Clandestino Wine Bar in Toronto

1183 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3, Canada

★★★★★
(452 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant Bar Cocktail bar Oyster bar restaurant Snack bar Tapas bar Wine bar

About

Restaurant & Tapas

Address
1183 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3, Canada
Plus Code
JHXH+M5 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
5–11 PM
Friday
5–11:30 PM
Saturday
4:30–11:30 PM
Sunday
4–9 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Happy-hour food Late-night food Organic dishes Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
452 reviews

Most Mentioned

oysters (29) scallops (25) charcuterie board (17) bone marrow (14) gnocchi (14) bottle of wine (13) wagyu tartare (12) amuse bouche (11) carpaccio (8) house wine (7)
5 stars
373
4 stars
23
3 stars
5
2 stars
11
1 stars
40
★★★★
December 9, 2024

Discovering this quaint little spot was such a treat! With an amazing set menu perfect for sharing, it’s the ideal place to gather with friends. The dishes just kept coming—delicious, generous portions paired perfectly with wine and fantastic company. We kicked off the experience with some oysters and explored new flavors I hadn’t tried before. It was a culinary adventure that felt cozy yet elevated—great vibes all around.

★★★★★
November 20, 2024

My wife and I came here to celebrate her birthday. The head chef Desart Dulaj was warm and provided impeccable service throughout the dinner, always making sure we were comfortable and he took the time to explain various techniques behind the delicious food. We could feel his strong passion for food and love for sharing that passion with others! The night started off with a bang, with an amuse-bouche charcuterie board of toast, pate, sausage and oyster mushrooms. For appetizers, we had steak tartare and grilled tiger prawns, both of which came in generous portions. We ordered 4 $1 oysters too, which were fresh and came with two special sauces, one tabasco-like and the other radish-based. For mains, the grilled octopus was exceptionally tender while being crispy on the surface due to hours of sous vide followed by fast grilling. The bone marrow gnocchi was a highlight too, with the marrow bringing a buttery richness to the gnocchi with tartufo. Finally, Desart surprised us with a birthday dessert platter with panna cotta, cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, all of which were top notch. That was such a lovely gesture. I don't think you can find anywhere else that serves such quality and experience for a better price. Most importantly, Desart made our birthday dinner celebration a special night to remember.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

We went for the new lunch special. The warm asparagus and Boccioni salad were fabulous. Our mains were the Bison meatballs and the pasta Bolognese. The meatballs were very good and the pasta was tasty but not exceptional. The deserts were delicious. The portions were big for a lunch and the value is truly unmatched. We've been there several times for dinner and we highly recommend this cute family run high quality restaurant. The lunch special was $25 per person. Plus wine, tax and tip it was still about $100 total. And the proprietor brought us complimentary Grappa with dessert.

★★★★★
September 20, 2024

delightful!!! we got the date night special: 1 amuse bouche platter, 2 appetizers, 2 mains, two desserts, and two cocktails (or a bottle of wine), all for $120. we also added on the buck a shuck oyster deal, but it wasn’t truly $1 per oyster; one dozen oysters was $20. regardless, the service was phenomenal, the food was phenomenal, and it was a gorgeous candle lit vibe. i think my favourite things were the pana cotta and the .. farenata? that came with the tuna? it was like a chickpea polenta. so good!! EDIT: the oysters actually should have been $1ea, the restaurant v graciously reached out to me to apologize for the mistake and offer me a gift certificate (:

★★★★★
September 12, 2024

There are few spots in Toronto that feel like home and this is one of them. Clandestino pairs affordability, deliciousness and homeyness all right at Ossington and Dundas. Run by a magical duo of husband and wife you can tell that their main goal is to offer wonderful experiences to those who go enter their doors. The chef comes out and checks on you while his partner makes sure the meal is proceeding smoothly. 10/10 recommend for a change front he typical delicious but overpriced Toronto dinners !

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Amazing date night dinner. The food was fantastic. Especially enjoyed the unique flavour of the hummus, the pork belly app, tiramisu and cheesecake.

★★★★★
June 15, 2024

Excellent food for a fair price. The service throughout of the whole meal was incredible. The house wine was delicious, and would definitely recommend doing the date night special. The bone marrow gnocchi was extremely delicious, and the lamb chops were excellent even though there was only 2. The beef tartar being part of the deal as an appetizer was a huge plus and very delicious. Would recommend to small parties and couples.

★★★★★
June 9, 2024

Honestly I'm still shocked about the value for money. We came for a friend's birthday and we all got the date night special. We all had a mini charcuterie before an app, main course, and dessert. We even got a bottle of wine to share between two people as part of the deal. We could each choose our own. Everything was yummy, service was very personable, and ambience was great. I really appreciated being able to get such good food at such an incredible price. Would recommend!

December 22, 2024

I m really sad to write this review because Clandestino Wine Bar used to be my favourite restaurant. I ve raved to everyone about it, and I ve even made the hour-long drive to dine here twice within a month because I loved it so much. Unfortunately, my most recent experience changed my opinion of them. During the current tax break in Ontario, they charged us tax, which surprised me. When I questioned it, they justified it by saying their prices are very good and it s difficult to change it in the system unless they do it manually, so they have to charge tax. This explanation doesn t sit well with me because businesses can t simply decide to charge tax during a tax-free period. What made it worse is that they didn t tell us upfront. They just dropped off the bill and walked away. When I noticed the tax and brought it up, they said it was because we ordered the date night menu. If this policy applies to certain menu items, it should be clearly mentioned before we order. I m so disappointed because I genuinely loved this place, but this experience felt unfair and left a bad taste in my mouth. I hope they take this feedback seriously and reconsider how they handle situations like this in the future.

★★★★★
December 20, 2024

Everything is great from the food, to the service, to the prices. The owners are so generous that it feels like you re a guest in their home. I d recommend this place to anyone

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Clandestino has a great menu - the food is delicious, and the service makes it feel like dinner at a friend s. Try the duck! Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Such a lovely set meal, with unbeatable Toronto prices. Service was attentive and personal without being overbearing. I really appreciated the birthday touches for desserts that really went above and beyond to make the moment special. Nothing felt rushed (which is rare in Toronto), and there was a real passion behind all the offerings. Would definitely go back and reco to anyone who wants to do nice without braking the bank!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 25, 2024

Left this place with full bellies but fuller hearts! This hidden gem is a must-go spot for any couple or friends hang out, with a high-value and affordable deal, incredible hospitality, and the loveliest ambience. When they say that this spot is what eating local in Toronto is all about, they mean it. We tried the $120 date night package and ended up also ordering the martinis, and buck-a-shuck alongside with it. The oysters are fresh (they order them everyday!), and food was executed so well. What was more impressive is that is was only run by the owners and two guys in the back of the kitchen. Truly incredible experience for a date night and trust me when I say - we will be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Had a lovely anniversary dinner at this restaurant. Attentive and friendly service, wonderful food, and intimate atmosphere. A really great spot!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

An absolutely wonderful experience! The owner is so gracious and the food was top tier! A truly perfect meal and served at a constant pace. You will not leave hungry!!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

What a in Toronto everything was Great a Experience from the Service ,Food, Atmosphere, Try this place is perfect for going out a have a unforgettable experience, will be back ,cant wait

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Cute little date or friends meet up spot with amazing food! I could not say enough good things about the experience here. The food is delicious. We had the lobster ball, steak tartare, steak and octopus. The food was beyond delicious. The price extremely reasonable almost unbelievable. We had a great time and will be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Clandestino is our go-to date night restaurant.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

