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Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
12 Brant StreetToronto, ON M5V 1K4
(416) 366-0200
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 5 pm - 10:30 pm
Thu-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
We bring you the very best of hardwood charcoal-inspired cooking. Using only the freshest ingredients and grilled exclusively with Quebec maple… read more »
38 reviews for Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse
Review Highlights
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"The duck fat fries are sublime." In 6 reviews -
"I really enjoyed the sauces and salts that accompanied the..." In 3 reviews -
"The creme brulee was simply divine." In 4 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Sozon S.
North York, ON
4/13/2012
Jacobs & Co. is simply fantastic. Their selection of dry aged steaks from all around the world is remarkable. I went with two buddies and we ordered 3 different steaks and had them cut so we can share. All 3 had different yet exquisite taste. I'm very picky when it comes to steak and usually don't enjoy ordering one outside of my house, but Jacobs and Co. does it right!
Service is amazing, the rest of the menu was great too. Duck Fat Fries, made at your table Caesar salad, all great. It's quite expensive, but when looking to indulge and spend some money, you can't go wrong with Jacob and Co. -
Review from Sunny V.
Toronto, ON
My friend took me and one of my other friend to this place cause I help him to get a job. Personally I am not a big fan of red meat, especailly raw meat so no matter what you tell about the steak it mean nothing to me. Even if you tell me the steak was once a Paris Hilton look alike cow it won't matter to me.
I am going to make this quick and painless. This is not a place for Average Joe. Most of the clients looks like they work on Bay Street having business meeting talking about who they going rip off next. Some are just normal dude trying to impress girl hoping to get laid after dinner. I think it would be better deal if they just hire one. LOL.
I had some 30 days age steak. "Well Done Please" Hahaha Yes I am a moron. The other two dudes had medium rare. I am sure they grew a tail the next day. It was ok, taste just like the 20 bucks steak I bought St Lawrence Market. Just this one cost like 80 bucks.
We order some side one of them was Duck Fat fries. Gee talk about Lets get a Heart attack quick. LOL
The bill came up to be like close to 500 bucks for 3 guys. I have no idea how. We did have some wine. If you plan to take a date there hopefully you score later that night or you just end up with two big ears the next day you wake up. If you work on bay street planning to rip people off. You will fit right in. -
Review from Precilla C.
Scarborough, ON
For my much delayed "make-up" birthday celebration last year (my birthday was in September, this dinner happened in December), my boyfriend was kind enough to take me to a rather expensive steakhouse. And when I say expensive, I mean this is probably the priciest place I've ever eaten at.
Caesar salads are prepared at the table side. On this occasion, we didn't order one, so we simply admired from afar.
To start, we were served popovers with a herb butter. The texture of the pastry resembled that of croissant, and I quite enjoyed it.
We shared a lobster bisque as our appetizer. It wasn't as good as I had expect. Although it was rich and creamy, the lobster flavour wasn't as intense as I'd like it to be. The soup also could use a tad more salt.
For my steak, I chose a 6oz Canadian Prime Hereford-Lindsay Tenderloin, cooked to medium rare. It was phenomenal, and undoubtedly the best steak I've ever had in my life. The meat was incredibly tender and almost just melted in my mouth! I never knew that a piece of steak could be cooked so perfectly until I had this one. Suddenly, the Keg seemed so inadequate.
My boyfriend opted for an 8oz USDA Prime Black Angus-Nebraska, Aged 50 days California cut striploin. His steak was also cooked to a perfect medium, and he was also very impressed with the cookery of the steak.
To accompany our steak, we have a trio of salt and sauces: sea salt, hickory smoked salt, magnesium infused salt, blue cheese, chimichurri and a Japanese ponzu sauce. Didn't use much of the salt because the steak was already perfectly seasoned. With regards to the sauces, I favoured the chimichurri as it added a pleasant herbal dimension to the meat. My boyfriend's favourite was the Japanese ponzu sauce, which was slightly sweet.
Since we both got smaller cuts of meat, I also chose a side to supplement the meal- potato gratin with shallots and cheddar. I loved it! It was so irresistibly scrumptious with all that butter and fat! I definitely can't eat this everyday, but it was a great indulgence.
