227 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8, Canada
Stylish, brass-accented eatery with a raw bar serving inventive, French-influenced cuisine. Please note: Restaurant La Banane and Bar Banane are separate spaces. A reservation made here is for Restaurant La Banane.
While the food was quite good, we waited over 2 hours for our food to be served after ordered (2.5 hours since arriving for our reservation). For such an establishment, I expected better service. They did compensate us with a round of drinks but I still don’t think that was enough for the long wait. Just beware that when they are busy, wait times can be quite long. While I think our server tried his best, I won’t be back.
This is one of the best French restaurants in Toronto. We started off with a steak tartar and it was perfection. The crunchy hickory sticks gave it a fun texture. Their house made brioche buns came with delicious butter, that alone transports you to Paris. The Dragonita cocktail is a great spin on a spicy margarita, perfectly balanced sweet and spicy. For main, we got the venison, potatoes and salad. The potatoes were actually the highlight. They were perfectly whipped with gruyere cheese, so yummy. Lastly, our server was so personable and engaging. I forgot their name but it made the whole experience ten times better.
freaking unreal. must go french in the city. such high quality food and amazing wine. the service is phenomenal and the vibe and decor matches the elevated food. we got the scallops, shrimp, salad, steak, mushroom and crab pasta. wow. melt in your mouth with each bite. and the brioche buns too. divine. topped everything off with a chocolate mousse tart. fantastic. please go to try for yourself. just incredible. genuinely one of the best french i’ve had (incl. france and nyc).
I haven’t eaten here but came here a few times for drinks after a dinner. However every time I come here I make sure to get their banana caramel tart!! It’s the perfect sweet bite!! And for the price of $6 it’s a no brainer! Will be coming back to have a proper meal
The poulet farci was just salty reconstituted chicken while my heirloom tomatoes was one slice of tomato (I believe that slice was $18). Their signature mashed potatoes was way too cheesy, to the point that it wasn't even tasty. Not going back
This is a must try place for anyone that likes French cuisine or is looking to explore it. Really stunning options in the menu, we had the crab from raw bar, the mushroom from kitchen followed by the sea bass and basque cake and every dish was exceptional. Their cocktails and also dessert pairings are very good. Because it was our first time we went with the recommendations from the server and I have to thank him because every recommendation was spot on! Also try louiseville slugger if you are a fan of whiskey (thank me later 😜). Another great option is taking the tasting menu some people around us went with that option and I think it’s the kind of restaurant where it makes sense to explore chef’s choice.
This was for an anniversary dinner with my husband, so it was a treat. They greeted us with free champagne which was nice, and service was great. I will say the food very rich. And, keep in mind this is a high end restaurant. Everything was great.
★★★★★ Stunning food and a very experienced service team at La Banane. Love the vibe when walking in - relaxed with an aesthetic, beautiful interior. Highly recommend the scallops, steak tartare, seared foie gras, and the wagyu eye (3.5 oz is perfect for one person to taste without feeling too oily). The Eurobass is surprisingly good in both flavor and presentation. Please get the Pommes Aligot as your side, sooooo good. Don't miss the Banane cake with salty caramel ice cream; it's the best dessert I've tasted in a while, truly divine. The bill is on the expensive side, but all five of us left very satisfied. If you dine here often, lucky you!
Leaving a 1 star for service because the wait time for mains was over 2 hours from when we ordered. Completely ruined the dinner experience. The server was nice and tried to do his best to salvage the situation by covering a round of drinks and topping up our wine glasses. However, didn t feel like it was enough. They seemed resigned to us never coming back and didn t go out of their way to change our minds. The food was good, although portion sizes were disappointing.
La Banane is a hidden gem! The atmosphere is inviting, and the staff is incredibly friendly. The food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Highly recommend for a fantastic dining experience!
A big thank you to accommodating both my and my friends dietary restrictions on the Carte Blanche option. It was greatly appreciated. I dont think Ive ever eaten as slowly to prolong the experience! The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!
We got the tasting menu and it was very impressive and tasty :) However it was quite a lot of butter in the food (which is totally normal for French food) so we did order coke in the middle of the meal. The service is very nice and they take very good care of us Food
- Loud and overbearing music (why does the music have sirens??). - Overpriced food 50 for an appetizer sized cut of venison and 28 for tartare is robbery. - Poor service: I appreciated my server s wittiness but plates took ages to be cleared and spoons were provided for the venison and cod. I didn t feel I could even finish my sentence without a joking interjection. Also received a dish that we didn t order; this was provided complimentary along with some witty remarks. Overall a poor experience. I can see the potential from the kitchen but at that price point I either expect more quantity or quality. Considering the area this place is in, there are plenty of better options.
Amazing dining experience. The foie gras, mushrooms and fish were delicious and sauces were unique flavours.
The food at La Banane is exceptional, there is no denying that. The chefs are obviously very skilled and the food/flavours are very elegant. However this is not a place you want to go to very hungry unless you plan on spending $500+ for 2 people. The portions are extremely small. The service was unfortunately not up to par with the price of the food. It took almost an hour to get our food order in and I had to ask the bartender to take it. Our server Sylvain was less than impressive. He walked past our table over 20x bussing the tables around us, going to the bar to take a shot multiple times, go on his phone etc but did not take our order. He seemed more interested in getting drunk and checking his phone than working. It was extremely frustrating especially because we averaged $250 per person at our table. When you spend that kind of money you expect to be taken care of. We will not be going back based on the service alone. The only reason I gave any stars for service was because the bartender did take care of us despite being busy at the bar.
Delicious food and great staff and service! The perfect place to go for a special night out!
Perfect spot for a night out. The food was impeccable and the service was top notch.
Had the tasting menu, it was excellent. As were the bartenders who did a great job balancing making drinks with serving us. Some of the best food we had in Toronto.
Might be the best restaurant in Toronto Feels like a celebration everytime you go. Food
The chicken is life changing
Had a fantastic dinner here to celebrate our wedding anniversary! After our original plans fell through (Pastiche down the street decided to close and not notify anyone...) we were able to grab a last minute reservation here on a Friday night, and honestly it was a blessing in disguise because the experience was incredible. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, the food was on par with some of the best fine dining meals Ive had, and the drinks were fantastic. The bartenders made several custom mocktails for me on request, which made the night even more special. Have been recommending this spot to friends and family and cant wait to go back!
Great drinks and service!
I haven t been here in years and I am so glad we returned this week. Really loved the menu and our service. French food is one of favourite cuisines and this place really does it best. The meal was decadent and such an adventure. You can tell there is meticulous preparation and high quality ingredients. Each dish is beautifully presented. We started with caviar service, which comes with blinis and some accompaniments, the scallops, greens and mussels (loved the sauce). The mushrooms were SO good, also. I personally had the duck breast for my main and it was perfectly juicy and delicious. The potato dish (pommes aligot)is viral for a reason-insane! My partner had the bass en croute which was stunning! Friends had the Poulet and Rib eye. We ate in silence and awe. 10/10 food and service
The location, decor, ambiance, and service were great no complaints there. As a fan of French cuisine, I ve had much better in Toronto. Unfortunately, this place missed the mark. The cocktails were subpar and overpriced, and the food lacked execution. The duck, in particular, was overly chewy, with the dominant flavors being salt and fat, missing the balance a dish like this requires. Overall, not worth the price tag.