What an amazing dining experience this was! Came in and felt at home with the very hospitable owner who was also our waiter The date night special is such an amazing deal, delicious food and wine! Please come here if you want an authentic Toronto culinary experience!!! Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Wow! What a hidden gem. This place is incredible. Amazing, homemade food and drinks by a family owned restaurant. The prices are fantastic as well, especially for the area. Highly recommend!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Wow, what a way to exceed expectations! We went for the Date Night special which includes appetizer, main course, desert for 2, and a bottle of wine for $100. My Wagyu beef tartare appetizer was the best Ive ever had. The lamb chops were succulent and delicious. And the deserts were excellent, including a flaming bread pudding. Totally impressed by the quality of the food, at any price. And my after dinner Cognac was warmed on top of a hot beaker. Service was charming and timely. One of our new favourite places and highly recommended.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Amazing food and service. One of the best meals I ve ever had and very affordable!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Gud

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Amazing vibe and reasonable prices with the date night special! We will be back soon!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

This place rocks. Should be impossible to get a reso

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Best place and service ever, thank you so much!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I went to Clandestino on a Saturday night for dinner. It was excellent. The food and service were excellent. The date night special was great value - 2 apps, 2 mains, 2 desserts, 2 cocktails (or a bottle of wine) for $120 plus you can get buck a shuck oysters with date night or if you spend a minimum of $45pp. Good oysters - flavourful and a good size, not tiny ones. The jalepeno/lime sauce and fresh horseradish with the oysters is outstanding. I would but it buy the bottle! We shared everything: scallops, waygu carpaccio, waygu bavette, duck, tiramisu, and ricotta cheese cake. The only miss for me was the ricotta cheesecake. Go with the tiramisu!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

This restaurant is the definition of a hidden gem. Probably one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto. I can t help but recommend it to everyone but selfishly would love for it to stay under the radar. The owners are the most hospitable friendly people I ve encountered at a restaurant. Very attentive and make sure you have the best possible experience. Their new location is great, right beside Ossington and a nice ambience. Food is top notch as always. Without a doubt the date night package is the best deal at a restaurant in the city of Toronto, can t even come close to matching that quality for that price. Add in some Buck a shuck oysters which are served daily and you can t find a better dinner date night for two!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Amazing experience at Clandestino!

★★★★
September 23, 2024

Excellent value and phenomenal food and service. No frills space but good vibe. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Clandestino is truly a hidden gem in Little Portugal! Food, service & ambience are all simply exceptional. Chef Deso & Edie (hope I spelt it correctly!) the husband/wife TEAM make you feel at home & so very comfortable. Chef came over & explained each dish for us in great detail. His passion was most evident in his diction. He is very well versed & his acumen is impressive! The charcuterie board was delightful as were our appetizers & our mains. The desserts were also great & homemade too! Their $80 date night offer is simply the BEST deal in the city. AND if that isn t enough they also offer Buck a Shuck Oysters- which my wife/I devoured 20! I highly recommend Clandestino. You will not be disappointed in the least! Thank you Chef Deso! We ll be back very soon. Update September 2024: Celebrated two long time friends birthday at Clandestino & everything was perfect yet again! Service, ambience & dinner were all just fantastic. Love the new lighting too. It was their first time/visit & they were just blown away. Chef was his personable self once again & Edie was so pleasant & personable too. Great Team! Great Resto! Thank you again Chef. We ll be back again

August 23, 2024

Owner is rude and unprofessional. He sat us on the patio for 30 seconds and then took our menus away and barked at us to go somewhere else with no explanation why. If youre as confused as we were, just look at the way he replies to these reviews and youll get the idea. I cant speak much about the food, but based on the pictures it looks like I could get a better meal in prison or from inside a can of cat food. We walked a block down the street and had great food, drinks and service at a different place instead. The owner should do the same thing to get an idea about how to actually run a restaurant, maybe then his patio wouldnt be empty on a Saturday night. He also removes low reviews and creates fake profiles to give his restaurant 5 stars. You can tell because his poor grammar is the same for all of them.

August 23, 2024

Went for dinner, I was less than impressed. The food was bland and the wine was as good as box wine. May give it another shot as I know that sometimes places have their off days.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Delicious food, attentive and friendly service and a cosy atmosphere. The date night deal is such incredible value. We will be back!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Amazing price, amazing food! Excellent hospitality, overall 10/10 great experience

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

This is one of the best resturant in Toronto. Its a very cozy place with friendly staff. Each time my partner and I visit this resturant, we are amazed by the taste of the food and the friendly service. I highly reccomend their octopus and duck breast.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

An overall 5 star, hard to beat in terms of value. The owner and chef is there with the wife, adds value in my opinion knowing they are there. Go for te date night.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

We loved dining here. The food and service was great!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

What a wonderful place! Their dinner date deal is incredible and they all are very lovely. Definitely coming back here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

When the chef comes out to tell you you are about to have an amazing meal, listen.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Clandestino is aptly named While you could easily walk past the storefront, youd be making a grave mistake if you do so! It is a hidden gem in little Portugal. My fiancé and I decided to do the date night package for our 9 year anniversary: multipiece amuse-bouche, appetizers, 2 entrees (which we shared), and 2 desserts with a bottle of house wine, all for $100. Its easily the best valued menu in the city! I am amazed how the owner is able to present a fine dining experience for a budget price. Clandestino is probably one of the last few places in the city that does buck a shuck oysters, and they were done perfectly. Super fresh horse radish, a delicious spicy sauce, beautiful oysters. What a magnificent treat! We highly recommend the waygu tartare, Hokkaido scallops, octopus, and my favourite: the bone marrow over gnocchi. The flavours, presentation, and aromas of each course were incredible. For dessert, the panna cotta was so absolutely decadent! Service was polite, attentive, and prompt. I stepped away from the table between courses, and came back to find my entre was being kept warm under a cover. The little things like that show how much care is given towards diners. Its clear that the owner runs this operation for his passion for excellent food and drink and holds no bars to ensure the experience is just as excellent. Finish your meal with a digestif or cocktail and be sure to tip well! This establishment deserves it Cheers!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

A hidden gem in Toronto. The date night special is unbelievable value and anything I have tried on the menu has been fantastic. Highly recommend and I will be a repeat customer for life!!!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Absolutely divine menu that is always changing. Very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, the owner is knowledgeable and welcoming, and truly passionate about the incredible selection of wine and foods he presents. We have been two times so far, have strongly recommended to our friends, and will be back again tomorrow. Can t wait to book our reservation. 10/10 recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

What an incredible little restaurant! The date night deal was a lovely experience. We got the oysters, wagyu tartare for starters, duck and wagyu for the mains and tiramisu and gelato w/ espresso for dessert. The service was lovely and the food was even better. This is truly a Toronto gem!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Attended a birthday dinner at this restaurant. It was so warm and cozy. We felt like we were eating dinner at a friend s house (who cooks really well!). The host and hostess owners were so hospitable. The food was absolutely delicious. Very good value for money. I would definitely go back. I recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Great experience. The food was fresh and the couple that owns the restaurant were lovely and attentive. Oysters were declious and the tartare was a highlight. Would absolutely recommend the lobster. Coming back for sure! Dietary restrictions: Asked about dietary restrictions

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

The owners were super nice and accommodating when our food wasn t fully cooked and took it back and gave us some free drinks. Their date night combo is super worth it!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

