Make reservations at the Fifth Grill for a warm, homey atmosphere. The restaurant is a rooftop loft in a historic warehouse with a contemporary design philosophy that includes wood-beamed ceilings, large windows and fireplaces. A terrace that remains lush even in winter month supplies a sweeping view of the city while live piano music adds to the ambiance. The diamond five star Fifth Grill has been acclaimed not just for its environs, but equally for its fusion of steakhouse and French cuisine. Start with a St. Petersburg inspired caviar blini, garnished with sour cream, egg, onion and Russian Vodka or seared foie gras finished off with quince, port wine reduction and seasoned hazelnuts. Move on to main courses which feature, among other selections, an Australian rack of lamb, macaroni and cheese made with truffles and foie gras and a Chateaubriand topped with Bearnaise. Finish off the meal with the Baked Alaska or chocolate cake with chestnut cream, bourbon and honey.
The Fifth Grill
225 Richmond Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1W3 Canada
+1-416-979-9877
thefifthgrill.com
Formerly called Truffles, the Studio Cafe is Toronto's oldest diamond five star restaurant and is located in the Four Seasons Hotel. The restaurant is characterized by its focus on Mediterranean and ethnic flavors, a comfortable atmosphere and an expansive wine list. The Studio Cafe offers brunch, lunch, dinner and a special prix fixe menu. At brunch, order the Indian inspired chicken salad with mango, avocado, greens and naan or the steak and eggs with truffle and honey mushrooms. The lunch menu features mains like a peameal bacon (brined bacon that has been dusted with yellow cornmeal) sandwich topped with blue cheese and apple butter and served with home fries. For lighter fare, try the sweet potato soup with notes of ginger, brown butter and crispy flax seed. Dinner features roasted salmon with red wine, lentils and mushrooms and a roasted lamb with brussel sprouts, butternut squash and hazelnuts. Or, order from the Yorkville prix fixe menu that serves up three courses and wine pairings.
Studio Cafe
21 Avenue Road
Toronto, ON
M5R 2G1 Canada
+1-416-928-7330
fourseasons.com
One of the Oliver & Bonacini restaurants, Canoe is another of Toronto's diamond five star dining experiences. Situated at the top of the TD Bank Tower building, the restaurant affords diners panoramic city views. Both food and decor seek to underscore a distinctively Canadian aesthetic and Toronto's burgeoning status as a progressive city. Chef Anthony Walsh has designed a menu around regional specialties. Begin lunch with the Cumbrae Farms beef tartar served with chips, fried shallots and creme fraiche or the St. Maure's goat cheese made with local honey, radishes and walnuts. Yarmouth lobster and chicken pot pie and roasted Alberta lamb are popular mains. At dinner, sample the maple-cured British Columbia salmon and the Willowgrove Hill pork done with herb-scented gnocci and poached fruit. A tasting menu is available and also supports local farms with a tea-smoked La Ferme duck decked out in wheat berries, morels and rapini. The wine list at Canoe is ample and the desserts similarly constructed from seasonal area produce.
Canoe
66 Wellington St. West
Toronto, ON
M5K 1H6 Canada
+1-416-364-0054
oliverbonacini.com
