Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Leaside

Alo is a masterclass in modern fine dining, offering an unforgettable tasting menu experience in the heart of Toronto. From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail is evident—impeccable service, a beautifully curated ambiance, and a menu that seamlessly blends innovation with classic technique. Each dish in the tasting menu is a work of art, showcasing seasonal ingredients with exquisite flavors and textures. The courses flow effortlessly, with highlights ranging from delicate seafood preparations to perfectly executed meats and creative vegetable-forward dishes. Every bite is balanced, refined, and deeply satisfying. Service at Alo is nothing short of exceptional. The waitstaff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu, and genuinely passionate about creating a memorable experience. Their ability to anticipate needs and personalize the evening makes the meal even more special. The ambiance is intimate and elegant, with a warm, modern design that makes you feel at ease while still maintaining an air of sophistication. Watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen adds to the experience, highlighting the precision and artistry that goes into every dish. Overall, Alo delivers on every level—flawless food, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that makes the entire experience feel effortless.

Today was wintery and cold with a blowing wind. A day to be inside. A day for lunch at the Amsterdam. As always, the staff at the front door were welcoming and efficient, directing us to a table for two beside the fireplace. Bonus! Samantha (Sam) was our server today. She was friendly and chatty and seemed pleased to see us. We ordered “our usual”, as regulars to the Amsterdam (perhaps we are boring) and without much delay we were enjoying our fish and chips (for her) and the Tai chicken curry (for me), washed down with Diet Coke and an Amsterdam Blonde. The food was hot and nicely presented, particularly the curry, resting on a palm leaf in a custom earthenware (?) dark bowl. The beer, even on a cold day, was great. Although there are giant screen TVs in one section of the dining area showing (today) live tennis, the sounds and images were not intrusive. Ditto the musical ambiance. Although I would prefer NO music in a restaurant, the Amsterdam’s choice was reasonable acceptable and allowed for an audible conversation (I often wonder if the “music” in restaurants, or the grocery store, is targeting the customers or the staff). No desert today. Stuffed. But there was a little room for a cappuccino before paying the bill. Goodbyes from Sam who provided great service and who maintained a pleasant chatty presence throughout today’s encounter. We will be back. Jack H Toronto

The minute you enter Linny’s you know a lovely experience awaits! The ambience is gorgeous and service exceptional. From the menu, we chose the Friday Evening Special option as a way to taste many house favourites. So many delicious items!!! A tiny disappointment … our steak was chewy and more fat than protein. It was an expensive evening but one we all thoroughly enjoyed. A venue to put on the list for special occasions.

Excellent service from beginning to finish. The kitchen did an outstanding job! I have never had flavors like this before. The pacing of the tasting menu was perfect and the ambience was just right. Thank you everyone especially Farabi, Louis, Eder and Jack! I already look forward to the next visit!

Went for my birthday and the space has definitely got a renovation since my last visit in 2021. The food was equally as delicious, service had changed a bit (I do miss the old cutlery) but I understand with the demand and expansion since the WELL deserved Micheline recognition. The food was FABULOUS the octopus was a stand out texture perfectly cook the sala Verda had heat, zest, and herbaceous however, the star were the beans! DESSERT was my favourite course strawberries are my favourite fruits so confidently the gelato was right up my alley. I knew it was incredibly well done when my brother who notoriously dislikes strawberry “ice cream” of any sorts kept matching my spoon for spoon (will be back for the Torta). My only wish was to maybe talk about more with the Som and the employees. I know it’s hard to sometimes be able too in service and some guest just rather not be spoken to during their stay. I kept looking for an opening with everyone who touched our table didn’t work out. CJ was a wonderful server, paced our dishes and drinks, took care of my family wonderfully. Also loved that the table was communicated that it was “ours” until a specific time. It was a wonderfully birthday, thank you.