Restaurants › International
Vertical
- 100 King St. W. (at Bay), First Canadian Place • View on map »
- 416-214-2252
- http://www.verticalrestaurant.ca/
This Bay Street wine bar fills with grape-savvy bankers during the week, especially in warmer months, when the handsome terrace becomes an irresistible spot for afternoon meetings. After Friday’s exodus, the testosterone level plummets and the plush, curtained dining room morphs into a more romantic setting. Another weekend draw is the four-course prix fixe with wine pairings that focuses on a viticultural region, changes monthly and is priced to move at $65, $45 for vegetarian. Chef Tawfik Shehata employs the bolder flavours of the Mediterranean for a seafood-heavy menu with just enough beef to sate the charcoal-suited carnivores. Barely seared albacore tuna is served on Red Fife bread salad and smoky eggplant purée; a lemon-zinged salsa verde unites the vibrant tastes. Topped with a beguiling green chili-cardamom chutney, seared duck breast strikes that beautiful balance of salty skin and rosy, tender meat; shreds of braised leg find their way into a terrific side salad of barely wilted greens. Dense, dry lemon-almond cake disappoints—even satiny dark chocolate icing and heavenly raspberry whipped cream can’t save it. The wine list highlights Italy’s sunny south with a deep selection by the glass. First-class service. Mains $20–$39.
100 King St. W. (at Bay), First Canadian Place | This location is wheelchair accessible
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