In a city where a new restaurant seems to open weekly, the last thing an existing hotspot can afford to become is stale or dated. Some of Toronto’s most beloved restaurants have gotten facelifts as of late, offering a fresh feel to the wining and dining experience. Check out the new looks at these favourite spots.
Sassafraz
Love it or hate it, Yorkville’s longtime staple Sassafraz is no longer the bright shade of yellow it has been for decades. After a two-year planning process, the restaurant – housed in a charming Victorian row house on Cumberland Street – has just re-launched with a new Soho-inspired look that shakes up its exterior, dining room, and S-Café. This sees the building’s exterior now a green sage colour (the doors remain the iconic yellow), and inside, you’ll find pale sage banquettes, walnut tables, and sparkling hurricane lamps and columns. Along with the renovation comes a freshly recreated menu full of internationally inspired dishes like Cape D’Or salmon with chilled soba noodles and ponzu dressing, and classic dishes like Fogo Island cod and chips.
Dbar
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My favourite corner @dbar. #toronto’s #livingroom by #dialoginteriors @dialogdesign
Just in time for TIFF in early September, dbar – the bustling bar inside the Four Seasons Hotel – revealed a whole new look. The lounge area now features a fresh and elegant blush and olive design by Alison McNeil, principal at DIALOG. Another impossible-to-miss talking point of the remodeled space includes large LED art screens behind the bar that display a 24-hour time-lapse of the city’s waterfront and downtown skyline, with a sunrise and sunset over the CN Tower all seen within minutes. The new look comes with a new menu, which features things like Sugar Cane Skewered Shrimp, Rillon on a Bun, Ham and Cheese Croquetas, and Tuna Crudo.
Labora
The award-winning King West Spanish spot, Labora, recently expanded its existing location after a successful first year in business. Originally located within Campo Food Hall, the entire 3,000 plus sq. ft. space is now dedicated entirely to Labora Restaurant and Bar. The newly remodeled space sees the restaurant’s seating capacity increased to 90 people and the spot now features a semi-private dining area for groups up to 12. In addition to more seating to mow down on the authentic Spanish fare – which includes menu highlights like Spanish cheese, tapas, and churros – the revamped spot now features 25 seats. Everything about the dining experience here now reflects that in coastal Mallorca, Spain.
Featured image: Instagram/ @alisondialog
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