What's the best French restaurant or bistro in midtown right now?

[Googs]

I have a special occasion and haven't had time to do my own homework in my new nabe. Please help!

[thepiglover]

Didier is Really good.

[Googs]

The time to decide is nigh. After much thought, it comes down to this:
Restaurant - either Auberge du Pommier or Scaramouche
Bistro - Pastis or Simple Bistro

Any help with the final decision would be welcome. Beau deserves a great birthday, but I lack depth of knowledge on the topic of French cuisine in Toronto.

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Auberge Du Pommier
4150 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2C6, CA

Scaramouche
1 Benvenuto Place, Toronto, ON M4V 2L1, CA

Pastis
1158 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W2L9, CA

[tjr]

Do you need to pick a resto and a bistrot, or are you looking to pick one of the four options you've listed? If just one, what sort of atmosphere would you be most comfortable with given the occasion?

[Googs]

Thanks tjr, I guess that was sort of confused and confusing, I'm a little nervous 'cause I really wanna get this right.

I need to pick one of the four. It's his bd and he's the French food fanatic so I'm looking for a romantic setting with great food. Good service paired with great food IS romantic so it needn't be textbook 'pushing the meatball' setting.

We're comfortable anywhere and I suspect the level of service in all of these will aid in that. If I'm wrong, please say so. That said, we've had bad service in good restaurants and just laughed our heads off over it instead of getting upset.

[TorontoJo]

Go for Auberge. I think the setting is much lovelier than Scaramouche, but with equally good service and a similar price point. I don't know if they will have the fireplace going in the summer, but it's worth asking and if the answer is yes, ask for a table near the fireplace. Good food, good service, beautiful room and a fireplace. Sounds romantic to me. :)

[Googs]

Thanks TorontoJo.

Not to be too much of a pain, but I guess I'm also looking for people's faves from each category. If you were bistro'ing, would you go with Simple or Pastis?

[Charles Yu]

Hello TorontoJo!
Haven't been to Auberge for almost a year. Do they still offer tasting menu?

[TorontoJo]

Hey Charles! Yes, they do -- $100/person:

http://www.oliverbonacini.com/OliverB...

[estufarian]

Restaurant - Scaramouche - and ask for a window table.
Bistro - Pastis - more solid food; Simple has hits & misses. I'd choose Pastis for a special occasion also; Simple is more of a neighbourhood experience (albeit a good one).

[akhorasanee]

Scaramouche- window table

[JennaBean]

I'd go with Auberge for the room alone. Much more romantic and I actually prefer the food as well.

[Charles Yu]

Anyone tried 'Lafayette Bistro' on Queen?! French chef from Nice and menu with dishes that include French Onion Soup gratinee, Boeuf Bourguignon and Duck confit with cepe mushrooms and pan roasted potatoes. Pretty 'French' to me?!!!!

[syoung]

Agree with someone above on Elle M'a Dit on Baldwin. It's not the best but pretty good for the price. Their tarte flambée (cooked on a thin flatbread) is fantastic. As far as the best French is concerned, I have not yet found one in Toronto that I would use this "best" descriptive.

[Smorgasbord]

Not really midtown, but for ambiance you really can't beat La Societe, and the food is pretty good too. After a few glasses of cremant and brunch I swore I was in Paris! [or at least Balthazar ;) ]

[tjr]

With the exception of the decent sandwiches and salads at lunch, the rest of the food isn't "pretty good."

[Charles Yu]

Has any fellow chowhounder given 'Ortolan' a try??!!

After reading it's stellar review on last Saturday's Star, this new establishment might be a candidate for Best Bistro?!!

Sure, to us foodie chowhounders, Pataki is a controversial figure. However, whether we like or dislike her restaurant reviews, it still does not take away the fact that the food critic of one of Toronto's major newspaper actually gave Ortolan a 'rare' 4 stars out of 4, after tasting the food there!!! Must be something to it?!!

[tjr]

I can't really speak to the entirety of their menu, as I've only had the tartare. It was good, but not exceptional. The other plates I saw looked pretty good. I'll go back to try more at some point.

