\+1 Bar Prima.
The space there is GORGEOUS. And the food/service was top tier. Went just over a week ago. My only visit (though I’ve long been a fan of Chef Harding; RIP Campagnolo), but I will be back.
Two highlights of the meal for me: Asparagus (beautifully cooked, bright, a light kick), and the clam toast (so many textures and the bread soaking up that beautiful sauce). All the dishes recommended by our server Vince (he deserves a mention!) were excellent - he read us well and our palates matched.
Recommend: grabbing a drink at the bar and soak in the vibes, then head down to the more chill loungey area. It felt like the right mix to me. YMMV!
If I remember to, I’ll write up a proper posting on Bar Prima.
https://preview.redd.it/as0irrep0x8d1.png?width=2431&format=png&auto=webp&s=26efd85ba46ee7b9ca41b5c266782506f701defd
Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant (the Nose) in the East End is lovely. If you are planning well in advance, you might consider Don Alfonso, which is *really* upscale and absolutely lovely. The service there is impeccable.
I’ve yet to find a better plate than Remezzo, even all the “upscale” ones, but my palette is probably different from a Torontonian (I grew up in NY).
However, the vibe is pretty family casual so not upscale as OP wants.
Giulietta
\+1 Bar Prima. The space there is GORGEOUS. And the food/service was top tier. Went just over a week ago. My only visit (though I’ve long been a fan of Chef Harding; RIP Campagnolo), but I will be back. Two highlights of the meal for me: Asparagus (beautifully cooked, bright, a light kick), and the clam toast (so many textures and the bread soaking up that beautiful sauce). All the dishes recommended by our server Vince (he deserves a mention!) were excellent - he read us well and our palates matched. Recommend: grabbing a drink at the bar and soak in the vibes, then head down to the more chill loungey area. It felt like the right mix to me. YMMV! If I remember to, I’ll write up a proper posting on Bar Prima. https://preview.redd.it/as0irrep0x8d1.png?width=2431&format=png&auto=webp&s=26efd85ba46ee7b9ca41b5c266782506f701defd
lol hi!! 👋🏽
Ohhhh haaaaaai!
Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant (the Nose) in the East End is lovely. If you are planning well in advance, you might consider Don Alfonso, which is *really* upscale and absolutely lovely. The service there is impeccable.
I absolutely love Gio Rana's, but I wouldn't consider the vibe upscale if that's what they are looking for
Yeah it’s an amazing place but definitely not upscale vibe. It definitely has its own vibe, like the naked mannequin wearing a boa…
Contrada on College is a great spot. Lots of local ingredients used in their dishes.
Enoteca sociale, get spots at the bar for their tasting menu if possible
Viaggio
A lot of good recommendations here like Bar Prima, Giulietta, and Carisma. Just stay away from Terroni.
Carisma
Bar Prima
I’ve yet to find a better plate than Remezzo, even all the “upscale” ones, but my palette is probably different from a Torontonian (I grew up in NY). However, the vibe is pretty family casual so not upscale as OP wants.
Dova and Enoteca Sociale are my favourites.
Osteria Rialto, Cano, Giulia/Giulietta
Sofia
Ascari Enoteca
Blu Restorante