Winterlicious is your chance to make lunch something special. Invite someone special and indulge in the $28 three-course lunches on offer from these restaurants. Several offer great views to go with your lunch, and all will be a serious step up from your usual grab-and-go sandwich. Winterlicious, put on by the City of Toronto, only comes around once a year, so go ahead and treat yourself! [Image: iStock.com/KazanovskyAndrey]
Modern-meets-luxury at this sophisticated restaurant and lounge. Take in spectacular views of Toronto’s glittering skyline from the 31st floor over bites of decadent twists on classic American cuisine. For Winterlicious, menu options include a warm spinach salad with cremini mushrooms, homestead egg and porcini vinaigrette; golden nugget squash soup with four-spice crème fraîche and toasted seed bannock; Bradford Bay fried chicken and cornbread; and sticky carrot pudding.
Enjoy gourmet and international cuisine created by award-winning executive chef Joan Monfaredi. Named for the Roman goddess of harvest, this chic 65-seat restaurant offers an intimate setting with a secluded bar area and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the streets of fashionable Yorkville. Winterlicious menu options include Caesar salad with hearts of romaine, crisp bacon, white anchovy roasted garlic Caesar dressing and Parmigiano Reggiano brioche croutons; winter squash tortellini; and spiced pear and cranberry crumble.
Discover genuine Italian fine dining in a contemporary urban setting at Aria, from the same owners as Noce Restaurant. “Aria” means “air” in Italian but also references the most Italian of art forms – opera. Both themes are evident inside Aria, which boasts a dramatic 35-foot ceiling and is situated adjacent to the Air Canada Centre and Maple Leaf Square. Winterlicious menu options include Fogo Island crab cakes with citrus zabaglione and seedling salad; braised beef cheeks with cannellini bean puree and king oyster mushrooms; and farro pudding with caramelized oranges and pistachios. Vegetarian options also available.
Auberge du Pommier, the original jewel in the Oliver & Bonacini crown, has been serving Toronto diners since 1987. Constructed around the rustic vestiges of two 1860s woodcutters’ cottages, this exquisite restaurant offers modern French cuisine, professional and personal service, and a 500-label wine selection. The Winterlicious menu includes shellfish and squash bisque with allspice organic yoghurt and pumpkin praline; pollen-crusted salmon with fennel jam, Lyonnaise potatoes and Kozlik's mustard cream; and muscovado crisp.
Dine under a canopy of glass with spectacular views of the Toronto cityscape in the heart of downtown. Azure Restaurant features seasonally inspired, modern Canadian cuisine in a relaxing, contemporary space. For Winterlicious, menu options include squash and caramelized pear soup with maple and okra fritters; yoghurt-marinated grilled chicken with farro and wild rice salad; and lemon cheesecake with graham crust, candied lemon, citrus segment salad and toasted sesame seeds.
Located in one of the most beautiful buildings in Toronto, St. Lawrence Hall, Biagio has been serving upscale, classic northern Italian food and an extensive array of wines since 1989. Enjoy an elegant dinner in the gorgeous dining room or on the intimate garden patio with gas lampposts. The WinterIicious menu includes eggplant layered with mozzarella, Parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce; lightly floured salmon with lemon dill sauce; and Sicilian cannoli filled with ricotta cream.
Bosk, the signature restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto, brings to life freshly harvested ingredients from a network of selected local and global suppliers. Expect Asian-inspired cuisine that is still distinctly Canadian, served with genuine and caring service. On the Winterlicious menu, options include potato and leek soup with clams, mussels, bacon and celery; butternut squash with roasted endive and pecans in a maple vinaigrette; heritage breed pork shoulder; and gingerbread with caramelized apples and ginger mousse.
A world-renowned restaurant by celebrity chef Mark McEwan, Bymark reflects the dynamic energy of the financial centre in Toronto's downtown core. The dining room is intimate and the bar is active and exciting. The menu offers a contemporary touch with a core of classic cuisine and is matched by an extensive wine list. For Winterlicious, menu options include roasted tomato and fennel soup with crumbled bacon, tarragon and croutons; in-house cured salmon with citrus, endive, rye crumble, horseradish and naturally soured cream; and chocolate éclairs with chocolate mousse, Chantilly cream and toasted pistachios.