To be fair though, Pataki gave La Société 3/4 stars, and it completely lacks any sort of substance.

[iMarilyn]

Is Ortolan a French bistro? I don't recall frites or anything French on the menu other than rabbit rillettes. DH had gnocchi.

[Googs]

CharlesYu, you know my rule about her, don't you. Read Pataki, do opposite, enjoy. I don't think that'd work out for Beau & I.

I think it's going to come down to either Weezie's from my old 'hood (which IS romantic) or Simple from our new one. We'll leave Pastis to another evening.

Thanks everyone for all of your help. I sincerely appreciate it. It always amazes me that, despite the dozens and dozens of places we've dined at, there are always more to discover. Ya gotta love this city.

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Weezie's
354 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A1K9, CA

[tjr]

Simple is quite good; I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[prima]

Googs, I haven't been to Ici Bistro yet, but it's on my wanna try list. I have no idea if it's romantic, but at least one Hound has described it as cosy. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/683366 If you're willing to leave midtown, it might be another option to consider.

Not quite as far as Weezie's, and probably not as busy as it was when it first opened, so a reservation should be much easier. I've heard very good things about the food.

By the way, Simple serves a good brunch, if you're ever looking for brunch options in midtown.

[JennaBean]

Ici is romantic for sure but hard to get a reso.

[peppermint pate]

Of all the places that you've mentioned, I agree that Weezie's the most romantic (though not particularly French - I also prefer going there in the cooler weather). I really like the food at Pastis but the only way I like to eat there with my guy, which I do find romantic, is sitting on a pair of stools at the bar. Start with a glass of champagne, nibble on their crispy sweet potato ribbons and enjoy the din of the crowd behind you. The bartenders are always great. The food is very good. The profiteroles make a great dessert but if you have a lovely warm evening on your hands, meander back to your new 'hood via some homemade ice cream from Xococava or gelato from Gelato Simply Italian. That would qualify as a romantic evening in my books. Enjoy.

[torontofoodiegirl]

I also think Weezie's is more romantic than Simple. And while they're both French-ish, neither is a classic French bistro if that's what you had in mind.

Have a great time, wherever you end up.

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Weezie's
354 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A1K9, CA

[Googs]

You're right torontofoodiegirl. They are French-ish and I should be thinking about Beau. Finding pure French in Toronto is pretty tough though isn't it?

[tjr]

Not really. There are lots of "pure French" restos in Toronto.

[Googs]

tjr, is Simple your favourite?

[tjr]

I'm not sure I'd say it's my favourite; there's dishes I like there, and there's dishes I like at other restos. I'm not sure I've had an entirely successful French meal in Toronto...

[lamaranthe]

In TO I would say Scaramouche, but I just came back from a long w-e in MTL and now I'll swear by Bonaparte. That's the real French high class restaurant, serving excellent+ French cuisine.

[estufarian]

I'd forgotten about Scaramouche!

All-around I'd have to rate this above Pastis. Never disapponits and always seems a bit 'youger' than I expect. Excellent food, immaculate servic

[lamaranthe]

Lots of restos, yes, I agree, but bistrots? Real French ones? Tell me.

[sloweater]

How are we defining "real" French bistros? Are we looking at a place that is stuck in a time warp with respect to menu and setting or are we talking about a place that captures the essence of a bistro?

[tjr]

That wasn't the question asked, but here: Jacques, Le Sélect, Bistro 990, etc.

[sloweater]

Lamaranthe is looking for what s/he calls a "real" French bistro. I was looking for clarification as to how s/he defines "real" French.

[tjr]

(I was responding to Lamaranthe, who was responding to me above). The question seems kind of silly anyway, since there are real French bistros in Toronto.

[sloweater]

Sorry TJR...

The term "real" French chafes me. I agree with you that there are a lot of great French restaurants in Toronto: Didier, Mogette, Le Select, Simple, Le Paradis, etc.. All French to varying degrees.

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Le Paradis
166 Bedford Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2K9, CA

Le Select
432 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V1E3, CA

Mogette
581 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S, CA

[tjr]

No worries! The way CH threads comments is visually confusing.

