Sassafraz

One of my favourite restaurants in Yorkville. Great food and drinks. Patio is great for people watching.

My GF and I had dinner there last week. I had salmon which tasted nothing like good salmon. Well, it didn’t really taste like anything. Very plain. I cannot be 100% sure as I usually dont have frozen salmon, but for some reason I think it exactly what it was.
My GF had a pasta with shrimp. It wasnt bad, but wasnt great either. Very average, something you could easily make at home.
Overall, I dont know what I expected, but 3 is the maximum i can give to this place. Not worth the price.

Sassafraz seemed to be the most inviting place in Yorkville while showing an out of town friend around the city. We were not disappointed.
We sat on the patio for a late lunch and the atmosphere was very charming, kinda European. The service and food were excellent!
I had the S Café burger which was so tender and juicy, I had to use a knife and fork. That’s not a bad thing. My friend had the asparagus and broccolini quiche and said it tasted every bit as good as it looked. See photos.
Sassafraz is definitely on my list of places to entertain friends!

This is and has always been our go-​to place when visiting Toronto. Food is great, service is always topnotch and the location is perfect. In the summer you can enjoy the patio and in the winter it’s a cozy place to watch the world go by. Also love that fact that they allow you to dine on the patio with your puppy!

Sassafraz is my favourite brunch spot in Yorkville. The dining room is bright and airy. Service is top notch and the brunch menu is reasonably priced.
You can usually get a reservation day of which is great because most other brunch spots are lined up to the door on weekends.

Surprisingly, I lucked into an outstanding piece of fish on a bed of black quinoa for lunch. Grilled to perfection, with a lovely Sauvignon to go with it, I have no complaints about the food or the service. Yea! I did sit outside however, and with a lot of construction going on nearby, I decided not to linger for dessert. Never mind: I’ll definitely be back!

Used a Groupon for two for a 3 coarse meal. The service was excellent and I really enjoyed the food. I ordered the steak and lobster bites. Both dishes were delicious except I ordered my steak medium rare but it was more medium. It still tasted really good as they placed a melted butter on it and the outside was charred. For dessert I got the chocolate mouse which came with a passion fruit sauce, a custard sauce and placed on top of a butter like cookie. It was tastey especially with the hint of lemon and basil. My husband got the escargots, it was so creamy and filled with meaty bits. It was alot of filling. He ordered the Cornish hen which I didn’t taste but said was bland in comparison to my steak. He got the maple beignets, filled with custard and a sauce around it. Yummm. My husband also got a whiskey drink with ginger beer and grapefruit juice. I actually took it for myself after a sip.
The service was really great. I’ve had experience with Groupon and the service being really bad because of it. But they were all helpful. I actually ordered a shrimp dish and changed my ordered to the steak and the waiter said it was no problem.
I’d go back again. Their charcuterie board looked good with a glass of wine after work one day. The décor is beautiful. Love the green wall and water feature.

On a cold and wet Easter Monday, my daughter asked to go for high tea. Of course it was too late to get a reservation so we decided to wander around Yorkville and roll the dice.
I had been to Sassafraz before for drinks and it was raining and so it’s warm yellow exterior drew us in.
My daughter was drawn to the cozy sofas instantly and the warm sourdough loaf. It was quiet and cozy.
They were excellent with my daughter’s egg allergy, splitting our buffalo mozzarella salad such that the fried tomato was only on my plate. I wished my daughter had noticed the grilled cheese had her hated goat cheese on it when she ordered — but she didn’t so we took it to go. It may have been the best grilled cheese that I have ever tasted. The pickerel special was outstanding.
Service was very attentive. I dropped a knife and they brought me a replacement unasked instantly.

3.5 STARS
I’ve been wanting to try this place for years. But the price always deterred me. But then I saw the Groupon for this place and I decided that this would be the best time to check it out. My friend and I decided to go on a Sunday — we thought it wouldn’t be as busy as a Friday or Saturday night and we were right — the restaurant was just slightly less than half full. The front of the restaurant is more suited for drinks/​lounging and it is beautiful — dark woods, white comfy couches all bathed in candlelight definitely make it a romantic spot.
The sit down restaurant is to the sife and it’s gorgeous as well — light tones, serene. The groupon allowed us to try 2 apps, 2 mains and 2 desserts. They even had a special Groupon menu so we could choose appropriately (the Groupon limited some of the choices from the regular menu but I would say about 85% of it was the same, however this was nice to avoid any extra charges unknowingly).
I ordered the lobster bites for my apps — overall I liked it however I wish the lobster was a bit colder and it didn’t come with this big dollop of cream on it. But it was a nice start to the main. My main was the BC Sturgeon with black quinoa and some turnips and shaved fennel. I really enjoyed this dish — I just wish there was more of it! The fish was nicely cooked and it paired well with the flavours of fennel and turnips. I’m a tiny person and I can say that it’s a small portion. For me it’s ok but for a larger person I can see how they would be hungry afterwards.
Dessert was the roasted cherry cheesecake with toasted crumble and cherry sorbet. I’m picky with cheesecake and I found this was light and delightful — not like a typical heavy cheesecake… in fact if you didn’t tell me the name of this dish I would not have guessed it was cheesecake. The sorbet provided a nice and fresh contrast to the cheesecake. I really liked the hint of sweetness this provided at the end of the meal.
My friend had the pork belly for her app which she liked and decided to try the mac/​cheese with chorizio for her main. The mac/​cheese looked bland and unfortunately tasted bland — no flavour/​spice could either of us detect. Even salt/​pepper would have livened it up. We had assumed that maybe the sausage would be incorporated into the dish however we were wrong. It come out with 2 pieces of sausage on the side… these long pieces of meat… just sitting there. It was odd to say the least.
Service was ok — everyone was nice per say… they just all looked bored or indifferent to working there. I felt awkward — this is supposed to be a «nice» restaurant and I would have thought I would have gotten better service, considering the price.
Overall I am glad I had the opportunity to check it out as I did enjoy my meal but I doubt I would head back — maybe for a summerlicious meal… but I would not pay full price for the portions.
Located in YorKville there is plenty of street parking and a few underground lots down the street. In the summer they have the patio open so you can enjoy brunch in the sun.