I wasn't up for desserts after all that rich, fatty food. We were given two complimentary muffins to take home. I didn't end up trying any of it, but I was told that they were delicious as well. Overall, I had an unforgettable meal at Jacobs & Co., even though I felt like I totally didn't belong with the crowd. The food was absolutely fantastic, but I can't exactly say that it was worth every penny (it was, after all, very expensive). Nevertheless, I will definitely be coming back, but perhaps not for another 5 or 10 years or so. -
Review from Aaron M.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2012
Not only is this the best steak dinner in the city but perhaps the greatest dining experience I've ever had.
When we arrived, they took our coats and both hosts said happy anniversary to us. They took us to our seats, immediately brought us complimentary champagne and the THREE people waiting on us that night all said happy anniversary to us.
Our main server was a true gentlemen and easily took a good full 5 to 10 minutes explaining everything in the menu. He made a point to say it would be best to order one steak and one or two sides to share but we were gluttonous fools on our anniversary so we ignored him.
We started with the best caesar salad I've ever had, made right at our table. Even this guy said Happy Anniversary to us before telling us all the ingrediants he was adding. $16 for a salad for the table, so the two of us shared what ended up being a big salad.
My fiancee ordered a really nice rib eye that she liked, I ordered the most expensive steak on the menu which was from a Japanese farm. I've heard the expression "this meat will melt in your mouth" but until I had this steak, I've never before experienced this phenomenon.
Our sides were mushrooms (which there was tons left over), double cooked fries in duck fat and the steaks themselves came with various salts and dips. The only thing we regretted ordering were the fries, not because they weren't good but we didn't really need them and they didn't blend with the flavours of everything else very well.
The combo of my steak, mushrooms and the rouqefort cheese they brought with the steak, was easily the greatest taste I've ever had in my mouth.
We managed dessert, my fiancee had their homemade ice cream which was unreal. I had a cheese plate with whiskey soaked cheddar. On its own I wasn't crazy about it but when I added the honey they brought with the cheese, it was heaven.
With drinks, a very generous tip and the most expensive steak on the menu, the bill was quite high (just shy of $400) but had we ordered as they suggested it would have been on par with a bill from Barberian's but this dinner and experience, as much as I love Barberian's, was sadly better than my best experience at Barberians by quite a margine.
The combo of the unreal food, very nice people, attentive service and slick looking restaurant, I've yet to have a better dining experience in Toronto. -
Review from Rob D.
1/30/2012
Paying a pretty penny for a damn good steak, it is expected to enjoy delicious food, chic ambiance and great service. The food and place didn't disappoint.
This is going back a bit - and I haven't returned since - but my big complaint is that THEY DIDN'T ACCEPT DEBIT. WTF kind of a restaurant doesn't accept debit? Does anyone know if this has been fixed? -
Review from Jackie Y.
12/21/2011
Absolutely top notch customer service! I called today, 12/21 with an urgent request for a gift card that needed to be overnighted to the States... to make it in time for our Christmas celebration on 12/24.
Therese, the manager, graciously accommodated my slightly urgent request and took the gift card to FedEx herself! Unbelievable! I am so impressed with the restaurant and I have never been there!
Looking forward to hearing what the gift recipients think! -
Review from Juliana H.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2011 ROTD 11/20/2011
Went to Jacobs last night for the first time. I previewed the menu and read a bunch of Yelp reviews before going, so I was ready for the very hefty price tag on the meal. As it turned out, it was the most expensive meal I have ever eaten.
The question is was it worth it?
We started with a cocktail in the piano lounge while we waited for the rest of our party to arrive. I enjoyed the old school elegance of it. It was well-appointed without being stuffy. Our table in the dining room upstairs was situated right beside the glassed display of meat. I am not a steak connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination, but I could appreciate the care they put into curating this selection.
We had the Cesar salad as did everyone it seemed. I wasn't a huge fan of them making it at the table. The constant beating of egg yolks all around me took away from any pleasure of watching the salad being constructed... I realize in pointing this out that I'm being a bit of a princess. Either way, the salad was delicious.