Some of the most consistent and best food in the city, service is amazing and Sylvain is the absolute best
Beautiful restaurant with beautiful food. Been back a few times now and its always a wonderful meal. Perfect place for an anniversary or celebration.
My favorite restaurant in Toronto.
A symphony of flavors awaits at one of Toronto s finest dining treasures. Every dish is a masterpiece, artfully crafted with ingredients that tell a story of their own. From the moment you step inside, you re embraced by an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand, as if the walls themselves hum with the promise of something extraordinary. The ingredients rare, vibrant, and bursting with life dance together on the plate, each bite an exploration of taste that lingers, leaving you yearning for just one more. It s a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary, where beauty meets flavor, and indulgence becomes unforgettable.
Portions are quite small for the price. We accidentally ordered too many salty foods and the flavour profile got repetitive. I noticed they did not keep water glass always topped up and nobody said goodbye to us. Parking: Parking on the street seems easier than the parking lot.
Gastronomical heaven!
Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Incredible Service. Mind blowing drinks by Chris. Lives up to the hype!
I stopped by for an early evening Sunday cocktail (ok fine, it was two) and had a wonderfully delightful time. The host, whose name I didn t grab, was warm and inviting. He also gave me some recommendations on things to do during my quick trip to Toronto. Tyler served up some delicious drinks On the Money is exactly as described and his bespoke was a treat. Would go back and would recommend.
Great menu options and great (rich) sauces! We had the Hakkaido Scallop, Maitake Mushrooms, Petits Pois, Sable Fish (special) and for dessert, the Gateau a La Banane. Every dish was spectacular and our server, Ellen and the Sommelier, Mathieu were charming and helpful. Well definitely be back!
I had the pommes aligot, flat iron steak and shrimp. Everything was made to perfection and tasted great! Seasoned just well
Incredible food! Great service. Love the vibe.
The food was amazing, the ambience nice and lively, but there are not enough staff. We waited very long to be served and for the food to arrive. The service was very good, though, the times he could actually get to us.
Great restaurant. The service was amazing and the food was tasty. Go see Chris the Bartender. He made these unique and delicious drinks. Ask for the raspberry foam drink. The Mushroom dish was my favorite of the meal. Great atmosphere for special occasions or night out.
I had an amazing time. I m a little late on my review as I come in June. I never know what to saw when I get a cocktail. I just ask for something that taste like fruit juice and it was executed amazingly . Our server went above and beyond for me and my partner. Had such an amazing experience and would recommend to anyone.
Every single dish was 10/10! Amazing servers.
Upscale French. They have beautiful seafood platters, which you can customize to your liking, the scallop crudo is always delicious made in a brown butter, lots of fresh seafood- oysters, lobster crab and shrimp, nice wines and unique cocktail, they have a changing menu w/ certain classic dishes always on the menu. It s intimate, classy and romantic, nice spot to celebrate a birthday, go on a date, or just go in for a nice dinner.
We are experienced fine diners and were absolutely thrilled with our evening there. Ben and his colleagues did a truly outstanding job of providing us one of our most memorable meals....ever. We look forward to another visit in the future.
Exceptional place with gourmet food and friendly service. The seafood plate was incredible, its size was good for 2. Seabass was something out of this world. Omlete with caviar and mushrooms were just the best! Highly recommended for a nice dinner with friends
We arrived at 7pm and we have been served food at 9pm 2 hours wait. The waiter was however professional but we were Very disappointed by the waiting. It just ruins the whole experience . And everyone was hungry and we ate within 15 min more or less. Does it worth the wait? Certainly not . The food is great however the price for a salad side at $17 is a steal. There were just 7 leaves and vinaigrette on top. You expect better than that for just a simple green salade .
Exquisite place to dine in. The presentation was wonderful and the food tasted great. We had the seafood platter, and the scallops just melted in your mouth. We also had the Foie Gras and the Tartar as well. Will definitely come back to try more.
My favorite restaurant for a reason. Always amazing.
Amazing cocktails and service!! Really cool menu
Ok place, pricey. When you say Bistro in French culture you mean more affordable. Definitely not a bistro, Foie Gras was my favorite and Definitely I had better Tartare for less. Brioche was delicious, the steak was barely ok.
Went upstairs to bar banane. Loved it. Not a single complaint. The soulfe was incredible
La Banane is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy exquisite cuisine in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Its clear that the team at La Banane takes great pride in their work, and it shows in every aspect of the restaurant. Highly recommended!
One of my fav restaurants from now on, gives the impression you re dinning out while on vacation in Europe, everything tasted amazing, ambiance is cozy yet chic and service 10/10
Pros: Beautiful space, excellent service, delicious complimentary bread and butter Cons: Tiny portions at very high prices. We paid $40 for the trout (which is their cheapest entree) and the fillet was the size of a fish stick.
If I could give this restaurant 10 stars, I would. The highlight of our evening was hands down our incredible server. Sylvain is incredibly personable and knowledgeable! Sylvain recommended the Goldfinch cocktail to me, and I loved it. We ordered the mussels, shrimp cocktail, and oysters for our entrées, with the chicken and trout as our mains and the cabbage as a side. Everything was delicious! The trout was perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and a delicious sauce and the cabbage was so flavourful. We ordered the gâteau à la banane and baba au rhum to close the evening. I will absolutely come back, for the incredible food yes, but also in the hopes of having another pleasant evening with Sylvain. Bravo!
*** I would like to note that the restaurant went absolutely above and beyond to make up for this unfortunate event. They welcomed us back and treated us like royalty. We are so happy to have been given an opportunity to make some happier memories at the restaurant. What a beautiful experience it was, thank you for all that you did to make things right. We cannot wait to celebrate our next anniversary with La Banane.*** This is an absolute 5 star restaurant. Don t get me wrong. The food was impeccable, the service was amazing. The only issue was this: my girlfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary. The restaurant was so kind and gave us complimentary bubbles on arrival and they all congratulated us. The issue happened at the end of our dinner, when I was cat called by one of the customers seated at the bar. He was seated with two of his friends and he was outwardly making me feeling uncomfortable while I was trying to enjoy dinner with my partner. He kept staring at me, and shouting that I was beautiful. When we decided we should leave, he and his friends all made a big fuss asking where are you going? Are you okay? Only for my girlfriend to feel the need to jump in and tell them we are celebrating and we are absolutely fine. They continued to cackle and make us uncomfortable and the restaurant staff did nothing to stop them. This was genuinely the only reason why we had a poor experience. We felt that it was the restaurants duty to ensure the guests are respectful and not spewing homophobic remarks right in the middle of the restaurant. We were embarrassed and ended up leaving with a really bad taste in our mouths. I don t know if I m out of line thinking that it is the restaurants job to keep guests in line, but we just felt that after dropping $500 on a meal, we should ve had some help in this situation that we did not ask for. Thats all. It s a beautiful restaurant and has exquisite food.
A sensory extravaganza.
Tasty times, we came here and tried the tasting menu and it was great. Loved the potatos part of the tasting menu aswell as the lobster! Very fair portions and costs
Had an amazing experience last night. Service was top tier and the food was delicious. Our server Renee was so sweet, attentive and knowledgeable. Overall a great choice for a nice night out!
