Ah, the Ossington strip, always booming. The blossoming west end of the city is quickly becoming the gastronomical go-to, and with restaurants popping up what seems like weekly in the area, it’s distinction as such will soon be cemented. Case in point, the (finally!) opened The Saint Tavern.
The city first heard about The Saint opening in late 2009, when the company behind such Toronto establishments as Buca and Jacob and Co – they also launched Brassaii, but sold it soon after – overtook the space at 227 Ossington Avenue. At the time, good ol’ Ossie was pretty resplendent already, but now it’s a west end culinary capital.
After years of renovations and presumable red-tape delays, The Saint Tavern finally opened last week, and thus far has been an impressive new resto. Walking in, you see a white-tiled facade and gleaming windows, a look into the heart and hearth of rich woods and contemporary decor inside. Like many of the newer restaurants, it’s long and fairly narrow, but provides a casual yet chic dining atmosphere nonetheless. Would you expect anything else from this restaurant group?
Dishes like perogies, fried chicken, and the varied cuts of steak for sharing (like a massive porterhouse) reflect a comfortable approach to bistro dining. Execution of dishes are thus far pretty tight, with an accessibility that is sure to please the most fine dining-opposed noshers.
Brunch service on the weekends will surely take off in no time, but until then, the warm space, palatable plates, and brown liquor-heavy cocktails will please those who’ve anxiously awaited their newest saviour.
Photo courtesy The Saint Tavern