 ocated on Victoria Street, just off Dundas Square in the space formerly occupied by “Torch”, the newly opened Savoy attracts an eclectic assortment of hipsters, foodies, socialites and fun-seekers with its multi-level dining, lounge and rooftop patio offerings.
The ground level offers an intimate French Bistro completed in a crisp, Art Deco style with a classic Brasserie flavour. Hard wood floors, original wood paneling, charming private booths, an antique bar from a Belgian Brasserie, and the symmetrical geometric lines of the Art Deco light fixtures exude a European charm that captures the global design revolution that occurred in the early decades of the 20th century while maintaining the integrity of a uniquely French institution.
A sampling of the culinary offerings suggest the foundations for a dining experience worthy of the Bistro’s rich French culinary heritage, making the Savoy Bistro a highly recommended dining locale for food connoisseurs seeking culinary enchantment and excellent service. Serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday, portions are well-priced ($14 - $24) and dishes on offer include everything from a house terrine ($16) of wild boar and foie gras encased in a thick, short pastry, and lined with a wine reduction of veal stock, vinegar, plums and herbs, to incredibly tender flatiron steak and frites ($24). Wines too are conveniently organized in $29, $39 and $49 categories.
In the French tradition, the Savoy Bistro is a place to socialize, linger, relax and enjoy the experience.
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253 Victoria Street (at dundas square), Toronto, ON
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6 Reader Reviews
My review is strictly for the main floor aka the restaurant.
Took a date there a few weeks ago, overall I was impressed, warranting three stars but unfortunately, not a consistent rating.
Tartar was okay... not the best I've had but as far as tartar goes, I was satisfied. Rabbit leg was excellent. The chicken was okay but I wouldn't recommend it. My date didn't appreciate that it was in a rather slim bowl that made it difficult to dine. I can't remember what we had for dessert but it was good. Maybe the fact that I can't remember is a bad sign. Anyway 2 stars.
Service... stellar! If I have one advice to management, keep your servers. Knowledgeable, not pushy, friendly, and no attitude. 4 stars.
Atmosphere... I have to agree with one of the reviewers. It's a nice concept. Classy. A little stuffy but kinda fun. Although we didn't get the private booth, I think that they're fun ;) Instead we had one of the nice leather seated open-booths on the side. Pleasant but the place is too large (ie. too empty) for its design. It either needs to be a) busier or b) divided better so its a little more intimate. 2 stars
Value... $130 for three-course dinner with a bottle of wine . What I expected for this type of restaurant but at the same time, the food JUST reaches the mark. 3 stars.
Seating... nice... again too spacious but nice. Layout is okay. 3 stars.
Would I take a date there again, sure. But I'd want to do a bit more research and see when it's a little bit busier.
KC's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Finally, something that is truly cool in this city. No pretention, just a relaxed, cool vibe, awesome food and a killer design!
These guys aren't trying to be cool, aren't trying to be the hippest spot. But my guess is that once people experience it, they will be!
Dan's Rating: 4 Stars |
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In reading the reviews posted from those before me, I think hipsters and suitwearing hipsters alike can find a common ground at the Savoy. My experience here was limited to the rooftop patio, which is a scaled down, smaller, simplier version of the ultra-trendy Queen Street rooftop patios (a la Ultra or Drake)sans the Attitude.
It's a veritable oasis on Victoria St. Once you get past the periodic roar of the EMS helicopter landing on the nearby roof of St Mike's Hospital, it's a charming spot to start or finish the night with a few drinks. Beer drinkers may be a bit disappointed, as beer selection is limited. That aside, staff is friendly and attentive, crowd is 30 something and clean cut, and seating is comfortable and plentiful for the space allocated. Note to management: please fix the signage! Summer's 1/2 way over and that patio should NOT go to waste!
WAT's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Well! I also read the review by MBO and was intrigued by the Savoy. I went with three friends on a Friday night mostly out of the blue. We felt quite welcome even though our attire didn't exactly reflect the interior too well. "A diamond in the rough" was certainly a phrase my friends and I agreed on upon our arrival. I've been to a few "French" bistro's over the past few years and this one seemed to be the closest to genuine I've encountered and was surprised hearing it was simply a steakhouse before the new ownership was set in place. The service was great and quite attentive, the food was delicious and having the Chef, himself, bring out our mouthwatering entree's was more than I expected. Since I had heard about the newly renovated patio, I asked our server if we could go take a look and perhaps have a cocktail or two. He escorted us up himself and again we were tickled pink at the new art-deco lounge and intimate terrace. It certainly does not have the same uninspiring atmosphere as the Toronto patio's we've all been accustomed resorting to. All in all, we had a fabulous night and wish all the luck to the Savoy and know that we will be seeing you soon!
Jeanne's Rating: 4 Stars |
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We went for the much hyped patio, which they'd closed for the Canada Day weekend. In fact, that was the reason they gave for closing it, because of the long weekend. Whatever. Can't figure out that logic, nonetheless, the food was nice, but definitely not affordable unless you consider $40 for just an entree and a cocktail a good deal. I'll just rest on the point that the menu looked good and the Gnocchi and Asparagus I had was tasty. But not worth the $21 that they charged for it.
As for atmosphere, it's pretty, in a heavy, rather stuffy, old money way, and if you're into that, then cool. This goes for the bistro and jazz lounge. I could definitely picture business types and elitists coming here for afterwork drinks or dinner meets, but not a hipsters. Hmm, could it have anything to do with the fact the patio was closed? In the summer? On a long weekend no less? To be honest, I think our group may have been the only patrons under 30 there. The MBO review for this place is quite misleading, at least on this night. Savoy may have potential, but I was not impressed.
Curvy's Rating: 2 Stars |
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We visited the restaurant this past Saturday having seen your review.
First the lack of signage and the address only appearing on the ground made it more than frustrating to find. The signs for the Senator still shine over the door.
Second when we asked to have cocktails on the patio we were disheartened to find out that they have not yet opened it.
The room while having patrons seems empty because of very private booths. A facelift is in order.
The menu did not reflect either the season or the abundance of local produce available now. In particular Pot a Feu and Cassolet seem quite wintery.
The food was inconsistent.The Brandade appetizer was great, the tartar mediocore. The Steak Frites and the Pot a Feu were excellent the seared tuna again just o.k.
The very nice surprize was the manger coming by to tellus that he would indeed open the patio for us and we did enjoy an after dinner cocktail up there.
No doubt the patio is the crowning jewel of the operation. The design is great with the combination of indoor and outdoor space.
Patti Glasner's Rating: 2 Stars |
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Savoy Bistro Lounge |
253 Victoria Street (at dundas square), Toronto, ON
416-364-1013
Downtown
Contemporary
Restaurant, Bar
Tue. to Sun.: 5:00pm - 1:00am
$$ (Affordable)
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