Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Chinatown / Kensington Market

I introduced my friend to the various O&B restaurants and we were booked for Maison Selby on Monday but then I got an email about Canoe. I told him about the Christmas Eve lunch. The staff called to confirm and I told them this is his first visit. They came through and had us seated at the table facing the CN Tower. The food was phenomenal as it always is. I had the onion soup and it blew my mind. I am not a soup person but seeing Parmesan custard in the description peaked my curiosity. On the surface a pureed soup but it looked like art with the green oil drizzle and black pepper delicately grounded and sprinkled. Below the surface were the caramelized onions and parmesan custard. Ohhh the flavour sensations having a party on my tastebuds! He had the Waldorf and said it was delicious. We both had the beef Wellington. So tender and flavourful and that was just the meat! I actually did the foodie happy dance in my chair nom nom nomming! The roasted veggies, deep fried kale and mashed potatoes were lovely. To be honest they weren’t hot but I wasn’t going to ruin the dining experience by saying anything. I thought the pastry was perfect, mine fell open in two layers. He would have liked his to be flakier on the outside layer. He had the sticky toffee pudding and absolutely loved it. I had the white chocolate cheesecake with the pistachio crème anglaise and raspberry sorbet & I loved it. The flavours and textures were my vibe! I tried two mocktails. I loved the ambrosia! The flavour combos were amazing! Then I tried the gala. The drink itself was underwhelming compared to the first but its saving grace was the fruit. I asked our lovely server and she said maraschino cherries. No way! Not the ones you get on top of sundaes. Way better! They were the star of that drink along with the really cool rectangular ice cube! Lovely seeing Oscar from our Maison Selby days. Told him the venue switch story for lunch and he was the 4th staff to say: Really? Love it! O&B ❤️

Well deserving of its recent Michelin Bib status, and only after 10 years :). Very creative and excellent cuisine in a casual and friendly atmosphere.

They knock our socks off every time. Each corner of the menu is worth exploring! The classics, the specials, the wine list and the desserts!!! (This time we had a glutinous rice cake with a brûlée’d top and it was life changing). One of the best and most consistent spots in the city ❤️

Outstanding meal at Jump. It was 'Home Game Special" night and the main course was totally special. An amazing veal schnitzel chop with all the trimmings. And for starters a brilliant lobster salad with delicious pear tatin to finish. Excellent fun service from Marketa. Such a well run restaurant with great staff, a wonderful chef team and reasonable prices for such impressive food. Who could ask for more !!!

Very attentive and delicate service. Chef's and waiters' attentions were much appreciated. Truly outstanding cuisine. However, while the wine list is impressive and quite wide-ranging, it is a challenge to find some medium-priced options as most wines are above $200. Our wine was excellent though even though its price was $150. A place to try for sure.