Giving this place a 2 star, one star for the server, another for the mashed potatoes. We came here because of reviews and for a higher dining experience, what we got was mediocre food and atmosphere. You walk in here they got nothing fancy expect the bar was decent looking other than that tables and chairs were nothing special. We orders a dozen oysters, the scallops, the ribeye steak, mashed potatoes and few drinks. Oysters were good but kind of hard to mess it up as you just have to get a good supplyer and open them up and throw them on ice. Scallops were over taken by caramelized onions and the taste of the scallops almost completely vanished because of the onions. Oh before I forget the bread they gave was amazing, it was like a muffin but it was bread it was probably the best thing. The ribeye was literally prime rib tasting, one piece would have 3 rocks of salt and was very salty and another had none so it was you and your luck. We came hungry and couldnt eat that took some home fed it to my dog. Mashed potato was good but the portion was tiny for the price. All in all with tip it was 475 (400+75) and I personally wouldnt pay 100 for what I got quality and portion. The banane got me going bananas. Will not be returning.
My absolute favorite.
We ve had a wonderful time and experience here. Parking: Very busy neighborhood Food : 5/5 |
The food was amazing, I even said to my boyfriend part way through the meal that I felt like Marie Antoinette because everything was so decadent and the service was so good. I mentioned it was my birthday when making the reservation and all the staff made me feel so special all night!
Everything was delicious but I didnt feel it was worth the money despite being no stranger to fine dining. Although everything was cooked to perfection with quality ingredients, the portions for the price felt very off. We were expecting a full piece of chicken but got a baby chicken breast which was confusing. The cabbage was absolutely yum and unexpected. The brioche was our favorite part but was complimentary lol I would pay money for those without question. Worth a try but expect to pay $130+ per person and potentially be hungry after.
Food was amazing and the service is impeccable
Excellent French restaurant, the best we have ever eaten that is not in France. The wine is very good, the rainbow trout and the flatiron beef delicious, beautifully cooked and the sauces are very well mastered. We were at the bar and enjoyed the place. Small downside: when you ordered the desserts, some were no longer available so I advise you to order your desserts at the same time as your dishes. You still have to budget for this restaurant, the dishes are excellent but its not cheap.
Lovely meal and excellent service. Standout dishes were the Hokkaido scallop, roasted maitake mushroom, eurobass-en-croute, and pommes aligot.
My brother was out of town visiting from California and I was with my mom who is 81 and we all had an awesome time with everyone but especially Sylvain he is a true GEM ! It s a CRIME this restaurant doesn t have a Michelin Star . Everything was special and will give my family a memorable evening. Thank you .
Fantastic service, great food and an overall lovely evening. Absolute favorite was the mistake mushroom, please do yourself a favor and try it out, it s unlike any mushroom dish you ve tried before. Insulation next to the windows could be improved so the guests sitting next to the windows won t feel the wind blowing through the windows.
The food is amazing. I feel like you are in an high end restaurant in Paris . Strongly recommend. The staff was amazing !
Walked in to this restaurant on a Friday night and was so lucky to get a seat by the bar. Food and service was 10/10! Our server Sylvain definitely made our experience amazing from the moment we sat down to the moment we left. He was so welcoming and made us feel at home. Although the restaurant was busy he made sure to check on us. We ordered the eurobass, duck breast, mussels, maitake mushroom and the infamous pommes aligot. Everything tasted delicious, flavorful and balanced, especially the sauces on the eurobass and maitake mushroom! The eurobass was so soft and tender and the pommes aligot texture was so different than anything I ve had, it was pure creamy buttery cheesy goodness. Also the brioche bread with the whipped butter was *chefs kiss*. We had to ask for more bread to sop up all the sauces! The cocktail I ordered was called Goldfinch and I would definitely order it again.
It has been a while since we had dinner at La Banane. We ordered a dozen of oysters and Hokkaido scallop to start. Oysters are fresh and decent size. For main courses, we had duck breast, seabass and beef tenderloin (rossini). A lot of review said the seabass is too salty, but definitely not for me. Beef tenderloin with foie gras and black truffle is a very good combination. I never tried the tenderloin and foie gras together, I am surprised with the texture in my mouth. However, it is a bit pricy for the 6oz steak. Finally finish up with the banana tart and chocolate cake. Both dessert comes with ice cream. The banana tart is a must try, it is their signature dessert. Overall very good experience!
First time and I will be returning. Loved it.
Every dish was so good, especially Eurobass en Croute was the best.
Overall it was a decent experience. However for a fine dining experience, the whole thing felt kinda mid. The food was pretty good, but not amazing. Portions were predictably small. It was funny because the tables are pretty close to each other and we could hear the conversations the waiter would have with other tables. It was the same conversation they just had with us except they were a bit more friendly and would say a few more friendly words than when they brought out the food to us. Hard not to compare experiences when you are so close you cant help but to overhear. At the end of the night, the waiter said oh you dont have coat check. But when we were seated no one offered coat check in the first place so we had no idea this was an option.
The food and service were top notch. Silvan was amazing and went above and beyond. The standouts for us were the steak, mushrooms and chocolate cake.
It s long
Great food, drinks and service. Came here for Friendsmas dinner and was impressed with the dishes. We had a 5 course meal and the crowd favourites were the Hokkaido Scallops, Eurobass En Croute, Roasted Mushrooms and Rib Steak. 10/10 would come back.
A great dining experience The ladies are very beautiful, the guys are very handsome, the service is very considerate, I recommend the lobster and the margarita cocktail
Food: steak was great (prepped at Jacob s). French appetizers were fine (foie gros, tartare, scallops) but we felt were smaller in portion than what we would typically get in fine dining. Service: Our food came late, the main did not arrive until the tables next to us were nearly wrapped up, even though we arrived at the same time. We spent around 2.5 hours there before desserts. host remembered our names, which is a nice touch. Atmosphere: chique but casual. Both bar and booth seatings are nice.
I was treated here for my birthday. It was all right. I think this place is over rated. The foie gras was nice but the euro bass was nothing to write home about, definitely not worth the $60+ price tag. The cocktail was very nice. The scallops, good but again way over priced. The chocolate cake was very good, rich, decadent, pure chocolate flavour but the flakes underneath the milk ice cream were meh. Service was good but for the amount and quality of food you get, it is way over priced and over rated.
Amazing service from Sylvain. Delicious food and cocktails. Really enjoyable dinner and atmosphere. I will definitely go back!
Had dinner with some friends, what an absolute treat! This place is fantastic. The service was incredible, so friendly and down to earth. Food was on point and we had some delicious cocktails. A must try!!
excellent food and experience, lovely staff, what a treat
I have no words. I have been to many popular fine dining restaurants in Canada but this one!!!!we did a tasting menu (4 courses) and all the food was too good to be true. Our server May knew everything about every dish and explained us everything step by step She was very professional and friendly. Thank you so much!
This has to be one of the best dining experiences I ve ever had. Drinks, food quality and flavours were superb, there was not one thing I tried that didn t make wow. My problem is I m scared to go back and be disappointed because the bar is that high!!
