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It's hard not to be awestruck by the little eatery at Tecumseth and Whitaker. Jason Inniss and Bertrand Alépée have successfully created an ambitiously cute French bistro.
The dining space is bright and comfortable, radiating privilege (thanks, elderly moneyed couples). The focused menu spans the globe with dishes like coconut and cashew crusted yellow-fin tuna, ($28) with Dungeness crab and bamboo shoot salad, bonito leek foam. Also, Grilled Alberta beef tenderloin ($29) with a spicy corn flan, tomatillo and hearts of palm salsa and mango ketchup dish. Try the roasted breast of fat duck ($26) with soursop puree, cardamom reduction, or perhaps the Lamb three ways ($27): loin, shank, or merguez.
This is a midlevel restaurant, not a temple of cuisine, though Inniss’s formidable butter poached lobster ($33) on black ravioli is a remarkable dish. - R.L. |
 AT A GLANCE
Amuse Bouche
96 Tecumseh Street, Toronto, ON
416-913-5830
French
Queen West
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Tue. to Sun.: 6:00pm - 10:30pm
Price Range:
$$$ (Within Reach)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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29 Reader Reviews | I went here for my birthday with a few folks. The waitress was mean and tactless, she even broke a glass on the table without apologizing or suggesting the house will take care of us on anything.
$400 bill for 6 people and after the horrible service they imposed their 20% gratuity to add up to $480 without even asking. We were 8 people but 2 people only shared an appetizer.
They asked us to move (literally treated us like cattle) to free up a table. They also did not split the bill when we requested it which is simply stupid.
I have been in restaurants all over the world in this has been THE WORST MEAL EXPERIENCE I'VE EVER HAD in mi entire life. I would not recommend this place to anybody, not even my worst enemy.
1. Luis Meza's Review :: March 20, 2010 Luis Meza's Rating: 1 Stars |
I have eaten at Amuse Bouche many times as I live near the restaurant. I have allways found the service and the food to be outstanding and comparable to any top restaurant in Toronto or elsewhere at a very reasonable price. I find some of the ratings and comments very strange and would surmise those diners are used to eating at the KFC so are not well suited to review a high end restaurant.
2. James's Review :: March 18, 2010 James's Rating: 4 Stars |
Excellent food, very good service. However, one small point - perhaps the service was a bit too quick as it would have been nice to have had the opportunity to linger more over our food - as soon as we had finished our plates were whisked away and the next course put down! But overall - lovely restaurant, good ambiance.
3. Jorge Tangier's Review :: October 31, 2009 Jorge Tangier's Rating: 3 Stars |
I had wanted to try Amuse Bouche for years, and last week, I finally had the chance. My husband and I celebrated our 12th anniversary there and enjoyed our evening very much.
We showed up 15 minutes late due to a power outage in our neighbourhood, but the hostess was gracious and understanding. The room is small and charming, but the tables are crowded a bit too close together.
Our waiter was considerate enough to tell us that a large group had just come in and advised us to order quickly to avoid getting our orders caught behind theirs. We took his advice and all our food arrived promptly.
The food was wonderful - rich but not overpowerin - and the portion sizes were perfect. We had wines by the glass with each course and our waiter chose perfectly each time. I had the butter-poached haddock with tarragon and champagne sabayon as my entree, and my husband had the duck breast - the textures and seasoning and flavours on both were delicious.
The dessert menu was being revamped, so we were offered a sampler platter of current "desserts in progress" - perfect little tempting bites to end the meal.
We will definitely be back.
4. Stephanie's Review :: October 29, 2009 Stephanie's Rating: 3 Stars |
What a delight...of the senses and tastebuds!!! I have dined all over Toronto (not to mention many other cities) and without a doubt this place ranks in my top five experiences. Not only is Sarah (part-owner) warm and inviting, but the inventive delicious dishes that come out of that tiny kitchen are remarkable. For a few months now they have been doing a tapas menu on Tuesdays which is a phenominal bargain. It seems a "misnomer" to call this place French as the dishes reflect a far wider scope. I am so pleased that this little place made it through the recession - I'll be going back again and again!
