Tips for Dining, Eating and Food Shopping in Ontario (including Toronto and Ottawa)
Start New ThreadHey chowhounders!
I am suppose to pick restaurants several times this week. Everyone likes French, so I was thinking what CHer's thought the best French under $100 per person including one glass of wine, tax and tip, would be?
I am thinking Le Select Bistro...looking for other suggestions
By stonedtoronto
on Mar 1, 2009 08:00 AM
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Pastis is pretty good.
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Pastis
1158 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W2L9, CA
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Amuse-Bouche or Celestin (if you select from the menu wisely).
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Celestin
623 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9, CA
Amuse-Bouche
96 Tecumseth St, Toronto, ON M6J2H1, CA
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Definitely agree on the Pastis recommendation. I was disappointed in my last visit to Celestin.
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Amuse-Bouche
96 Tecumseth St, Toronto, ON M6J2H1, CA
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Celestin
623 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9, CA
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Batifole...
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I would definitely recommend Batifole, for 100, you would eat like a king there. How is Pastis, though? I still haven't tried it.
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Hey-- I just looked Didier has Prix Fixe menu for February 2009 that looks phenomenal!!! It's 58 a person and includes a drooooool-worthy first course, main and dessert, so you could still afford wine and tip.
http://www.restaurantdidier.com/site/...
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does he even offer al a carte? website just says brunch, lunk and prix fixe?
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IMO, chef has lost interest and food has gone down hill at Batifole! - unappealing to the eye, mediocre tasting and rough with an edge. Though less 'sophisticated' than Celestin, Pastis food is definitely more flavourful. The perfectly grilled calves liver with lardons in an awesome jus reduction sauce is a fine example. 'X' times more delicious than Batifole's version! They also make one of the best Soupe de Poissons in town. Oh! BTW, don't forget the Foie Gras two ways!
Enjoy!
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Charles, I've noticed your dissatisfaction with Batifole on a number of threads. It's one of my favourites but it's been around 1 year since my last visit. If this is truly the case then I am saddened. When were you there last and are you comparing the food to a previous visit or to other French restaurants? I've enjoyed your postings and I'm trying to determine if our palates are similar. Not sure yet...
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OK I'm not Charles (obviously) - but I basically agree with Charles on this one. I've been to Batifole 3 times. The first was superb (2 of us - early last year). The second was a disaster (4 of us) - food greasy and overcooked (last spring). The third time was a group of 6 - it was really patchy - no consistency at all (most recent visit about 6 months ago). Again somewhat greasy and 'stodgy'. At best I'd say "comfort food". This lack of consistency bothers me and the cooking was clumsy (at best). If I lived in the area I'd probably try again - the price is fairly low; but this really only aspires to be a 'good local' place - and doesn't always achieve that. Oh - and the wine list has also deteriorated.
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No not the wine list too! I think I need to give it one more try; it is in my neighbourhood so worth one more try (hopefully more than one though....)
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Based on my first visit, I hope it recovers too. Maybe "couples only".
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This would be my pick for sure.
RE:Amuse-Bouche I've been twice and was more than mildly disappointed.
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I dunno if it's "the best" but I do think Le Select is a solid choice.
Classic French standards (and this doesn't mean just obvious or boring choices... you'll find sweetbreads and beef cheeks, etc.)... a very pretty room, superfluous wine list.
Le Select is our go-to for French (granted we live in the Nabe)... and I stand by it as a reliable pick that will probably come in under your projected budget.
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I would second Le Select...had a yummy dinner there. They have a fantastic wine selection and the service was excellent, as well.
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Mogette Bistro.
I live down downtown and make the effort to get to this newly opened Davisville boite.
French classics, well priced wine and decent service.
http://mogettebistro.com/
It'll be the Pastis of the area for sure.
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I've been to both and have to say that is a stretch of the imagination. Mogette is okay but I'd take Pastis over it any day. Mogette was just okay for us, and in fact we had to send the veal stew back it was so over done. The other thing, and I've heard many people comment on it, is the father - very nice man, but jeez, he's too in your face, to the point of desparation.
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i was going to suggest Mogette. I don't do french but Joanne Kates loved it a few back - if that's saying anything.
James Chatto can't seem to get enough of Loire: http://www.loirerestaurant.ca/
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how about le paradis?
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You could do 2 people under $100 at Le Paradis! I love it there - consistent, fun, delicious and incredibly reasonable.
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Try coquine at Yonge and Eglinton. Food is a bit inconsistent but the atmosphere is great.
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agreed. really depends what the OP is looking for. coquine is "French" but not "full out Francais" if that makes sense - entrees like fish, steak frites, , side like ratatouille - not as rich as some frnech places, so great for group dining with health freaks like me :)
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