La Palette

We salvaged this mediocre experience by laughing together at the absurd service and offensively bad dessert.
Let’s talk service:
1. We made a reservation weeks in advance and told them it was a special occasion. Despite this, we were sat at the absolute worst table in the house rather than any of the other open, more appealing tables. We were in the middle of the room, right next to foot traffic, and almost on top of the patrons at the next table. It’s extremely amateur for a restaurant not to take note of a reservation and special occasion. This lack of attention was so disappointing.
2. We were escorted to a table where two patrons were still gathering their belongings. Our host muttered under his breath «I didn’t think they would still be there.» We shot apologetic looks to the poor couple frantically trying to get out of our way. It was embarrassing for all of us EXCEPT for the one person who should have been embarrassed: the unprofessional host.
3. When explaining the specials, our waitress suddenly stopped in what seemed to be mid-​sentence and just walked away. We looked at each other and said «wait, was she done?»
4. The restaurant has an open kitchen so not only will you leave smelling like food (not in a good way), you are watching the cooks. One of the cooks was wearing a tshirt and on the back was the backside of a half-​naked woman wearing a thong. This complaint makes me sound like an old lady, I realize, but when I go out to a nice restaurant (especially one claiming to be French), I expect a certain level of professionalism. These are small details that can really add up.
Let’s talk food:
1. We both ordered from fixed price. $ 35. Good price for the selections and the portions were what I would expect. I started with soup which was delicious and then went with the duck confit. It was okay but nothing special. My date’s entrée was much better (white fish with pickled cauliflower) and I had serious food envy.
2. I almost want to give this place 1 star based on the absolutely terrible dessert. This is a «French» restaurant — the dessert should be one of the highlights! I ordered a chocolate almond tort. After trying a bite, my date accurately said: «this tastes like it came out of an easy-​bake oven.» How does a dessert lack ANY flavor??? I was so disappointed and frankly insulted that they would even consider serving this.
We have no plans to return. There are too many good restaurants in Toronto. This is not one of them.

We had a fun time here last night but unfortunately it was mostly due to our laughing at poor service and awkward observations. The ambiance is intimate and cozy but the service and food leave something to be desired.
I called weeks ago to make a reservation for two and the voice on the other end of the line was surprised to have me making a reservation so far in advance. I let him know this was a special occasion. When we arrived, our table wasn’t quite ready which was totally fine but then we were led to the very center of the restaurant and instructed to have a seat at a table where two people were still sitting and gathering their things. I kid you not; we literally had to watch other patrons get up, try to resist giggling at the awkwardness, and apologize for rushing them. Despite making reservations and explaining the special occasion, we were given the worst table in the house.
After we sat, our server came by and started to speak to us and then out of nowhere, she stopped mid sentence and walked away to another table. These were just a couple of the bizarre experiences with staff.
We ordered a martini and negroni and they were quite good. We both chose prix fixe selections: My date had a good soup to start and then duck confit. The duck was tasty but the bed of beans it sat on top of lacked flavor. I had moules to start which were excellent and then the poisson dish. The poisson was the hit of the night for us. It consisted of a perfectly prepared piece of smoked white fish and potatoes with pickled cauliflower. I highly recommend it. The desserts were quite disappointing. I had a lemon tart that was uninspired and my date had an awful almond and chocolate torte.
It wasn’t a cheap meal to say the least and our clothes and hair still wreak of food from the open air kitchen and mediocre ventilation.

I took my boyfriend and his parents here for brunch because it seemed like the most decent option available for New Year’s Day. (most everything was closed) I was excited about the menu when I looked online, from escargot to tartare to eggs benedict. We ordered the snails and it was… okay? I mean it wasn’t excellent but it wasn’t bad, I would say mediocre. I have had better because the flavors just didnt’ stand out for me. My eggs benedict was burnt and the egg wasn’t very poached. My biggest complaint about this place was the service. There were 2 waitresses, it was clearly not busy. I had to flag the waitress multiple times before I gave up and physically went straight to her (TWICE)to ask for more water and the bill. When I went to the waitress to ask for the bill, she irritably explained to me that she was coming to our table. I didn’t appreciate her tone and excuse and I didn’t appreciate that she was not attentive to our table at all when it was seriously not busy.
Horrible experience, and mediocre to below average food. Will not come back again.