[Charles Yu]

I agree!
I recall reading somewhere in this thread someone commenting an establishment has to have 'frites' in order to be qualified as ' French'! Well, in my two years stay in Paris, I've visited quite a few establishments that did not have frites on their menu, but instead have 'potato galette'!!, (which I find to be 'more French'!!)

[tjr]

Charles, you missed out! McDonald's has frites on the menu -- a true French classic!

[sloweater]

But do they have Edith Piaf playing on a non-stop loop?

[lamaranthe]

In France a bistro(t) is a small restaurant, unpretentious, offering a warm atmosphere and a rather limited menu, classic dishes and nothing really fancy. I still did not find anything similar in Toronto.

[Googs]

You don't find that Pastis meets that criteria?

[Splendid Wine Snob]

How pricey is the wine list?

[Googs]

Ah. I see your point. My one visit does not an expert make.

[Googs]

SWS, I was quite pleased not only with the wine list, but with the prices as well. Prices are very much in line with the quality of the bottles proffered. I'd return for that reason alone never mind the terrific food and casual ambience.

[Splendid Wine Snob]

Thanks-I've been meaning to try it for ages!

[prima]

A bistro should also be quick. I fall into the "bistro came from the Russian word быстро" camp. Most Cdn bistros lack the quick part of the equation.

[ddelicious]

Elle m'a dit is exactly that. Have you tried it?

[Googs]

Will they make me drink Alsatian wines?

[ddelicious]

No, but you could if you want to.

[Googs]

Oh wow, when you put it that way, peppermint pate, that does sound tempting. I'm going to have to give that one some more thought.

[ddelicious]

Elle m'a dit on Baldwin street. Its fantastic. Make reservations becuase it is very small!

[KitchenVoodoo]

Not Cocquine - I've already hated about it on this board.

[Googs]

Me too. I'm taking my fiancee out for his bd. I don't need him to get slimed.

[TorontoJo]

If you're interested in Simple Bistro, you should sign up at https://www.diningdatenight.com/ and make the reservation through their site. It's the best restaurant discount deal I've come across (thanks, jlunar!). You register for an account, then book your reservation through the site. You pay $10 at the time of booking. Then when you go to the restaurant, they automatically take 30% off of your final bill -- including alcohol. No restrictions, no coupons. The only catch seems to be limited hours (some have limited days, as well). E.g., Simple has reservations for 5:30, 6:00, 9:00 and 9:30. But if you don't mind dining early or late, it's a serious deal.

Other restaurants available: Splendido (yes, 30% off Splendido), Chiado, Crush, L'Unita, Malena, Union.

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Splendido
88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, CA

Chiado
864 College Street West, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3, CA

L'Unita
134 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R2H6, CA

Simple Bistro
619 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S2M5, CA

[Googs]

That's a great tip. Thanks! Beau's fave is French so French it shall be. I've wanted to go to Simple with him for a while since it's super-easy to get to from home. The best restaurants are always the ones close to home.

Thooooough, with all the Pastis recs I'm getting, can anyone tell me if it's a romantic setting? Perfect service always aids romance, but a little atmosphere is nice too.

[AzulH]

Pastis is a little too crowded and open to be a perfect romantic setting. I would describe it as 'social' rather than romantic.

[juno]

I don't think any French bistro in town can be described as "romantic". They're mostly too busy-busy. The aforementioned - by JennaBean - Auberge du Pommier, which isn't what I'd call a bistro (certainly not at about $200-$250 a couple, all in), is, among those mentioned, the closest to "romantic" there is. But then, you should be able to provide your own mood and atmosphere, whatever joint you decide on.