We selected four different steaks cooked as the chef saw fit, and we shared them among us. My favourite was the Waygu. I really enjoyed the sauces and salts that accompanied the meat. We also tried the fries, the asparagus in Hollandaise sauce, and a seasonal creamed corn dish. I didn't try the corn, but the other dishes were excellent and three sides between four people was ample. In lieu of dessert, we enjoyed a scotch after dinner. I appreciated the good selection of single malts.
So... the verdict? It was a very memorable meal. The service was fantastic, the food excellent quality. Will I be back? Likely not, but if I had a sudden influx of disposable cash I certainly would! -
Review from Julia J.
Toronto, ON
12/16/2011
this is our Go-To steak house in Toronto. I don't need to mention that they do the best old fashioned caesar salad ever. The menu is very limited to pretty much just beef (lots of variety) and one chicken and one fish entree option.
The wagyu is expensive but worth every penny!
The servers are always great.
I also like that this place isn't too stuffy like harbour sixty. It's casual but well presented and the quality of service as well as their food is unmatched. -
Review from Grant-Davidson M.
Toronto, ON
3/4/2012
Hands down, the best steak in Toronto. The dining experience is simply amazing, staff are all very nice (although a tad slow at times - waited 20 mins for someone to take our drink order, but after that it was smooth sailing). Get the ceasar salad! The duck fat fries are to die for, and the steak....oh the steak! Cooked perfectly, served perfectly, try a little of the blue with double smoked bacon and a touch of the salts! I only wish I could go every night! They even send you home with coffee cake for breakfast!
-
Review from Lindsay S.
Toronto, ON
11/24/2011
Amazing.
Such a special evening out .... And a Cesar salad to die for. -
Review from Ksenja T.
8/29/2011 1 photo
I went to Jacobs & Co.'s Steakhouse this past Friday and let me start by saying that it was PHENOMENAL. This is one of the best, if THE best steakhouse in Toronto..Forget Harbor 60! Forget Morton's steakhouse! Ruth's Chris or any other wannabe's.
The restaurant is situated on Brant Street.....there is valet...i suggest using it if you don't want your car to be scratched on a busy Friday night...The downstairs is a piano bar, and the restaurant itself is on the second floor. The decor is not your typical steakhouse look, but that was refreshing. Still very classy, clean and upscale. Service=phenomenal; I think we had six people come serve us throughout the night.
The Food:
As soon as you come upstairs, you can see the steaks hanging in a display window where they're ageing before your eyes!!
The menu changes everyday apparently. Instead of bread, they give you two muffin buns--those were delicious. We got the ceasar salad and the tuna crudo for starters. They do a table side presentation of the ceasar salad. It was really cool. Our server took us step by step (who knew there was egg yolk in ceasar salad dressing?) and made our salads right in front of our eyes.!! It tasted great! The tuna crudo was cooked to perfection, melted in your mouth and it was a generous portion i would say.
Now to the steak. I got the 8 oz tenderloin and my bf got the 40 day aged rib eye. We also got the duck fat fries (um amazing) and asparagus in hollandaise sauce wtih prosciutto, and a baked potato as sides. The steaks came with a whole PLETHORA of different salts such as black salt, hickory smoked salt..and different sauces such as argentinian chimichori, blue cheese and a soy/ginger one...of course i want to salt my own steak! My tenderloin was INCREDIBLE!! Just the colors on the inside...it was a beautiful piece of meat.
We were feeling pretty full, my bf insisted we get the creme brulee. It is great for sharing. Oh and you get two muffins to go with your bill. Why thank you Jacobs?
You're going to rack up a good bill...so....that's a little FYI!!!!!!!!!
So good. -
Review from Jessica W.
Toronto, ON
7/18/2011
Pros:
-Staff is knowledgeable, friendly and *attentive* without overdoing it.
-The place is nice, but it's not ridiculous, it has a comfortable feel.
-The food is incredible. Had the Canadian rib eye and loved it.
Tip:
-They say you should get one side/person and share it family style. In my opinion, this is too much food unless you're not getting salads or you're a hungry bunch. I think if you're with a group, a shared side for every two people (so two sides shared among, say, a group of four) would be totally sufficient. We had ten sides and a lot of leftover food. -
Review from Monica S.