In a city now full of soulless, impersonal dining options this was a gem! A very nice experience overseen by a lovely couple who really cares about their customers.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Amazing restaurant

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

If you re looking for the perfect date night meal look no further than Clandestino on Dundas West. For $100 you get a bottle of wine, 2 apps 2 mains and 2 desserts. To start, the amuse bouche came on a stone slab that consisted of feta, a beef terrine, sausage, beef tongue, tuna frittata, and triangles of flat bread. For the appetizer I chose the Hokkaido scallops; the subtle yet savoury Prosecco sabayon showcased two perfectly seared buttery scallops topped with black caviar. For the main I had the 4 oz lobster tail that arrived on sliced potatoes beside an arancini or fried risotto ball. The sauces that adorn the plate are an excellent accompaniment to the dish as a whole. To finish I selected the classic tiramisu: fresh cream, mascarpone, espresso and cocoa powder created a balanced bite of sweet and light. We told our server Deso, who also happens to be the owner, that it was my birthday and he brought a plate with their chocolate and vanilla gelato beside a candle. This was the ideal finishing touch to probably the best most unforgettable meal I ve had in a long time. And when you re served by the owner you know you could be in for a special kind of service that goes above and beyond. And Deso sure did. Attentive yet unobtrusive, he came around on cue to top up our wine and water. What a great way to celebrate my birthday. For quality and value for dollar it doesn t get better than Clandestino s. We are definitely going back!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

The absolute best.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

The best! We ve been to clandestino many times and it s always a great experience. The owners are so welcoming, explain the menu well and provide great service. Quality of food is incredible for the price, their date night special can t be beat!

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

We opted for the date night menu, and it was such a disappointment . The food was undercooked, flavorless, and nothing like pictures posted on website. We felt rushed, and the waiter/owner was unenthused and seemed as if he didnt care at all about anything. I will never go back or would I recommend it.

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Clandestino offers a date night package for $100, which is a steal compared to other restaurants in the area. However, you do get what you pay for. The food overall was disappointing. The menu offers a lot of luxury ingredients like wagyu and caviar, but they were poor quality. Also, the restaurant smelled like a fish market when we walked in, which was rather off-putting.

May 23, 2024

Food wasn t great, staff was nice but you get what you pay for, date night for two is cheap so that is the quality you get

★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

We went here for the date night deal. $100 for a bottle of wine, 2 appeys, mains and desserts of your choice. Their red house wine was pretty good. I got the wagyu tartar (beef was tender and seasoning was great) my friend got the scallops and they were cooked perfect. We both got the wagyu main, it was the most expensive dish so wanted to get the best bang for our buck but the other dishes were very appealing as well so I would come back to try them. The desserts were my least favorite. The tiramisu was eh and the Panna cotta was too sweet. Poor server was cooking and serving everyone at the same time. Overall, great deal for the food, left with a buzz without breaking the bank. Dont think theres many places that offers this kind of a deal especially during these times so highly recommended.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Parking: Amazing place for date or friend. Food has quality that is rare in toronto. Service is welcoming, too. I have told my social circle to try this place. I enjoyed such food at montreal but now toronto has my option too.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Honestly you just cant beat their date night deal. All really delicious food (and cocktails!) for a great price. I was particularly impressed with the arancini, the chocolate mousse, and the smoked old fashion. The server was also very efficient and everything came out really quickly. Would definitely recommend!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

What an amazing meal. Firstly, the price of their date night special is just so insanely generous. It breaks my brain how it even works. $100 dollars for a bottle of wine, 2 apps, 2 mains, 2 deserts... how!? The food was amazing. Every single bite was fantastic. Id swim in that marrow gnocchi, and the steak was flawlessly salted and delicious. The owners are servers and you can tell how much they genuinely appreciate the compliments. They really care about the restaurant and that may have been the most charming part of the meal. Actually, the winner was still the food. The food was just flawless. Stoked for my next date bc night at Clandestino.

★★★★
May 23, 2024

Bottom line: The date night deal for 100$ is unbeatable in the city. It s essentially a 4-course meal + a bottle of wine (or 2 cocktails). I was there on a Wednesday night and it was a full house. It was just one person serving / taking orders (I assume this is the owner). For managing everyone s tables he was actually really efficient / we never felt like we were waiting too long. The cocktails were great. The starter cheese plate was my least favourite. Our appetizers were quite good (Caprese salad and the tuna). Our mains were good as well (steak and the lamb) - the lamb came with this fried chickpea/bread side which was my favourite part of the meal. The desert was ok. Portions were great size though. Like I said for value it s a great spot. As their menu changes I ll try again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Food was delicious, and the service was great Loved the dinner promo they had. Food : 5/5

May 23, 2024

An overwhelming smell of rancid fish permeates this establishment.

May 23, 2024

Whatever you do, do not eat anything raw here. I had the scallops and the tartare and I had EXPLOSIVE diarrhea when I got home

May 23, 2024

This place smelled like a fish store. Some other reviews call it out but Im surprised more dont. Got up and left before ordering.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

My girlfriend and I go here for our anniversary every year, and each time the menu is full of new and exciting items. The white fish we had last time was hands down one of the best things I ve eaten in nine years of living in Toronto. One of those rare restaurants where you feel the kitchen and front of house really care about every detail. We re going to continue coming back every year

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

one of the best meals I ve ever had . $100 for 2 people to eat is insane - amazing quantity and quality. took my boyfriend here for his birthday in March and we both recommend it to everyone:) you guys are awesome!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

The food was great and service was outstanding.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Excellent food, service was immaculate and the restaurant has a great vibe. Have recommended Calndestino to all my friends for date night and will definitely be going back!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Amazing place, chef puts a huge amount of care and passion into the menu, date night price is ridiculously good, recommend it to everyone!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Absolutely delicious! Very generous plates and amazing service! Highly recommend!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

A fabulous locally owned business that serves up incredible food at a decent price. An absolute gem.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Clandestino is one of the best restaurants I have ever been too!! The food is not only amazing and some of the best but the presentation is so artistic!!! The best part is that it is a mom and pop shop, they take care of you them selves. Honestly made me feel at home. Also super affordable date night for the food and wine!! Did I mention how good the food was?!? Love this place!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Such a great place, food is Michelin level. The industriousness and the passion of the chef and owner is contagious. I can t wait to be back. Thank you!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Great good , good prices highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Great place to eat. The wagyu tartare is amazing.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

So me and my boyfriend are kind of foodies and I travel to New York City and honestly everywhere this restaurant is one of my favourites in the world the date night package $100 for two people you get a charcuterie board two appetizers, two mains and two desserts and two drinks you cannot beat it pricewise, and on top of that the food is beyond amazing. It s run by an amazing couple that husband is back in the kitchen and the wife runs the front. You just don t see that anymore.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Amazing food, one of my favorite restaurants in the city!!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Don t believe the haters trying to ruin a small business. Food and service are top notch here. Old school dining without all the fluff. We have been multiple times with friends. Menu changes regularly and drinks are good too.

Local Guide
May 23, 2024

I was meeting some friends for a reservation. Walked in and it smelled rancid, like rotting fish. Ended up walking out and based on the owners response to this Im glad I did. I really wanted to like this place but the smell was disgusting. To the owner: the only thing thats going to end your small business is your attitude and how disgusting your restaurant is. I hope the space will be better used when you inevitably go out of business. The restaurant was completely empty when I walked in and left. In demand is a massive stretch. Edit 2: yes I was calling my friends to tell them how rancid your restaurant smelled

★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

We got the date night dinner that comes with 2 drinks and although it was a very good price, you definitely get what you pay for. Nothing in particular stood out to be really delicious, definitely not what I would call any kind of fine dining. The meat in the tartare was a bit rubbery and chewy and the mash that the steak came with was a sad and tasteless combination. Nonetheless, it was still an acceptable meal and I left quite full after everything. I wouldn t come back nor recommend it but I m not upset that I tried it.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Don t be shy about this place. The value of food you get for the cost is the best in town (especially the date night special). The husband and wife who run it are the sweetest people and will make you feel so welcome. 12/10!