5. Foolmeonce's Review :: October 26, 2009 Foolmeonce's Rating: 4 Stars |
Our reservation was honored in a very timely fashion. Staff was friendly and professional. I had the roast chicken and my friend had lamb. Both were prepared well in a home-cooked, comfort food sort of way. My friend was not able to cut through her rack of lamb. It should have been cut for her. I would not go back there as I prefer more nouvelle cuisine such as Amuse Bouche offers.
6. Trey Joegen's Review :: October 25, 2009 Trey Joegen's Rating: 2 Stars |
My husband and I went here for our first wedding anniversary and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect night! The service was personal and friendly... and the food was heavenly! The flavour combinations were so unique and inspired. I personally am not a fan of fois gras, but combined with the apricot and spices it was incredible. I'd recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for a romantic place for a special occasion. Also, the four or five course degustation is a wonderful way to experience the highlights of the menu.
7. Robyn's Review :: January 07, 2009 Robyn's Rating: 4 Stars |
Amuse Bouche is small, but not noisy or crowded. It has very good food and excellent, knowledgeable service. We were four on a Saturday night. The duck I had was not greasy or dry. I haven't had such a good duck in many years.
8. Grace Fisk's Review :: September 01, 2008 Grace Fisk's Rating: 4 Stars |
I would have gladdy selected minus 4 star is it was available.
We heard abou Amuse-Bouche when we moved to downtown To. For my birhtday 6 of us decided to go try their dessert tasting menu. We booked 2 week before, and got a call last minute asking to push our reservation from 9 to 9:30pm. When we arrived at 9:25pm, our table was still not ready. The restaurant did not have any waiting area so we were push in every direction. A very rude hostess came and ask us to wait in the "waiting area". It was at the back of the restaurant where the toilet were. At 9:55pm, we had enough of this non-sense and decide to leave as there was no sign that our table was clearing.
To make matter worst, not only the hostess did not come to apologize or offered us something to compensate this experience, she told us that she doesn't understand why we are leaving. She claims that theya re simply behind by 5 min. I understand that time varies between's people's watches, but she must have her's set in a different time zone.
Beware of snubby/pretentious service!
9. Anonymous's Review :: August 25, 2008 |
I would have gladdy selected minus 4 star is it was available.
We heard abou Amuse-Bouche when we moved to downtown To. For my birhtday 6 of us decided to go try their dessert tasting menu. We booked 2 week before, and got a call last minute asking to push our reservation from 9 to 9:30pm. When we arrived at 9:25pm, our table was still not ready. The restaurant did not have any waiting area so we were push in every direction. A very rude hostess came and ask us to wait in the "waiting area". It was at the back of the restaurant where the toilet were. At 9:55pm, we had enough of this non-sense and decide to leave as there was no sign that our table was clearing.
To make matter worst, not only the hostess did not come to apologize or offered us something to compensate this experience, she told us that she doesn't understand why we are leaving. She claims that theya re simply behind by 5 min. I understand that time varies between's people's watches, but she must have her's set in a different time zone.
Beware of snubby/pretentious service!
10. Kit's Review :: August 25, 2008 Kit's Rating: 1 Stars |
A trifle, really. Fussy food, too much foam and teeny pools of sauce and sprigs of chive to be really good. I had the lobster/scallop dish, which was bland to the taste in spite of having at least three decorative flavourings....horseradish foam (tasteless fizz), corn reduction (yellow, but flavourless) and fried straws of kale (ditto, an odd crunch but not much else). The seafood itself was rubbery and bland. Everything is presented beautifully. Service was very slow. The restaurant lives up to its name in bringing samples of pate, and mid-meal sorbet, on huge plates with dabs of sauce. Overall, over-priced for little food value and too much food design.
