Marché Mövenpick – Market Style Dining in Toronto

Food station at Marche Restaurant TorontoA few years ago, I was flying to Toronto from a trip abroad. I was seated next to a business man making his first visit to the city. We spoke about a number of things and food easily slipped in as a topic of conversation. When he asked me about a unique dining experience in downtown Toronto there was only one answer. Marché Restaurant.

Marché is a “front cooking” concept restaurant which originated in Switzerland and boasts a number of franchises around the world. Located on Front Street, in the business district of Toronto, it’s designed like a marketplace with a variety of freshly made food offerings to satisfy any palate. Being surrounded by so much mouthwatering food makes narrowing down your choices very difficult and you must be very careful not to mistake the restaurant for a buffet.

Upon entering, the hostess presents you with a plastic card which is swiped at every station when you request food or drink. The cost of the food is put onto the card and tallied by the cashier at the end of the visit. Speaking from experience, the food can easily add up as you wander around the “market” with a wooden tray, your eyes bigger than your stomache.

Foccacia station at Marche Restaurant Yonge St. TorontoOyster station at Marche Restaurant TorontoCafe bar with barrels at Marche Movenpick TorontoCupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries at Marche Movenpick Restaurant TorontoSitting area in Marche Restaurant Yonge Street in TorontoOnce you’ve selected your food, meander through the restaurant with your loaded tray to the seating areas. These are designed with different themes like “Scandinavian Cabin”, “Paris Cafe”, “Art Deco Lounge” to further add to the dining experience. My favourite is the French Bistro zone which has a very mellow European atmosphere.

I was able to snap some of these photos because I  was at the restaurant for an early morning visit. Most of the diners were business men and guests of the surrounding hotels. However, come lunch and dinner time, it is not unusual to find a line up outside the entrance. No matter time of day, the friendly staff make sure that each visit is smooth and enjoyable.

Interior view of bistro cafe with mirror wall at Marche Restaurant in TorontoLarge french clock in Marche TorontoInterior view of bistro cafe in Marche Movenpick Restaurant | Yonge Street TorontoAnd it wouldn’t be a complete visit to Marché if I didn’t indulge in a large Belgian waffle with strawberries, maple syrup and real whip cream. I will skip any savoury entree just to get my hands on this breakfast come dessert.

Belgian waffle with strawberries and whip at Marche Restaurant in TorontoI hope you give Marché a try on your next visit to Toronto. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

The Chic Toronto Hangout, Italian Style

Terroni Bar Centrale exterior TorontoThough not one to frequent chain restaurants, whenever I can avoid them, the Terroni chain of eateries have become my go to place for great Italian food and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Each of the eight Toronto based restaurants serve traditional southern Italian food but are themed in different ways. You can choose between family styling dining with large sharing plates, traditional restaurant dining or a wine bar atmosphere.

I’ve now visited three of the establishments and Bar Centrale tops my list. Located along the Yonge Street corridor, and often frequented by the chic residents of Rosedale, Bar Centrale is more than a restaurant. It’s a neighbourhood hangout. A place where you take your family for an early breakfast, meet your girlfriends for brunch, or linger over dinner and wine with whoever makes your heart beat a little faster. The staff is young, friendly and attentive. No one rushes you out the door. And in fact the longer you sit, the more you will order….the menu items are simply irresistible.

Interior view of Bar Centrale restraurantGlass water carafe and brunch menu at Bar CentraleCoffee and cream at Terroni Bar CentralePandolci with preserves and nutella - Terroni Bar Centrale Toronto And if you would like my recommendation…don’t miss the pandolci. Tiny Scandinavian style pancakes served hot with a side of jam and nutella.

Terroni restaurant Toronto ON

The Bag Lady

The Bag Lady London Ontario entrance and vanInterior restaurant and counter | The Bag Lady London OntarioCookie pedestals at The Bag Lady in London OntarioVintage object display in The Bag Lady | Restaurant in London OntarioGirl face mugs at The Bag Lady in London OntarioSeating area in The Bag LadyCutlery and napkins in The Bag Lady in London OntarioInterior of restaurant with patrons of The Bag Lady in London OntarioWhite wrought iron tables on the patio at The Bag Lady in LondonExterior building and patio at The Bag Lady Everyone says that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I couldn’t agree more. I will wake up an hour early just to start the day off with a hot meal. I must admit that this does take a toll on my sleep (and who couldn’t use a little more shut eye!). Finding a place in my London neighbourhood that takes breakfast as seriously as I do, and is a super cute spot to meet with friends is amazing.

Stepping through the door of The Bag Lady I felt like Alice walking through the looking glass. The pastel technicolor and over-the-top retro design can be bit overwhelming, but the vibe is really easy going. The food feels homemade and will make you a breakfast addict, especially the mixed potato hash. Whether you decide to sit inside or outside, a visit to this delicious wonderland is a must.

The River Room

The River Room London ONThe River Room London Ontario Court House View The River Room London Ontario Seating The River Room London Ontario Table LandscapeThe River Room London ON Dessert Eton MessOne of my favourite restaurants in London Ontario has to be The River Room. Located in Museum London, it allows me to satisfy my appetite for art and for exquisite dining whenever I feel the need to be culturally inspired. The fresh and simple menu, the crisp black and white photographs along the walls, and the tailored style of the restaurant transport me to New York City. But the panoramic views are all about London. The Old Court House and the endlessly flowing fountain at the Forks of the Thames River are both iconic of this city. My only disappointment is that the restaurant is open for lunch and brunch exclusively. I would love to linger over a romantic dinner and a nice glass of wine, watching the sun set over the river. Nevertheless, the food and the atmosphere will have me coming back. Until next time!