8/9/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Let me start off buy saying that the service at this restaurant was the best I had ever had. We went for an early dinner during the week. The restaurant was fairly empty, but it did not stay that way for long.
We opened with a Cesar salad that is composed at table side. They make the dressing in a wooden bowl and prepare your salad right then and there. If you have an aversion to raw egg yolks...look away. The bread served is a delicious, fluffy, crispy, chewy, tender chive popover that just begs to be devoured. And we happily obliged.
The steak was cooked perfectly and the sides....oh the sides.. Duck-fat-fries. Need I say more? The asparagus, the mushrooms, seemingly standard steakhouse fair, were perfect. My mother ordered lambchops-well done. We sucked our teeth at her, why not just eat a boiled boot if you are going to have that well-done? They were cooked all the way through but were still juicy and tender. Our steaks were served on a little cast-iron skillet to keep them warm without continuing to cook them. And finishing salts! Where have you been all my life??
Dessert and coffee was the icing on the cake. Literally. We tried the apple crisp and the creme brulee (thanks to a tip from a fellow yelper). We were all so full but decided that 2 desserts among four people was ok. The coffee (both decaf and regular) are brought in a French press (and if you have never had coffee that way...it is STRONG). The apple crisp with ice cream was warm, gooey, and felt like a hug for your tummy. The creme brulee was simply divine. Our hefty bill (around $420...and that's with no bar drinks) was accompanied by breakfast muffins; which we enjoyed with coffee the next day. I would go back to Toronto just to eat here again. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2011
I went here for dinner with a small group and we decided to try 5 different steaks, shared by the table. We ordered steak from farms in ontario, alberta, US, australia and japan. Each of the steaks were exceedingly tasty, and prepared perfectly. It was great to try them all, and really take notice of the difference between the flavours. The waiter was very knowledgeable about each steak and the farms that they originated from. The A5 wagyu from japan was undoubtedly the best, and compared very closely to A5 that I have had from different prefectures in Japan. It is very rich and if you've never tried it, it is definitely worth trying. I should say though that I would not want an entire A5 wagyu steak for myself, being as rich as it is (and with a $250+ pricetag) it was nice to share, and balance with leaner varieties. When I have tried it in Japan, it usually comes as a 1-2 oz piece and not as a traditional steak.
The sides and desserts were also very noteworthy. We even tried all of the housemade sorbets, which were all delightful. -
Review from Jane M.
6/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Mother of Divine and Holy Jospehine! Trust me, the steak is just a distraction for the dessert!
So we came here for dinner, knowing it would be expensive but also extremely tasty. Now, let me warn you, these people are mad into their customer service and you can tell their wait staff is trained within an inch of its life. After we ordered I disappeared off to the loo and when I came back thought to myself, "Hey, I remembered to fold my napkin all neat and tidy! Talk about well raised. Go me!" No, Jane, you did not. The nice blonde lady folded your napkin while you were gone. She also folded it when you left in on your chair and scooted around to the other side of the table like a completely commoner. She was omnipresent with the water jug, too.
If you're like me, table manners are something you play by ear with a healthy dose of common sense. This place had a really nice feeling of, "Oh my, so FAAANCY!" without making me feel like I *shouldn't* be there, scooting around the table, asking questions about the food, or using the wrong fork (it's endearing in person, trust me). The staff were friendly, overly attentive without being overbearing (it was a real achievement) and they never swiped our plates before we were finished and never rushed while we hummd and hawed over the wine and dessert menus.
As every reviewer has said before me, the steak was great (pro tip: the medium rare is a little more medium than rare in my opinion, just in case you're super hormonal about your steak). We also had the duck fried french fries and the potato gratin. I should have just got two orders of potato gratin. It comprises my two favourite things (cheese and potatoes) and let me tell you, Jacob knows his gratin -- it was incredible.
DESSERT!