«same review as Mei. L» except cheesecake instead of beignets «
Seriously. User Mei. L wrote the exact review I was going to write. Very good food for a Groupon and would go back again with another Groupon. Service was done very we by the same server. Was happy to eat here. I’ve been here for a few events and was always impressed and this time was no exception.
Very happy with all items, all cooked well and presented nicely.
The wine at $ 40 is a great value too.

We went to this restaurant for my wife’s birthday. When you first walk into this place, you will notice that it’s definitely a very classy place with a bar. It’s very cozy and features a very quiet atmosphere. This place would make a great romantic date night out and you do see a lot of couples. Located in Yorkville, a super high end area located in downtown Toronto near Bloor subway station.
I had the lobster bites for appetizer, it was really good and they’re real lobster meat. However there is a little room for improvement if they would make it a tad more tender.
I then had the strip loin steak, at a very good portion of 10oz, cooked well to what I asked for. The steak sits on top of seasonal mushroom, cream kale and horseradish butter which was the best side I’ve ever had for a steak. You definitely don’t get that kind of sides at The Keg.
I always complain about portions when it comes to these nicer places, but this place gives you great portions, extremely filling for a guy like me that eats more.
If you are a visitor to Toronto, definitely explore this high end rich area. Get off at Bloor station and you can easily spend whole half day exploring this areas.
Parking is greatly available within minutes of this place. Lots of public indoor parking garages near by.

Came here for dinner.
Pros
Service was well above par. Very quick and efficient.
Very clean and upscale look.
Cons
Small portions
Very pricey
Food was ok (given its downtown there are many other places one can eat for half the price and better tasting food).

Came here with a groupon deal ($ 70 for a 3 course meal for 2) and had an overall amazing experience.
We requested a more private table which they kindly accommodated, and our server Michael provided us with the best service I have had in a very very long time.
The meal itself was great (minus the lobster bites in the apps — those were just ok).
The pork belly app was tasty, the steak main was huge and cooked to perfection and served on delicious creamed kale, and the shrimp pasta (with dill and cream sauce) was amazing.
Had the beignets and chocolate mousse for dessert (licked plate for both of these) and also grabbed a bottle of the red wine that came with the tasting menu (only $ 40! and delicioussss).
The sign of a great experience: We ended up staying there for 3.5 hours without realizing how much time had gone by and without feeling rushed, or like we were always waiting for our food or service. Would definitely recommend.

My friend and I went here for winterlicious. I arrived a little early for our reservation, but the hostess guided me on our table right away. Our table is beside the window overlooking the Cumberland street. The ambience is nice and I didn’t realize that this place is huge til just pass 7pm that people are constantly coming. I heard they do weddings in this restaurant, and for me its a very nice place cor intimate wedding.
The service is pretty decent. Except that we waited for our main course for a while. I ordered basil lemonade that came in small glass with a lot of ice. I should’ve asked for light ice. For Winterlicious menu, I ordered pork belly for appetizer, steak for main course, and decadent chocolate for dessert. The pork belly is too salty for my taste that I ended up drinking all my drinks so fast and I alreafy got full cause of the drink. I ordered medium rare for my steak and after waiting for quite a while, I ended up getting medium well. As I don’t typically like to complain to the server about my food, I just ate it regardless. For dessert, the decadent chocolate is so rich. If you’re a sweet addict, you’d lo e it.
Overall, the service is average. The ambience is nice. The food I should say did not really meet my expectations. I guess that maybe because we ordered from their prix fixe menu, that the standard of food is just average. I don’t think that I will come back here again except if I get invited to come again and if I have no choice.

Skillet Baked Escargot: yum — creamy — greasy, that’s the general feeling about this appetizer. The escargots were kinda lack of its own flavour, which has been covered by the creamy sauce.
Lobster Bites: It was ok.
Ontario Cornish Hen: The chicken was tender and juicy, the skin was crispy, plus the stuffing and the side dish which added more layers of flavour, like this dish.
Sturgeon Fillet: Black quinoa and sturgeon — not a fan of this combo. The idea might be using quinoa to reduce the fishy taste, but the fish was soft and the quinoa was hard and lack of flavour, this one is not recommended.
The desserts were great, the cheesecake was yum and the beignets were out of expectation.
Service and atmosphere were nice too.