Dietary restrictions: My boyfriend cant have any gluten and our server and the chef got him a gluten free cracker instead of bread, as well as a gluten free dessert. Food
Great taste, great atmosphere. Highly recommend the beef tenderloin and mashed potatoes. Vegetarian options: Provide vegan choice Dietary restrictions: Accommodate dietary restrictions Parking: Green p
No questions asked, this is the best restaurant in Toronto. No other restaurant comes close! The food is out of this world - every single thing we ate was an 11/10. We got the scallops, beef tartare, oysters, beef tenderloin (one with peppercorn sauce and the other with foie gras and truffle), the cabbage and their famous mashed potatoes. INCREDIBLE!! We were literally speechless after every bite. Their cocktails were a flavour explosion - you can t go wrong with any cocktail. Lastly, the dessert - the la banane cake - absolute perfection!!!! Every detail at this restaurant is pristine - even down to their clear ice cubes with the la banane logo and the fact that they remove the crumbs off your table after each course. I ve saved the best part for last - the service. You are greeted at the door by smiling hostesses that ask what the occasion is - when I said it s my boyfriends birthday, she had told the waiters and every single one ended up remembering our names and that it was my bfs birthday! All night they made us feel so special - constantly checking in, making us laugh, getting to know us - they make you feel like a celebrity! Special shout out to Sylvain who was the most incredible human and waiter we have ever experienced. He is so passionate about what he does and truly cares to make your experience a good one. If you try La Banane, do yourself a favour and request Sylvain. I could go on, but please just trust that this will be the best dining experience you ll have in Toronto.
Great experience overall. We did the carte blanche, where the server will decide for us based on our preferences, and it did not disappoint. Overall service was excellent. Food was delicious. Drinks were exceptional.
Delicious food and the best service I have ever received at a restaurant! We were a table of 6 and he asked for our names at the beginning and throughout the entire service he addressed us by our names! He was proactive and overall attentive. Overall great experience!
Good vibe and atmosphere, food needs work. The shrimp cocktail was absolutely disgusting, soggy fhishy, definitely not fresh at all!!! the portion of the tenderloin was tiny (two strip only, no side) the foie gras should be a little more seared to get rid of the oily taste but portion size of the liver was actually the biggest we had compared to many other restaurants. beef tatar salade sweetpotato was fine. Oysters were delicious tho. wine was good and cocktail was pretty and tasty.
Flavours masterfully balanced nestled in the heart of ossington. Top tier service. Must try apps/sides: Raw scallops with brown butter shallots. Maitake mushrooms. Mashed potato with gruyere. Roasted cabbage. Dry aged steak. The euro bass was nothing I ve had before, such light refreshing flavours bringing out the sweetness of the fish. Their daiquiris are to die for! Our whole table got a round. Fine attention to detail from servers. My friend accidentally dropped a napkin and a new one was handed almost immediately. Servers are fun and knows the menu thoroughly giving great suggestions.
Absolutely wonderful is how I describe our evening at La Banane last night and mostly due to the absolutely wonderful customer service we received from Sylvain. He is by far the most professional and entertaining server I ve had the pleasure of experiencing In fact, I felt the need to seek him out before leaving to say goodbye and give him a hug. I ve dined at quite a few top notch restaurants in my time, so the impression he made wouldn t come easily. The rest of the staff were wonderful as well, but Sylvain really made the visit an exquisite experience. Now the food and ambiance Devine! Options are minimal but everything we had was wonderful! Yes, it s on the pricier end but you get what you pay for, indeed. Well done Team La Banane! Dietary restrictions: Our friend has nut allergies and they accommodated perfectly!
My favourite place on Ossington. Cute interior and friendly staff, although they seemed like they didn t have enough waiters on a Sunday. One waiter was covering 6 tables at the front which made us wait for 15mins to order drinks first. Food came out relatively fast, so I assume they were short staffed. Food was amazing. Nice scallops and fresh oysters. Loved their foie gras - real grilled foie gras. Very nice beef tartare almost as good as the one from Cote de Boeuf. Tenderloin was perfectly cooked, not even slightly overcooked. It was perfection. The cheesey potato was apparently viral on tiktok, I found it a little heavy. Their banana cake dessert was terrific. Freshly baked, crunchy outside, so soft and moist inside, perfectly balanced with the ice cream. Overall cute and nice date spot!
Amazing food. Smaller portions for 3 gym bros on a Friday night. We asked for burgers and shawarma and they had none. Butter butter everywhere. We also ordered some random drinks apart from the seafood, all of those were pretty good.
One of THE BEST meals I have had in a long time. The standouts were the Steak Tartare (all four in our party were unanimous that it was the best any of us ever had, so we ordered another...that crunch takes it to another level--brilliant!), and the steak with the au poivre sauce...yes, I was on a meat kick that night. Our server was extremely engaging. She was really great and seemed to sincerely want us to enjoy our visit. We sat in a booth adjacent to the bar, and it was an ideal spot. One unforgettable moment was when I inquired about something on the spirits menu--Chartreuse MOF. I am not sure what was different about the liquid inside, but being a Chartreuse fan, I just had to try it after she brought over the COMICALLY LARGE BOTTLE to examine. A wonderful experience with great company!
One of the best food places I have had in Toronto. The service is also amazing. They gave us complimentary little brioches as apetizers that were delicious. The only downside would be the cost as we got a two drinks, apetizers, main dishes and one desert, and it cost us $300. Nevertheless, it is really worth it, I will definitely go back if I can! Dietary restrictions: They were very careful and mentioned all the alternatives they could do.
Food was tasty and the sevice was fantastic, but even for a fancy food the portion of the meal was not enough and you will need to drop by a McDonalds on your way back home :)) Also the back section of the restaurant is not very pleasant place to be seated. Service people are lovely and amazing!
This restaurant has a very nice ambience thanks to the great decor, lively music and customer service provided. To start, I ordered the ma fraise d amour mocktail which was delicious and then we were given complimentary bread that was a cross between Japanese milk bread and brioche which was nice. All of the dishes that we ordered were great but what stood out the most was the roasted maitake mushroom, roasted cabbage, pommes aligot and the gateau a La Banane. The roasted maitake mushroom is surprisingly rich and flavourful. The caramelization on the cabbage was next level and made me want to eat veggies for a change. The pommes aligot was incredible and probably one of my favourite sides that I have tried in general. The server described this dish as having a fondue like texture while still being light and fluffy with the Gruyère flavour very prevalent. The gateau a La Banane was extremely soft and flavourful with the caramelized bananas at the bottom and paired perfectly with the salted caramel ice cream on top. Definitely one of the better desserts that I have tried in Toronto. Overall, I would return back to this place because I like the chill vibes along with the presentation and uniqueness of each dish. I also like that this spot offers more of an experience. Definitely recommended for a special night out.
La Banane has the cutest vibes and I m obsessed with their banana theme. Our server was great - so attentive and friendly with amazing energy. Food overall was really yummy. The fish, potatoes and banana cake were the highlights of the meal for me. I would totally come back for a special occasion and would love to visit their bar Bar Banane next door. Eurobass-en-croûte The presentation was so cute, loved that they are so on brand with the banana theme. The fish was very well seasoned, citrusy, moist and tender. We were surprised at the flavours since it basically gets steamed inside the pastry crust (thought it could turn out bland), but it was so good. Pommes aligot The best mashed potatoes I ve had! It was worth the TikTok hype. Gâteau à la banane The salted caramel ice cream was the best match for the warm banana cake. It was pretty much like a banana muffin but better. There were caramelized bananas under the cake which were delish. Seared foie gras Melted in our mouths and the sweet pineapple did a good job of cutting through the fat. Roasted maitake mushroom Saw a lot of reviews raving about this and was skeptical, but was pleasantly surprised! There s something about the sauce made the mushrooms so good and the little crispy croutons added good flavour and texture. A5 wagyu ribeye cap (4oz) Super fatty and tender, but the richness was a bit overwhelming for me. Probably could have done with just 2oz or even without it altogether.