I am a sweets, dessert, cake, pie, CANDY woman at heart. Before we left I had a little Cherry Blasters appetizer. A whole bag's worth, you guys (http://regretsy.com, for sure). Sweets are my comfort. They're my go to. I need them. I was definitely getting dessert. I opted for the apple crumble because I was insanely full and I knew in my heart of hearts that I should not be getting anything. I figured it would be a safe, average-sized serving of apple crumble with a little scoop of icecream on the side. Maybe a drizzle of caramel sauce if they were really trying to knock my socks off.
Sweet bloody JESUS, this dessert was a meal in and of itself. My boyfriend got the creme brulee and it was the biggest I've ever since. The crumble was toasted oats and cereal type stuff. It was poured on top of a soup bowl-full of piping hot baked apples. Topping it all off was a massive scoop of ice cream sitting in a well of caramel ... fudge? ... sauce.
They had to roll me out of the place. Worse? They handed me chocolates, and breakfast muffins going out the door! Finishing things off for a nice 'I ate too much and now I want to puke' evening: I had to cycle home all the way down effing Spadina.
Totally worth it. -
Review from Dave S.
7/18/2011
Yes, it's pricey as hell, but please believe me when I say that you get every bit that you pay for, and then some.
The ambiance walks the fine line of being fancy enough to make you feel like a big shot while avoiding full-on pretentiousness.
The quality of the food largely goes without saying. If you're willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for a single meal, you expect near-perfection, and Jacobs & Co. delivers. The beef rib eye made my eyes water with joy (yes, really). The pork rib eye was...well, let's just say that I was unaware pork could even taste that good. The side dishes were exquisite in their own, more subtle ways, and their portions were surprisingly large. The complimentary single-bite desserts (white chocolate and raspberry) and breakfast muffins were unexpected delights.
The service was incredibly efficient and professional. It was obvious that they wanted your dining experience to be as good as humanly possible, and they were all quite good at doing so.
If you're a carnivore looking to splurge on a fancy meal for a special occasion, you will absolutely not be disappointed with Jacobs & Co. -
Review from Isaac E.
North York, ON
10/3/2011
I went to Jacob's on my company's dime and man I'm sure glad I did.
The huge drawback to this place is the price tag. but if you have the money to drop then make it a point to head out to this place.
First of all, it is HARD TO FIND at night. It seems like its a hidden night club in Toronto that you would have never thought to have existed if you have never been to it.
Now, due to dietary reasons (I can't eat unkosher meat) it makes little sense that I go to a steak house for a meal. But from what people have told me, the meat is FANTASTIC and it is quite a meal.
I did get the European Sea Bass/ Absolutely delicious and I still dream about it from time to time. I started the meal off with a Frisee salad and the Blue Cheese is what makes the salad work. Blue Cheese is usually a hard ingredient to work with because it is very overpowering, but they make it work at Jacob's
They also make a decent gin and tonic as well.
In summary: worth it if you have the $$ to spend. -
Review from Esther C.
Mississauga, ON
2/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have gone to Jacobs a few times over the past couple of years and I always come out with the same content feeling after a fantastic steak meal.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and intimate, with the dining area on the 2nd floor. The 1st floor is where you are greeted by the hostesses. There is a bar area with a piano lounge while you wait.
It is NOT a cheap meal, but if you want good steak, it is well worth it. Instead of Ruth's Chris, try Jacobs. There are a wide variety of steaks, different each night. The waiter was very attentive and willing to make recommendations depending on your mood. I love the wagyu beef that they have. The steaks are served with a selection of sauces and salts to enhance the flavours of the steak.
Certainly try the caesar salad that's made table side. I can no longer eat caesar dressing that is not made fresh anymore. Sides need to be ordered for the steak and I recommend duck fat french fries!
One of my favourite parts of the meals come at the very end when they deliver breakfast muffins for the next day. I'm so happy when I'm munching on it with a cup of tea, reminiscing about my yummy steak the night before. -
Review from Helen Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2011
the best steak in town..
if u r on a health kick don't go, otherwise, indulge..
wagyu was absolutely melt in ur mouth, unfortunately i couldn't finish this little piece of meat, was heavy and i knew it was going to induce food comma...
cherry on top, def the breakfast coffee cake they give you to take home :) -
Review from Lara P.
