Affordable tasting or prix fix menus in Toronto

[mspapaya]

I'm looking for a great place to throw a birthday party for about 10 friends - at one time, we had had a great dinner at JOV Bistro - it was very affordable at about $50 for a multi course meal - I'd would like to find something similar. Suggestions? Ideally something that would accommodate gluten free needs.

[jlunar]

Went to Enoteca Sociale this past Sunday. If you book their wine cellar (8-12 people), you can ask for their $50pp family-style prix fixe. Lots of fun!'

... oh wait. Just saw gluten-free. Maybe not then. Worth asking though!

[derekw]

I was at Enoteca this past Sunday for the $50 pp meal!! We were six sitting on the main floor but they kindly let us get the prix fixe, too. What a satisfying family style meal. We got some 10 items selected by the chef from the menu. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed every course.

[mspapaya]

Yes, i just talked to Enoteca and their prix fixe sounds great. FYI, they accommodate dietary needs. I've read some critiques that their portions are small, but it sounds like you get a lot with the prix fixe. And on Mondays & Tuesdays I gather they have some sort of special on some wines.

[jlunar]

Sadly, I don't think they have that Mon/Tues wine thing anymore (Half-priced Enomatic wines). It was awesome!

[mspapaya]

oh, too bad about the half priced Enomatic (whatever Enomatic means). Are there are other good restos that offer something along those lines? I know some restos have byob or discount options on Sun or Mon nights.

[liverwurst]

My friend and I had dinner at Bistro Camino last night. I had the $25 prix fixe menu, and I was blown away by the value. The appetizer plate consisted of a small cup of cream of asparagus soup, along with a slice of beef carpaccio, house-made smoked salmon, a couple of pieces of shrimp croquette, and a couple of other things. Very good. There were 4-5 choices for mains. I chose the Ox Tongue, braised in red wine. They said it was braised for 8 hours. Super tender. The plate came with mashed potato, creamed corn, asparagus, and a broccoli with cauliflower with this nice sauce on top. The dessert selection was pretty good as well, although I stuck with creme brulee. I think, for $25, that is really hard to beat. Great service as well. The chef came out to each table to say hi - really nice and genuine touch. What a gem of a place.

[Googs]

It's impossible to beat so long as you don't care about decor. I kinda like that. The dated interior will keep just enough people away that getting a seat is still easy.

[chowyp]

Cava, up at Yonge/St. Clair, is a tapas bar and for around $50 per person you can let them choose a variety of things for you. It's really fun, everything is surprise and since it's small plates you get quite a few.

I was there about two months ago and the food was excellent. The wine is a bit pricey, throw in a bottle, tastings for 2 with tax and tip you'll be in for $200. It's not perhaps the best deal in town, but every dish we had was excellent and for the most part really unique.

[Teep]

Bistro Camino has Prix Fixe of about $30. I'm sure if you work with the chef he can come up with something fancier if their set menu is not to your liking. Near Main subway station

http://dvbia.ca/merchants.asp?idn=418...

[Googs]

I don't know how much I'd mess with Camino's menu. Chef's flavour balancing act and plating is best left alone IMO.

[ggom1]

You could try Beast, they'll work with you to customize the tasting menu.

[flying101]

$25 three courses http://julesbistrocafe.com/
$50 six courses http://www.louvrier.ca/

[mspapaya]

Oh Louvier looks great too! Hmmm, Louvrier, Simple Bistro or Table 17?

[justsayn]

Louvier is putting out some tasty food!

[elvisahmed]

Here is a similar topic that was discussed in this thread:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829067

[dubchild]

Simple Bistro has an upstairs which would work well for 10, the food is great, and they offer the whole menu as a $40 prix fixe (as in chose any app, main and dessert).

[Charles Yu]

Wow!! I was just about to mention Simple as well!!!! Foodie minds do think alike!
http://www.simplebistro.com/Home_file...

BTW, the mentioning of JOV bistro brought back tons of fond memories! I had one the the best tasting dish in Toronto there - Prawns and potatoes in a black truffle sauce! Since JOV closed down years ago, OP's mentioning of a $50 tasting menu then will most probably cost at least $80 now!!

[Shoops]

We just went to Simple Bistro last night and the $40 prix fixe is no longer on the menu! I was quite shocked when we got the bill....does anyone know when this occurred? Service was less then stellar last night btw - we hadn't been for a few months and it seemed like all new wait staff. Food was still really nice! The rabbit and prune main - amazing!!!

[mspapaya]

Yes, I just called Simple Bistro yesterday to book our birthday dinner and they informed me they have a new menu and no longer do the prix fixe! Darn! Also, someone had mentioned booking through datenight.com, of which Simple Bistro is a participating partner, in order to get 30% off the menu. For anyone interested, fyi, it's restricted to max six people, and you have to eat either before 6 or 6:30pm or after 9pm, so not exactly workable for a party. I'm going to check out Louvrier now.

[sloweater]

What neighbourhood are you looking for?

[mspapaya]

I'm flexible re: neighbourhood - downtown core or accessible by TTC. Great suggestions, thank you everybody! Been to Jules, not enough atmosphere for this. Sidecar has a nice menu but simpler fare, similar to Tati Bistro's prix fixe which is great comfort food but a little more everyday. Based on these, and the previous link to a similar thread, I'm thinking Simple Bistro or Table 17 - haven't been to either but both have great menus. Table 17 has the BYOB option which is always nice with a party, Simple Bistro has the "diningdatenight 30% off option which is also good. Is one resto far superior to another?