We came here to celebrate friendship, there was 4 of us in total. Let me start off by saying that our server, Silvan, was AMAZING. He made the whole experience for us. He was funny when he had to be, he remembered ALL of our names, the whole night he would address us by first name, he never messed up any of our orders. He took time and explained everything on the menu that we asked when we didn t know he would make a recommendation and he was very bang on with his recommendations. He took time to learn a-bit about our taste buds and what we like so he could recommend the perfect food and cocktails for us. We all loved Silvan and we will be definitely going back just for him. The food and ambiance was really nice but really Silvan made the whole experience for us even 100 times better. My recommendation is request to be seated with Silvan! You will love the experience he offers to you.
We were really impressed. Amazing service, food and presentation. We would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a good time.
Exceptional service, relaxed atmosphere, and food that you will remember.
Great experience and the food was nothing Ive seen before
Hands down my favourite restaurant on Ossington. It might be my favourite French restaurant in Toronto! The service was impeccable and the food is absolutely mind blowing! Initially, my friend and I came here as a sort of meme to try their pomme aligot. We ended ordering that along with a seafood platter, the steak tartare, the roasted maitake mushroom, the A5 wagyu, and of course, the gateau a la banane. You literally cannot go wrong with any of these items. Everything was absolutely delicious on their own. Despite French cuisine being super rich, we always had a craving for more. Definitely a favourite in our books!
Went here as its been on my list of places to try and loved the scallops we had! Never had caviar presented like that before and it was also so delicious! Would definitely come back and highly recommend :)
Its not just good food and good service here, its a whole vibe. I personally think its my new favourite restaurant in the city.
Our server was incredible, knowledgeable and charming. We came for a birthday and he guided our experience from start to finish. Can t remember his name but he s the Yorkshire king! Excited to return, top notch experience. Get the Maitake!
Tropical-themed decor, good service, and dishes, but it didnt live up to this price point.
A friend recommended this place. Atmosphere was very chill. Quite busy on a Friday night but I dont expect anything less in this area. Service was great. The servers explained each dish that came out. Our sommelier - Matthieu was excellent, explained a lot about the different wines. I loved all the wine pairings. Not many choices on the menu but a good variety. Had some apps and the carte blanche which is a blind menu. Everything tasted delicious, food portions were enough. I loved the mushroom dish and the banana cake dessert! Will be back again. Hopefully they will still have some Chateau Climens the next time I come so I can try it with the foie gras. Cant wait to try the full seafood platter next time.
It s gotten to the point where whenever my fam from NYC comes to town they ask to go here - which means we ve come 3x within the past calendar year! I can t say enough how nice and kind the service is. Highly recommend the steak tartare, foie gras, maitake mushroom, and the dry aged rib steak. The euro bass-en-croute is a showstopper dish as well. Do not miss out on the banana bread dessert ! Kid-friendliness: Great for the kid in our party (aged 10)
Came for drinks and apps on a Sunday and really enjoyed the cozy space and service from Ella (or Ellen? I ll confirm on my next visit!) cocktails were well rounded and intricate, and were fairly priced considering the attention to detail. Thanks for a great evening!
Really delicious cocktails and bites. Great staff as well.
La Banane is an absolute experience. I d recommend booking online, plan ahead, and enjoy yourself; they will take care of you. Try the scallop, and the Japanese Sweet Potato
Sat at the bar and received elegant and attentive service from Hannah. Lovely atmosphere, delicious food. Wish we lived in Toronto because we would return regularly.
Sharing items from the menu with some friends was a perfect way to spend an evening. The food was very enticing and the flavor profiles were off the charts.
Maitake mushroom reminds me of bugles, was so good pomme Aligot was the star
Incredible
We arrived without reservations and had to wait a bit for a table. When we finally got seated, the waiter, Ben, was lovely. We ordered the beef tartare, mushrooms and salad verte along with cocktails. It took a very long time for the cocktails to arrive as they were busy. Our food arrived before the cocktails. Ben provided us free sparkling wine on the house to make up for it. They also took the charges of the cocktails off our bill because of the long wait. All done without us asking or complaining at all. Therefore Id say their service was very proactive and one of the best experiences Ive had in a while to make up for timing/business of drinks and plates. The food itself was great. Dont skip out on mushrooms! Atmosphere wise very beautiful resto. It was incredibly loud tho making conversation a bit challenging. Id definitly return for special occasions or times when you want to go somewhere a bit fancier than usual. Shout out to Ben and their sommolier as well!
Food was great. Atmosphere was great. But the service was the best part. Absolutely incredible service from Sylvain, I was blown away.
Food was amazing, everything I hoped it would be! Our servers were clearly very experienced and friendly, perfect service really! After a lot of thought I had chosen this restaurant for a particularly special meal with my boyfriend. I had requested a private table/booth. This request was not granted, without an explanation or acknowledged by the host. For this I had to dock down a star. We were sat between VERY close tables. The restaurants atmosphere was very loud trust night. Our table unfortunately limited our experience, and what we were wanting for that evening. Definitely recommend for a night out with friends, but most certainly not for a romantic dinner or important conversation needing privacy.
WOW. JUST. WOW. Parking: Ok Food : 5/5 |
This place is hot garbage. Ordered overpriced crab and it was tiny, enough to feed a mouse. Waiter suggested to try their green peas and it was something I could ve made if I went to the convenience store. $200 bill and I still left hungry, DO NOT GO HERE IT IS TRASH, tiktok is all lies. Never again.
New found love
Amazing experience!!!! We had the pleasure to be served and guided through the menu by Ben! He was super informative and we felt very welcomed and taken care of. Special shout out to Sylvain who also helped us out and provided amazing service and jokes while we were there. Both Ben and Sylvain knew of my shellfish allergy and accomodate same even before I mentioned it - likely because of the open table notes but also very detailed of them and that gesture went along way! The food is to die for! We tried the chef s tasting menu and we were so full of deliciousness by the end of the evening. Simply amazing service, atmosphere, and amazing food! They also have a speak easy right next door Bar Banane - a must try as well! Thank you Ben and Sylvain we will be back soon!
Recently went here with some friends for my husband s birthday. The food was incredible and the service was amazing. Our server was friendly and attentive. Will definitely be coming back for future special occasions.
This is a wonderful french inspired restaurant. It isnt pretentious at all, but the food, service, and atmosphere is fine dining. This is a perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, take a romantic date, or to catch up with good friends. Everything is cooked perfectly and is clearly based in French cuisine. However, there are hints of fusion that elevates each dish. Our server, Ben, was amazing. He found us the perfect wines to pair with our meal. Also, follow his cocktail recommendations!
The food was not disappointing and the atmosphere was nice. But our favourite part of the experience was our server, Sylvin, who was extremely engaging, recommended drinks/dishes perfectly and made us feel appreciated the whole evening! Definitely would recommend the mushroom and crab.
Great fish, great service
We were a group of 9 and the service from booking the reservation until the very end of our dinner was amazing. Matt helped us secure the reservation and his customer service skills is top notch - he was super accommodating and welcoming throughout. The food was incredible (highly recommend the eurobass and pommes aligot!) and not to mention our server - she was very attentive and patient with us. Thank you for an amazing service - we will be back :)
I had delightful dining experience at this charming French restaurant on Ossington Street. The menu is a true culinary journey through France, offering a wide range of authentic dishes. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was top-notch. The attention to detail in both the service and the food truly sets this restaurant apart. If youre looking for an Fine French dining experience in Toronto, this is the place to go. Bon appétit!