12/7/2011 Seated via OpenTable
This was a good steak experience. My best friend and I had the 32 oz rib-eye. It was buttery and tasty. I highly recommend the poutine, which consists of the duck fat fries but with the sinful gravy and foie gras. Oh my stars. What a meal! The only beef I had with this steakhouse is that we had an early reservation and it took a while before the staff perked up and figured out that we needed to be served. But as soon as they got their act together, the service was seamless. Will definitely come here again for a date because it is such a sexy establishment, perfect for a couple willing to while away the night.
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Review from Tara Z.
10/14/2010
Oh, cows, how tasty you are. I rarely eat meat, but I made an exception because someone else was paying and I figured that Jacobs would know what it was doing. And oh, does it ever! This place is a classic steakhouse: the food's not particularly adventurous or avant garde (if you don't want steak, you can have chicken. Or maybe fish), but everything they do, they do very well, right down to the ritual dressing of your Caesar salad at the table.
The sides are predictable (lots of variants of potatoes), as are the desserts (creme brulee and chocolate cake), but they're tasty and go well with the steak--which truly does deserve to be the centre of the meal. Well-aged, perfectly seared, tender beef: how delicious!
The place doesn't seem very busy, though, which detracts from the experience, and the upselling (get a salad! get some oysters! how about some wine?) made me cringe a bit, but it's otherwise a great place to go. (To be fair, the salad, oysters, and wine were excellent.) -
Review from Silvano G.
York, ON
10/31/2011
Now that is how you cook a steak. Very elegant and modern take on an upscale steak house. Must try is the table side prepared casear salad. Great service.
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Review from Gabriella K.
Toronto, ON
11/25/2010
My BF is a big steak lover so i decided to take him to this restaurant on his birthday. This is located right on Brant Street.
Parking was a drag since it was so cold out and i was wearing a dress my BF decided to drop me off at the door and park somewhere then walk over. Theres a huge deadly staircase you have to walk down at the front door with a sign "please watch your step".
I sat at the front next to the hostess/maitre'd and when my date came in he checked our coats and walked us upstairs to our table.
Along the way you will see a nice baby grand piano with a pianist playing soothing music and candles that softens the atmosphere.
I ordered a bottle of Red immediately with the intentions of getting steaks obviously. the prices range from 40-1000+ and its thick like an encyclopedia so im sure you can find something you like in there.
We got the lobster cobb salad to start, i ended up getting chicken due to the size of the steaks that was offered and my date got the steak and lobster tail.
The steak was served with blue cheese, soy sauce and a gree sauce and 3 other spices.
The food was delicious. Nothing i would change maybe ordering less food so i didnt feel uncomfortably full. -
Review from Cnn F.
12/5/2010
This place is definitely as good as it gets. I've been here a few times. All outstanding experiences.
5 STARS for the restaurant: 5 stars for the ambiance. The dining area is upstairs, separated from the bar, therefore you aren't interrupted by those lounging in the bar area. The service is just perfect!!
5 STARS for the food: everything from the apps, to your entree, to your dessert is absolutely AMAZING. The little muffin breads they give you at the beginning is so unique. It's nothing close to any other restaurant i've been to. I've tried the chicken and steak. Both are to die for. All the sides are also amazing. I forgot what I had for dessert, but I do remember it being yummy!!! -
Review from Pascal P.
Toronto, ON
11/8/2011
I went there a few weeks ago. My bf and I shared the 40 oz Australian grain fed wagyu porterhouse...omg amazing. The steak was cooked perfectly. As sides we had the beefsteak tomatoes, yummy and the squash. Our server was really helpful when it came to picking out wine... I am a white not a red kind of gal. My only and I mean only complaint is that they don't have steak sauce which to me is a necessity.. but it says something about the steak when it was delicious without steak sauce
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Review from J. M.
9/17/2009
Jacobs & Company is a must restaurant if you're in Toronto. We had our festival dinner parties there, and OMG, the food was just amazing.
