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Gare De L'Est was a beloved French brasserie in Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood, celebrated for its authentic French cuisine and warm ambiance. Diners frequently praised the attentive service and quality dishes, such as steak tartare, duck confit, and mushroom truffle pasta. The restaurant also offered a charming patio for al fresco dining. However, some patrons noted that portion sizes could be small relative to the price. Despite its popularity, Gare De L'Est closed its doors permanently on February 18, 2024. ([blogto.com](https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2024/02/gare-de-lest-toronto-closed/?utm_source=openai))

Gare De L'Est: A Beloved French Bistro in Toronto's Leslieville District 

Nestled at 1190 Dundas Street East, Gare De L'Est was a captivating French brasserie that charmed Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood with its loft-like, dark-hued ambiance and authentic French cuisine. This elevated bistro delighted food lovers with a menu that blended traditional flavors and modern touches, making it a go-to venue for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Known for serving excellent morning espresso and delicate pastries, it also welcomed guests with a spacious, inviting setting and a lovely outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

A Taste of France in the Heart of Toronto

Gare De L'Est stood out for its authentic French fare, serving up classics such as steak tartare - often hailed as the best in Toronto, succulent duck confit, and richly flavored mushroom truffle pasta. The kitchen also offered seasonal regional menus, showcasing specialties like the Languedoc's zucchini fritters stuffed with goat cheese and chickpea and corn fritters paired with tuna tartare. Desserts were equally tempting, with highlights including Basque cheesecake and a vanilla rum-soaked cake for sweet-toothed visitors.

Guests frequently praised the restaurant for its friendly and attentive service, with staff going the extra mile to create memorable experiences — from perfectly timed meal deliveries to personal touches like complimentary prosecco for celebrations. The atmosphere was chic yet comfortable, with a spacious interior that made it ideal for special occasions or casual dining alike. Though some diners found the prices to be on the higher side relative to portion sizes, most agreed that the quality and authenticity justified the experience.

: steak tartare, duck confit, mushroom truffle pasta.

: charming patio available for al fresco dining.

: Gare De L'Est closed permanently on February 18, 2024.

What were some popular dishes at Gare De L'Est

: Steak tartare, duck confit, and mushroom truffle pasta were local favorites.

: Yes, Gare De L'Est featured a charming patio for outdoor dining.

Gare De L'Est was warmly embraced by Toronto locals and visitors alike, who appreciated its genuine French dining experience and inviting atmosphere. While some noted that the pricing was slightly high considering the portion sizes, the overall sentiment reflected admiration for the attentive service and flavorful dishes. The restaurant will be fondly remembered as a cherished gem in Leslieville's culinary scene, leaving behind a legacy of bringing a slice of France to the city.

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Nestled in the heart of Old Toronto, Gare De L'Est is a charming French bistro that invites you to indulge in a delightful culinary experience. With its dark-hued, loft-like ambiance, this restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a destination where tradition meets modern flair. As you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked pastries and rich coffee fills the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.

 Gare De L'Est is known for its elevated French cuisine, offering a menu that features both classic and contemporary dishes. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to savor authentic French flavors.

The menu at Gare De L'Est is a celebration of French culinary traditions, featuring standout dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. One must-try dish is the **Steak Tartare**, expertly prepared with a blend of spices and served with crispy fries. This dish is a true testament to the bistro's commitment to quality and flavor.

 Another highlight is the **Braised Lamb Shank**, slow-cooked to perfection and served with a rich sauce that complements the tender meat beautifully. Each bite is a comforting embrace of flavors, making it a favorite among patrons.

Gare De L'Est also offers a delightful selection of desserts, including the **Basque Cheesecake**, which has garnered rave reviews for its creamy texture and balanced sweetness. This dessert is the perfect way to conclude your meal, leaving you with a lingering taste of indulgence.

 The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients shines through in every dish, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience.

Conveniently located at 1190 Dundas St E, Gare De L'Est is easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The surrounding area boasts a vibrant atmosphere, with various shops and attractions nearby. After your meal, consider exploring the eclectic shops along Dundas Street or taking a leisurely stroll through the picturesque parks in the vicinity.

 It is renowned for its elevated French cuisine and charming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.

 The restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional and modern French dishes, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

 The area features a variety of shops and parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll after your meal.

Whether you're a local or just visiting Toronto, Gare De L'Est promises a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Come and savor the flavors of France in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Dark-hued, loft-like eatery serving traditional French fare plus morning espresso & pastries.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwMFAyQzVRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-89GnrL1IkRPQxyR0R2gCc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwMFAyQzVRRRAB

We’ve visited GDL a number of times now. It’s a good spot…elevated French bistro with very friendly service.

The location is nice and spacious enough, although a little out of the way for many. The food is good, but maybe not quite good enough to justify to price tag - it’s a close call on this front. I don’t think many people will be disappointed.

