hollandaise contain spice?! And why wouldnt the server tell us it was spicy?! Anyway, my friend sent his back because it was so spicy. She brought him the quiche instead and said Im so sorry, in fact the sauce was not supposed to be spicy. What?! So not only was the server completely unfamiliar with the menu, but the kitchen didnt know what they were doing. Moral of the story: when the paying customer asks multiple times what something is, and you dont know, maybe go ask the kitchen. Maybe the kitchen would not have made the mistake. And the server could have learned something. We still dont know what the sauce choron is and how it should have tasted. And the restaurant was not full or overly busy. I dont understand how this huge mistake happened. The quiche was boring and lackluster. It was 95% egg. Add some veggies! The coconut cream pie was okay. Less cream, more gelatinized pudding. The sticky toffee pudding was the best thing. I have no desire to return anytime soon.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Wow. Just wow! Arguably the best dinner experience I have had. The flavours in every single dish were to die for, and our service was hand down the best I have received. David was our server and there truly aren t words to describe the experience he curated for us. This sounds exaggerated, but I truly mean it. I will be coming back again and again, requesting David to be our server OF COURSE!

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

It s a vibe. Classy and modern. The aesthetic at the ace hotel is beautiful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

We had a wonderful family experience at Alder for dinner on Monday night. The wood ovens, beautiful architecture and finishes of the restaurant created a cozy and comfortable ambience. I really enjoyed the open kitchen and watching the chefs prepare meals. Our knowledgeable server Braydon gave great recommendations and was attentive and courteous as well as stealth with the seamless removal of items as they were finished. Braydon always ensured our wine & water glasses were always topped up. Top notch service. As it was hard to decide on individual entrees, sides and apps, we all shared many incredible dishes that were beautifully presented. All of them were delicious, there were no disappointments. Among our favourites were the baked Clams, Hamachi & Beet Crudo, Cucumber salad, the grilled Sea Bream, the perfectly cooked Prime Striploin and Braised Short Rib and Grilled Maitake Mushroom. I can t leave off the incredible Brioche Bread and the best Coconut Cream Pie I ve ever had. All in all one of the best dining experiences and would highly recommend. We look forward to returning and to also try their Brunch menu.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Alder offers a cozy dining room thats filled with the aromas of its wood burning kitchen. Service is friendly and prompt. Enjoyed the cucumber salad, brussel sprouts, crudos and seabream. The hamachi crudo which was a bit too bland, but the other dishes were tasty. Overall, worth a try.

★★★★
March 23, 2024

LOVED the food and the atmosphere! Cant wait to go back. I recommend this place to everyone. The only reason I have given 4 stars is the bathroom situation. I get they want to be inclusive of everyone, but stepping through the door and finding a bunch of male guests there already was very unpleasant. Ive been to inclusive bathrooms in other restaurants, and it has been ok since the layout is open. Its just something the management should perhaps consider.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

What can I say about Alder Saturday branch in Toronto? Its like stepping into a fabulous alternate universe where everything is just a little bit more fabulous! From the moment you walk in, youll feel like youve been transported to a different planet one where style, flair, and laughter reign supreme. First off, lets talk about the host that person must have been trained in the art of infectious smiles because Im still trying to figure out how they managed to be so friendly and welcoming! And dont even get me started on the servers they dont just serve, they *vogue*! Watching them glide around the room with effortless grace was like witnessing a performance art piece. And the food? Oh, honey, its *outstanding*! Despite our group of twelve (yes, twelve!) hungry revelers, every single one of us received our dishes simultaneously its like the chef is a magician back there in the kitchen, conjuring up culinary delights with a flick of their spatula. But its not just the food thats on point the ambiance is spot-on too. Soft music and ambient lighting set the perfect mood for an evening of laughter and camaraderie. Thank you Alder for Saturday Branch, for such an unforgettable experience! Ill definitely be recommending this gem to all my friends and family because everyone deserves a taste of fabulousness in their lives.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

This place was really fancy and cozy. Also the view was really nice. If you want to visit somewhere really fancy or if you think the atmosphere is important, this place might be suitable. I want to visit here when the weather is good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

I left our dinner feeling deeply impressed by our experience at Alder. One of our party has allergies and every single person who came to our table (food runners, our server, anyone!) knew and was VERY accommodating. They were all super knowledgeable about how the food was cooked and what was in each dish and how it could affect the allergies etc and how it could be modified. Our server Garrett was incredible with that and also made exceptional wine recommendations and had a wonderful vibe in general. Will definitely be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