Located at the exquisite flagship Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Café Boulud serves a menu inspired by Chef Daniel Boulud's French roots and inflected with international flavours. Dishes are timeless and expertly executed by Boulud’s talented team of chefs. Winterlicious menu options include Salade Niçoise with confit tuna, olive, tomato, egg, green bean, potato and mixed greens; Cassoulet de Toulouse – pork sausage, braised lamb shoulder, peppercorn bacon and white bean ragout; and a coffee-and-chocolate sundae.
Critically acclaimed as one of Canada's best restaurants, Canoe’s unique location high atop the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower affords a breathtaking view of the city and Lake Ontario. The design is clean and simple, yet absolutely stylish – a brilliant reflection of Canada’s rich, raw environment. For Winterlicious, menu items include heirloom squash soup with pumpkin seed pesto, toasted fennel oil and crème fraîche; cedar-braised Ontario chuck flat with brown butter rutabaga fourchette and sweet and sour kale; and sticky toffee pudding.
Chiado is a beautiful blend of old world charm and timeless elegance. Chef Silva’s traditional Portuguese cuisine features fresh ingredients, bold flavours and creative presentation, specialty fish and Portuguese wines. On the Winterlicious menu, options include mixed seasonal greens and fresh fruit tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette; grilled squid, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables; pan-seared skate fish on lemon coriander risotto; and a dark chocolate cherry tart.
Diwan, Located at the Aga Khan Museum, Diwan’s elegant interior evokes the luxury of a private Syrian home in the early 19th century. Sumptuously decorated with wooden panels inset with mirrors, the room extends the Museum experience to diners. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the formal garden of the Aga Khan Park. The menu highlights flavours and fragrances from the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Winterlicious offerings include sweet onion bhaji (vegan) with tamarind chutney, lamb merguez ragu, and a carrot halva dessert with whipped cream cheese and spiced brown sugar syrup.
EPIC takes its reputation for innovation and quality and infuses it with premium ingredients. Fluid, contemporary design is an effective backdrop for a menu that features the best of Ontario’s growers. Seasonal, hand-nurtured herbs from the rooftop garden 15 stories above Front Street brighten each dish. Menu options for Winterlicious include heirloom carrots with pickled onions, rooftop honey granola clusters in Niagara verjus vinaigrette; braised short rib with butternut squash, haricots verts, beech mushrooms, Cabernet Sauvignon and braised pearl onions; and white chocolate cheesecake.
With its beautiful, contemporary interior, Kasa Moto restaurant and lounge brings Japanese style and flavours to the heart of Yorkville. It serves up an izakaya style menu and innovative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. Their Winterlicious lunch menu includes Haidacore tartare with avocado, miso aioli, shallots and scallion oil; a chef’s selection of sashimi, ikura, cucumber, sushi rice and tamago; and a chocolate stone with black sesame cream and candied sesame.
A casual chic Parisian eatery, La Société is a marriage of Canada’s most cosmopolitan city and Parisian bistro style and cuisine. It offers a dining destination unlike any other in Toronto. On the menu for Winterlicious you’ll find a pork terrine en croute, with pickled vegetables and house-made mustard; pan-seared salmon with lentils, watercress and crème fraiche; and chocolate crémeux with smoked goat yoghurt, salted caramel and crisp cereal.
A Chef Anthony Walsh creation, Leña pays homage to his Argentinian mother-in-law, Elena, from whom he has drawn great culinary inspiration, and embodies what he experiences in her kitchen. Leña’s cuisine showcases the vibrant essence of South American cooking, with unique Spanish and Italian influences. For Winterlicious, menu options include shredded cabbage and kohlrabi salad with hearts of palm, sunflower seeds and bravas dressing; braised pork shoulder with white beans and guajillo pepper marmalade; and candied orange and almond cake.
Living Room Located in the heart of Yorkville, Living Room at The Windsor Arms Hotel features an extensive continental menu perfect for business and formal dining. A wide selection of local craft beers and drafts, and an extensive wine list complement menu items – including a gourmet vegan menu – suitable for everyone. Winterlicious menu options here include crispy calamari with tomato salsa; char-grilled chicken supreme with pomme puree and peas veloute; and vegan truffles and chocolate.
