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.
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.
- Popular dishes : steak tartare, duck confit, mushroom truffle pasta.
- Outdoor seating : charming patio available for al fresco dining.
- Service : friendly, attentive, and excellent.
- When did Gare De L'Est close : 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.
- Was there outdoor seating available : 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.
Gare De L'Est, a French brasserie located at 1190 Dundas St E in Toronto's Leslieville neighborhood, was inspired by the charm of Parisian dining. Named after one of the city's largest and oldest railway stations, it aimed to bring authentic French cuisine to Canada. The restaurant opened its doors in 2018, quickly becoming a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, known for its inviting atmosphere and traditional fare.
Unfortunately, Gare De L'Est closed permanently on February 18, 2024, leaving a void in the culinary landscape of Toronto.
The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity resonated with patrons, making it a cherished dining destination.
The ambiance was characterized by dark hues and a loft-like setting, creating a cozy yet sophisticated dining experience.
The restaurant was known for its elevated French bistro offerings, including signature dishes like steak frites and braised lamb shank.
Gare De L'Est also served a delightful selection of pastries, making it a perfect spot for morning espresso and brunch.
The restaurant's closing marks the end of an era for many who enjoyed its warm hospitality and culinary delights.
Gare De L'Est's legacy will live on in the memories of those who dined there, celebrating the flavors and culture of France.
As a testament to its impact, the restaurant received numerous positive reviews, highlighting both its food and service.
Many patrons praised the friendly service and the quality of the dishes, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
Gare De L'Est was not just a restaurant; it was a gathering place for friends and family, a place where memories were made.
The restaurant's closure leaves a gap in the community, but its spirit will continue to inspire future culinary endeavors.
Gare De L'Est's journey reflects the resilience of the culinary scene in Toronto, adapting to challenges while celebrating tradition.
As we remember Gare De L'Est, we celebrate the legacy of French cuisine in Toronto and the memories created within its walls.
The restaurant's influence on the local community will not be forgotten, as it brought a taste of France to Toronto.
Gare De L'Est will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who experienced its culinary offerings.
In conclusion, Gare De L'Est's story is one of passion, community, and the enduring love for French cuisine.
It reminds us of the importance of cherishing our culinary traditions while embracing the future.
Let us carry forward the legacy of Gare De L'Est and continue to celebrate the flavors of France in Toronto.
We invite you to explore other culinary delights in Toronto, as the city continues to thrive with diverse dining experiences.
Visit Toronto and discover the vibrant food scene that awaits you.
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.
Authenticity and attention to detail are at the core of the Gare De L'Est experience. Guests often highlight the steak tartare 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.
- Pros - Authentic French cuisine, inviting atmosphere, attentive service, charming patio for al fresco dining.
- Cons - Portion sizes may be small relative to price, and the restaurant closed permanently in early 2024.
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.
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.
- Location – Situated conveniently in Old Toronto with outdoor seating options for enjoying the bustling street scene.
- Service and Convenience – Dine-in, takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, and reservations available; friendly staff enhance the experience.
- Menu Variety – Serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, and desserts including vegetarian options.
- Payment and Amenities – Accepts debit cards and NFC payments; restrooms available; not ideal for children due to ambiance and menu style.