11. Anonymous's Review :: August 10, 2008 |
A trifle, really. Fussy food, too much foam and teeny pools of sauce and sprigs of chive to be really good. I had the lobster/scallop dish, which was bland to the taste in spite of having at least three decorative flavourings....horseradish foam (tasteless fizz), corn reduction (yellow, but flavourless) and fried straws of kale (ditto, an odd crunch but not much else). The seafood itself was rubbery and bland. Everything is presented beautifully. Service was very slow. The restaurant lives up to its name in bringing samples of pate, and mid-meal sorbet, on huge plates with dabs of sauce. Overall, over-priced for little food value and too much food design.
12. Pauline Morris's Review :: August 10, 2008 Pauline Morris's Rating: 2 Stars |
Came for Amuse Bouche - thought it was very cute, had great ambiance, but wasn't completely blown away. Escargot was fab, the red snapper was a little overpowering, desserts in general are delicious.
13. Anonymous's Review :: July 21, 2008 |
Came for Amuse Bouche - thought it was very cute, had great ambiance, but wasn't completely blown away. Escargot was fab, the red snapper was a little overpowering, desserts in general are delicious.
14. Darren Boyd's Review :: July 21, 2008 Darren Boyd's Rating: 2 Stars |
My husband and I have eaten at restaurants all over the world--Italy, Australia, Spain, Portugal--among others. I consider myself something of a foodie and in the city really enjoy Le Paradis for good, bistro French cuisine and Auberge de Pommier for more high-end French fare. I expected that Amuse Bouche would land somewhere in between these two rather good French restaurants. Not so.
We ordered the 5-plate tasting menu, not realizing that all we'd received for our $220 bill was a literal taste of food. I could have fit every course all together, and very comfortably, on a single plate. We have very average appetites, but tonight, we left this over-priced, pretentiously presented meal hungry. Absolutely appalling. If I could give it less than 1 star I would.
15. Anonymous's Review :: June 01, 2008 |
My husband and I have eaten at restaurants all over the world--Italy, Australia, Spain, Portugal--among others. I consider myself something of a foodie and in the city really enjoy Le Paradis for good, bistro French cuisine and Auberge de Pommier for more high-end French fare. I expected that Amuse Bouche would land somewhere in between these two rather good French restaurants. Not so.
We ordered the 5-plate tasting menu, not realizing that all we'd received for our $220 bill was a literal taste of food. I could have fit every course all together, and very comfortably, on a single plate. We have very average appetites, but tonight, we left this over-priced, pretentiously presented meal hungry. Absolutely appalling. If I could give it less than 1 star I would.
16. Carrie's Review :: May 31, 2008 Carrie's Rating: 1 Stars |
Comme ci comme ca,
A pretty good meal, but the atmosphere is more strip mall than Kensington Market...you can find all the familiar french faves in here, but the wine list was fairly basic, and they didn't have half the bottles on it anyway. But worth the visit nonetheless.
17. Anonymous's Review :: April 01, 2008 |
Comme ci comme ca,
A pretty good meal, but the atmosphere is more strip mall than Kensington Market...you can find all the familiar french faves in here, but the wine list was fairly basic, and they didn't have half the bottles on it anyway. But worth the visit nonetheless.
18. Chris Sheppard's Review :: April 01, 2008 Chris Sheppard's Rating: 3 Stars |
After a wonderful dining experience at Susur's a few weeks earlier, despite some of the reviews, we were hoping to replicate another evening of exquisite dining. No luck at Amuse Bouche. The presentation of each plate was interesting but sadly, the food was not. The appetizer of fois gras was satisfactory but not special; the entre of pork was dry and tasteless. The portions seemed unusually small and the main dish failed to deliver or live up to its mouth-watering description. Service wasn't particularly warm but somewhat efficient--although by the time they remembered the wine, we were almost finished and ready to leave. Overall, an expensive dinner for what it was. There are better restaurants in the city.
19. Anonymous's Review :: March 16, 2008 |
After a wonderful dining experience at Susur's a few weeks earlier, despite some of the reviews, we were hoping to replicate another evening of exquisite dining. No luck at Amuse Bouche. The presentation of each plate was interesting but sadly, the food was not. The appetizer of fois gras was satisfactory but not special; the entre of pork was dry and tasteless. The portions seemed unusually small and the main dish failed to deliver or live up to its mouth-watering description. Service wasn't particularly warm but somewhat efficient--although by the time they remembered the wine, we were almost finished and ready to leave. Overall, an expensive dinner for what it was. There are better restaurants in the city.