May 23, 2024

There are a lot of excellent restaurants in Toronto at this price point and unfortunately this was not a great experience on the whole. The charcuterie plate was a little sad looking, one piece of our octopus main dish was raw and the steak was tough. The service is excellent, though the restaurant is owned by a couple who is very attentive. I would not recommend overall.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

5 star dinner at Clandestino! Truly a hidden gem. Had the date night package and my oh my what good value, food and experience. Definitely going back. Need more family businesses like. Every little detail is cared for. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Every single course I had was delicious and the staff are very friendly and attentive! Super happy with my experience here.

April 23, 2024

Girlfriend and I came here for the date night course. Things were going fine until my gf went to the washroom towards the end.There was only one washroom in the restaurant so it s used by both genders. Inside the washroom there is a button that says door locks when you push the button and turns red, green means unlocked . As my gf was using it locked red , a man walked in her and she was shocked for obvious reasons. So after she told the waiter/owner politely what happened, suggesting maybe to put a sign about the door, all he did was just blaming my gf for not properly locking the door, saying the city of Toronto installed it, it is worth 1000s of dollars . When we said we don t care who installed it the owner slammed the table and said if you don t care pay and leave We don t care how much it is, and who installed it, all we needed was a simple apology and everything would have been fine. His rude, aggressive, unapologetic attitude ruined our whole dinner experience. Sometimes, a simple apology is better than making excuses and blaming customers. Food is okay, price is fair but not recommended at all

April 23, 2024

Unfortunately, there was only one restroom available for both genders. Inside, there was a button that indicated the status of the door lock - red for locked and green for unlocked. However, despite locking the door properly, a man walked in on me, which was quite distressing. When I brought this to the attention of the waiter/owner and suggested that they consider putting up a sign to prevent such incidents, the response I received was far from satisfactory. Instead of acknowledging the issue and offering an apology, I was met with defensiveness and blame. The owner insisted that the locking mechanism was expensive and installed by the city, which seemed irrelevant to the situation. The lack of a simple apology and the owners rude and aggressive attitude completely soured our dining experience. While the food was decent and the prices reasonable, I cannot recommend this restaurant due to the poor handling of a customer concern and the unpleasant encounter with the owner.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

BEST HIDDEN GEM IN TORONTO When you walk in to Clandestino you are immediately showered with an atmosphere of honesty and quality. The owners are excited and eager to share their food with you- and holy hell does this food delivery. I cannot begin to describe just how wonderful this food is- the best comparison is visiting a friend or relative whose parents can cooking really really well. It s fine dinning meets home cooking. You will not be disappointed. Amazing value. Great service. Outstanding, inventive, delicious food.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The date night special is good and well worth the price. The owner is very welcoming and the atmosphere is good. It s a hidden gem in the city! Really worth the value. Def recommend~.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

One of the best dining experiences I ve had in Toronto! Their date night menu is definitely not to be missed. From the amuse bouche to the desserts, every dish was remarkable! Being a family-run restaurant, the owners lent a personal touch to the service. They even gave us an extra dessert on the house just because I mentioned I was curious about one of the menu items! Truly a precious hidden gem in the city.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

This place defies logic in terms of service, food quality, and price. It s just amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Its been a long time since I have experienced customer service like they provided. They went out of their way to ensure all my requests were made and our party was accomodated.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Amazing food and service, our go-to restaurant for any celebration. Food is always amazing and the chef cares deeply about his dishes, will come to the table to explain them. Get the scallops and the gnocchi.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

To say I was blown away is an understatement. Although it looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, this restaurant is quite extravagant! The food was not only a ridiculously good price (only $100 for an amuse bouche, 2 cocktails, 2 apps, 2 entrees, AND 2 desserts), but it was delicious and plated like a Michelin-star restaurant. Not to mention, the server was so warm and welcoming (I think he was the owner?) and took the time to explain each component of each dish to us. You can tell he really cares! Best deal in the city! I would highly recommend :)

Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Our night out at Clandestino was a total letdown, easily the worst dining experience I ve ever had. We were looking forward to a dinner for two but ended up getting completely ripped off. The wine was definitely a trash screw top bottle from the wine rack ($9.00 lol!)...definitely not worth the markup. Then came the charcuterie board, if you can even call it that a sad display of a single crushed walnut, a soggy fig, a tiny piece of mozzarella, and what was basically soggy bread pretending to be fancy. The bruschetta was just a pile of onions and garlic, and the chicken liver pâté was inedible. The Wagyu tartare was rubbery and disgusting, served with yet another piece of sad, soggy bread. The octopus was the only okay part, but it came with something so weird and gross that I can t even describe it. The mains were a disaster. The gnocchi was tough and tasteless, and the so-called New Zealand Wagyu Bavette was greasy, chewy, and sitting on a weird sweet potato mash with a sauce that was a repulsive mess, with a lumpy, translucent, texture that tasted just as bad as it looked. Legit goop-scoop. When we finally had enough and just wanted to pay for what we d actually eaten, the owner came out, pretty much lost it on us for not loving their delicious food. It was awkward, especially seeing how upset he got....we decided we will never come back. Honestly, I don t get the hype about this place. The bathroom was a filthy mess, and their playlist was six songs on repeat. Save yourself the trouble and money. You re better off grabbing a bite at any old pub than wasting your time here. 0/10, would not recommend... EVER... to ANYONE.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

The best restaurant experience I ve had in the city. The owners were so nice and attentive. Every dish we had was amazing and the couples dinner package is one of the best deals in the city.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

3rd time here and it won t be our last! Every item is delicious. Service is incredible. Value is unbeatable. Gem of a restaurant

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

This spot is legit!

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Would highly recommend, date night dinner for two for $100 was nothing short of amazing. Should cost double tbh and it would still be worth it.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Really great atmosphere and service, and the food was amazing!

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Clandestino Wine Bar was fabulous! My fiancé took me there for my birthday last weekend and this cute and cozy gem did not disappoint. We decided on the Date Night special. For starters they brought us an Amuse Bouche of lovely paté, cheeses, chorizo. We had the scallops and wagyu tartare for appies, mains were both picanha, tiramisu and cheesecake for dessert. Food was amazing, and the attentiveness and service of both Edi and Desa was top notch! Highly recommend, we will definitely visit again!

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Amazing food and service for the Date Night special. Great staff and atmosphere. Will definitely love to come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

One of the best dining experiences I ve had in Toronto. Went for the $100 date night deal and it did not disappoint. Food, service, and ambience were 10/10. I think I had the best scallops and wagyu steak of my life - highly recommend!

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Came here for the date night special. You get so much food for a great price and it s all high quality. Our server was so friendly as well. Definitely will be back!

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

I love this place one of the best dining experiences Ive had in Toronto. Went for the $100 date night deal for 2 and it did not disappoint.Food, service, and ambience were 10/10.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

We absolutely adored this place and were already planning to visit many more times! The service was outstanding, and the food was simply extraordinary, especially considering the reasonable prices for the fantastic quality and generous portions. We savored a delicious octopus dish, followed by succulent duck, and topped it off with tiramisu. Even the Aperol Spritz was spot-on! I cant praise this place enough. Its a gem!