I think the location looks good, but given the food and style, I’d prefer a less fancy and ever so slightly more affordable experience.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNobTlHMjFBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-89GnrL1IkRPQxyR0R2gCc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNobTlHMjFBRRAB

I ordered the steak frites, braised lamb shank, and Basque cheesecake. While the service was great, the food was average, particularly for the price point. I had higher expectations for the taste of the lamb and steak. I think it could benefit from a little more seasoning. The portion size for the lamb was also quite small. I did enjoy the cheesecake though.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR1NnFUX1FBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-89GnrL1IkRPQxyR0R2gCc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR1NnFUX1FBEAE

Service was friendly and excellent. Standout dishes were the pate and the caper. The fish were well seasoned, tomato based were delicious as well. Steak was juicy. Only let down were the fries, too greasy and there were no vegetable with the dish. All desert were good. If you have a sweet tooth go for the vanilla rum soak cake.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtMWNiQ3p3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-89GnrL1IkRPQxyR0R2gCc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQtMWNiQ3p3RRAB

We booked this restaurant last minute for our friend’s birthday and we are so happy we did! This being a french restaurant and us being a group of french people, we have high standards when we eat at such place. Let me tell you that not only the food was very good (the steak tartare is the best I’ve had so far in Toronto, the lamb shank was tender, the duck perfectly cooked and the mushroom and truffle pasta very flavourful). The service was perfect. The restaurant was very busy but they managed to bring all our meals at the exact same time. They were very friendly and we got to chatting with the maître d’hôtel who is from france as well. They offered us a glass of prosecco at the end to cheers for the birthday and gave my friend a voucher for the restaurant as a gift! They really went the extra mile and we had a great time. We will be back for sure!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwdEpHWlpnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ8-89GnrL1IkRPQxyR0R2gCc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwdEpHWlpnEAE

Beautiful chic restaurant with great service and food. They were having a special menu of regional French cuisine. The night we went they were showcasing the region of Languedoc. The Languedoc menu items were all delicious, nice proportions and quite interesting.

The amuse-bouche was a light zucchini fritter stuffed with goat cheese in a red pepper coulis - delicious! The chickpea and corn fritter with tuna tartare was perfectly balanced with each element on the dish. Everything on the menu was yummy.

Worth going again for their next special regional menu. We also tried a couple I use items on their regular menu: the steak tartare with chips and the black truffle pasta, which tasted excellent but slightly salter than the Languedoc menu dishes.

Elevated French Cuisine at Gare De L'Est in Toronto

Gare De L'Est was a French brasserie located at 1190 Dundas St E in Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood. Named after one of Paris's largest and oldest railway stations, the restaurant was known for its authentic French cuisine and inviting atmosphere. It closed permanently on February 18, 2024. ([blogto.com](https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2024/02/gare-de-lest-toronto-closed/?utm_source=openai))

Gare De L'Est: a french brasserie in toronto's leslieville neighborhood history overview.

Nestled in the vibrant Leslieville neighborhood of Toronto at 1190 Dundas Street East, Gare De L'Est served as a distinguished French brasserie capturing the spirit and culinary traditions of Paris. Named after Paris’s iconic Gare de l'Est, one of the city’s oldest and busiest railway stations, this establishment brought a slice of authentic French culture and cuisine to the heart of Toronto.

Established in 2018, Gare De L'Est quickly became known for its elevated French bistro experience, combining traditional recipes with modern flair in a dark-hued, loft-like setting. The restaurant offered an array of authentic dishes such as steak tartare, braised lamb shank, and mushroom truffle pasta, alongside regional French specials, reflecting a dedication to the rich diversity of French gastronomy.

The brasserie was cherished for its inviting ambiance, friendly service, and a menu that catered to foodies and trend-conscious travelers alike. Guests regularly praised the attentive staff and the restaurant's ability to deliver a genuine French dining experience in Toronto. From morning espresso and pastries to dinner featuring classic French fare and desserts like Basque cheesecake and vanilla rum-soaked cake, Gare De L'Est curated a comprehensive culinary journey.

After nearly six years of delighting Toronto’s Leslieville community and beyond, Gare De L'Est closed permanently on February 18, 2024. Its legacy remains as a beloved spot that brought elevated French cuisine and a touch of Parisian charm to the city. The brasserie’s commitment to authentic flavors and warm hospitality continues to resonate with those who experienced its unique vibe.

 Gare De L'Est opens its doors, introducing authentic French brasserie cuisine to Leslieville.

 Gare De L'Est closes permanently on February 18, marking the end of a cherished chapter in Toronto’s culinary scene.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Brunch

Serves Coffee

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Curbside Pickup

Serves Breakfast

Serves Cocktails

Serves Vegetarian Food

Gare De L'Est is a charming restaurant in Old Toronto, offering a delightful blend of French and Canadian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and a thoughtfully curated wine list, making it a perfect spot for romantic dinners or lively gatherings.