Experienced the tasting menu (with wine pairings) at La Banane and every bite/sip was heavenly! We loved every item they brought out to us and enjoyed all of the wines. It is very difficult to choose a favourite but to our surprise the cabbage was actually one of our highlights! Don t skip it! The tasting menu is really ideal because you get to try all of their most popular (for a reason!) dishes and ones you might not have tried (cabbage! Lol). I didn t get photos of all of the items . Hopefully next time! Thank you La Banane we will be back soon!
There are no words to describe this place! The food, the atmosphere and incredible staff make this place a true gem. Hats off to our incredible host Sylvain who not only was passionate about the menu, but hit home on the recommendations. This has to be the best spot in Toronto!!
Wonderful experience! Everyone is very attentive, food is outstanding. I would absolutely recommend the mussels, aligot and, the tenderloin.
Amazing food and even better service! What a treat. Sylvan was so thoughtful with the selection and menu. Can t wait to come back again soon
A few points to say: 1. It should be said, that it s not easy to fulfill expectations from every single member of a group this size and backgrounds; You exceeded all of our expectations. even the person that is not into seafood, actually ate seafood. Thank you for being a restaurant that takes pride in what it means to be an exceptional Restaurant, unlike a lot of other venues in Toronto. 2. Sylvain is by far the most attentive, explanatory, and well rounded maitre-dime I have come across in Canada. His personal touch made this evening special. People from Los Angeles, Chicago, Germany; everyone agreed that he made this evening one to remember. 3. All other staff members that have been involved, serving food, drinks, and water cannot be thanked enough as well. Everyone was spot on and made us feel special. 4. The food was exceptional. My dearest regards to the chefs and all members of the kitchen. It was outstanding. 5. Last but not least. it is hard to find a place in Toronto that is non-pretentious as your Restaurant. everyone has an honest smile and seems to truly enjoy what they are doing. This makes a true restaurant for me. Thank you once more for this great evening !
Great place. Went here for a date night. Servers were attentive. Scallops - Very fresh. Scallops were creamy and the brown butter and lime are a match made in heaven. Beautiful floral notes throughout. Steak - Beautifully cooked. Just look at the pic. Some notes were it wasnt seasoned as well as Id like so I needed slr. The jus was also lighter in flavour but beautiful piece of meat. Salad - Nothing to rave about. Pretty straightforward. Cabbage - Very caramelized. The flavor was more rich than the jus with the steak, but tasty dish. Overall - Id recommend and return :)
We went for dinner and everything went perfect. No delay in sitting, service was friendly, atmosphere was nice and food was above and beyond expectations. Plates were visually simple but full of flavors and perfection. We tried tasting menu and couldn t be happier with the quality of the food.
Great staff and management, loved our experience for our anniversary. Would come back again and recommend!
Top notch food, service, and ambience. We had the oysters, beef tenderloin, cheesy mash, and the ravioli. Only reason I ranked it 4 Stars is because the very modest portions don t align with the pricing. 6 small ravioli for a pasta main. I finished my $75 steak in four bites. $17 for a side of potatoes. Loved the food but left hungry after a $200 tab.
I m writing this review while I m still dining. Physically in the booth right now. Food is dynamite. Service is great. Bit loud but who cares. Flavour is super French and it smells of butter. Took year to finally eat here and it doesn t disappoint. Silvan, a real hero.
My husband and I ended up here on an impromptu date night. Its a busy place so we were lucky to get a last-minute reservation. The ambiance, service, menu recommendations and presentation were all impeccable and delicious in a casual but purposeful way. You can tell all the staff are highly trained. They also have a bar upstairs so after dinner we went up to have a sneak peak. We didnt have time to stay but its on the shortlist for our next date night. Dietary restrictions: Im gluten-free and had no problem with most of the menu items.
4.5/5 Excellent food and service! There s an elegance to the interior and a relaxing ambiance that provided for a wonderful evening. We started with the East Coast Oysters and Shrimp Cocktail, followed by the Steak Tartare. The seafood is very fresh, which is not easy to find in this city. The Steak Tartare was good but a tad salty and acidic for my liking. I would try something different next time. For the main course, we chose the Rib Eye Steak and sides of Glazed Vegetables and Pommes Aligot. The steak was cooked to perfection and the sides, although rather small in quantity, were nice complements. The service was exceptional. Sylvain was a wonderful host and certainly added to the experience. Overall, it was a great evening. Quick note: this is not a restaurant where you will receive the best value for your dollar as the pricing is a bit higher and the portions are small. We were happy to pay for the experience. I d recommend coming on a special occasion!
Came here for drinks, as we sat at our table, server took away our chairs and had us stand at a table for some baffling reason. Then, we ordered food and drinks. The food came out, and only when the food came out, did the server inform us that they weren t serving alcohol to our group, but we could feel free to stay for more food. What kind of idiotic serving practice is this? Oh, and they also charge $3 for tap water in a glass. Billed as still water . Only fools would come here to part with their hard earned money. Zero stars.
Le Banane, a high-end French restaurant tucked away in the heart of Toronto, provided us with an unforgettable experience as we celebrated our second anniversary. From the moment we stepped through the elegant doors, we knew we were in for a treat. Our evening commenced with a tough choice: ala carte or the chefs tasting menu, carte blanche. With the guidance of our cheerful and efficient waitress, who was always ready with recommendations and explanations, we decided to embark on the culinary journey that the tasting menu promised. To start our evening off in style, Le Banane surprised us with complimentary glasses of champagne, setting the tone for an evening of indulgence. The anticipation built as we awaited the courses that lay ahead, and we were not disappointed. The meal began with a warm brioche bread that was paired with whipped French butter, a combination that instantly won our hearts. It was the perfect prelude to what was to come. Next, we savored the scallops and shrimp cocktail, featuring sweet scallops from Hokkaido, Japan, bathed in a delectable lime, rum, and butter sauce. The flavors danced on our palates, leaving us in awe of the culinary expertise on display. A highlight of the evening was the roasted maitake mushrooms with garlic and parsley. These crispy, meaty mushrooms defied expectations and were a testament to the chefs creativity. As our server mentioned, even meat lovers would be enchanted by this dish. The Eurobass encroute was an exciting adventure for our taste buds. Before serving, the server presented the encrusted fish, and later returned with the crust removed. The experience was as novel as it was delicious, although the pastry itself was a touch too salty to be consumed. A pause in the meal brought us a plate of roasted summer vegetables, a pleasant interlude that allowed us to savor the anticipation of what was still to come. The star of the evening, without a doubt, was the juicy beef tenderloin steak served with a rich pepper sauce (sauce au poivre). Cooked to perfection, the steak melted in our mouths, and the pommes aligot, an internet-famous creation, stole the show. This cheesy, stretchy potato delight was the pinnacle of our dining experience. As the night drew to a close, we were treated to a delightful dessert: a salted caramel banana cake that provided the sweetest ending to our celebration. In conclusion, Le Bananes chefs tasting menu was a culinary masterpiece that took us on a journey through French gastronomy. The impeccable service, delightful surprises, and unforgettable flavors made our second anniversary truly special. Le Banane is more than just a restaurant; its an experience that we will treasure for years to come.
We had postponed our visit to La Banane for a special day.We were finally able to make it happen with you, we felt very welcomed with a 10-star service, and each and every one of the staff took wonderful care of us, I would have to mention them all. Thanks to the Chef and all the kitchen staff for the delicious experience, we had a great anniversary thanks to the whole team!We will be back for sure!