«There was no obvious signage outside, we did not even notice the restaurant name written anywhere. The standalone Victorian house is definitely a landmark of its own.»
«The distance to a person at the next table was actually shorter than to your own date across. On the bright side, you can always befriend someone else’s date and chat with them.»
«An original Cheesecake with no bottom crust had a beautiful texture with dried rhubarb inside adding sour tanginess. The strawberry compote under, on the other hand, offset it with sweetness. A thin, sharp, dark chocolate piece was there to help the compote too. A well-​made cheesecake is always a delight. «
Just a few bites from our full review.

Came here on a Friday night for snacks and cocktails and was blown away.
Ambiance:
An amazing pianist was playing through most of the night. Honestly couldn’t get enough of his soulful singing. The décor is on point and the lighting is perfect for an intimate date. There was a woman sitting next to the pianist with a book and a glass of wine. You could tell she goes to Sassafraz often for the ambiance.
Service:
Our waiter was named Jon and we agreed that he was the best waiter we’ve had in a long time. He was friendly, attentive and really knew his alcohol. He made several drink recommendations all of which were extraordinary.
Food and drinks:
That brings me to my third point. We only had some fries and dessert so can’t comment on entrees. The food we did have was absolutely delicious. The cocktails again were exemplary. We had just finished with drinks and dinner at Scaddabush and were not impressed with their cocktails. Going to Sassafraz afterwards was like comparing night and day.
Recommendation:
Great date place and go on a Friday night when the pianist is there.

Very good food and great service. A bit overpriced though. I had the SUMMERLICIOUS menu which was similar to their regular one but with fewer choices.
The grilled calamari was excellent, the grapefruit being an original addition and going well with the tangy green salsa, but there were only three (3) pieces of squid on the plate. The local beef sirloin was also great (I had it medium, and it was around 10oz), but nothing out of the ordinary which makes one wonder why it’s almost $ 40 on their regular menu.
The chocolate torte at the end was a disappointment. It was dry and stale and the raspberry caviar was replaced with jelly which had the consistency of the one you are buying for thanksgiving. Not cool for a $ 45 (top tier) summerlicious dinner selection.
Overall, not bad for SUMMERLICIOUS deal, but I’d never pay their full prices for this level of quality and creativity. I guess the Bay St. vicinity has an automagical influence on inflating prices without corresponding to actual quality and creativity.

I had always been fond of Winterlicious but never went for Summerlicious. Perhaps there’s not much better to do during Winter than to fill my stomach up: P
Sassafraz is the first restaurant I’ve tried for Summerlicious accompanied with two other friends. I heard good things about this restaurant and being pretty posh in Yorkville, so I’ve decided to give them a visit for dinner!
The restaurant has a lounge and drinks seating, separated from its dining area with two glass doors. Its interior is decorated very well and modern with a waterfall wall sided with greens like a rainforest. Their tables are also half sofa couches, super comfy.
Per usual dining, each customer can select an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for their special menu choices. You can always find those items on their standard menus too. Being friends and alike, we all chose the exact same combination (dinner at $ 45): Ontario Beef Tartare, Ontario Artisan Beef Striploin, and Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake for dessert.
The tartare tasted really great! It was seasoned well yet still has its original beef flavour. The sour dip on the side spiced up my taste buds — compensated for the raw beef texture.
As the the striploin, I was quite disappointed. All three of us asked for medium rare steaks. What was brought to our table was three medium steaks. Mine pretty much was the only one that had slight blood oozing out when sliced. It was only little bit pink inside and when I ate further from the middle, the more overcooked it was. Not sure if this was their standard or just because of their chefs being overwhelmed due to Summerlicious.
The cheesecake was interesting. It was decent but nothing very special. The texture was quite soft and mousse-​like in comparison to New York cheesecakes which has a thicker and stiff texture. The raspberry sauce was alright.
Service overall was good except for just one tick off. Two of my friends had finished their plates and I was still eating the last bites but paused to talk and had my fork/​knife placed in the «I’m not finished yet» position. However, the server wanted to take my plate away too and hesitated right next to me. I had to resume my eating and movement to make him stop.
Overall, I think Sassafraz is a nice restaurant but not sure if it’s entrée is the best. It’s more of a 3.5÷5 rating.

The restaurant itself is pretty nice. You have the option of sitting in the lounge area with some live music or you can opt for the candle-​lit dining room with a gorgeous waterfall.
Our waiter was pretty attentive but I wasn’t particularly impressed by the food. We ordered the entire selection of cheeses, the campanelle and the steak. Although we got a good selection of cheeses, I found the campanelle to be slightly undercooked and my partner wasn’t impressed by his steak either.
I would say it wasn’t worth what we paid but if you’re interested in trying this place, I would recommend going during Summerlicious.