The food was delicious here. One of the best martinis I ve have in a long time. The octopus, cauliflower and potato cake were our favourites but everything was amazing. The portions are a good size. We did 3 apps, a main and a side for two people and it was the perfect amount of food. The waiter suggested more originally which would ve been too much. Check out the rooftop bar/lounge after. Very cozy vibe with fireplaces but also an outdoor space for the summer.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Dined here for my partner s birthday. She was really pleased by the food! We had the flatbread, sea scallop crudo, and tempura shishitos for apps; the strip loin & seabream for mains w/ a side of maitake mushroom. The seabream I had may have been in the top 5 fish dishes I ve ever had in a restaurant. Really nice texture and crunchy, smoky skin My partner really enjoyed her strip loin. Overall a very nice dinner and our server Daryl (or Darell) was pleasant and kind. I had a signature cocktail with pear vodka and fino sherry which I found a bit bland but that could be just personal preference, not knocking the cocktail itself. They were also out of champagne which was a bit disappointing but shortages do happen. We had cava instead which went well with my seabream Well done to the staff at Alder, everything was very nice

★★
February 23, 2024

Had dinner here with two friends and my husband for his birthday and won t be back. Even though the food was very good - I was blown away by the cucumber salad, the front of house is a complete disaster. The hosts were disorganized and sat us late, the server was rude and forgot my husband s dessert order that I had placed in advance. $700 between four people and as soon as we paid the bill they asked us to be mindful that they have another reservation waiting for the table , so basically: hurry up and leave. We had been there an hour and a half which seemed reasonable given they sat us late and forgot to bring out the birthday dessert. Save yourself the trouble and go to the rooftop bar for food and drink - this place needs to iron out some kinks to make the experience worth it.

★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Had the prawn dish for brunch and it was a weird combo with the croissant it came with. Service and cake was good though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Amazing experience. Food was great. Beautiful place. Service was great

★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Dont go past the aps. They are best things on the menu full of flavour. Highly recommend the crudo. Stay away from mains the octopus was rubber, the shortrid overly fatty and chewy and the steak was bland.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

We had a delicious meal on valentines day at Alder. The food was amazing. We have been to a lot of nice restaurants lately and have been let down (Lees restaurant for example) but Alder was not the case. The food was matched our high expectations. The cauliflower and Sea Bream dishes were amazing!

★★★★
February 23, 2024

The drinks, salads, appetizers and main course were so good; giving it 4/5 because of our unprofessional server.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

I didnt want to write a review because I want to keep this restaurant as my secret spot, but I also want Alder to stay open a long time so I can keep going back... I was here yesterday on Family Day as its my partners birthday. Our wait staff (I regret not catching her name) was probably one of the best Ive had the pleasure of meeting. We appreciated her personal input when explaining the menu and wine options. All the dishes we had were very well balanced in flavour. We had the baked clams and hamachi starters and the lamb, shortrib and cauliflower side. The dish that stood out the most was the lamb, which cooked perfectly and the jus maintained the unique lamb flavour without being overwhelming. The cauliflower came on top of a nice bright sauce which we really enjoyed as well. We live close by, so we definitely found our new repeat spot!

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Great spot for food and drinks. Lots of great options on the menu. Recommend to go here with a 4-8 person group and eat family style so you can try a lot of the options. It worked out great. Wheelchair accessibility: Elevator available.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Thank you to the service team for making our evening special. Food and cocktails were top notch too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Really nice food. Great ambience. Food

★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Very good hamachi and scallop crudo, also enjoyed the eggplant flatbread and half grilled chicken! The short rib was sublime and the duck was decent but the coconut cream pie was divine. However, the paris brest was not the best. Highlight of the meal was the fresh bread and whipped butter.

★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

The atmosphere and ambience of the restaurant was overall great. It had warm and classic vibe and cozy environment. On the other hand, the food was a bit of disappointment. Potato flatbread was overly oily and dense, so it was difficult to understand what the taste that the chef tried to deliver through the food. Moreover, the sea bream had strong fishy taste even with the lemon that came with it. Though, braised short rib was great. Lastly, the service was questionable throughout the night. Despite we were sitting at the bar seats, most of the servers were not really seemed to have any interests providing service. Avoid choose the bar seats, if you are looking to receive proper treatment from a designated sever.