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Magnificent meal at Clandestino. The foie gras was insanely good! The owner was really personable and friendly, was the cherry on top of a wonderful night out. House wine was great too!

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

A hidden gem! They have this amazing deal for date nights: $100 for 2 people, which includes a small charcuterie board, 2 drinks, 2 appetizers, 2 mains and 2 deserts. It s not the fanciest environment but this made me love this place even more. The server is very attentive and caring, and they truly make you feel at home. Cozy environment and AMAZING food. Probably one of the best aperol spritz I had in Toronto. Would 100% recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Clandestino Wine Bar is a favorite of ours to dine in. Desart, chef and owner has a passion and creativity for his always changing menu. His sauces are all homemade to enhance the flavors of each appetizer and main. We love his lamb, octopus, pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto, duck breast, scallops, trout on asparagus, caprese salad and the list goes on. We love the DATE NIGHT SPECIAL Charcuterie board, 2 appetizers, 2 mains, 2 desserts, a bottle of house wine - all for $100. Desarts wife Edlira is attentive, friendly and efficient. Desart serves you and explains every detail of your meal! We love coming here for a great experience every time!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Food was ridiculously good!!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Fantastic as always I recommend to everybody

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

Go hungry for their date night special! Highlights for me were the scallop appetizer, pork belly appetizer, and the picanha (steak) main course. The bread pudding dessert was a bit too sweet and heavy for me, but my husband enjoyed every bite of his affogato. Would absolutely come back to try other menu items.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

We had the $100 couples dinner at Clandestino s and everything was amazing! We opted for the two cocktails and ordered the scallops and wagu tartar for the appetizer, steak and bone marrow gnocchi for mains, and the bread pudding and tiramisu for dessert. The food was delicious and came out right as we finished the previous dish. The service was amazing, the chef came out to describe the dish to us it was very interactive and fun! The highlight of the night was the bone marrow gnocchi, it was so flavourful and creamy! Would definitely recommend this place and can t wait to come back!

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Amazing place highly recommend

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

Amazing. Try the duck, tuna and scallops. The $100 date night deal was nothing but worth it. Also owned by the cutest married couple in history - so kind and passionate about the food. Spend your hard earned money here. Will be back ASAP.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

My brother took me here for an early birthday dinner. We did the $100 date night special, and it did not disappoint. For food (see images) we had the following: Charcuterie board with assorted meats and cheeses Drinks: Aperol & Campari Spritz Apps: cheese ravioli & wagyu tartar Mains: fettuccine fungi & bone marrow w/ gnocchi Desserts: affogato & tiramisu Overall, the experience from walking in to the restaurant to leaving felt very personal and welcoming. We managed to come a bit earlier before all the tables filled up and it got a bit loud for table conversation, but understandable since the space is a bit smaller than most.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Found this place based on TikTok for the $100 date night deal. Had a delicious and well thought out meal with excellent service. Particularly enjoyed the scallops appetizer and Picanha main. Left absolutely stuffed, a luxury dining experience for an incredible price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

It was an excellent experience great food !

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Amazing food

★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Came for date night the other night and was overall an ok dining experience. Called and had booked a reservation but when we showed up was told it would be about 20 mins because there were other people waiting outside as well. We were seated after waiting (thankfully not at one of the 2 tables *right* by the door) & service was fantastic from then onwards. Chef brings out the food himself and explains the dishes. Pros: - price can t be beat (dinner for 2 with drinks for $100) - food arrives quickly - effort in food presentation - really nice napkins (odd but true!) Improvements: - the cheesy jazz music is super loud and has random ads mixed in - the lighting is quite cold, a switch to warmer lightbulbs would make it feel cozy instead of sort of tired - a few of the food dishes. The charcuterie was good but the olive oil was pretty bland. Understand they ran out of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella so we had a substituted Brie and beet plate, think the Brie wasn t the right choice as it s quite strong but also understand they were making it work with what they had. The noodles in the mushroom pasta were actually spaghettini and borderline overcooked (though TONS of mushrooms). The scallops were cooked perfectly but had far too much pepper. The lamb was also cooked perfectly but didn t taste too fresh. For dessert, the tiramisu was ok but was very confused by the blueberry/lemon sauce on the plate (didn t seem to go with it at all). Overall the food was ok but not really anything to rave about.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Great experience, the date night for 2 was delicious and incredible value. The couple who run the restaurant are passionate and lovely

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

Great service, and a great range of dishes for a fantastic price

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Genuinely one of the best meals I ve ever had hands down. The owners (married) really make you feel like you stepped into their home for a meal. Honest, delicious, simple and unbelievably delicious.

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

Probably my favorite restaurant in Toronto. I come here regularly with my girlfriend. The restaurant is owned and run by a legendary couple. Food is extremely tasty, service and attention to detail is delightful. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

We had the $100 date night special which had a charcuterie board, 2 apps, 2 mains, 2 desserts and a bottle of wine. It was such a good deal and the food was very good!

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

A hidden gem - an excellent deal and experience overall. Food was great and service was very warm. Youre made to feel very at home. Extra bonus: the chairs were super comfortable. Food

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Clandestino Wine Bar is the best hidden gem in Toronto. The menu is gorgeous, the food is exceptional and the owners are FABULOUS!! You could go to Yorkville and pretend or go here and experience amazing food by a passionate family

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Worst fine dining experience in the city! Flavourless overly complex poor quality food. No salt, too much fat and the only acid was in the rotten whipped creams that accompanied a separated crème brûlée. Confronted the chef and was told a lie about the spoiled dairy being intentional all this prior to being handed a POS machine that didn t have an other or no tip option. Wanted to love this place so much but the trifecta of bad service, bad food and (should have read the) bad reviews before make it impossible. For the love of Toronto s diverse restaurant scene eat absolutely anywhere but here.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This is absolutely the best place to go. Great food and very friendly service. The Date Night promotion is the best, unbeatable offer in whole greater Toronto aerea. I will definitely go back, and it is my favorite place from now on. Thank you Clandestino Wine Bar for the quality of food and service!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food, Great Service. They offer best promotions around the area. Definitely a place to visit for a Date Night ! Chef Deso will not disappoints you!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Love this place! The owner is quite a character...his hospitality is what we keep coming back for.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food , inexpensive place. The owner is a very dedicated chef. Not only is a great cook but he has first class wine knowledge as sommelier. The wood oven pizza is excellent. You cannot go wrong with pasta. It is a steal. We highly recommend. Update: January 2023 Restaurant has become a fancy place with the same great prices but better menu. Pasta and pizza have always been my favorite but the menu includes a spectrum of dishes from Siberian Sturgeon Caviar to Wagyu Carpaccio to die for. Great wine choices and even better service for family run restaurant.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I can say with a lot of confidence that this is the best deal in town. The food was excellent and reasonable. The service was exceptional. Chef Deso came by our table and recommended a very nice wine to match our food. Going back on my first chance.

