Branca - Toronto

We were greeted by a very nice hostess and seated at a most lovely patio. The fact that you really cannot fully open the menu to peruse it, should have indicate... read more We were greeted by a very nice hostess and seated at a most lovely patio. The fact that you really cannot fully open the menu to peruse it, should have indicated to us that food is not a priority here. We had heard great things...about the restaurant so we did have high expectations. The zucchini flowers were unavailable which was the drawing factor, so we opted for the carpaccio octopus delicious and the burata salad nothing spectacular here. Our mains were the ribs and the icelandic cod with a side order of salad. These mains are overpriced as the ribs are not meaty and the cod was bland. The wine list, for Argentinian wine, is not well priced so the owners should allow people to bring their own wine or reduce the prices. Overall, we will not be returning there as the price does not meet my criteria of value over money. We left hungry after spending over

We made our reservation for and because of our uber driver we got there late at I called at to let them know and they were okay with it. I had already been told... read more We made our reservation for and because of our uber driver we got there late at I called at to let them know and they were okay with it. I had already been told previously when they called the day before to...confirm that we only get hours and then they would need the table back. They reminded me of this when we arrived. I though this is not starting in the right foot. However, the feel completely change when we got seated. The hostess and the waitress could not be more friendly. The place is tiny and only enough space for about people at the most. So the hour policy is completely understandable and around they reminded us but were not pushy. We had starters, main, side and desert we shared between us Plus glasses of wine each. It's expensive and had we ordered mains it would have been more but we couldn't even finished our one main it was such a big portion of meat. The ambiance was relaxed, warm and cozy. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We wondered if the flamingo theme was an Argentinian thing. You'll understand if you ever visit. The food: Starter Smoked Chicken Empanadas order give you empanadas. I was taken aback by how small they were. I'm hispanic and I'm used to medium to large size. However the taste made up for the small portion. It packed a sweet spicy punch and the crust was crunchy but not heavy with oil. This is a deep fried empanada, not oven baked. Sarter Spanish Octopus I've had calamari but had never had octopus served in this form. It was a little chewy on the bigger side of the tentacle but other parts were tender and packed with flavour. The mustart seeds were a perfect combination. Delicious and would definitely have it again. Main Dish Cerdo a la Parilla The portion was large and enough for people. The pork was tasty. Compared to the apps, the main was a little underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, the dish was good and yummy but did not match the creativity and flavours of the starters or even the side. Side dish Blackened squash Sweet squash that we though would taste burnt due to the black colour underneath. However it did not to our surprise. The side dish was very well plated. Dessert Panquettes The crepes were delicious. They were rolled and the top part had a sweet crust that reminded us of creme brulee. We think that that's exactly what they did. it was served with a side of whipped cream. I'm not a fan of whipped cream but this is whipped cream made from scratch so I gave it a try and god was it delicious. Free treat We were given yuca bread stuffed with cheese with our starters. The texture combined with the green colour inside made it a little different It was tasty but the visual and texture made it a little odd. Free Treat At the end of our meal, the brought little confections with our bill. They were sweet and reminded me of something we used to eat as kids that we call conservas All in All, I would go back if I'm ever in Toronto for a special occasion. I would come back with a group of and try the tomahawk cut.

Branca is our go to place for perfect steak. Whenever I want to treat myself, Branca is the place to go for high quality food and great ambience. read more Branca is our go to place for perfect steak. Whenever I want to treat myself, Branca is the place to go for high quality food and great ambience.

We 're going to sorely miss you guys!!! Thanks for an amazing 'best of the best '. We rolled out of there. read more We 're going to sorely miss you guys!!! Thanks for an amazing 'best of the best '. We rolled out of there.

Unfortunately, we are saddened to hear that this restaurant is closing. We have always enjoyed dining here, and the meal was exceptional with delicious flavors... read more Unfortunately, we are saddened to hear that this restaurant is closing. We have always enjoyed dining here, and the meal was exceptional with delicious flavors and generous portions. The wine selection was also excellent. We will now be on the lookout for another Argentinian restaurant, but it will be hard to find one that can replace this gem. We wish the best of luck to everyone involved with this restaurant in their future endeavors.