Fare Bistro

3.5 star rating
6 reviews Rating Details

Category: French  [Edit]

1097 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1K7
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
(416) 645-0914
Price Range:
$$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
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6 reviews in English

  • Review from Dani L.

    • 2 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    8/10/2010

    I don't really do the fine dining thing. I'm not classy like that. I never really know how to act in those places, and always leave feeling ripped off, hungry and judged.

    But holy shit. Fare is out of this world, intergalactically good. No judgment or pretension, just fantastic, appropriately priced, well-prepared French food. My guy and I did the prix fixe and started with this totally stellar poutine (cured sausage, white cheddar curds, gravy, frites).

    Mains were insane - I had trout with asparagus and roasted potatoes in a buttery, saucy mix. Guy had (in his own words) "heavenly roast chicken, ideal mashed potatoes, herbed jus and perfect tasting seasonal veg". Dessert was kick-awesome - creme brulee, chocolate terrine.

    This place is highly recommended for dates, if you want to get some. And by some, I mean a really nice meal.

  • Review from Jennifer K.

    Markham, ON

    3.0 star rating
    11/24/2011 6 photos

    The first impression of Fare Bistro right when I walked in: darkness......

    I guess it is good if you want to come here for a date? A romantic date with a candlelight that made you looks good, or can they even see you?

    And for me that is not on a date... I can barely see my food as they just all looked brownish?? greyish??

    Fare Bistro is a French Bistro in Leslieville. Definitely recommend coming here for their Prix Fixe Menu for $32 Tue/Wed/Thu. Unfortunately, we were here on Saturday and we ended up sharing an appetizer and a dessert. The menu though really simple and short so making decision had been easy.

    House Pate ($8) - smooth and peppery, spread like peanut butter

    Duck Confit ($26) - tender and juicy, with the nice crispy skin

    Blackberry Gateau ($8) - made in house, light and refreshing good

    I would definitely be back to Fare Bistro especially for their Prix Fixe.

    Service can be slow at times, but if you going on a date, don't you wish the night will last forever?!

  • Review from Charlotte W.

    North York, ON

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/26/2011

    Okay so this was, after all, a HUGE misunderstanding. I am glad to say that this was NOT Fare Bistro's fault at all. The concierge from my credit card company was entirely at fault. So they followed up with the restaurant on Tuesday because that's when the message said they would be open. But then another voicemail indicated the restaurant would be closed for renovations and would not be open until today (May 26th). The only good thing about this is that I did not have to do any calling or following-up, my concierge had their own investigation team on my behalf.

    Apparently on Friday, May 20th, the restaurant called my concierge so that they could let me know that they would be closed etc... The restaurant did not have my number, but they had the concierge's so to Fare Bistro's credit, they called the 1-866 number and advised. But, the concierge did not call me. I felt so let down that my credit card could do this to me (and it's one of those with the annual fee!!!) Can I yelp about a credit card?!?!?

    All in all, I got credit towards my statements. I should have asked for more, but what could I have done? To conclude, I guess you can say that my concierge took my bf and I out to Gio Rana's, as an apology...but still, a total let down. 3 stars for Fare Bistro for being accountable.

    Listed in: All About Leslieville -…

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      5/24/2011

      This will be a short and unfortunate review.

      I had asked the concierge (from my credit card company)… Read more »

  • Review from Rafi N.

    • 56 friends
    • 146 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Fare Bistro is a nice looking restaurant in Leslieville. It is quite fancy for its location, but still has some hurdles to overcome.

    *** FOOD ***
    The food was generally good but I didn't find anything outstanding.

    * House Pate | $8 *
    The pate was very good. The pate itself was rich and flavourful. The bread that was served with it was warm and tender. Many restaurants serve bread but it's rarely warm, so this was a great change of pace. The cornichons were a nice contrast, with the tart vinegary taste.

    * Tilapia | $23 *
    The fish was cooked perfectly. The fish was breaded and baked. The meat was tender and moist. The side of black lentils wasn't the most appetizing. The lentils overpowered the fish. It could just be that there were too many lentils.

    * Blackberry Upside Down Cake | $8 *
    This was a really good dessert. It wasn't very sweet and was made with real fresh blackberries. The berries are quite tart and the crust is very light. This was a nice change from typical desserts that are overly sweet or too chocolatey.

    *** SERVICE ***
    Service is okay. Our server seated and greeted us shortly after when entered. She gave us her own suggestions from the menu and was always friendly and pleasant looking. She kept our water refilled the entire night. The menu has prix fixe but it's only available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, which is a shame. The food took long to come after ordering. Our server tried her best to keep us reassured that it would come. She told us that the food was taking a while because I ordered the Tilapia.

    *** ATMOSPHERE ***
    Fare is a classy restaurant. It is very clean and has abstract art on the walls. The furniture is dark and wooden. The tables are draped in an elegant red cloth. Fare is good for a formal dinner or date. Lighting is moderate and all tables have candles, which makes for good intimacy.

    *** PRICE ***
    Although prix fixe would have been a better deal, as it usually is, the a la carte menu is well priced.

    * House Pate | $8 *
    * Tilapia | $23 *
    * Blackberry Upside Down Cake | $8 *

    *** EXPERIENCE ***
    The experience at Fare is good. The food was good, but took long to be served. A la carte prices are good, but the prix fixe would be a better deal. It's a nice looking restaurant which would serve as a good place for formal dinners.

  • Review from Earl D.

    • 8 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2011

    Ate here last night. Good east side spot. Awesome apps. Gourmet poutine and fois gras terrine were very good. Would have given 5 stars but the steak frites were just ok. Decent wine selection and great service & atmosphere. I would recommend it.

  • Review from Dirk P.

    • 6 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/10/2011

    Food was excellent starting with the pate and the escargot... It just made me want more and more. As an entree had the risotto special which was executed beautifully. It is hard enough to ind a good risotto and this one was simply great. Can't say I love the decor but the food and the wine (cannot remember the name but it was some mix with Grenache and we had to get two bottles as it was incredibly good) will definitely make me go back.

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