December 23, 2023

Disgraceful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Had my anniversary dinner here with my boyfriend this evening and we haven t stopped talking about how amazing the food was. The staff were so friendly and the chef personally came out multiple times to answer any questions and made sure we were okay. It was a small and intimate space and we felt very taken care of. We did the date night special which was $150 for two apps, two dinners and two desserts, along with a little charcuterie board to start! And all this included a full bottle of wine as well! The bison tartare was phenomenal and highly recommended. A true hidden gem in parkdale. Thank you for the amazing evening!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The ambiance, service, eclectic menu and quality of food was superb. Will definitely return

★★
December 23, 2023

Food is ok. Would have been a repeating customer had they not forced a mandatory 20% tip. Let this be a lesson for other restaurants. I would not recommend only for that reason. Please dont force outrageous tipping.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Cant go wrong with the date night experience. Great food, charming restaurant, not pretentious, and a very passionate and nice host. One of the best restaurants in Toronto when it comes to price <> value, without the over-crowdedness. A good time with good food -- cant ask for more :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Discovered this gem of a restaurant on IG and so glad I did. The owners are the sweetest couple, so friendly and welcoming. The date night menu is perfect. The dishes were beyond words. Every single dish that arrived was soo delicious, like a piece of art. The creativity and attention to detail placed on every single dish is evident. We had the most magical date night and will be back. The dishes in the photo are, scallops appetizer, lamb as the main and tiramisu for dessert.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I had such a wonderful time at Clandestino Wine Bar last night! We went for a girls night out and tried their date night special. Absolutely amazing value for such delicious food. This restaurant is the epitome of everything a restaurant should be- incredibly gracious hospitality with a passion for creativity and quality food made with love. I will definitely be coming back many times! Thank you for the experience

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This place is always great. The owners go above and beyond in both food and service. The food is delicious and the sauces are exceptional.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Had a pre birthday dinner there yesterday. All I can say is that place is a hidden gem on Queen West that I m already looking forward to come back to. The food was beyond any expectations, wine was exquisite, arguably the most personal and attentive service I ve ever had in Ontario. Great attention to details, even looking at their dinnerware. Would give it way more stars if I could.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came in for a pre-bday dinner and enjoyed the date night special. The chef would come up to our table and ask how we are doing, have some background on the dishes served, helped us pick the appetizers. The food was outstanding, the service was amazing, truly a hidden Queen West gem. Will definitely be back for more!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The area around is a bit challenging in terms of parking but this place is worth it. The $150 date menu option is an extremely good value. The food is delicious from the first course to the dessert (best crème brûlée ever by the way). I will be coming back, especially to try their new items since menu changes from time to time. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came here for a date night with my partner! This is such a low key cozy spot with AMAZING food. You can tell the chef is extremely passionate! We decided to opt out of the date night special, although it did seem like a really good deal. We ll make sure to get it next time though! We ended up getting 3 apps: wagyu beef tartare, bone marrow and the squid ink pasta. We also got the duck breast for our main. They started off our meal with a small amuse bouche of bread, olives, a slice of cheese, and a piece of sausage. The bread was quite dense but everything was a small pleasant taste. Then came the first app: the beef tartare. Did not expect it to come on top of a salt block!! The concept was cool but the taste was even better. The block chilled the meat and the longer you wait, the saltier it gets. The bone marrow was amazing, perfectly seasoned and so hearty! I loved the chickpea salad that came with it too. We got the squid ink pasta in the appetizer size and the duck breast as our mains and it was the perfect amount of food for us. The squid ink pasta was extremely creamy and didn t feel heavy at all! I loved it so much, we even asked the chef how he made it. The duck breast was so sweet and juicy and the potatoes that came with it was absolutely delightful. We didn t end up getting any drinks, as we both do not drink alcohol, nor any desserts since we had ice cream plans for later but we are definitely coming back here for more! Such a hidden gem, you won t be disappointed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Absolutely outstanding experience! 10/10.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Wow .. What an amazing experience . The owners are so passionate and it shows.. We had the special for $150 and it comes with a bottle of Wine, Amuse bouche(tapas) 2 appetizers, 2 meals and desserts. I would definitely recommend this place.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great atmosphere and a very relaxing experience. Food was great and reasonably priced. Will definitely go back.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

What a great find! Was visiting family in Toronto and this place came very recommended! Excellent food, superb service, excellent dining experience overall!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Literally the best fine dining experience Ive ever had. Casual surroundings, hosted by a passionate, skilled chef. Treat yourself or a loved one to date night, you wont be disappointed.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great service with excellent food. Dont be deterred by the decor. Chef will also gladly discuss the dishes and food as they are brought out which is not something seen often at other restaurants. Food

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Always an amazing meal!! Dietary restrictions: Chef is happy to accommodate. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great date night special. Food was amazing, great chef/owner. We will be back again soon.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great experience! The food, service, ambiance were perfect. Excellent deal on their Date night package as well.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Went here with my bf for the date night special and buck a shuck oysters. Amazing food and large portions. The owners were really friendly and attentive as well.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Wow I cannot say enough about how great this restaurant was. The owners really care about their guests and the quality of food proves it. We came for my birthday with 4 other guests and everyone had a great time. Such a great dining experience. I would recommend to anyone.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Absolutely fantastic meal. Best date night special in the city hands down. The food is carefully made with love and the owners clearly love what they do. They treated us like family from start to finish. Absolutely amazing meal with a complimentary charcuterie board, Wagyu carpaccio with bone marrow & gnocchi, mains were octopus and beef tongue, affogato and tiramisu with a bottle of wine. You cannot miss out on this amazing restaurant.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came here last night for a girls night dinner and it was absolutely amazing. Their date night special is probably the best bang for your buck Ive seen in awhile within Toronto - a mini charcuterie board, 2 apps, 2 mains, 2 desserts, AND a whole bottle of wine!!! Portions were pretty well sized, food was delicious, and the service was great. Would highly recommend this place and I am so excited to bring my partner here to try it out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Such a charming family owned restaurant where they treat you like family. Delicious oysters, beef tartar and Carbonara. The atmosphere is perfect.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Hands down - one of if not THE finest restaurants in Toronto today! We are foodies and we get out on the town a fair bit. Love to cook ... love to dine out ... love creative and experimental foods. It amazes me that the chef of this local eatery isnt a household name in Toronto. Our food was off the charts good. Carefully & lovingly prepared ... creative pairings ... pleasing presentation ... extremely high quality ingredients - and a chef who cares enough to come out from the kitchen throughout the evening to check on his guests. Many dishes hand-delivered & explained by chef himself. There were 4 in our party - a celebratory evening for the recent engagement of our son & his fiancee - and I must say we couldnt have picked a better spot. We will absolutely go back ............ again and again! Fantastic! To this restaurant, I say: YES, CHEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Favourite of the evening: Wagyu Tartare

★★★
December 23, 2023

The food was 5-star amazing (minus the mushroom pasta), but the service was awful, hence the 3-stars. We sat for at least half an hour without drinks, and they refused to start us with at least drinks until our whole group arrived. Appetizers were just denied altogether. They also force you to do 20-25-30% tips, which would be ok if the service had been better. Good atmosphere and great food though