Atmosphere and service are great. We had the mussels as a starter and while the flavour was good, they were served cold, which we weren t expecting/would ve gone for the oysters had we known. Also, a few of the mussels I ate had a slight crunch of sand in them. The pommes aligot was amazing and lived up to the hype. We also shared the tenderloin in peppercorn sauce, which was absolutely delicious but at $75 for the rather small piece of beef, it didn t feel satisfying enough to warrant such a steep price. Would still come back for the cocktails, potatoes and service.
Do yourself a service and order the banana cake dessert.
Amazing place, food was amazing. Cant go wrong with anything on the menu. These guys are what toronto dining is all about. World class. The roasted maitake mushrooms were hands down the best dish we had, highly recommended.
Excellent food drinks, ambience and service. They were very attentive. Definitely go back on a date there.
Our server Vicky was outstanding. Incredibly friendly with a deep knowledge of the menu and where select ingredients came from and how theyre grown / farmed. Amazing assistance with wines as well. My partner and I had a great time but she really elevated our experience.
Amazing food!! Amazing restaurant!! And Erika who served us was just a breath of fresh air! My girl and I will be regulars there for sure!!
Great food, friendly staff but damn had to sell a kidney for that dinner haha but worth it
We ate at the counter. The caviar service was fantastic, and the drinks were stiff. It s a hip, buzzing restaurant - so it s loud - but that wasn t a turn-off. It is an older building, and the (not great) restrooms are down a tricky set of stairs.
Great service, amazing food!!
Amazing food great service
La Banane is an amazing restaurant, great vibes and amazing service. The food here was fantastic. More seafood forward but great meat and vegetarian options as well. My party and I tried pretty much everything on the menu and nothing disappointed. Great place to come celebrate a special event.
Firstly, this is the second time I ve ever written a review but some things need to be known to the general public. I am genuinely starting to question the validity of the Michelin Guide in Toronto specifically- especially after eating at over 15 Michelin Star(s) restaurants across North America and Europe. This was one of the worst restaurant experiences my boyfriend and I have had in a very long time. Total time at restaurant - 9pm - 12:15am. Other reviews will state the absurd length of time this experience takes - but over 3 hours for a dinner for two people?? We ordered: - Hokkaido Scallops - decent at best. Very basic. - Seared Foie Gras - quite tasty. Would recommend. - Eurobass En Croute - very good. However, the server stated it was served de-boned where it absolutely was not. There were not only small bones, but dangerously large chunks of hard bone throughout. We found ourself digging through the pieces of fish to be careful of additional bones after having them stuck in our throat. While having to spit bones out of our mouths the whole time. - A5 Wagyu Rib Cap ($45/oz) - served completely raw. (photo below) Wagyu is meant to melt in your mouth and is incredibly simple to cook. This is not beef Wellington. Nobody should have to even question if wagyu is cooked it s so simple. If you are having to chew and tear through wagyu then you know it is completely raw. The lack of cooking quality was astonishing. We sent the steak back and the server returned telling us that the Chef agreed the steak was well undercooked due to how the butcher cleaned and cut it as well as saying that this specific cut of Wagyu is more difficult to cook through due to the lateral marbling throughout. So essentially your chefs knew the cut was garbage but served it raw anyway?? Why would you still be serving it if it s cut incorrectly and are incapable of cooking it properly? The server then asked us if we would like it re-fired where it was unclear whether it was what we were served or a new one. Server then returned to tell us that they only had 4.5 ounces of the A5 wagyu rib eye and that it would take a bit of time. It took over 40 minutes to receive the new steak, where it too was completely raw again. Could not chew through it whatsoever and was no different than the first cut. How does this happen twice? We then left a cut piece open for the server to see when we asked for it to go as it had been 3 hours by that point. Service: Incredibly slow. It took about 25 minutes between each dish to be served. The servers themselves were fine, they did what they could to rectify the issues from the kitchen. The problem was that they still tried to charge us $160 for the raw steaks instead of removing it from the bill and only offering to take care of the drinks . Overall an incredibly disappointing experience - almost comical to the point that at home when we opened the remainder of the raw steak they sent to go, there was an entire piece missing- almost 2 ounces of steak gone. (Shown in picture below) Just unfortunate as there is so much potential with the flavour of the food itself.
Went there last week for our anniversary and it was perfection! We ordered the oysters, Hokkaido scallops, tartare, miatake mushroom, trout, cabbage and green salad. The food was phenomenal; typical of excellent French fare with the perfect marriage of simplicity, masterful execution and premium ingredients. The mushroom dish was DIVINE. As for service, Ben was a dream. The GM, mixologist (or bartender) and host all made personal table touches that made us feel extremely welcome and special. We ordered beautifully balanced cocktails and received Prosecco as well as dessert. Your team is passionate, professional and authentic. I can t stress how important that is, the other equally significant half of an outstanding fine dining experience. Both of us being industry professionals, we see the care and craftsmanship in the minute details. Thank you so much la banane, we will surely be back!
This place is la bananas. We got the tasting menu, and all the dishes were crazy and low-key mind-blowing for my unsophisticated, unrefined, inexpensive tastes. I greatly enjoyed the flavours. Funny enough despite all the fancy dishes my favourite was the mashed potatoes they were so cheesy and comforting and beautiful I wish I could buy that on its own. Also the bread was very yummy. The service was also great and the restaurant itself is vibes. Be sure to get a reservation in advance! Overall, great but expensive spot, come here if you are down to ball a little bit. Get the tasting menu for good variety, and add the eurobass-en-croûte! However for a summer 2024 SWE internship searching student like myself, this is likely a one time visit type restaurant for now #OpenToWork
Drinks were served really good and service top notch. Thank you Liam!
I came here on a busy Saturday night. My friend and I had no reservations but did the waitlist and waited about an hour or so. We were seated at the bar and ordered some small plates. The service was good except they were short staffed at the bar, my last drink took long like 20 mins or so, we thought they forgot about my drink. The server apologized for this. I liked the atmosphere and design of the restaurant, the ambience seems very intimate. Somewhere I would go for a special occasion. However for the quality and taste of the food, I thought it would have a more savoury taste or flavour for a Michelin rated restaurant. I think out of all the things we ordered I only liked food wise were the potatoes and east coast oysters, and my cocktail drink island pearl . I am personally not a fan of foie gras but my friend who tried it said it had a nice texture but has tasted better. Would I recommend this restaurant? Maybe to try once but I wouldn t be running back to return anytime soon.
I absolutely love this place. The boyfriend and I chose the set dishes. Really wanted caviar so they added some on top of the scallops as per request. They were a hit! And Ben was fantastic! Will be coming back to try the drinks menu Parking: This location is by Ossington and by default, parking will be hard to find, good luck!
This place is a perfect 10/10. The food was exceptional, service impeccable and the attention to details were amazing. This is by far the best dining experience I ve had in Toronto. Thank you to our server Alex for such a memorable evening!
Service, atmosphere and drinks were top notch. Food was a bit heavy but definitely well thought out and ingredients were high quality.
Lovely experience. Every dish was delicious but the Hokkaido scallops and the roasted maitake mushroom stood out. We also had the oysters, the steak, the beef tartar, and pomme aligot. The drinks were great too. Their espresso martini surpasses others. You can t go wrong.
