Avelo - Toronto

The food was inventive and fun but the flavors were not balanced. Multiple courses were too salty to enjoy or finish. They did not have air conditioning in the... read more The food was inventive and fun but the flavors were not balanced. Multiple courses were too salty to enjoy or finish. They did not have air conditioning in the main restaurant so they seated both bar guests and restaurant guests in the same small room upstairs. This completely changed the atmosphere as upstairs is louder, brighter, and more cramped than you would expect for a fine dining experience--not the quiet intimate dinner we were expecting. We were not told this until we arrived so consider this during the summer. Food: 2 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3 Price per person: $100+ Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible.

Such a wonderful intimate setting. The ambiance and food was just amazing. Definitely going back. Price per person: $70–80 read more Such a wonderful intimate setting. The ambiance and food was just amazing. Definitely going back. Price per person: $70–80

We just had the most spectacular five-course tasting‑menu dinner — the kind of meal where every detail felt curated. Each dish was beautifully plated, inventive... read more We just had the most spectacular five-course tasting‑menu dinner — the kind of meal where every detail felt curated. Each dish was beautifully plated, inventive, intensely flavorful — truly unlike anything we’d ever tasted. Pat and Amy were absolute standouts: thoughtful, warm, and effortlessly fun, guiding us through the menu. To top it off, they surprised us with complimentary champagne and dessert for our anniversary — such a kind and elevated touch. Without hesitation: 10/10, we will be coming back. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5

The tasting menu at Avelo's main restaurant is one of my all-time favorites, but the Summerlicious menu at the bar yesterday left much to be desired. The food w... read more The tasting menu at Avelo's main restaurant is one of my all-time favorites, but the Summerlicious menu at the bar yesterday left much to be desired. The food was bland, lacking essential flavors like salt and sufficient depth (umami, acidity, etc.). The only stand-out dish was the gazpacho, which was both tasty and well-balanced; the rest fell short in flavor and texture. Portions were exceedingly small—mains felt like appetizers at a typical restaurant. For instance, my main course had just 4 or 5 tiny pieces of gnocchi accompanied by a pile of watery zucchini. I left still hungry after finishing all three courses; this is often a stereotype about vegan meals, but it rang true here due to the insufficient focus on vegan proteins and carbs combined with minuscule portions that were about a quarter of what they should have been. The only decent portion was the cheese plate dessert, which frankly I would have preferred as my main dish. The service was okay but could have been more attentive, as my water wasn't refilled upon request. Although my first sip of the drink was enjoyable, it later turned medicinal in taste, likely due to the Benedictine used in almost all their cocktails. On a positive note, the ambiance was delightful. While I initially thought the $35 Summerlicious price for three courses was a good deal, given the small portions and my lingering hunger, I no longer believe it was worth it. I won't be returning for the food, especially not at full price. Price per person: $60–70 Food: 2 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5

Amazing vegan food and dining experience. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 read more Amazing vegan food and dining experience. Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5