Fabulous meal and service
The service really stood out. Our waiter took the time to explain the menu and wine list and based on choices gave a great wine recommendation.
I had the salad, followed duck breast on cabbage and beats. Absolutely wonderful combination of flavors.

Was not really impressed with the food. Had the duck leg with beans. Peasant food. However, if you are looking for authentic French food, this is the place to go. The food they serve is actually typical French. But, not all the French food should belong in a restaurant. Maybe it’s just because I’m not too impressed with the French kitchen. I just think it was overpriced to pat $ 46 for 2 plates of simple white beans + a duck leg. Yes, it’s French, is it worth it? Don’t think so, it’s actually a traditional peasant meal. They also served horse tenderloin. From retired race horses. Now I don’t think it’s necessary the best choice to eat from an old and retired race horse which they most likely used lots of drugs and antibiotics for.

I have a soft spot for this place, I really do. Some really good memories here. A great intimate spot for those who want to share a bottle of wine, snack on some food, and want to actually have a conversation.
Some pretty controversial items on the menu, as they do serve several horse options. I’m indifferent as I dive into my horse tartare, but many other options for the less adventurous folk. Cheese and Charcuterie are always safe bets, and I really like their beverage program. That said, I do have to mention that the quality of food, and choice of options the past couple years have slightly been disappointing. Hopefully this changes quick because I do like coming here every now and then.

I very much enjoyed the absinthe. They have three varieties. But unfortunately they were very rude to myself and my friend afterwards. While I don’t live here, my friend is a regular here, and neither of us shall be returning.

Looking for an authentic French restaurant with a cool and casual vibe. Love the duck confit and the frogs legs were awesome. Plus my 4 friends really enjoyed their steak frites. Their meals were so big that they left some of each behind. All the desserts were also yummy. And a prix fixe 3 course dinner was only $ 35.
Two dinners and a brunch over the course of the year — all excellent with great service each time. Definitely on the list for more meals in the future.

Meh. I don’t understand the hype of some of the reviews here. I felt that it was mediochre, nothing spectacular. Maybe it was an off night. I’ll give it another try.

Horse tenderloin is very unique and the fries are delicious. The duck leg looks pretty good, I will definitely have a try next time.

me and my boyfriend popped in here for a drink because it looked really warm and inviting. the bartender was really friendly and tried his best to work with my picky requests (something with tequila but nothing too girly or sweet) — he gave me a tequila sunrise which was alright and then made me another drink using shot of tequila and gingerbeer. it was something ive never tasted before so i liked that he was able to surprise me
i would come back to try the food and for a romantic night out –the atmosphere is so nice.

Was expecting to be better than what zagat rated it for. Nothing special but not over priced.
It is what it is. Not exceptional.

Honestly thought this place would’ve been way better than it was. Not having often been around the area, I –naively– made reservations for a Friday night; we had our choice of tables. Even so, service was cordial.
However, we were subtly rushed out. (Maybe because we were occupying the prime table?) service was professional, but also felt a bit condescending for some reason.
For me, the food tasted microwave-​reheated. I had the fish. I’m not sure what was on the side, but It was like a hard-​as-​a-​rock hash brown topped with sardines and olives, and I couldn’t cut into it, and didn’t want to try it.
My partner had the steak and loved it. So I guess it depends on what you like/​order.
The whole theme is kitschy-​French bistro. (On the menu: let us know if you’re on some kind of weird cleanse) !

The hubs and I stumbled upon La Palette while walking around the neighborhood where we were staying. As we passed it, I decided I wanted to eat there for our anniversary dinner the next night. It was definitely bustling but not overly crowded, and I loved the open air set-​up they have.
The next evening, we were able to be seated right away without reservations. We ordered drinks and the guy (who we assumed was a manager) brought them over with some playful commentary (to say the least). It was entertaining. I savored the house red wine which suited me just fine.
I ordered the steak and frites, and he ordered the mussels special (right before they ran out — great timing again!). Both were absolutely delicious. I will say my steak was a tad too salty, but it was cooked so perfectly that I almost didn’t care. I just downed extra wine and water to make up for it :) The mussels were seasoned so deliciously, and they provided bread to soak up the extra juices… just divine.
We couldn’t decide between desserts, so we got two (naturally). The crème brûlée and Gâteau au Chocolat (basically flourless chocolate cake). The crème brûlée was fantastic — perfectly crunchy topping with creamy insides. The chocolat was just as bitter as it was sweet — clearly they used quality chocolate.
Overall, it was a lovely experience and very romantic dinner for our anniversary. Definitely check it out if you’re looking for a classy place to dine!