Phenomenal food from start to finish; even the complimentary bread and butter that started us off was delicious! Service was very personable and attentive. Absolutely a must try and revisit for anyone that appreciates the Toronto food scene and/or great dining experiences! My favourite bite of the night would have to be the foie gras.
Service and food and atmosphere is undeniably good. We were served by Sylvain who did an excellent job on the day we came. He explained us all the dishes and took care of us quite well. I loved the brioche- it was unreal. My fav dish was definitely the maitake mushroom. We also loved the Japanese white potato.
First time there and was blown away by the whole experience. Was celebrating my anniversary and could not have left happier. The pretzel bread was delicious and the foie gras was absolutely to die for!
Beef tenderloin was expensive but worth the price for the quality and texture! Drinks are also crafted so carefully- definitely pros!
Exceptional dining experience! From the moment we stepped in, Vicky, our server, delivered top-notch service. The manager was equally as inviting, and our shared love for cat photos added a delightful touch. We decided to go for the carte blanche, and the team went above and beyond. Each dish was a masterpiece, tailored to our preferences. Vickys attentive and friendly approach, coupled with the managers genuine warmth, made the evening truly special for our group for my fiancé s birthday. Highly recommend this spot not only for the delectable food but also for the outstanding service. Its the perfect blend of culinary expertise and personalized attention. Well definitely be returning for more memorable experiences!
Top in TO! Food and service impeccable
Good food, great service, just wasn t amazed by anything.
I wanted to come here since I went to bar banane and loved their small bites. I heard mixed reviews about the restaurant but I still wanted to try regardless. I can see why a lot of people said the food was too salty but as someone that loves salt, it wasn t bad but I know if my partner or mom was with me, they would definitely say it s on the saltier side. I think the food would pair well if you re having alcoholic beverages. The food was good, everything tasted super fresh and high quality. I think my favourite of the night was the raw scallop and the whipped potato with cheese. The portions are a bit on the smaller side even me being a girl, so I get why people are a little turned off by the price tag. Overall it s worth a visit to try but not sure if I would return anytime soon
One says the sauce elevates the dish. For me, I am a big sauce lover and I think the trout was the secondary main while the dill sorrel mussel sauce was to die for. Licked the plate clean off of it. It s creamy, savoury, salty, with tiny textures added with finely diced carrots and something else. Being the cheapest item for the mains, I feel it was the best as I took bites from the other mains on the table that was ordered. The trout itself was probably sous vide, butter soft with some integrity, a little smoked too but elevated perfectly with the sauce. This sauce will forever live in my memory. Now to the other dishes, the lobster (only half of it) was blanched and easy to come off. Texture wise perfectly done and has a sweeter taste which I like. It also came with a hollandaise sauce that s mixed in with a little bit of tomatoes. The beef tartare was good too but not wow-worthy. It s served with homemade shredded fries and a thicker whipped cream hollandaise sauce take instead of the usual egg yolk. Balanced well with acidity and salt, but nothing special. The brioche-milk bun complimentary of the chef was very moist inside and had the perfect crust of browning on the outside. Loved this bun. We also tried the basa but that was too salty as it was done in a salt baked crust and the sauce was too acidic tingling my tongue. Not a big fan of sour. The crab cappelleti was okay. The biteful didn t explode with flavours I was expecting as outlined in the description. Definitely not worth the price paid for this one. All in all, I would only go back for the dill sauce and the milk buns. The other dishes are good but not worth a second bite for the value gotten in this dining experience. Thank you to the chef for these dishes and the staff that were very knowledgeable and friendly too. Thanks for reading and on to the next!
In Short: Just go upstairs. My girlfriend and I were looking forward to this place. We have been to Bar Banane several times and love it. One of our favorite spots!! So of course we had to try La Banane. We were disappointed. Now the service, impeccable. Everyone serving us was amazing. The food lacked texture and the flavor was just off. Mushrooms: amazing, crispy, wonderful flavor. Caviar: seemed old, definitely not the freshest. The set up was okay, but Prequel caviar service is much better. No amazing texture component. Steak Tartar: It is weird. If you like blended, then fine. But I like mine more chunky. Salad: Boring. Just lettuce and very light dressing. Duck: Cooked perfectly, but needed some salt. Maybe some finishing salt? Oysters: These were delicious!
Loved the informal, quirky atmosphere and friendly, efficient staff - not a hitch in our meal and plenty of friendly advice and loving description of the food. Quality and originality both superb, particularly on the fish and vegetarian items and sides. The tenderloin was so overwhelmed by the sides, sauces and raw bar that it was difficult to get excited about. Overall a superb experience and a great choice for a special night out. Vegetarian options: Very limited but very, very good. The Maitake mushroom was a delight.
This place is amazing, we were passing by and decided to dropping in for a date night. We got a seat at the bar and ordered our drinks, all of them amazing. We got the why so serious and the diabolical thump and shriek. The bartender, Jacob, overheard us talking about how amazing the espresso martinis looked and gave us some taste testers, it really made our night! We ordered the tartar, it was so amazing we had to order it again. Can t wait to come back!
First and foremost, Sylvan (our server) was amazing and really made our experience. He made it a point to remember our names. And he was just very on top of everything. The decor and overall atmosphere was very nice. Dim lighting and a fantastic bar. Food wise, we enjoyed every dish. We ordered dishes that I wouldn t typically order on my own but every single one surpassed my expectations. For example, I don t normally like scallops, but they were so fresh and had a zesty flavour to them. The Michelin guided mussels had such an amazing flavour. The roasted Maitake mushroom was cooked to perfection and paired with a sauce that was to die for. And for our main, we ordered the beef tenderloin Rossini style, which included fois gras and truffle. And the star of the show was the Pommes Aligot (mashed potato with Guyere and chives). Truly fantastic! We ended the night by going up to their bar upstairs, Bar Banane, to have a few drinks. I look forward to dining here in the future. Next time with a better camera because this place really deserves all the praise.
La Banane has been on my list of restaurants to visit for a while and I m so happy I finally got a chance to go. The service was amazing to begin with, and everyone was quite friendly and attentive. The recommendations from our server was very nice. The food was excellent, I really enjoyed the mushroom. The oysters were really nice, the mains, literally everything.
No misses. Staff was knowledgeable as well. To start, their brioche bread was absolutely incredible. Hands down one of the best starter bread Ive had in my life. Got the eurobss (pastry baked fish), Hokkaido scallops, roasted maitake mushroom, pommie aligote (signature cheese blended mashed potatoes), chocolate cake with milk ice cream, and their signature dessert All were good, but the mushroom is probably the best vegetable dish Ive had in my life. Definitely a highlight. Be warned the chocolate cake is very rich (makes sense why they paired with milk ice cream), and their signature dessert with salted caramel ice cream might not be to everyones taste. One of the few appropriately priced dining institutions in Toronto. I aim to be back to try their tasting menu one day.
Food is amazing, service is amazing, cocktails are amazing. Loved everything
Our first time back since the new opening did not disappoint. We loved it! The vibe is there and the food is incredible. Loved the foie gras - amazing. The tenderloin was delicious. The service was perfect. We ll be back. From a number of years ago. We had an excellent evening with a couple friends. Starting off with an assortment of excellent east coast oysters, beef tartar and pate campagne. The fried chicken was amazing and the sweetbreads superb.
Definitely worth trying. Our server Renee provides 5 stars service. I would highly recommend making reservations as it can get busy and I didn t notice there are any walk-ins. Food tastes amazing together with presentation and excellent service. This is a 5 stars experience.