★★★★
January 23, 2024

Dropped by for dinner where we ordered the scallop crudo, beef carpaccio, seabream, truffle tagliatelle, cauliflower, maitake mushroom and sticky toffee pudding. Everything was excellent, as was the atmosphere and the top quality service. This was a really top tier dining experience. I d definitely love to come back again to try out the brunch menu. But saying that, I did want to bring up one concern which I hope will be addressed in the future. I was a bit surprised to notice that another customer was permitted to be seated with their dog inside the establishment, when it clearly wasn t a service animal. While it s unclear to me whether this violates local food safety or health codes, it was off putting how the group was seated at the table closest to the open air kitchen. Seeing the dog shake out its fur a few times while seated in a chair, this introduces the risk of a potential allergen ending up in the meal of other customers. That s not okay, especially considering that staff does ask about allergies at the beginning of the meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Amazing service and great food!

★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Had our anniversary here. The ambiance was very cozy and romantic. Great service. We appreciated for the gift wines Food were mediocre tho. Price is reasonable. Recommendations: beef carpaccio: one of the best I have ever had! Flavourful! Coconut cream pie: so delicious. White chocolate shaves went perfectly with the coconut. Portion is good for sharing. Mains are average. We had octopus and lamb racks. Tasted good but nothing special. (:

★★★
January 23, 2024

The menu was great, the food was also fantastic. The server was also great at making recommendations! But it s designed to be shared in family style however their billing system absolutely cannot accommodate this for large groups if you re splitting the bill! There were 8 of us and it took over an hour for them to split the bill, and there were several errors. This restaurant needs to update their billing software for family style meals for groups of any size! Not a restaurant I would go with a large group it is absolutely not worth it if you re splitting the bill. But great spot for 2 people!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

This is definitely the best and the most underrated restaurants in the city. All of the dishes were incredible and there s is absolutely no flaws. My favourite is definitely the seabass and beef carpaccio.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

The food in this restaurant is quite good, and the ratio of price to quality is quite high, which is amazing. Many people believe that this restaurant will be a favorite to win a Michelin star, and the service is also excellent. However, there is an obvious disadvantage, which is that the cost of cutting a birthday cake during a birthday celebration is relatively high. The cake-cutting fee of ten Canadian dollars per person may be a bit unreasonable and a bit expensive for ten people. I hope the restaurant can improve this problem so that customers can enjoy more attentive service while enjoying delicious food.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Food is amazing! Went for Sunday brunch and the atmosphere is also really great, especially with the live singer Karen Jewel! 10/10 recommend, and I ll definitely be going back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Alder is a restaurant found on the lower level of the Ace Hotel on Camden Street. On entering, the decor gives a sense of reclamation and upcoming. Wood (Alder?) and leather are featured. They provide interesting point of reference and conversation. The music, though loud enough to be clear and audible, does not interfere with conversation, rather adding to the ambience. Now the most important part of a dining experience is the meal and the meal at Alder is served family style and each course is scrumptious. The menu is tight but every dish is an artwork. If you can opt for the dishes prepped in the Wood fire, Id encourage it, theyre so delicious. The steak was tender and flavourful as was the chicken. Although I did not try it, the octopus was deemed to be tasty by our dinner companion. The sides were delicious in particular the grilled spinach and tomatoes were divine. Burrata and grilled nectarine were so good (order with your meal they make an excellent accompaniment to the steak). Service was also attentive, with staff keeping water glasses full; however, less attentive with refills of pop and alcohol which is unusual , we are not big drinkers so it didnt have a negative impact but it was notable. Ever server who attended to our table was kind and thoughtful, they really new the menu well and were aware and cautious of allergies at the table, for which we were even more grateful and appreciated. Tried all of the deserts, they were scrumptious, the coconut cream pie was my favourite, my dinner companions raved over the citrus éclair. Overall, a great dinner, great service and a wonderful time. Five out of five. Update 2024: Alder still got it going onz now with a Michelin Star. Congratulations! Dietary restrictions: Shellfish allergies were noted and considered throughout the dining experience.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

