Best Steak Restaurant in Toronto - Suggestions?
Hi all,
I couldn't find any recent posts on this topic.
My husband's birthday is coming up this weekend. He really enjoys steak.
1) The location can be anywhere in Toronto or up in York Region.
2) There is no price limit - I will pay over $100 for the steak if it is worth it.
3) I don't care about wine lists or any other food - just that they have good steak.
Please advise!
Thank you!
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Went to Jacob & Co. 3 years ago based upon the recommendations in Chow Hound. Resto overrated. Steaks were good, not great. Service was average. The best steak I ever had in Toronto was at Carmen's but I think it's closed.
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Hey, have you considered trying Barclay's, located I think in the Warden and Lawerance area. Its a really nice steakhouse, Ive been once and got the prime rib and it was awesome. Its a very small place, but Id consider it pretty classy.
Ive never heard that place mentioned on here, has anyone here tried it?
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re: jmarcroyal
foodyDudey
Aug 18, 2011 11:53 AM
Are you sure they are open? I see a review from 2007 saying that they closed.
http://www.restaurantica.com/on/scarb...
Even if they were open, I've never heard it mentioned and also I think the OP was looking for a higher end place.
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re: foodyDudey
I thought it was pretty high end, although I admit I wasnt paying attention to the menu much at the time when I went. Its a shame it closed, it was a pretty nice place, small, intimate, nice decor, great wait staff. I dont know where The Keg falls on the Steakhouse scale, im guessing right at the bottom, but this place(non chain) was definetely 2 or 3 steps above that.
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prima
Aug 11, 2011 01:50 PM
Looking for a non-chain steakhouse that's open on a Sunday.
Looks like Jacobs, Le Castile, Black Angus, Senior's, David Duncan House are closed on Sundays.
Looks like Barberian's, Harbour 60 and House of Chan are open for dinner on Sundays. Leaning towards Barberian's.
Are there any other non-chain steakhouses open on Sundays, that you'd recommend?
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Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CAHouse of Chan
876 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C2B6, CABlack Angus
740 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5E, CAThe David Duncan House
125 Moatfield Dr, Toronto, ON M3B3L6, CA›22 Replies-
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re: TorontoJo
Actually I have been to David Duncan house on many occassions and I would compare it favourably to most steakhouses for quality and consistency. Not probably in the same league as H60 (haven't been to Jacob & Co) but certainly respectable and I have always enjoyed their New York strip.
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re: justsayn
prima
Aug 17, 2011 02:20 PM
Thanks, justsayn. ;-)
It'll be my first visit to Barberian's. What cut should I get?
Will Barberian's allow customers to split Porterhouse steaks and/or take home doggie bags?
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re: prima
justsayn
Aug 17, 2011 03:22 PM
Well....I hate to throw a ringer in, but they always had GREAT ribs! : ) Not the fall off the bone mushy kind you find at Baton Rouge.
Different cut choices are so personal. Most people I know base their decision on size of cut they want that evening and level of fattiness they enjoy?
I have often left with a doggie bag as I love the big rib steak. but can never finish it : P
Enjoy!!
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re: justsayn
prima
Aug 17, 2011 03:33 PM
Good to know they allow doggie bags. I've usually tried my best to finish what's on my plate when I haven't been aware of the doggie bag policy, so I'm very happy to hear that it's been done at Barberian's.
Now that I know I can get a doggie bag, I'll lean towards the cut I really want, rather than the one that's closest to the portion size I want on Sunday. ;-)
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Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CA -
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re: prima
justsayn
Aug 18, 2011 06:32 PM
Maybe someone else can answer to this and help steer you!
I have really become a Harbour fan and go there 5 or 6 times a year. I ate at Barberians all the time in the 90s but I was last there early 2010 for a stag. I remember the garlic bread was still great. The caesar salad was good and the rest is forgotten. The rib steak was really tasty and juicy and well cooked.
Sorry I can't be more help.