Gare De L'Est

Savor exquisite cuisine at Gare De L'Est in Old Toronto. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and delightful dishes that promise an unforgettable dining experience! Visit now!

Gare De L'Est: Exquisite Dining in Old Toronto

Toronto Municipality

Gare De L'Est French Bistro Toronto Ontario Canada Dining Experience Overview 

Nestled in the heart of Toronto's vibrant Old Toronto district, Gare De L'Est offers an elevated yet inviting French bistro atmosphere that delights food lovers and culture seekers alike. Located at 1190 Dundas Street East, this chic, dark-hued loft-style eatery combines traditional French culinary artistry with contemporary Toronto charm. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a refined dinner, Gare De L'Est makes an impeccable choice for experiencing authentic French flavors with a modern twist.

French Cuisine Highlights and Signature Dishes

Savor a classic French menu crafted with care, featuring standout dishes like the renowned steak tartare — lauded by locals as the best in Toronto — tender braised lamb shank, succulent perfectly cooked duck, and rich mushroom and truffle pasta. Seasonal and regional French specialties frequently appear, with past menus spotlighting the Languedoc region’s culinary gems. Guests often rave about the delicate amuse-bouches such as zucchini fritters stuffed with goat cheese and creative starters like chickpea and corn fritters paired with tuna tartare. Desserts are a must-try, especially the vanilla rum-soaked cake and creamy Basque cheesecake for those with a sweet tooth.

Gare De L'Est boasts a spacious, loft-like interior with a dark and elegant aesthetic that creates a perfect backdrop for a sophisticated meal or casual gathering. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, making it well suited for romantic dinners, celebratory occasions, or simply enjoying a quality meal with friends. The staff consistently receive praise for their friendly and attentive service, going above and beyond to make every visit memorable — including thoughtful touches like complimentary prosecco and personalized attention from the French maître d’hôtel. While some patrons find the pricing slightly on the higher side, the overall experience and quality of service generally justify the splurge.

 – Situated conveniently in Old Toronto with outdoor seating options for enjoying the bustling street scene.

 – Dine-in, takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, and reservations available; friendly staff enhance the experience.

 – Serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, and desserts including vegetarian options.

 – Accepts debit cards and NFC payments; restrooms available; not ideal for children due to ambiance and menu style.

Discovering Gare De L'Est in Toronto's Dining Scene 

Nestled on Dundas Street East in the heart of Toronto, Gare De L'Est has carved out a reputation as a charming French bistro that brings a taste of authentic French cuisine to local diners and visitors alike. This dark-hued, loft-like eatery invites guests with its sophisticated atmosphere and a menu that showcases traditional French dishes alongside morning espresso and fresh pastries.

 are at the core of the Gare De L'Est experience. Guests often highlight the 

 as some of the best in Toronto. The menu also features tender braised lamb shank, perfectly cooked duck, and flavorful mushroom and truffle pasta. Special regional French menus, such as the Languedoc showcase, offer a delightful variation for returning guests seeking new tastes.

Beyond the cuisine, the restaurant's inviting ambiance is complemented by attentive and friendly service, often noted for going the extra mile to make celebrations special, such as offering complimentary prosecco or personalized touches from the French maître d’hôtel. For outdoor enthusiasts, the charming patio provides a lovely setting for al fresco dining during warmer months.

While Gare De L'Est delivers a refined French dining experience, some visitors have noted that the portion sizes can feel small relative to the price point. Additionally, while the food quality is generally solid, a few dishes might benefit from a touch more seasoning or heartier servings, especially when compared to the premium pricing.

Importantly, potential visitors should be aware that Gare De L'Est closed permanently on February 18, 2024, ending its chapter in Toronto's vibrant food scene.

For food lovers seeking an authentic French bistro vibe in Toronto, Gare De L'Est stood out as a stylish destination with flavors that often delighted patrons and service that made every visit memorable. Its charming ambiance and outdoor patio made it a great pick for both casual and special occasions. Despite the closure, its legacy remains in the memories of those who enjoyed its elevated French fare and warm hospitality.

 - Authentic French cuisine, inviting atmosphere, attentive service, charming patio for al fresco dining.

 - Portion sizes may be small relative to price, and the restaurant closed permanently in early 2024.

Ontario

Experience authentic French cuisine at Gare De L'Est, a charming bistro located at 1190 Dundas St E, Toronto. Enjoy exclusive regional menus and inviting atmosphere.

Gare De L'Est Toronto - Authentic French Bistro in Old Toronto

Discover Gare De L'Est in Toronto’s Old Toronto neighborhood, offering exquisite French dishes, outdoor seating, and a cozy ambiance. Book your experience today!

Gare De L'Est Toronto - Explore French Food & Atmosphere

Learn about Gare De L'Est, a renowned French brasserie in Toronto’s Leslieville, known for authentic dishes and a friendly atmosphere. Closed as of 2024.

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