I went with a group of 6 and managed to get a bigger variety of things. Highly recommend coming in a bigger group so more items can be ordered. apps ordered: potato flatbread, beef carpaccio ( ) , hokkaido scallop Mains ordered: seabream ( ), bone in steak (blue rare) ( ), lamb, ravioli ( ) and the short rib Sides ordered: cauliflower Dessert ordered: coconut cream pie ( ) and the sticky toffee pudding price per person: $90-100 the general fan favourites were the beef carpaccio and the coconut cream pie. This was also one of the few places that does blue rare steak so it a was a nice surprise. - ravioli was not as good compared to the other main dishes AVOID AVOID - for the price I paid, i expected a similar wow factor when going from dish to dish but only some dishes stood out compared to others - potato flatbread was a big meh This restaurant is a fun once to go to but not again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Phenomenal! 10/10 taste and service! Recommended by chef Jason and celebrated our six year s anniversary here!! Beef carpaccio and the coconut cream pie must order! If you have special occasion to celebrate, don t forget to mention in your reservation notes. They will take great care of you! Shout out to our server Lauren she is absolutely sweetest and made our night happy and definitely coming back!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Amazing restaurant - food and service on point. A surprising gem in the king west area.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Phenomenal dining experience all around. Shoutout to our server Dave, one of the best in the city hands down!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Hands down one of my favourite restaurants in the city: food is excellent, the staff is always friendly and efficient staff who will go out of their way to make you feel at home and is enjoying the evening. Cocktails from Alex is always on-point to the last sip; and let s not forget the warm bread and delish coconut pie which are a must!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Overall amazing restaurant! All the dishes were on point, especially the Hamachi Crudo and Beef Carpaccio. Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Wonderful food and service in an architecturally significant space.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great design and fine foods.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I had a great experience here and would come back! The ambience is upscale and lively, but not fancy pretentious. The service was very friendly despite a couple reviews I ve read which brought peoples ratings down. Here s what I had to eat & drink: City Cabin cocktail (pear vodka, bianco vermouth, fresh pear, lemon, smoked maple, black walnut) I really liked this! It was well-balanced and easy to drink. Hamachi Crudo this was my favourite dish here - I love a good crudo! this one was fresh with a well-balanced sauce and generous portions of fish. Cucumber Salad refreshing and unique. the addition of fennel packs a lot of flavour and I also loved the use of lemon yogurt! Citrus & Burrata it s hard to go wrong with burrata. this dish had a certain sweetness that likely came from the tarragon sauce. it also had a variety of textures, with crunchy croutons & juicy pieces of citrus. Beef Carpaccio the grilled chives had a stickier texture that resembled toffee (though not as extreme). the slices of meat were thicker than typical carpaccio. interesting flavours but not my favourite. Opera Cake a little too sweet for my taste but this is a good option for those who love chocolate. My friend and I weren t super hungry so we decided on sharing these appetizers and were quite happy with our choices. I look forward to trying the mains next time!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Simply amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Everything was really flavorful! Ambience was nice, service was a little slow but friendly, but an overall great experience.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great service, selection, and presentation. However, I was not a fan of the food quality and taste. I recommend their cocktails and lobby to work remotely from! The architecture and minimalist decor of the place is very chic.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I would come back and have a plate of beef carpaccio all to myself. Honestly, one of the best restaurants I ve been to with amazing decor, food & drinks.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This ACE location makes you feel like mid-century modern royalty. 5 _______________ For our anniversary dinner we decided to book into Alder. Designed by renowned Toronto architects Shim & Sutcliffe both the Lounge bar and Alder occupy an impressive double height space inside of the ACE Hotel. Of course, drinks in the Lobby bar beforehand were an excellent choice. I had A Driftwood Cocktail with its amazing cedar notes and my partner had the Broken Shaker. Sinking into the plush couches of the Lounge gives you the feeling that you ve fallen into the library of an industrial titan with impeccable design instincts. Descending down into the pit that comprises Alder and it s open kitchen makes for an incredible experience. The open kitchen was fantastic to watch - a true operation. We started with the charred apricot burrata which was incredible. A must order. From there we had the grilled octopus and the grilled sea bream. Both were excellent! At our waiter s suggestion we had the bread and butter course as a side - the right choice. The bread came out steaming hot and was an excellent pairing with our mains. For drinks with this course: La Reformista and the Playa Enamorados (their take on a pisco sour). Unsnooty, incredible service demonstrates an attention to detail that keeps the atmosphere welcoming yet refined. We will be back.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Beautiful hotel and restaurant. Sitting by the kitchen was amazing as you get to see the fire and hear the kitchen staff constantly yelling yes chef (which we actually enjoyed). Food was incredible. The service, however, was not. We waited to be seated and as we had to wait a while, we were given complimentary cava which was lovely. It took awhile time to get someone to take our order or talk to us. Then a little while for apps. That was reasonable and we were chatting and didnt mind. But it took an hour for our mains to show up after apps or anyone to come and acknowledge us or fill water. By this time it was two hours into our dining. We were starving. Edit: We were invited back to experience Alder again and Graeme and Dave treated us extremely well. The food waa exceptional and the service impeccable. Highly recommend the cucumber salad, potato flatbread with tomato & anchovy and the octopus. Thank you for a wonderful time.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Love the atmosphere. Food was great but wasn t mind blowing . Will still go again though !!! Their cocktails were fantastic