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Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CA-
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re: justsayn
prima
Aug 22, 2011 07:10 AM
Tried the Rib Steak, medium rare, and split a garden salad and banana split with my friend. Liked the gratis giardiniera, that included fennel, as well as hot peppers and carrots. Agree, the garlic bread is very good. I also like the garlic bread served at Tom Jones.
Brought part of my steak home with me, in a little black box.
Our server was really down-to-earth- probably the friendliest, and surprisingly low-key (in a nice way) service that I've found in TO.
While I really liked the server and service, and would return for that, if I was just looking for a rib steak, I'm just as happy ordering the rib steak or ribeye from a non-steakhouse. I guess I don't appreciate the differences between a decent steak and a great steak, so a higher quality cut or grade of beef is lost on me. Although my steak at Barberian's was good, I actually preferred my relatively economical ribeye at Globe Earth a few months ago, and the steak frites (don't remember the cut) I ordered at Cowbell a couple years back. Both those steaks were probably over-seasoned and possibly too tough for bona fide steaklovers, but they were seasoned just right for this occasional steak-eater.
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Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CACowbell
1564 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R1A6, CATom Jones
17 Leader Lane, Toronto, ON M5E1L8, CAEarth
1055 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W, CA-
re: prima
justsayn
Aug 23, 2011 02:34 PM
It's evolution I guess. One can now get great steaks in the city at great non-steak restos.
But meat eaters who want the dedicated steak house experience, there is nothing like the ambience of a true steak house whether old school or modern.
Hope you enjoyed your steak just the same!
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We went to Jacob's Friday and we had a lovely experience.
My husband had the bone in ribeye and I had the California Cut Striplion Wagyu Beef.Both were delicious and moist and cooked to perfection.
The potato puree was delicious, but didn't compare to the amazing duck fat frites.
These were definitely the best steaks either one of us have had. The sauces on the side were a nice touch, but really the beef didn't need any sauce at all. Definitely one of our favourites and we will be going backl.
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Forget about Jacob & Co. and Morton's which are more sizzle than steak.
Do you want to spend your money on fancy surroundings and atmosphere, or do you want to taste steak as God intended?
Listen to me. Here's a well-kept secret:
The best steaks in Toronto are to be had at House of Chan ---Eglinton Ave. West just west of Bathurst St.
H of C has been in business for about 50 years. What could be a better recommendation than that?
Trust me.-----
House of Chan
876 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C2B6, CA›11 Replies-
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re: JennaBean
prima
Aug 4, 2011 08:26 AM
thanks JennaBean. I hadn't tried Jacobs yet, mostly because one of my friends mentioned they don't season steak the way old school steakhouses do, and I like my steaks seasoned by the time they reach me at the table. That being said, a couple of my friends love Jacobs.
I'd hope Barberian's uses their steak spice, if they're selling it. ;-)
http://www.barberians.com/spice.php-----
Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CA
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re: Doctormhl1
sweetie
Aug 21, 2011 11:31 AM
I would avoid House of Chan. The quality of the meat is great, but everything else was awful. the sides are strange and did not taste great. The steak was burnt on the outside, not chared. Worst of all the service, the waiters there are all Chinese and although I do not sound like I speak Chinese I do. One of the waiters was making extremely rude comments about the restaurant patrons. When I asked for the manager to complain about it, he just smiled and said sorry. If the food was outstanding I might over look something like that, but I'll be damned if I am going to pay for crappy food and insults.
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House of Chan
876 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C2B6, CA
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So I guess there' really only a few to think about. We've never been to Jacob's, H60 or Morton's.
Thanks for all the details and quick responses. I'll probably wait for a few more opinions before I pick one tomorrow and make reservations for Friday. You guys are really REALLY amazing. Keep the comments coming!
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re: mjpang
grandgourmand
Aug 3, 2011 02:55 PM
Although you say you don't care about the other food, at Jacob's the Caesar salad prepared table-side is pretty satisfying. And the duck fat fries, as others have mentioned.
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biggreenmatt
Aug 3, 2011 11:44 AM
My favourite is up in Thornhill- the Octagon at Clark and Yonge, though now living downtown, I haven't been there in years. Very old-school steakhouse, which, if memory serves, is on par with or exceeds H60 or Barberian's, though I've never been to Jacob's.
