The world’s most perfect meat-and-potatoes pairing is a bistro classic. Here, the city’s top five steak frites.
1. Nota Bene’s Cumbrae Farms steak
The rub (thyme, rosemary, balsamic and olive oil) offsets the complex, almost gamy flavours of an incredible strip loin nurtured by 60 days of dry aging. Flesh so tender it parts at the nudge of a knife contrasts with the snap of lustily salted frites. $45. 180 Queen St. W., 416-977-6400.
2. Jacobs and Co. Alberta rib-eye
Toronto’s best steak house doesn’t serve steak frites, per se, but sumptuously marbled and aged High River Hereford beef ($50). The rib-eye deserves an equally extravagant partner, in this case a side order of tarragon-showered duck-fat fries ($12) that mingles the earthiness of the potatoes with the musk of the deep-fryer. 12 Brant St., 416-366-0200.
3. Delux’s Wellington County flatiron
Succulent ribbons of local, grass-fed, garnet-hued meat repose beside a peppery watercress salad. Fresh herbs in maître d’hotel butter and great frites complete the mouth-watering, verdant tableau. $24. 92 Ossington Ave., 416-537-0134.
4. Didier’s strip loin
The spectacular crust of this strip loin echoes the wondrous textures of the pommes frites—the city’s best. Chef Didier Leroy soaks potatoes in ice water, then double fries them, enrobing a creamy interior in a crackling, salty exterior. $30. 1496 Yonge St., 416-925-8588.
5. La Palette’s AAAA Black angus strip loin
A fine steak doesn’t need sauce, but a chocolate-port reduction doesn’t hurt, either. Blue cheese (in the horseradish and blue cheese butter) adds a slight funk to the slab of grilled aged beef. Tarragon mayo lends a creamy touch to the fries. $28. 492 Queen St. W., 416-929-4900.
(Illustration: Jacky Dylan)
A “bistro classic” for $62? Anyone heard of onglet?
December 15, 2010 at 10:15 am | by mattagascarI am taking reservations for the spring time, I can gurantee you steak frites done in my moms kitchen not even mine that will make the best of you cry tears of only happiness and joy..
December 15, 2010 at 11:37 am | by Culinerdcowbell. hands down best in the city!
December 15, 2010 at 12:01 pm | by kateCowbell steak nice but the medium rare is really raw raw meat..nota bene everything about this place spells overprice & pretense… dunno..
December 15, 2010 at 9:42 pm | by PeeNota Bene is delicious in every way and amazing service and ambience
December 16, 2010 at 9:01 am | by anonLe Papillion at the park, hands down winner!
December 16, 2010 at 9:02 am | by Henry…would you like fries with your Big Mac? Not haute cuisine but just as filling.
December 16, 2010 at 10:26 am | by WalterPThe Harbord Room and Side Car on College both deserve honourable mention.
December 16, 2010 at 10:31 am | by ChrisWith so many steak eaters around, how come we lost Carman’s?
December 16, 2010 at 11:21 am | by MaverickDear Munchers,
I can hands on guarantee that Nota Bene has one of the best steak frites in the city, since I was with the first brigade that prepared all the dishes before the place even opened.
Geoff and David put a ton of love into making their fries perfect and the beef is damn good.
PS OddFellows has the BEST steak & eggs brunch in the city for only $16!
December 16, 2010 at 3:54 pm | by BG011Best Bang for you buck is Sidecar’s Steak Frites. $24 bucks from Sunday to Wed. I can’t believe it’s not on this list.
December 16, 2010 at 5:50 pm | by Chimmyhuh? What about the keg?
Hold on do they do frites?
Yes they do but they call them fries.
December 18, 2010 at 12:22 am | by dinnermakrYou should have mentioned the steak frites of Le Select Bistro on Wellington. They are excellent and well worth the price of a $35 menu that includes hors d’oeuvre and dessert.
December 19, 2010 at 1:45 pm | by Alain AeschelmannAre we forgetting about Bloor Street Diner? The have such good frites.
December 21, 2010 at 8:24 am | by JCdid someone forget that steak frites is an inexpensive, simple, bistro classic.
December 21, 2010 at 9:29 am | by j j