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

A good experience overall, strong menu, delicious food, and nice beverage program. I went here for two separate business dinners, and Alder is a good location for this as it has space, privacy, and a rooftop bar at the top of the Ace hotel. I give it a 4-star only because I experienced a big inconsistency in cookery on the food (in particular the meat) the two separate visits I have had. Still a great spot for the area and I know a very dedicated team in both the front and back of house.

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Beautiful setting and nice service but the food was disappointing. We ordered the burrata to start which was alright but nothing incredible. The green herb sauce didn t seem to work well with it. Then we had the short ribs and the lamb, both on the small side for portions. The lamb was alright but bland, and the short ribs had a sauce on them that was gummy - too much flour or something. Also, nothing special about the flavours and it was a bit dry. The shishito peppers were good but greasy. Probably wouldn t go back considering the cost, I d go somewhere reliably good.

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Theres 2 good things about this place: the ambiance and the coconut pie, everything else is below average. It calls itself a Mediterranean restaurants, but theres nothing Mediterranean about bland food. We had the potato flatbread, grilled octopus, and salmon, all which were below average and not up to fine dining standards. The coconut cream pie however made up for the disappoint me and was amazing. Id only go back for it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food is exceptional, a true culinary experience

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The service, the food, the atmosphere were all top notch. Overall great experience. I highly recommend Alder.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The best experience ever! The Food is excellent, The Service was amazing.I cant wait to go back

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Everything about our meal here was amazing - from the service (thanks again for accommodating our special table request!) to the food (I have been craving the potato flatbread since Saturday) to the venue itself - thanks for an incredible night!

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Excellent service and mains. Service was attentive and very friendly. Appetizers and sides were a little underwhelming. The scallops were excellent, but the lamb flatbread was a miss. The bread itself was greasy and gummy and was plated as a little pizza kinda thing. Fresh feta worked well with crispy (my dining partner said dry) chickpeas. Pickled eggplant was the dominant flavour. The lamb was totally absent. Had you said this dish was vegetarian, Id believe you. The cauliflower was just okay. It was cooked well, but the nut/chimichurri topping thing (???) was oddly gritty and bland. Pecorino, stale breadcrumb and parsley? Is that whats that was? The proteins were delicious. The short rib was perfect, and the jus as well (tip: dip your cauliflower in it!). It arrived topped with frisee (possibly grilled and dressed?) to which my partner quipped dont use frisee if its going to be in the way. The greens underneath ( chard, if I recall) had soaked up the delicious jus. Amazing. The sea bream was also great. Cooked perfectly with subtle smokey flavour over a bright herbaceous green sauce with peppers. Complements to the kitchen. A tad pricey, overall. But a good meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Beautiful place for brunch, amazing service, delicious food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came here for the first time last weekend. Originally had resos for bar seating but they were very kind and gave us a table when we arrived, which I was very happy about. We ordered the beef carpaccio, the potato flatbread, octopus and cauliflower side. I loved everything, however the flatbread was a bit too salty. The beef carpaccio was incredibly flavorful and the octopus was cooked perfectly. Will definitely be back to try more items from their menu!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Fabulous Tapa style food. I will definitely go back for the endive salad and short ribs.....and dont forget the Coconut cream pie. Yummy. Thanks to our waiter Garrett who made the evening so enjoyable!! Food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Was really excited to try Alder, unfortunately the food was just ok! Better than most spots but not as good as some of the other Patrick Kriss restaurants. The atmosphere is great and the cocktails are superb. I d give it a third try and hope the food has improved.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Alder Restaurant delivers a culinary experience thats a harmonious blend of flavor, ambience, and top-tier service. Their menu is an exciting adventure from appetizers to desserts. The peppers are a delightful introduction crispy, spicy but not overwhelmingly so, with a breading that doesnt overshadow the peppers natural flavor. The Iceberg Fiction was a hit at our table, offering a blend of sweet and spicy notes that everyone enjoyed. Their City Cabin cocktail was also a winner; its refreshing, fruity, and crisp without being overly alcoholic you can actually taste the pear. Their ravioli showcases a well-balanced use of acidity that makes every bite memorable, and the braised short ribs are not just tender but practically falling apart, all served with a presentation that is visually enticing. The chicken, too, is cooked to perfection and brimming with flavor. The only minor disappointment was the spinach, which paled in comparison to the other dishes. But the ambience and music more than made up for it, creating a truly enjoyable dining atmosphere. As for dessert, the coconut cream pie is rich and creamy with excellent texture contrast its among the best Ive ever had. The coffee cake is also delicious, offering a crunchy texture and a strong coffee flavor without being overly sweet. Dessert portions are generously sized, adding a nice finishing touch to the meal. The service is top-tier; our server was knowledgeable about the menu, offered excellent recommendations, and ensured that our table was always clean and our water glasses full. All in all, Alder Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful meal in a great setting. Dietary restrictions: They accommodate dietary restrictions and ask about allergies.

