Pastis vs. Mitsura

[Nutella_gal]

Hi everyone, we're deciding to take a good friend + her husband for her 60th birthday in a few weeks. It'll be just 4 of us. Scaramouche prices in the main dining room was a bit out of reach.

So we are now deciding between Pastis (Yonge / Summerhill) or Mitsura.

I can't seem to find Pastis menu online. We have been to both a couple of years ago and liked both.

Any comments / thoughts re: price, food, atmosphere in recent times?

Thanks!

[MeMeMe]

Mistura FEELS more like a special occasion restaurant - and it definitely is on the pricier side. However, you can pay a pretty penny at Pastis as well. I was recently there and had a fantastic meal. Their veal limone is not to be missed. My friend loves the fish soup. Definitely ask how much the special costs b/c we were recently surprised when the fish special was $33.

[Charles Yu]

Definitely second the fish soup! IMO, they also make the best calf's liver in town! Perfectly cooked and great sauce!! Their Foie Gras, both seared or touchon are pretty good as well!
Don't miss the Profitoros with dark dark chocolate sauce!! Yuuuummm!

[erly]

Had the Special Fois Gras app. at Mistura last week, and it was perfectly seared.
Misturas is pricy, but it rarely disappoints.

-----
Mistura
265 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R1J9, CA

[millygirl]

Hey nutella_gal, all 3 of them are our go to spots.

My thoughts:
Pastis does not have a website. A few years back they scaled down the menu and it's now called Pastis Express. The mains are a good variety (salmon, pasta, beef, lobster, fish and chips) and run about $20 to $28 if I recall correctly. I find Mistura to be quite a bit more expensive than Pastis.

Depending on when you go both restaurants can be quite lively, but Pastis can get quite loud. Both restos have great service, with maybe Mistura having just a touch higher standard. But again, Pastis is slightly more casual than Mistura so that could be why.

In terms of special occasion I would say Mistura over Pastis. But you can't go wrong with either one. I think the decision factor, after price point, will be what kind of atmosphere you are looking for because food wise, both are excellent. Of course, one leans towards french and the other italian.

Dishes not to be missed at Mistura - beet risotto, the amazing comp breadsticks, wild boar angolotti, and the lamb ribs are to die for.

Pastis - escargot raviolli, wonderful frites, duck confit, and best cosmo in the cit

Let us know where you end up, and enjoy!

[Nutella_gal]

Thanks Millygirl! Think we're going to book in for Pastis. Will let you know how it went! : )

[millygirl]

I think you will be very happy with your choice.

I would be remiss in not pointing out that Pastis does a wonderful desert which name escapes me at the moment but it's a classic. It's consists of eclair like pastry, filled with ice cream and chocolate sauce on top. Maybe someone else can chime in with the name since I'm having a seniors moment. Anyways, it's deelish and my SO can't leave without having it.

Please let us know how it goes nutellagirl. Enjoy!

[MeMeMe]

Profiteroles?

[millygirl]

Yes, profiteroles....that's it! Thanks mememe

[peppermint pate]

I heart those profiteroles. Big time.

[phoenikia]

Has anyone been to Pastis on a Thursday night lately? How loud would it likely be between 7 and 9 pm? Boisterous/lively, or fairly difficult to have a conversation?

I'd like to organize a dinner there, but I'm hoping conversation across the table won't be too challenging for some guests who are slightly hard of hearing.

[millygirl]

I would say boisterous/lively would be a good descriptor. Might be a good idea to explain your situation you make the reservation. Perhaps George could seat you a little off to the sides, or at least not right in the middle of the floor where I think it's the loudest.

[phoenikia]

Thanks, millygirl. I'll call and see what George can do.