That's a useful tip on an early or late-night dining website, which I'll pass on to impecunious friends, though it's useless for me, being an 7:30 p.m. kind of nosher. About Simple Bistro, however, which is almost always solid, I noted the last time I was there that the portions are getting kinda teensy. Specifically, the sardine appetizer ($11), which consisted of two small slivers off one little old sardine, tarted up with some sprigs of eggplant. Tasty, but I had it all down in three forkfuls. The main dish ($25) - guinea hen (or some sort of fowl, I forget exactly) - was also decidedly insubstantial, though the platter was filled out with lotsa tasty french fries. Dessert ($4 on the prix fixe, higher otherwise) was a variation on jello. I guess they're having a tough time making money while meeting their self-imposed $40 prix fixe price. Still, a good place, so long as portions don't get even smaller still. Then I'll be forced to march a few doors down Mount Pleasant Rd. to the neighboring bistro Mogette, also pretty good. And also not "romantic".

[tjr]

I haven't bought a coupon/voucher in ages because I'm tired of either getting shafted on a deal, having to get a refund, or, say, the restaurant offering a completely different (poor quality, 'licious-style) menu instead of their regular food.

Dining Date Night, on the other hand, I have been using. I always eat late, so it's no big deal for me, and there's no coupon or hoops to jump through, and the restaurant is giving you the same food you'd get if you had just gone in normally.

[lamaranthe]

WOW! Thanks for the tip Very nice of you to share the info.

[lamaranthe]

The name spells Coquine and I agree that, except for the Caprese salad, there is not much to say in favor of that place.

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Coquine
2075 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S2A4, CA

[Googs]

Any thoughts on Celestin or Simple anyone?

[Charles Yu]

Simple is great for the price. Mogette a few doors down is pretty good as well. I would stay away from Celestin. Food definitely not the same ever since Pascal left!! Service can be very inconsistent!

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Celestin
623 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9, CA

Mogette
581 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S, CA

[Googs]

And if one wasn't concerned about price Charles? Where would you go for French anywhere in the city?

[JennaBean]

If you want something high end why not Auberge? They do it well and it is a beautiful setting.

[lamaranthe]

I agree, though I find the brunch at Simple a bit pricey for what it is. I would say the same thing about Alizé. Depends what you are looking for. For beer and ribs, Granite (corner Eg and Mt Pleasant) is quite acceptable, though you have to bring with you a bunch of friends to give it some atmosphere. St-Louis (stlouiswings.com) is good and there is a patio. For fish and chips, Olde Yorke 96 Laird Drive is very good, even better than Penrose. I favour Tabule: very good mid-Eastern and reasonable prices. Coquine? Excellent Caprese salad but their french fries are horrendous. No A/C...Many other good spots but they do not fall under the bistro label, IMO.

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Tabule
2009 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4S 1Z8, CA

Olde Yorke
96 Laird Dr, Toronto, ON M4G3V3, CA

Coquine
2075 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S2A4, CA

[JennaBean]

Stay away from Celestin. It hasn't been good for a while now.

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Celestin
623 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9, CA

[JennaBean]

I haven't been in a while but I've always enjoyed Didier.

[magic]

Jacques on Cumberland is fantastic.

[acd123]

I like Pastis on Yonge in Rosedale

[estufarian]

Seconded - but very noisy/bustling.

[tjr]

I like Pastis as well.

[acd123]

To me, noisy and bustling = fun, but my parents and in-laws think the opposite.

[KevH]

If you go to Pastis, do not order the foie gras duo or the escargot ravioli for apps or the prime rib main for two. The dishes were not good. (Foie gras was greasy, duck was dry, ravioli was tasteless, prime rib quality was not very good)

[acd123]

Don't know about those dishes, but thanks for the heads up. I usually order the soupe de poisson and the liver with lardon and red wine reduction. Both are excellent. Actually, I'm not sure if i've ever ordered anything else there :-)

[Googs]

HIGH-larious. I did, in fact, have the flavourful escargot ravioli.Oh the butter, oh the garlic, oh the tender little escargot. He had the fantastic pate with that delightful mustard. Beau wanted the prime rib and, being his bd dinner, I certainly wasn't going to deny him. The horseradish served with MADE that dish. The side of creamed spinach made me completely rethink my aversion to coooked spinach. The fries (bless them for handcuts) spot...on...perfect. The prime rib was tender, expertly cooked and seasoned, and mindblowing when paired, as we did, with Amarone. I'm reeeeeally glad I didn't take your advice. No disrespect intended.