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

One of my favourite spots in Toronto :) can t go wrong

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

A great neighbourhood restaurant with an ambitious and creative menu that delivers on it s promise. Service is warm, prompt and attentive. Money well-spent. Vegetarian options: There are vegetarian options available. Dietary restrictions: One of the first questions asked. Though we don t have any, other diners did and they were accommodated. Parking: Street parking on Queen West. No problem in this part of Queen.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This place is legit probably my favourite restaurant in Toronto (and thats saying a lot!) Incredible food, the date night special is the best value for money Ive ever seen and the couple that run this place are just absolutely lovely. Seriously, go check this place out.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVED our meal and relaxing atmosphere! The owners are so kind, they took time to talk to us and explain how some items where made, I couldnt get over how delicious every dish was. Each course was times perfectly and they were so generous with portion sizes. The scallops and carbonara were the best Ive ever had!! We will 100% be going back soon. THANK YOU for the personalized service and we cant wait to come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Their date night special is truly one of the best steals in the city for the quality and huge portions you get! Went here a couple weeks ago with my partner. The amuse bouche was a mini charcuterie board and it was so fresh and a perfect starter. The house wine bottle also paired really nicely with everything. Had the bone marrow & gnocchi for my appetizer and it was incredibly tasty - it was so big it could have been my main! Had the grilled octopus as my main and it was perfectly cooked - not rubbery or too mushy at all. The affogato for dessert was the perfect way to end the meal. The owners are the warmest people - had great conversation with them and they were very attentive, kind and went above and beyond to provide great service. Ill definitely be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

A GEM!! We are so glad to have found this place! The food is exquisite and the portions are absolutely perfect. Usually, other places with such upscale menu either dont fill you up and if it does, food wont be top notch. Not the case here! You get beautiful and delicious food and very filling! The menu has plenty for everyone and will keep you coming back for more. The atmosphere is very relaxed yet formal - has a bit of NYC restaurant feel to it. And the owners are just the most friendliest souls we have ever had the opportunity to interact with. You will also be amazed by their knowledge of food and wine! Speaking of wine, the house wine here is surprisingly good! If you like light summer wine, try the white wine -- it will keep you coming back for more! Bottom line - If you want to try something that will surprise you and keep you coming back - Clandestino is a must try!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Truly a hidden gem

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant. The owners are tremendously talented, the chef is incredible, the menu is fresh, elevated and fantastic, the management and hospitality unreal. This is the first time I ve been to a restaurant in Canada that made me feel so welcome! I felt like a regular by my second visit (been here far more since.) They recognized us as soon as we walked in and excitedly greeted us with a chat and catch up, one of the owners even offered to come and support one of my hobbies. Also, On my partners birthday we got extra special treatment. Just a big overall wow. They are a cut above the rest. It will be a night or nights to remember. They deserve only the best!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Beyond amazing. I have dined at Clandestino four times now. I have been with just one other person but have also went with a large group of 8+ people. Every time the experience has been truly amazing and I have told SO many people about this place. The service is incredible, the atmosphere is nice and relaxed, and the food tastes and is presented as if you are eating at the most expensive and high class restaurant, but its super affordable. I love that I can go here for an absolutely incredible meal without breaking the bank. The owners are such lovely people and the Chef is so talented. The flavors explode in your mouth. I cant say enough amazing things about this place!!

★★★★
December 23, 2023

Went there for the date night promotion. The food was great, my favorite was the beef tartare on salt ice, great presentation and delicious food. Chef doesn t look at you when he talks, like he s talking to the air. Tipflation!! The only 3 options to select was 20/25/30% when you pay on the machine. Bring some cash if you don t wanna overpay tips.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The date night special is so worth it! They started us off with a DELICIOUS house red and charcuterie board. Then we had the scallops (my fav part of the meal) and Wagyu tartar. For mains I had the mushroom pasta and my partner had the duck (which was cooked to perfection). And then for dessert we had bread pudding and an affogato. My only warning would be that the tartar comes on a salt block so it can get quite salty if you scrape too much. The owners are a very funny nice couple, service was great. Cant wait to check out their new location

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Chef and his wife are clearly welcoming and passionate but this was not a fine dining experience. Food was average. Lacked salt and something to elevate the dishes. Nothing wrong with it but it was just okay. Some items on the dishes didnt match menu description. Under both dishes there was a chickpea puree but the texture was off-putting. Steak and octopus were tough. Steak was torched with a blow torch (construction style). For date night prices it was alright but we wont be back. Great ideas but the follow through lacked flavor and excitement especially for fine dining.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

I came here for a birthday celebration and they were so sweet. the food is very fairly priced and great quality

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great date night promo! $80 for two is a steal for eating out these days. And each dish came with flavor and presentation! You definitely see the chef s effort and he personally comes to tell you about the dish. Can t get more intimate than that :) For $80, you get a charcuterie board to share, 2 appetizers, 2 main courses and 2 desserts of your choice. Still waiting on their liquor license and not a fancy decor fine dining spot if that s what you re looking for. But great bang for your buck! Ill definitely be back!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Excellent food and service. Date night menu is such a good value for what you get. My favourite date spot. Love the new location - cant wait to go again.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Had dinner at Clandestino tonight and it was a fun night. The wait staff and chef are very attentive and the food was on point. We had the date night courses. Everything was delicious. The mini charcuterie board has an assortment of selections and it was a perfect start. We also enjoyed the uck a shuck oysters. They were on the small side but, very fresh. We both had the scallops for an appetizer and it was devine. A real highlight of the meal. For the main we had steak with gnocchi and duck breast with fennel mash. Both were delicious and the sauce for the dishes really complemented the protein. Dessert was affogato and tiramisu. A great finish to a lovely evening. Definitely will be coming back again. Everything was delicious but, we especially enjoyed the mini charcuterie board, scallops appetizer, duck breast main course and affogato dessert.

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We came here during their soft opening on Dundas. I appreciate that they re probably not done decorating so the ambience was off. We were hopeful for the buck a shuck but they re low quality and what you expect for a dollar. We got two other fish appetizers and I hate to be such a harsh critic but they weren t good. The scallops weren t consistently cooked so some were rubbery. I didn t think the dish flowed and the seaweed was overpowering. The tuna dish lacked flavour. There was a green sauce and a red caviar but it all tasted the same in your mouth and nothing was notable. The service was great and the staff is really friendly. They re really hustling and I wish them the best in their new home on Dundas.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Food was amazing, very reasonably priced, and service was fantastic. Highly recommended for anyone!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

One of the best date night spots. Great specials, amazing menu options, and friendly service.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The owners mentioned the restaurant was still a work in progress so this is only a soft opening, but I absolutely loved the experience! The chef really cares about the food and how it tastes, everything was super delicious, well cooked, and well seasoned. We got 8 oysters since the chef said that was all that was left, the date night special starting with a mini charcuterie, scallop & wagyu tartar apps, lamb t bone & fettuccine mains, & ricotta cheesecakes for dessert. Oysters tasted fresh, the charcuterie board had a great variety, the scallop and fettuccine were my favorites of the night, and everything else also tasted great. It was a quiet night, service was attentive, and the price was crazy affordable! Youd pay at least double at another restaurant for way smaller portions, that wont as good as Clandestinos. Highly recommend, 12/10 stars. Next time well come back to try the bone marrow since it was sold out tonight!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This is one of the most memorable restaurants I have been to in the city. The food felt truly sincere and the experience heartfelt. My partner and I came here on a quiet Sunday night for a dinner date, we chose the Date Night Special which was an insanely good deal that included an amuse bouche, 2 appetizers, 2 mains, and desserts, I couldn t believe it. The scallop was a highlight, I thoroughly enjoyed the lamb rack, and my partner absolutely loved the fettuccine. The owner was super friendly, he talked to us about the food, the available ingredients, and their new relocation here on Dundas/Ossington. He really cared about our dining experience and left us with a profound impression. TLDR - Clandestino is cozy and un-pretentious gem. The food is delightful and the service genuinely sincere. It is a dining experience that will leave you wanting more. Dietary restrictions: The owner was accommodating for all types of dietary restriction.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Their date night deal is awesome. Delicious, reasonably priced, and great atmosphere. 10/10