I feel like I am giving a good amount of 5 star reviews lately, however, I have been so impressed with the food in Toronto and this place is A MUST. It was one of the better
experiences I have had in a long time. Sure, I had great company with me, but in addition, the ambiance and the cuisine was fantastic.
We started with the escargot. I can’t say I loved the way it was served, meaning, the escargot was still inside the shell and you simply had to pull it out. Regardless, the taste and garlic butter sauce was perfect.
So here is the thing. I spent time in Buenos Aires, Argentina where you would never put a sauce on a steak so I understand if some people don’t believe this is the way a steak should be served. That being said, the steak I had at «La Palette» with its sweet (not to sweet) and perfectly detailed sauce, was one of the best steaks I have ever had in my life.
I have joked with my friend that I will fly back to Toronto, just for that steak.
I LOVED this place!

Environment: ⁵⁄₅
Employees: ⁵⁄₅
Food: ⁵⁄₅
Drinks: ⁵⁄₅
Cost: ⁴⁄₅
Accessibility: ²⁄₅
Total: ²⁶⁄₃₀
Story Time: The Toronto Crew (Steven, Nick, Austin, Tom and me) decided on a whim to just go to Toronto and stay there one night. And. they were all straight, except for me of course. And if you know me, you would know that I don’t go with just straight guys to anywhere. I had to take this opportunity and wave my gay wand around.
Before arriving here, we went to a place called Bar Chef, which was full of shit, but from that shit they suggested we come to La Pallette for French food. We took the advice with a grain of salt, but it turned to the best thing that touched our tongues. What is this magical place with magical food and magical music. I felt like the queen I am being serenaded and indulging in utterly awesome food.
Synopsis: I did the course meal as my friends did the horse meat and duck leg. Everything that I tried was amazing, even the ciders they had. Just ugh… on-​point with everything, even the service. Are we still in Toronto, or heaven?
Environment: A rectangular restaurant that was dimly lit for a more intimate setting and to keep the ugly peope pretty. Hahahha. We were sat all the way in the back, because you know they like to put baby in the corner. Hahhaa. No, but seriously it was very nice restaurant, which apparently the bar turns into a stage and a bunch of gypsies just play music.
Employees: This was the cherry on top! So very awesome. When I left, I had my muscle bowl still on the table, but wasn’t finished with it. I was told the busser took it and then the waitresses retracted that execution and brought it back because she knew I wasn’t finished drinking the broth.
Food: Where to even begin on the journey of awesomeness!
Bread: What? This condensed homemade bread as amazing. The best bread, from a restaurant, that I have ever tasted. I swear we had thirds of this. Thank goodness I am not diabetic! ⁵⁄₅
Escargot: Not the best I have ever tasted, but not the worst. I loved how it was displaced and it gave you a nice mouthful, especially with their amazing bread! ⁴⁄₅
Muscles: Holy mother of Jesus! This was out of this world good. I don’t know what the broth was made out of, but I’m sure my blood pressure sky-​rocketed as I started drinking it like soup. I even used the bread to soak up all the salty-​goodness. ⁵⁄₅
Horse Meat: I have horse meat before and it was gamey. Some how with their magical powers, they made the meat tender and «melt» in your mouth like BUTTTAAHHH. After sampling a taste, I was ban from getting seconds. Aww… how can you be so mean? ⁵⁄₅
Duck: Although this was the least of my favorite meats in comparison, it was still good. I mean, it’s duck. It wasn’t dry at all, and the crispy skin! I’m so glad my friend couldn’t finish it all because I DEVOURED it as if it was my last suppah! ⁵⁄₅
Fruit Custard: This was actually my least favorite out of the entire course. I was kind of disappointed that the follow-​up of all the delicious food didn’t come with a wonderful tasting dessert. It was meh… I could have honestly done without. Perhaps more sugar in the crust? A more of a twist to it? Cream cheese? I have no idea. ³⁄₅
Drinks:
Thomas Lavers Ginger Beer: This thing… omg, was the best ginger beer I had in my life. It was the elixir of life and every one of us wanted more of it. We loved it so much that we made it a point to TRY TO FIND IT THE NEXT DAY and bought every single bottle a small shop had. This was with the Dark and Stormy drink. Very delicious! ⁵⁄₅
St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout: With coffee and chocolate flavors, it really seemed like it was a Guinness but even better. I love my beers dark like my men ;) ⁵⁄₅
Apple Cider with Bourbon: Definitely best with bourbon, secondary vodka. It was sweet, but beautifully made. With the bourbon, it was a nice smooth spiral down your throat. ⁵⁄₅
Apple Cider with Vodka: Definitely a no, no. This was more of a bumpy ride down your throat. ²⁄₅
Cost: Definitely on the pricey side, but because the dollar is stronger it was a «little» cheaper. IT WAS DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY worth it though. So delicious. I want seconds.
Accessibility: Well the public transportation isn’t great… and you need either a car or the cab.