20. Anonymous's Review :: March 16, 2008 |
After a wonderful dining experience at Susur's a few weeks earlier, despite some of the reviews, we were hoping to replicate another evening of exquisite dining. No luck at Amuse Bouche. The presentation of each plate was interesting but sadly, the food was not. The appetizer of fois gras was satisfactory but not special; the entre of pork was dry and tasteless. The portions seemed unusually small and the main dish failed to deliver or live up to its mouth-watering description. Service wasn't particularly warm but somewhat efficient--although by the time they remembered the wine, we were almost finished and ready to leave. Overall, an expensive dinner for what it was. There are better restaurants in the city.
21. Maria Quinn's Review :: March 15, 2008 Maria Quinn's Rating: 1 Stars |
After a wonderful dining experience at Susur's a few weeks earlier, despite some of the reviews, we were hoping to replicate another evening of exquisite dining. No luck at Amuse Bouche. The presentation of each plate was interesting but sadly, the food was not. The appetizer of fois gras was satisfactory but not special; the entre of pork was dry and tasteless. The portions seemed unusually small and the main dish failed to deliver or live up to its mouth-watering description. Service wasn't particularly warm but somewhat efficient--although by the time they remembered the wine, we were almost finished and ready to leave. Overall, an expensive dinner for what it was. There are better restaurants in the city.
22. Maria Quinn's Review :: March 15, 2008 Maria Quinn's Rating: 1 Stars |
My husband and I live in Manhattan and came to Toronto for the weekend. We absolutely loved this restaurant and the neighborhood. It's similar to Soho, but friendlier. Incredible restaurants, galleries, gorgeous shops, very cool and chique!! What an amazing restaurant, what an amazing city! We will tell all of our friends about it!
23. Anonymous's Review :: March 21, 2007 |
My husband and I live in Manhattan and came to Toronto for the weekend. We absolutely loved this restaurant and the neighborhood. It's similar to Soho, but friendlier. Incredible restaurants, galleries, gorgeous shops, very cool and chique!! What an amazing restaurant, what an amazing city! We will tell all of our friends about it!
24. V Feket's Review :: March 21, 2007 V Feket's Rating: 4 Stars |
We (4) went out to try this place on January 30, 2007. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
All the appetizers were great, 3 of 4 mains were fantastic (pork was a little over done) and desserts were fantastic.
We'll go again as soon as I save enough pocket money
25. Anonymous's Review :: February 15, 2007 |
We (4) went out to try this place on January 30, 2007. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
All the appetizers were great, 3 of 4 mains were fantastic (pork was a little over done) and desserts were fantastic.
We'll go again as soon as I save enough pocket money
26. Rico's Review :: February 14, 2007 Rico's Rating: 3 Stars |
I had dinner there on Friday night and the food was divine. Beautifully prepared and presented and everything melted in our mouths. The dessert was a masterpiece and the wine and champagne was delicious!! The atmosphere was cozy and intimate and the service was excellent! Happy dining!!
27. Anonymous's Review :: January 22, 2007 |
I TOTALLY disagree! I had dinner there on Friday night and the food was divine. Beautifully prepared and presented and everything melted in our mouths. The dessert was a masterpiece and the wine and champagne was delicious!! The atmosphere was cozy and intimate and the service was excellent! Happy dining!!
28. Lex's Review :: January 22, 2007 Lex's Rating: 4 Stars |
We had dinner at Amuse Bouche on Saturday night. We were quite looking forward to it. The location and atmosphere was quite intriguing. Sadly, the dinner did not turn-out as hoped.
The service while efficient, was not on the warm side. The food was not much better. The foie gras was dry and indistinguishable on the plate. The stuffed pork loin was dry and the bed of cassoulet was tasteless.
I would NOT reccomend this restaurant.
29. Jordan's Review :: January 02, 2007 Jordan's Rating: 1 Stars |
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96 Tecumseh Street, Toronto, ON |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
