The Town Grill is that most difficult concept to execute -- a very civilized and accomplished small-scale restaurant in a specific community setting. With barely 42 seats to call its own, The Town Grill nevertheless adheres to strict neighborhood bistro code and keeps prices low (all entrees are under $25) and quality high.

Earthy decor and ambient music make The Town Grill an ideal spot for cozy dining matters. First-dates, rekindled romances, and discreet affairs are equally at home in it’s shadowy confines. It also serves as an prime setting for a relatively lax and enjoyable bite to eat. Whatever the reason that may bring you to venture upon Cabbagetown’s sheltered little resto, one thing is for certain: The Town Grill’s warm atmosphere will have you bringing all your first dates here.

Chef David Folkerth’s small menu has a pronounced American Continental emphasis, though nicely balanced. Meat, fish and seafood items accented with earthy flavors such as wild mushrooms, white truffle oil or grain mustard.

Though there’s not much for the adventurous diner at this spot, it should be noted that beef reigns supreme here. On each visit, the beef tenderloin was served up flawlessly, with nothing other than a mere sprinkle of black pepper to coat the mighty flavour. Served around a parfait of roasted garlic whipped Yukon gold potatoes inlaid with sautéed mushrooms.

The 10 oz. AAA Sirloin with béarnaise butter is also a consistent winner, not just with Folkerth’s sense of timing, but the cut itself was choice on each occasion, with that perfect amount of fat for taste, and seemed generous on each occasion.

Fish items are fairly consistant; the salmon is grilled just fine, the mustard cream sauce was mildly overbearing on the mustard side, competing too much with the salmon flavour we have come to love. Again with the sea scallops; while it is always nice to get away from the tired St. Jacques approach, the scallops have to fight hard to topple the taste of the smoked bonito broth. While the complaints are minimal, best to go the daily fish special.

To be sure, this is quality cooking here; Chef Folkerth making his own mark since Mathew Sutherland's departure to his own venue. And a few appetizers worth knowing about include an interesting Caesar salad with Pancetta and sourdough croutons, and the sublime roasted pear salad with arugula and topped with pecans.

The wines list has something for everyone, and surprisingly low prices. We found the owners to be very helpful in choosing a wine that we fell in love with. The Town Grill is a good find, and worth the trip to Cabbagetown, for all your discreet, little affairs.

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Reader Reviews

Lisa, Toronto
July 25, 2003
Ventured out to the Town Grill last night - only a short walk from home
but have been recently stuck in a beer and wings rut...in any case, I forgot how good "good food" could be...I will be dreaming about the tuna and tenderloin for some time to come...and the banana cobbler made me want to cry for it's sheer yumminess. Haven't been to a restaurant where I wanted to lick my plate in a very long while... though I think the staff would have been happy to see me do it (they seemed so sincerely pleased that I enjoyed my meal!)...terrific food, great service..looking forward to going back soon!


Georg Toronto
March 20, 2003
Perhaps I'm a bit biased, as this is one a my favourite restaurants, but the Town Grill is superb. I know everyone here now, but even when that wasn't the case they made me/us feel right at home. The room is comfortable, the food is wonderful and the boys make us feel special - what more could one want?!?!