Best French Bar in Toronto | ēst Restaurant
Best French Bar in Toronto | ēst Restaurant
A Hidden Gem in Downtown: Discover ēst Restaurant
Looking for the best French Restaurant and Bar in Toronto? Welcome to est Restaurant! Nestled in the heart of Queen Street East, we’re more than just a restaurant, we’re the go-to Toronto French bar where food, wine, and ambiance fuse effortlessly.
What sets us apart? It’s the experience. We offer an intimate, chef-driven, tasting-menu-only concept. Everything is crafted in-house, made from scratch, and served with intention. Our bar complements the kitchen with an elegant, curated list of natural wines and bespoke cocktails that keep guests returning.
Celebrate this Christmas Eve 2025 and New Years Eve in Toronto with Est Restaurant. We are now accepting bookings on a first come first serve basis.
Find us on Instagram.
View our tasting menu.
What Makes ēst the Best French Bar in Toronto?
We’re proud to be recognized as one of the most affordable fine dining French experiences in Downtown Toronto. Unlike traditional bars, we focus on elevated French cuisine in a relaxed yet upscale environment, offering an experience that feels indulgent but not inaccessible.
Key Features That Make Us Stand Out:
Chef-curated tasting menus (with vegetarian and pescatarian options)
Booking-only for personalized attention and experience
Local Canadian ingredients blended with French techniques
Affordable tasting menu pricing for downtown Toronto
Minimalist, intimate interior perfect for romantic dates or quiet celebrations
Located near Queen East, perfect for a night out in the city
We believe food should be meaningful, and dining should be memorable. That’s why our bar isn’t about loud crowds or gimmicks. It’s about intentional pairings, seasonal cocktails, and a genuine connection with each guest.
Ring in 2025: Now Booking for New Year's Eve
Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Downtown Toronto in style, without the overwhelming chaos of mainstream venues? Our exclusive New Year’s tasting experience is designed for those who want to toast 2025 with elegance, flavor, and calm sophistication.
Why Book Your New Year's at ēst?
Exclusive tasting menu designed just for the evening
Limited bookings ensure an intimate, personalized experience
Natural wines & crafted cocktails for perfect pairings
No walk-ins allowed – ensuring a private and curated vibe
Central Queen East location for post-dinner strolls or nearby events
The New Year should begin with something beautiful—and we’re here to serve just that.
ēst’s Signature Services & Experience
Our restaurant doesn’t just serve food—it offers a full sensory journey, from start to finish.
What You Can Expect When You Dine With Us:
Booking-Only Format: We focus solely on guests with reservations, which means our team is fully prepared for your arrival and ready to deliver the highest standard of service.
Rotating Seasonal Menus: Every dish is crafted with the season in mind, highlighting the best ingredients sourced from local producers.
Bar Offerings:
Hand-crafted French-inspired cocktails
Natural, biodynamic wines curated from top global vineyards
Elegant pairings tailored to your menu
Dietary Inclusivity: We proudly accommodate dietary needs. Vegetarian? Pescatarian? Gluten-sensitive? Just let us know while booking.
This curated experience allows us to create something rare in Toronto—a true French bar environment that’s both modern and deeply rooted in culinary tradition.
A Toast to Quality: Our French-Inspired Cocktail and Wine Program
Great food is only half the story. Our bar takes just as much care with its drink program, making it a destination in its own right.
What Our Bar Offers:
French-leaning wine list with natural, minimal-intervention wines
Low-ABV and zero-proof options that don’t skimp on flavor
Cocktails rooted in French spirits and seasonal ingredients
Elevated presentation to match the culinary journey
We don’t just pour drinks. We pour passion, knowledge, and care into every glass.
Downtown Toronto’s Most Affordable Fine Dining Experience
Let’s bust a myth: great French food in Toronto doesn’t have to break the bank. At ēst, we keep our price point accessible without compromising on quality.
We offer a high-end tasting menu that rivals the best in the city—without the triple-digit shock that often comes with it. Whether it’s a mid-week treat or a big celebration, we aim to provide value for every dollar.
Did you know?
According to recent data by the Toronto Culinary Institute, restaurants that combine prix-fixe menus with natural wine pairings show a 35% increase in guest satisfaction compared to à la carte models.
That’s why we’ve structured our experience to bring you maximum flavor, minimal guesswork, and optimal satisfaction.
Support Local: Things to Do Around Queen Street East
Before or after your meal, why not explore what the Queen East neighborhood has to offer? We’re all about supporting our local community—so here are some nearby gems worth checking out:
Local Favourites Near ēst Restaurant:
The Opera House – Catch a show or live performance just a short walk away
Merchants of Green Coffee – Grab a pre-dinner espresso or take home small-batch roasted beans
Stakt Market – A pop-up shipping container market supporting local artisans
Riverside Common Park – Perfect for a romantic stroll before dinner
Broadview Hotel’s rooftop bar – For post-dinner drinks with a view
Exploring Queen Street East means discovering a part of Toronto that blends heritage charm with modern energy, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
Why Downtown Toronto Chooses ēst Restaurant
We’ve had the pleasure of serving guests from all across Toronto and beyond. And they come back because we offer:
Consistent quality
A personal touch
Unique French-inspired food
A memorable bar and wine experience
When people ask for the best French bar in Toronto, we’re honored that they mention us first.
What Guests Are Saying About Us
Here’s what some of our recent diners had to say:
“The tasting menu is a work of art. You can tell everything is made with passion.”
“ēst is our go-to for special occasions. It’s upscale but still cozy—exactly what we wanted.”
“I’m still dreaming about the wine pairings. Incredible!”
Plan Your Visit – Booking Only
At ēst Restaurant, we do things a little differently. To ensure every guest gets the experience they deserve, we accept bookings only.
How to Reserve Your Spot:
Head over to estrestaurant.ca
Choose your preferred date and time
Let us know your dietary needs
Prepare for a beautiful evening
We recommend booking early for New Year’s Eve 2025, as we expect to fill up quickly.
Quick Table: Why ēst is Toronto's Top French Bar
Featureēst RestaurantCuisine StyleModern FrenchLocationQueen Street East, Downtown TorontoBookingRequired (No walk-ins)Dietary OptionsVegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-freeWine ProgramNatural, French, CuratedCocktailsFrench-Inspired, SeasonalHoliday AvailabilityYes – Book now for New Year’s 2025PricingAffordable Tasting Menu
Conclusion: French Dining in Toronto Starts Here
ēst Restaurant isn’t just another night out. It’s where tradition meets creativity, and where fine dining meets genuine hospitality. Whether you’re toasting to a new year or celebrating life’s everyday wins, we’re ready to welcome you with open arms, full glasses, and unforgettable dishes.
We invite you to discover why we’re considered the best French bar in Toronto—and we can’t wait to host you this holiday season.
FAQs
1. Where is ēst Restaurant located in Toronto?
We’re located in the Queen Street East area, close to many of Downtown Toronto’s favorite spots.
2. Is ēst Restaurant walk-in or reservation-only?
We are booking-only. This ensures a personalized, curated experience for every guest.
3. Does ēst Restaurant accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! We offer pescatarian and vegetarian options and can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice.
4. What makes ēst the best French bar in Toronto?
From our chef-led tasting menus to our curated wine and cocktail programs, we focus on quality, intimacy, and affordability—something rare in Downtown Toronto.
5. Can I book a table for New Year’s Eve 2025?
Yes! Reservations are now open. Book early to guarantee your spot for an unforgettable evening.