Great food, service and french atmosphere!
The place is a little small but very cozy and very European. We had the pâté, while boar and the venison tartare.
Definitely will come back here again!

A birthday celebration night in a nice French restaurant in Downtown core. Good service, Great wine selections and very good quality meat! Quite expensive but it is worth the price. I’m lovin’ it!

I would come here all the time if I lived in Toronto. I’ve been to tons of restaurants all over the U.S. and France, and this is up there with the top of them.
— Great atmosphere. Small and comfortable, without feeling as pretentious as some French places can sometimes be.
— Wonderful service. Prompt, friendly, and really helpful with making food choices or selecting the right wine pairing.
— Fantastic food. Everything we got from the appetizer and entrée menu was delicious. I had the horse tenderloin — and if you like beef and just want something a tiny bit gamier — I highly recommend it.

Bordering 2.5−3*. Just no ‘wow’ factor for me. Not great, but not rotten either.
I was really looking forward to dining at La Palette for my bday. However, reading a coupla trusted Unilocaler reviews, I had the suspicion that this place was BETTER before. Restaurant was only a little over ¼ full on a Sunday night for dinner service, so I think you’re safe without reservations. Don’t quote me though!
Highlights:
— fried Camembert app — $ 10
— Dark & Stormy drink with Thomas Lavers ginger beer… but it was like $ 12
— there is a prixe fixe for $ 35 (on select apps/​mains/​desserts), but the portions are smaller — still fair size though!
Lowlights:
— staff wasn’t busy enough/​too many waitresses. As per another review, they were too present. For example: were asked for our order many times without enough time in between, waitresses tried to take away my bf’s salad TWICE, was asked what I thought of the food less than a minute after it was put on table
— décor is dated, tres ‘90s/​French grandmere’s masion, blech
— prices are on the higher-​end (at least $ 25 – 40 for a main), but staff/​décor does not match the price. Dined at l’Express last Spring in Montréal and experience was waaay more upscale, white table cloths, garcons in uniforms, with lower prices
— Darjeeling Crème Brulee — ok, but just tasted like custard. No darjeeling taste. Maybe pick something more distinct like Earl Grey?
Maybe I’m just not meant to dine at these «fancier» places, but I thought the food was waaay too rich and not balanced. I ordered the cou de Canard — basically a duck sausage — and waitress warned me that it came with the head. (I’m Chinese, that’s fine.) However, when it arrived, she said that the entire head was edible ‘cept for one bone (don’t remember)…which it wasn’t ’cause I was spitting out the skull and felt like puking after I ripped the jaw off to see what meat was there. I just left it ’cause it was just unappetising for me.
Dish was not balanced and it was literally like eating an entire dish of sliced sausages. The same type of sausage. Wild rice was IN the actually sausage, but dish needed something else aside from a few French string beans and 2 – 3 pieces of artichoke.
Dish was also different temps. Sausage was room temp while duck head was just out of the deep fryer. Not enjoyable. Dish also smelt a bit ‘off’ when it first arrived, but I’m not sure if that was the cheese (parmesan?) or not as I’m not a reg cheese eater.
Maybe if they revamped their menu, made it more casual, and lowered their prices they would find more success.