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

This place is straight up the best. The owners are the friendliest couple you ll ever meet. The food I am sitting here waiting for my bill right now. So stuffed because the portions are generous to say the least but despite being full the second I typed the food my mouth started salivating again . That s it - you re guaranteed to love this place. Bring friends. You ll be back.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Wow. My face hurts from smiling at the sweet man that was describing the meals with such detail and passion. I ve dedicated him as my nonno. Not to mention the food is absolutely exquisite. I ve been here twice in 2 weeks (and I live an hour and a half away. I am dedicated at this point) Come eat here or else you re insane. Take my word.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now and yesterday I went with my boyfriend for date night. $100 for 3 courses - charcuterie board, then came the bone marrow with gnocchi and my boyfriend had the ravioli (both amazing!). I had the lamb which was cooked to perfection along with the eggplant puree. My boyfriend had the steak which was torched at the table! The evening ended with dessert. The meal also came with a bottle of the house wine. Service was great! Highly recommended and will definitely be coming again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

We went to Clandestino for my birthday recently to take advantage of the $100 date night. We had been planning to try it for years and finally made it happen. The service was excellent they let us add a side of gnocchi to our Top sirloin instead of the purée and it was the best part of the meal. Foie gras and the steak was also very good. The carbonara was not our favourite but it s hard to complain at that price point. Charcuterie, 2 apps, 2 mains and all of the desserts plus a bottle of wine for $100. You can t beat that. Plus they had buck a shuck oysters that were small but very fresh and shucked with care. No shells. We recommend Clandestino!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The food is absolutely delicious! Service is amazing. Wine is superb.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Came here for the date night special and was so glad we came. The owners were very attentive, the service was great. Youd be hard pressed to find a better meal for two for $100 that even includes a bottle of wine. We will definitely be back.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

What a great experience and amazing food!! 10/10 food and service!! (Recently hard to find in toronto). The bone marrow and pork belly were out of this world. Presentations were absolutely stunning. You can see how much thought and effort goes into each dish, the flavours, the recipe, presentation, patiently explaining everything on the plate. The chef and (I think his wife) were so incredibly kind and thoughtful. Will definitely come back again and will continue to let everyone know what an awesome experience it is! Thanks Chef!

December 23, 2022

Cannot speak to the food but can definitely share my unpleasant experience with them. Made a a reservation for 3 was placed at a table in the back near the kitchen and towards a staircase going to the washrooms. I asked the hostess if I can switch tables to the front where there was a free booth that could ve have accommodated me and my group. She explained that the tables were reserved. I noted I reserved too and am early. She insisted you cannot sit there. I begrudgingly went to sit at the table that was allotted to me and my group, I did not make anymore fuss. Then another couple (caucasian) was seated near our table. They felt uncomfortable with their seating (same as me a few minutes earlier) and asked to change tables. Their request was granted. I noticed this and talked again to the hostess. I was direct and asked why these people were moved to the front and my earlier request was denied. She said it is because you are a group of three, I reemphasized that did not really matter because there was a free booth at the front when I arrived and this all sounds unfair. I did not even bring up race but it was apparent she clearly had a bias against my group. She got flustered/heated and proceeded to say I will not deal with you anymore the chef will service you. That is when I decided to leave the restaurant. If I can t get the respect I deserve as a human being then I will not spend my hard earned money there. Plain and simple. No shouting, no argument necessary. I will be fair and point out that the chef tried to smooth things over but the damage was done. Very enraging experience, will not support such a business EVER.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

We hit Clanadestino for pre-show dinner and drinks with another couple. We enjoyed the date night special which was a wonderful experience and very good value. The service was excellent and very attentive. The owners were very hands-on but never overdid it - our water glasses were always filled as were our wine glasses, and fresh cutlery was delivered to suit the course. The menu, ingredients and preparation of food was thoughtfully and passionately explained. It is obvious they take great pride in their curated menu. Our meals were excellent - tasty and well proportioned and overall we thoroughly enjoyed everything served to us. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Clandestino - its a great spot.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

If you are looking for a sophisticated, high quality class food with great service, great ambiance, this is the place to be. We love this place, our go to date night. Chef does his thing and it s always amazing!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

My husband and I had a fantastic date night in this lovely place. We had the full experience: oysters, starters, mains, desert and of course wine. All was delicious and made with love. You can tell how much the quality of food matters to this family-owned establishment. The service, food and atmosphere will definitely keep us coming back.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Great customer service. Love the pizza. Drinks were delicious. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Amazing food!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Went last night for a double date and had an excellent experience. The staff was very friendly and the chef gave a fun run-down of the menu. Loved his energy. The portion sizes were great and we left very full. I had the rack of lamb and it was perfectly cooked. I highly recommend the date night special.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Amazing restaurant. My partner and I have been coming here for years and the food and service is incredible every time we come. The quality of ingredients and care given to each dish is unmatched, and the atmosphere created by the phenomenal husband and wife team create a truly fantastic experience which always leaves us smiling and ready to come back for more! Would highly recommend every dish on the menu (as we ve had the pleasure of trying most) but the ones that made us fall in love with the restaurant, and are must haves in our book, are the pasta carbonara and the waygu carpaccio. Each dish provides such a well rounded balance between unique and familiar flavours which makes every bite feel like a treat to the taste buds. Michelin missed out on this place because they truly deserve it, better get in now before they are too busy to get a seat, because mark my words that day is coming soon!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Blown away by the food! The bone marrow was my fav, so buttery and savoury (a must try)! The rack of lamb was also really delicious with a mint sauce. The date night option was well worth it and so was the cheesecake. Ambience was perfect for a cozy dinner. Def will come again!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

One of the best meals Ive had in the city! We got the date night deal and I had the pork belly, carbonara and tiramisu. Good portions for the price and the service was great. Will be back soon before the date night promotion ends!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

The place is cozy and very friendly - great service and the best pasta a la carbonara I have had in Toronto. This little gem is the best kept secret in town Parking: Public parking available nearby

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

The date night special is a pretty good deal considering the quality and amount of food included. Everything we had was delicious, the staff were knowledgeable and provided great service. Would definitely recommend checking them out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Went there for a date night and had their date night menu, delicious (I recommend the wagyu tartare) and so worth it! The chef comes out to explain what you are having and does any finishing touches on the food before you. We also enjoyed their buck and shuck oysters which was fresh and creamy. Looking forward to going back again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Date Night is an amazing deal! I was a little apprehensive that the portions would be on the smaller size or that the dishes would be of lesser quality, this could not be further from the truth! The dishes are TOP NOTCH in both quality and taste! I cannot recommend Clandestino enough, it is truly Toronto best kept Date night secret!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Was introduced to this charming westend restaurant last night. Outstanding food quality. Very enjoyable and highly recommend, especially for date night Parking: Public parking nearby.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

I loved this place. Delicious food, really amazing! Well be back there soon :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

This was without doubt the best meal I ve had in Toronto. We went for the date night option which I think might be finishing soon but the value for money was amazing. If I had to pick a highlight it would have to be the truffle ravioli but I have no complaints about any dish! The restaurant was quiet but a lovely atmosphere, the courses were nicely timed apart and the staff gave us loads of attention. To top it off the portions were huge and we left in pain (in the best way). 10/10 - we will definitely return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Excellent handmade pasta and very accommodating staff.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Such kind staff and amazing food Dietary restrictions: Super considerate of allergies and made change to accommodate!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Yes. Yes. Yes.