eter Tsebelis and Gus Giazitzidis aren’t exactly new to the restaurant market, having entertained Danforth palates at Myth with upscale Greek fare in stylish digs. So they knew the risk they took in opening a huge lounge/eatery, in a discreet courtyard on King West.

The palette is raw wood beams and black tones dominate, save for the vivid-aluminum communal breakfast bar that cuts a dramatic slash across the entire dining room. Simple tables are superbly appointed, most notably by the oversized leather blotters. The open kitchen gives diners a view of the action while minimizing kitchen noise and smoke.

Servers waste no time conveying the formality of the dining experience. A waiter bearing a basket of bread dispenses bread that was baked on the premises. Minutes later menus arrive, and our drink order is taken.

I'd love to say that Brassaii is already hitting on all cylinders, but some fine-tuning is yet in order. The servers are fun kids, no doubt about it, and the whole lot of them handle the room well. The bussers especially, seem everywhere at all times.

On our first visit, the Moroccan shellfish stew, smothered in a rich sauce, was an almost ethereal experience, as was the toothsome risotto, served with arugula and black olives.

Other entrée highlights included beef shortribs with a potato purée; crispy-skinned roast chicken with chick-pea fries; and grilled calves liver with sour cherry jus.

The appetizer selection includes a couple of bold choices, such as citrus tuna with couscous and beets and yogurt, and balsamic chicken livers that includes grilled polenta. Extra touches distinguish other appetizers: A fig and stilton crostini adds an elegant touch to a salad of apples and arugula, and a little roasted quail plays brilliantly against a potato gnocchi in garlic cream.

The wine list is organized loosely by region, and includes enough high-end and modest wines to satisfy the oenophile as well as the bargain hunter, and those who are a bit of both. Waiters don't offer wine advice, and they, or someone else, really should.

Tsebelis and Giazitzidis want Brassaii to deliver the high-performance, fun dining experience of Toronto’s top fusion restaurants. Gundy’s kitchen is very nearly at that level already, but the front room, though capable, needs just a bit more tinkering. Ben Jamieson, martiniboys.com


- Chef change since this review was written. The executive chef is now Adam Foley with Arpi Magyar as consultant.

Write a Review

Without any attitude
April 19, 2004
Anne S. Toronto
spot is great. I've been here many times over the last year and it never disappoints. The food seems to get better and better and the service is friendly. I really like the atmosphere and the look of the space. It has such a New York feel to it


Each time is a completely new experience
Amaya Toronto
April, 16, 2004
I've been to Brassaii a few times over the past year and I can honestly say that I have yet to be disappointed. Each time is a completely new experience. However one very important aspect remains consistent. The SERVICE!!! It's impeccable. I have yet to see that level of service in any other restaurant - unless of course you are dining at a restaurant where you need to leave one of your limbs for payment. I've noticed that Brassaii has changed it's menu a few times over the past year and I must say, the food keeps getting better and better. I think the crab cake app is my favourite!!! I've had great times here and am sure will continue to have more. Thank you.


the aftermath wasn't going to be pleasant.
Ann Budson, Toronto
February 21 2004
Good atmosphere but terrible, terrible food. Mid-way through the meal we knew that the aftermath wasn't going to be pleasant. Calamari, risotto, crabcakes.. sub-par for the venue they are trying to create. Strongly suggest walking down King St and checking out other new locales that are up for the challenge.


The plastic chairs
jw Toronto
April 19, 2003
Went to Brassaii a couple weeks ago for dinner and was instantly impressed with the space and atmosphere that created out of this old building. The large and spacious room had a definite NYC feel to it.. trendy and minimalist cool, but not cold and uninviting. The food was quite good (check out the chickpea frites!) and prices were very reasonable for french food in Toronto. The only complaints? The plastic chairs & uncomfortable bench seating, and our server could've been a just a little happier (he didn't smile once during our 2 hour meal). Overall, a great place to hang out, have drinks and eat.. can't wait to check out the patio this summer


NOT impressed with the plastic seats
Brian C. Toronto
March 15, 2003
No question that you definitely get your money's worth here. As the review indicates, while the food is merely good (but not outstanding), the service is excellent. Very attendant staff, but not too friendly, and well spaced seating that enabled privacy. In fact we were there 1 week after it opened and found there to be no glitches vs. what is usually the case with new openings. But have to say we were NOT impressed with the plastic seats - I mean come on this is not my high school cafeteria. They were quite uncomfortable, but perhaps a last minute substitiute for a late order. Best choices: gnocchi with quail, and whatever braise for the day offers. This is the place for a mid-week meal when you don't want to spend too much, but still eat well. Hopefully the "lounge" area at the front will be expanded....


Great!
Konstantinos, Toronto
What a great place, i recommend it to anyone who asks me where to go to eat.


a hit!
Kosta Theodor, Toronto
March 1, 2003
This is a hit and i recommend it to anyone that loves good food and a good and romatic time.


Feb 25, 2003
Anna Tarkov, Toronto, ON
Very tasty and very nice, filling portions. The service is unequaled for an inexpensive restaurant. Often you'll go to an inexpensive place where the service is commensurate with the prices, but this isn't so at Brassaii. The waiters are prompt and courteous. I couldn't believe how quickly the food arrived (perhaps a problem, but nonetheless...) and the atmosphere is very pleasant.


top notch
Randy J, Toronto, ON
Feb 22, 2003
I've been to places where the food was outstanding but the service and atmosphere were terrible and I would not go to those places again. Perhaps the food at Brassaii will go far and it will become a great place since everything else is top notch.


Not your usual T.O decor
February 17, 2003
drink guy, Toronto, On
I went to Brassaii for the first time last Saturday night and we had a great time. We were three couples and we just had drinks and some appetizers at the bar, but the food was great, the drinks were quick and cold... attentive service by a very busy bartender. It was really busy at the bar and we were never overlooked. I like the decor..not your usual T.O decor. We enjoyed ourselves and will definately be back.