★★
December 23, 2023

The quality of the food is not for a restaurant pretending to be Michelin star.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Everything we had was delicious and reasonably portioned for sharing. The coconut cream was ok but the eclair was great!

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Service and overall atmosphere is superb. However, the food tasted pretty bland and was not as good as I had anticipated. The temperature of the food as well was below par and not particularly warm. Flavours were lacking, either over salted or missing some zest from a citrus for example. Disappointing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This a special place. The food is simply divine. They really know how to cook. It is a great pleasure. The service does not keep up with the food. The restaurant aims at being high level. But if filling glasses repeatedly ends up with a puddle, that does not match. A few other things, I know I am being too critical. Who is going there: a bunch of young rich kids, who have trouble behaving, it is noisy, and on top, as always loud music. Have asked that question many times here in Toronto, why would you prevent conversation over a beautiful dinner by loud music, why would you disturb your senses by sound when you have a great food experience? There is a nice bar on the ground level, where you can take a good digestive. Overall, go for the food, highly recommended. Loved it! Thank you, a real treat.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I was taken there for my birthday and it did not disappoint. The service was great, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was nice. Not snotty, not too loud and the lighting was great where we were sitting. We ordered the Oysters, Beef Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, Iberico Pork Chops, french fries and it was enough for two people. Desert was Coconut Cream Pie, it was delicious. Drinks were good, the wine selection by the glass is decent. It was on the pricey side but was worth it.

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I come for the ambiance, service, and its convenient location. The food and cocktails need a lot of work. Wine selection is better but wine by the glass is really expensive for what it is. There s one dish that tastes like elevated thanksgiving I was really impressed with that and the beef carpaccio is decent. I ve been a few times and tried different items on the menu just to make sure I wasn t imagining it but it s definitely not good . The menu is a mine field full of hits and misses, especially dessert. I still love what Ace has done with the space and will continue coming with friends for the ambiance. Just goes to show how well done the design is. Kudos to that and the FOH staff.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Amazing food and vibes

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great food, actually liked all the 5 dishes we tasted and enjoyed with wine! They will get michelin star probably next year, makes sense since they are part of Alo group. Excellent service and nice atmosphere. You should definetly try hamachi crudo and sea bream!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great experience. Amazing food, Wonderful service, cool vibe, highly recommend

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Been meaning to try this restaurant for a long time and it did not disappoint. Both crudos, the carpaccio, the octopus and seabream were incredible.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great location, nice interior, nice staff. Modern style dishes. All dishes are good but not suuuper amazing. All the dishes are small portion as well. Their suckling pig can improve. Very little skin and mushy meat. The dessert was great tho.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Such a gorgeous place to eat and hang out. I was on a work trip so had a solo dinner - the staff were so friendly and welcoming and the food was STUNNING

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great place for an amazing meal. Had the ravioli, chicken and spinach. Dessert coconut cream pie would recommend to a friend. Garrett and staff very attentive and made for a great evening. Will return 100% Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great food service and vibe

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Incredible food, incredible service. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Our meal was delectably delicious!!! We started with Hokkaido Scallop Crudo & Beef Carpaccio. For our mains we had Grilled Seabream & Braised Short Ribs. The dessert we shared was Coconut Cream Pie(the serving is humongous!)