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Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CA -
elvisahmed
Aug 3, 2011 10:29 AM
H60 if money no object.
Morton is a safe bet but not exceptional as mentioned here.
Haven't tried Jacobs but have always read good things about it.›7 Replies-
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re: justpete
elvisahmed
Aug 3, 2011 10:53 AM
As I mentioned I haven't been to Jacob but have always heard good things about it. A client took me for dinner at H60 and we spent a good hunk of money there I was surprised to see the final tab as I thought it was way high. H60 has great ambiance and old world charm IMO and is by no means a sub standard steakhouse. Again everything is relative if its about dropping 500$ on a single steak why doesn't the OP have a chef come over and grill a steak for him :) I am sure he can buy the most expensive meat here in TO and have it grilled to his liking.
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re: elvisahmed
justpete
Aug 3, 2011 11:09 AM
I agree that it has old world charm and ambiance, and I actually do like the decor - it is one of my favourite things about it - and although their steaks are decent, their accompaniments are sub-par... and their are much better steaks in the city - money shouldn't be the deciding factor, quality should be. Just because H60 is the most expensive, it doesn't make it the best in the city - just the most expensive.
I might also add that the best single steak in the city, IMO, can be found at Splendido - it's 60 dry-aged ribeye, but, the best "steak house" is Jacob's and Co - which is what the OP was requesting.
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Splendido
88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, CA
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Might want to read this H60 thread first, especially the part about the 500% markup on wine, the highest of any restaurant in Toronto:
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re: tjr
justsayn
Aug 3, 2011 06:23 PM
Not to mention that the wine prices are no longer out of control at Harbor and haven't been for over 2 years now. It would be best to revisit a restaurant within the past 2 years before judging it openly on a site like this. Just more helpful, honest and fair to the proprietor.
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NoFixedAddress
Aug 3, 2011 08:09 AM
I know everyone on here will list something else
BUT
I love Morton's http://www.mortons.com/toronto/
4 Avenue Road at Prince Arthur
-right across from the Four Seasons HotelIt is my go-to place for steak.
I always get the "Bone-in Filet Mignon"
(not on the menu, you have to ask for it
)I think it went for about $55
The bone-in makes it so juicy & moist, along with the char-grilled flavour
Seriously ONE GREAT STEAK!It is absoooooooooooolutely fabulous
I have never had a bad experience there
Always perrrrrrrfectly cooked (I get it med-rare)
It is pure perfection!I have never made reservations there
But you may want to in case....and perhaps 'request' the Filet Bone-in
Only once, did they not have it. I have had it about 6 times nowHave a pre-drink at the bar.....great to watch the bartenders and people watch
The staff is really nice. Great Service. Always the same faces, which is rare in a restaurant.
The dining room is warm, inviting and always hoping. A+++++++++PS.....I did go to Jacobs once, but not my thing.
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re: NoFixedAddress
I feel like Morton is all sizzle and no substance. I don't enjoy the food there at all but alas that is what makes this board such a great resouce we all bring something differnet to the table.
I do have to day that I'm curious to know the origin of the steak if they can do a bone-in filet mignon for that price point. That's really cheap considering the limited number you get per cow. I'm a ribeye person myself so I would never order this cut but it is a really good deal if that's your thing and the meat if dry-aged and from a good supplier.
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Hands down IMO Jacob & Co on Brant street. AMAZING steak and some delish sides as a bonus.
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re: tjr
justpete
Aug 3, 2011 09:18 AM
+1 for Jacob's and co. Agree hands down best steak house in the city - bar none. I'm a huge steak eater and have been to almost every steak house in the city - but none compare to Jacobs and Co. You also need to order the table side caeser - best in the city.
Morton's is a chain and I will only go there in a squeeze. (ps, in 6 visits, never had a properly cooked medium-rare steak there - they always screw it up - but they do have great smoked salmon)
Harbour 60 has above-average steaks, but they're only aged 28 days - the steaks are better at Jacobs and co, and so are the sides, apps, and desserts.
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