Dinner was a set pre-fixe --started with their Caesar salad. They used thick quality bacon in their salad. Our entree options were the steak (forgot what cut...), chicken, and miso cod. Well, it was a no brainer to go for their steak w/ their famous duck fat fries on the side. Now I am not a fan of duck but WOW their duck fat fries are fantastic! The bartender told me to eat w/out ketchup and thank goodness I listened to him. Delish! The steak was juicy and full of flavors. It was soo good that I ordered the steak again for our 2nd dinner party there, but opted for their baby carrots, which were the best damn carrots I've ever had in my life. Oh man, I just dreaming about their steak, duck fat fries and carrots now....I managed to have their strawberry pastry dessert to-go. The perfect food after a night of drinking...
Service was impeccable but then again it was a special event. Bartender was friendly; he makes a mean mojito.
You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Matthew B.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
After some careful Yelping, I decided to bring my lady here for her birthday this Sat past. It was a tough call to choose between Jacobs and Barbarians for must-try downtown steakhouse, and we settled on Jacobs simply for it's location.
We got there for an early-ish dinner, and were given a tip by the $20-dollar valet fella that let us park for free until 9. That was mighty descent of him.
When we arrived we were greeted by distinguished old English gent, who informed us that he was the Maître d', to our delight, he was efficient, good-humored, and flattering all the way to our table, like I imagine most stereotypical old English gents are...
For dinner, I ordered the prime rib, and my lady had the strip loin. They were each aged 42 days (which i've learned means that they become more flavourful) They were both flawlessly cooked to our specifications. 3 different kinds of salts (regular, hickory and charcoal) were available at the table as well as blue cheese, some sort of spicy sauce, and a tangy sauce. The spicy one and the blue-cheese were delicious additions to my med cooked steak.
Ordered the duck fat fries too, as per all the recommendations. I gotta be honest, they were good, but that's about it. Maybe it's my horribly uncultured palate that can't detect the duck-fatty-ness on deep fried potatoes, maybe it's all hype. Anyways the fries were fine. Also got the spinach which was delicious and simple with olive oil, garlic and lemon.
We were very pleased with the meal, and had a modestly priced bottle of wine with it which brought the entire tab to close to $300 with tip. You might be able to eat for a bit less than than that if you scale back on the after-meal coffee, and the sides, but that's about as low as you could go. On the splurge side of things, the 20 page wine list was filled mostly with bottles $200 and up, so you wouldn't have any difficulty spending $2000 on a dinner for 2 if that's your thing.
Next birthday dinner, it's Barbarians, then I'll be able to compare. Till then, Jacobs' was a terrific experience all around. -
Review from kai s.
Toronto, ON
11/11/2008
I went to a charity event at Jacob & Company and I'm dying to go back for another spectacular steak dinner. The steaks themselves are as tasty as they get. The chef spoke to us about how/where/why they procure their beef. Needless to say, they spare no expense in finding the best source and they take pride in finding the best cuts. I fell in love with the french fries cooked in duck fat. Then again, I would eat an old shoe fried in duck fat. The dining room itself is beautiful. Imagine a very modern, sleek space with ample room between tables. It's one of those rooms that need to be completely packed for it to come alive. Otherwise, the minimalist decor would feel too sparse if it's not a full house. The service was sufficient but did not blow me away. I would go back with a large group or for a business dinner.
This is definitely NOT your dad's steakhouse. -
Review from Patricia S.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2011
I've eaten here at least 15 times over the last three years. The food is consistently exceptional. Perfectly cooked steak every time. I love the caeser salad (made table-side), the musrooms, the shrimp cocktail and the duck fat fried french fries. And the Yorkshire pudding at the beggining of the meal is unbeliveable. I'm getting so hungry writing this.
I always feel comfortable here. The service is friendly and attentive. One of my favourites in Toronto. -
Review from Lawrence C.
2/13/2009
Definitely one of the better steaks i've had in my lifetime. What i like about them is that they don't really put much on their steaks. I'm not a big fans of steak with sauce and i prefer to have the meat juice do the tantalizing and not some creamy sauce.
The caesar salad was pretty amazing. It's definitely something you should get. They also spin and prepare it right in front of you. It's a nice touch. There's a myriad of sides that were honestly not the most impressive, but they were good. I can't really remember the sides i had but i'm pretty sure the duck fat fries were amazing.
I'll be coming here again in a week for business. Hopefully i can give a more thorough review! -
Review from Greg H.