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Celebrated a bday dinner here as a party of 6. Every dish hit the mark! Service was good as a team. Recommended

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great service with very attentive staff, including our server Michaela. The majority of our dishes were delicious, especially the clams, beef carpaccio, octopus and coconut cream pie. We appreciated the portion sizes which were more generous than we expected. My only regret is that we did not have more room for one more dessert! The only gripe I have was the spinach had too much of a charred taste than I would have liked. I m not sure if that was intentional. The Ace hotel is also architecturally very nicely designed. Overall, great dining experience and look forward to returning for another meal.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Alder Toronto for brunch, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The moment I walked in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the perfect tone for a delightful meal. The standout dishes for me were the quiche and the pork belly. The quiche was a culinary masterpiece perfectly flaky pastry filled with a rich and flavorful combination of ingredients that left my taste buds dancing with joy. The pork belly was a revelation, with its crispy exterior giving way to melt-in-your-mouth, succulent meat. It was a true indulgence that I wont soon forget. To balance out the hearty flavors, I also enjoyed the refreshing cucumber salad. Its crispness and light dressing were a delightful contrast to the savory delights on my plate. The service at Alder Toronto was nothing short of excellent. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience. And lets not forget about the drinks! The beverage selection complemented the food perfectly, and the cocktails were expertly crafted. In summary, my brunch at Alder Toronto was a memorable culinary journey. The quiche, pork belly, cucumber salad, impeccable service, and delightful drinks all combined to create a fantastic dining experience. I cant wait to return for another delightful meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Visited Alder for the second time and everything was amazing. We shared 3 appetizers: beef carpaccio, scallop crudo and burrata and squash there were all very tasty especially the burrata. For main we shared the grilled seabream with a side of roasted brussel sprout. The brussel sprout was okay but the seabram was very tasty. Also, the server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Overall, it was a great experience and would definitely be back and definitely recommend it to those that would like to experience michelin star in Toronto.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I had a delightful brunch at this Michelin-starred gem. The food was incredible, the ambiance cozy, and the soft live music added to the charm. The service was top-notch. A must-visit!

★★★
December 23, 2023

Alder was an average experience. Honestly the best part of the experience is the interactions you have with the staff. The baked clams were delicious, the short rib was a little dry and tough the sauce that it came with was rather thick and had a film. After the first few bites you re tired of the meal. The mushrooms were also too charred.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Alder brings a simple menu of classic modern city cuisine and delivers consistent strong flavours with every dish. The beef short rib gets especially high praised - succulent and tender without overcooking, paired with smoky mushrooms and a sweet parsnip puree that balances the dish in flavours and textures. The other dishes pictured do not fail to disappoint. The hokkaido scallop crudo brings out the freshness of the scallop through simple use of corn and shiso, though it was a little odd to see crudo served in large cuts rather than thin slices. The beef carpaccio was well executed with crisp onions and garlic atop, served in a gentle creamy sauce. The cauliflower was perfectly cooked and seasoned with an assortment of flavourants. And finally the coconut cream pie showcased the individual flavours of each ingredient, harmonizing them without fail. Alder also had fun cocktails to boost the menu. The restaurant had a modern look with quality wood elements and dim lighting. The service was quick and attentive, theyve hired a good amount of staff to ensure your table is clean and cleared.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

My chicken dish was very tasty. Great service!

★★★
December 23, 2023

The food and service was great. Me and my partner had the short rib, seabream, burrata and squash, and the potato and flatbread. My only criticism is that I would not recommend for anyone with a shellfish allergy. They fry their octopus in the same fryer as everthings else, which affected 60% of items on the menu. I expected more proactive allergy considerations from a restaurant of this quality.

★★★
December 23, 2023

The food was good! Presentation was great. Atmosphere is pretty cool, but the tables are small and feel and look like a coffee shop. No table cloths. Cutlery ...I couldnt cut my chicken skin with the knife, felt like a butter knife. Service was average to below average. Never followed up on drink. Served one and done. The food was good, but I would not go again. We didnt order wine, I was driving. The bill for 2 was 220 with tax and tip.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Worth the hype! Food was phenomenal. Service was excellent. Beef carpaccio and Hokkaido scallop were perfectly done. The bread was also divine. The lamb was just astounding. The merguez jus and the spinach were a luxurious complement to the lamb. Shout out to Pepper for her attention to detail and amazing energy.

