Madame Marie’s Top Toronto Restaurants for Valentine’s Day … or a romantic night out this winter

Love is in the air — especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner. Whether you’re looking for a memorable meal to spark a little extra romance with your special someone, or a delicious culinary experience to distract your mind from the never-ending winter, here are some of my top picks to keep you fully satisfied!

ēst

ēst’s freshly-launched winter tasting menu ($110) is remarkable, so if you can’t physically escape Toronto this winter, allow Chef Sean MacDonald to take your taste buds on a delicious and memorable journey across Canada. He’s created a commendably perfect tasting menu that’s executed beautifully, is rich in storytelling, and urges us to contemplate what’s on our plates in new ways. The bannock, koji aged coulotte, smoked duck breast and dessert inspired by northern Canada are just some of the standouts. Anyone whom you have the pleasure of dining with will surely agree.

Read one of my past reviews of ēst here. The winter menu is a step above!

Frilu

Chef John-Vincent Troiano, who worked with culinary legend Rene Redzepi of Michelin-starred Noma, offers a truly unique tasting menu at Frilu. His Thornhill-based restaurant draws inspiration from Canada – incorporating plenty of local ingredients – and you’ll experience a delicious journey throughout its ten-course tasting menu ($95). The latest winter menu has strong influences from Scandinavian and Asian cuisine, giving it a worldly flair different from most other tasting menus. It’s delicious solo, but the wine and saké pairings really take it to the next level.

Read the full review of Frilu.

Woodlot

Woodlot will be reopening its rustic wooden doors after a recent renovation, bringing the hygge vibe back to the Toronto dining scene. Candlelight, high ceilings and an open flame from the kitchen immediately create an intimate and cozy ambiance in former garage. The food complements the ambiance perfectly with impeccable farm-to-table offerings available on their traditional menu, as well as a mouth-watering vegetarian menu.

Read the full review of Woodlot.