Miku Toronto boasts over 7,000 square feet of space, a raw bar, sushi bar, large patio and private dining rooms, bringing contemporary upscale design to the southern Financial District. The menu combines traditional Japanese flavours and techniques with local, East Coast elements to create a truly unique dining experience. The options for Winterlicious include Miku Zen, a selection of four seasonal items and miso soup; maguro chirashi, which includes negitoro, tuna sashimi, tamago and market vegetables over sushi rice; and Green Tea Opera for dessert.
Daishō, an Ontario-inspired restaurant located on the third floor of Momofuku Toronto, occupies a glass cube overlooking University Avenue. Menus change often based on market availability and are inspired by the diversity of Ontario’s ingredients and growing relationships with local vendors. Winterlicious menu options include a spicy pork sausage bowl with chili jam, pickled cabbage and jasmine rice; steamed clams with chayote, black bean sauce and red chili; and key lime pie with oat crust, meringue and bay leaf.
ONE Restaurant is celebrity chef Mark McEwan’s North American contemporary Yorkville hotspot. The stunning decor was fashioned by award-winning design group Yabu Pushelberg, and features low light and textured walls that create a sumptuous ambiance. For Winterlicious, menu options include a winter greens salad with poached pears, golden quinoa, candied walnuts, crumbled chèvre, aged balsamic and honey mustard vinaigrette; heirloom squash raviolini with apple mostarda, Thompson raisins, spiced pecans, sage brown butter and Pecorino Romano; and chocolate panna cotta.
The little yellow house that Sassafraz calls home is set in an array of Victorian row houses in the heart of historic Yorkville. Sassafraz has seen it all – from the early hippie movement of the ‘60s to the lack of movement that comes from too much Bordeaux. Sassafraz specializes in market-driven, French-inspired Canadian cuisine. On the Winterlicious menu, options include the smoked salmon and farro with cucumber, baby kale, pistachio, radish and tomato vinaigrette; bison short rib pappardelle with wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fine herbs and Parmigiano Reggiano; and a banana custard tart.
Located near Roy Thomson Hall, The Shore Club is a vibrant restaurant in the Entertainment District, known for its atmosphere, professional service and outstanding classic cuisine. The unique decor is a contemporary homage to art deco ocean liners, boasting soaring ceilings, a palette of cool blue and green hues and stunning original artwork. For Winterlicious, menu options include a sweet carrot and parsnip salad; chicken confit with baby carrot, Brussels sprouts, roasted radish and fingerling potatoes finished with a port jus; and a warm chocolate brownie.
A sense of ritual hospitality, combined with regally prepared traditional French Moroccan dishes, has earned The Sultan’s Tent and Café Moroc a reputation as a place to enjoy superb food and wonderful ambience with good friends. On the menu for Winterlicious: signature maftoul with ground beef, raisins and chipotle aioli; royal meat skewers of lamb, chicken and shrimp with Moroccan salsa and couscous; and baklava.
From the design to the décor to the menu, Tundra was conceived to evoke the image, texture and taste of Canada. Fresh, innovative design is inspired by the untamed Canadian landscape, enhancing the award-winning creative, cutting edge cuisine. Tundra offers seasonal menus using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Their Winterlicious menu includes tundra seedling salad, with poached pears, pickled fennel, roasted hazelnuts and Ontario plum dressing; beer-braised short rib with Ontario polenta, sautéed kale, house-made kimchee and BBQ jus; and a salted chocolate caramel tart with hazelnut cream and winter berries.
Enjoy Italian hospitality in a warm, candlelit dining room in Yorkville. Chef Felice Vacca and his friendly, knowledgeable staff serve authentic Italian cuisine using only the freshest ingredients purchased daily. Treat yourself to a selection from Vaticano’s award-winning wine room to enhance your dining experience. Winterlicious menu options include grilled sardines seasoned with homemade dressing; rigatoni with fresh basil in a tomato sauce; salmon trout filet seasoned with homemade dressing; and a multi-flavoured cheesecake.
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