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The food sucks for the price. I had really high expectations

★★
December 23, 2023

The service was good and a nice and modern environment. The food was overcooked (ribs) and the mushrooms were dry and not feeling fresh. We got food poisoning. Way too expensive for the food quality.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Lets do it again :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Food is really good here! We came for brunch and ordered the Cinnamon swirl to start, the Brown Butter waffles and the Steak and eggs. Cooked beautifully with lots of flavors. The Sam James refillable coffee is also top notch! The service and atmosphere all has a premium feel. What you d expect from an award winning chef at a boutique hotel. Nice thing is you re not fighting long lines to get in for brunch. We didn t have to wait for a table on a Saturday at noon I d recommend booking a reservation just in case.

★★
December 23, 2023

We arrived 10 minutes early and were seated 25 minutes after our reservation time. Regardless, our party of 4 had an incredible evening (the food, the atmosphere) up until the last 10 minutes. It was my birthday and the night was spoiled with the behaviour of our waitress. We collectively spent around 400 dollars (ordered cocktails, appetizers, shareables, 4 mains and desserts). My partner is not from Canada and assumed the tip was included in our bill. Rather than our waitress respectfully noting this, she rudely interrogated my partner infront of our guests on the quality of the service. My partner was so shook (to be honest, we both were) as tipping is also not mandatory. She proceeded to avoid eye contact with us. And then take the bills of the rest of our party. We will not be returning.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Pretty good spot for a classic brunch.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Outstanding food! Everything was delicious! Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Unreal. Get the seat next to the kitchen! Get a bunch of appetizers and share. The mains are amazing too, especially the steak & chicken. But the appetizers are the most unique here! (Short ribs are kind of tough since they re open flame grilled) The bread is possibly some of the best I ve had. SO fresh/warm. The Shishito Peppers 10/10.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The restaurant is very nicely decorated and I only have a 3 for the atmosphere because my wife seated in one of the booth seatings under the stairs which did not allow a view of the entire restaurant. Our server was attentive and was nice enough to take our order right away since we ran a little late for dinner. The host advised us on the phone we have 2 hours from the start of our reso so we didnt want to waste time The appetizer: potato bread was light and filled with different textures and taste. The chick peas offered a crunch, while the eggplant pure meshed with the potato bread Mains : lamb and chicken. Both were cooked optimally and tasted great with their respective sauces. Portion was a good size as well Sides : cauliflower and mushrooms. Once again they had the crunch texture on the outside and then soft on the inside so a good experience there. However it was a bit salty for our liking.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

If youre looking for a new brunch spot, I would recommend visiting Alder on Sundays between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm for their Sunday Gold, midmorning melody experience. Here youll be treated to Mediterranean inspired dishes (designed by Patrick Kriss), and live musical performance from Toronto artists. Alder, is located on the lower level of the Ace hotel, and was recommended by the Toronto Michelin Guide in 2023. The atmosphere is sleek but cozy, with a warm colour scheme. Plus complimentary coat check is offered upon arrival. The food was good, but not at the level of Alo and Aloette, which I enjoyed more. My favourite dish was the Prawn Choron. The croissant was nicely toasted, buttery, and flaky, and the prawns were cooked nicely in a creamy choron. I would have preferred my eggs soft poached, as opposed to the hard poach it arrived as though. Ordered: - Coconut cream pie - Hokkaido scallop crudo - Brown butter waffle - Prawn Choron - Ginza breakfast martini

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came for light meal, ended up eating few items. We ordered hamachi which was okay only if the fish was cut thinner. My favourite was beef carpaccio. To top it all up was the famous coconut cream pie. Service was great but slow it s totally understandable that they were busy. Great place overall.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Alder is a beautiful restaurant in the basement of the Ace Hotel. They have an open kitchen which keeps things lively! The food is exquisite, we ordered a few dishes to share and each was unique and very excellent. Make sure to try the beef carpaccio! Food

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Delicious food, decent portions, very friendly service, beautiful atmosphere. Even with the restaurant totally filled with customers, it wasnt too loud (smart design choices and music wasnt blaring). Great experience.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Go for the scene because the food was meh. The French fries were left overs and inedible, the lamb chops were incinerated partly because they were so tiny. The beef carpaccio was a hit the scallop crudo was a miss. The staff was nice but all Canadians are nice compared to NYers.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

delicious!