North York, ON
9/20/2009
Great steak, good service, decent Caesar salad (not quite there as compared to The Octagon's version), but the duck fat fries were appalling. We ordered 2 portions for 4 people and ate 10% max of the lot. A shame considering 2 portions costs $22.00!
All in all not a bad place to eat; my steak was indeed fantastic. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
3/18/2010
Best. Steak. Ever.
I'm not a huge fan of steaks and such, but after having the 6oz sirlion, it was melting in my mouth, it was soooo tender.
No need to get the super expensive kobe beef. Meat is a bit tougher, and I'm sure other places have it for cheaper.
I suggest getting the sirlion and share some sides among the group.
The homemade in front of your ceasar salad seemed a bit gimmicky, but I was jealous that I didn't order it to try, at least once.
They also have an in house sommelier which is unique.
The atmosphere isn't as pretentious that I thought it was going to be. Lower ceilings made it quite cozy. -
Review from Brandon M.
2/16/2010
This is a place that takes steak very seriously. All of the cuts -- and there are many -- are identified by aging time and the provenance of the meat.
I never thought I'd say this about a Canadian steakhouse, but Jacobs had the best steak I've ever eaten. Period. I've been here twice and both times the cuts (a 56-day aged on-the-bone filet and a 42-day aged strip) were beautifully aged and marbled, and cooked to perfection -- I order my steaks blue and that's how they were when I got them. Love the accompanying sauces and spices.
The duck fat fries are sublime. If you don't want to shell out for steak, just come to the bar and get a drink and some fries. It's worth it just to come here for them.
No fault with the service.
So why only four stars? Well, the place has been pretty dead. Sure, one time was a Monday evening, but it was only half-full on Saturday night at 9pm. Given the space here -- you're led downstairs, past a piano bar and up into the main dining area -- this is the type of place that needs to be loud and busy. It felt a little weird to be eating here with empty tables around me, especially when the steak is so good. -
Review from Brian Y.
11/16/2010 3 photos
At this restaurant, customer service is highly focused and they will do their best to accommodate you to your own personal preferences. We decided to start our meal with the table side Caesar salad for two and this is highly recommended. They will make it fresh right in front of you. As well, they will go into detail about how they make it and why each ingredient is used. I found this very interesting as I even asked them how/when the Caesar salad was created? For drinks, we decide to go for the awarding winning Huff's Estate sparkling wine for the night; a very nice choice but yes, expensive (the theme for the night).
For an entree, I decided to get the 9oz Wagyu flatiron cooked medium rare with the duck fried fries. The lady got an 8oz Prime Black Angus striploin also medium rare with the lobster tail side. The Wagyu was nice and the flavour was extremely good. However, maybe I was expecting too much as I was expecting it to be the best steak I have ever had. Though it was definitely one of the better steaks, it wasn't a clear winner as the best. The duck fried fries were interesting but I don't believe I will be ordering them again if I were to go again. My girlfriend liked her striploin as it was marinated well and though tougher than the Wagyu, had a really nice flavour to it. The lobster tail was simply disappointing. So don't bother paying more for it.
The portions weren't bad at all throughout the night from appetizers to the entree. The dessert menu is weaker than most fine dining restaurants and with us being stuffed, it was an easy pass. We were given 2 little chocolate treats at end of our meal. When the bill came we got 2 muffins as well which appeared to be baked on the very same day. Overall, Jacobs was good. I mean Jacobs is ranked as one of the top steakhouses in Toronto. Service was great, the staff was knowledgeable and they worked really hard to make you feel comfortable and welcome. But the kicker for me was for this price, I just expected a little more. Maybe I simply just had high expectations of it and yes we had a great time, but the food wasn't 'that' much better than other notable steakhouses around Toronto. To us, the sides besides the salad were a big drop off from the steak. So unless you're going purely just for the salad and steak, you might come out a little disappointed when the bill comes. Don't get me wrong though, I like Jacobs. Just be prepared, a night at Jacobs is an expensive treat.Listed in: Meals for 'that' special…
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Review from Earl D.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2011
Awesome steakhouse. Very knowledge staff. They will walk you through the entire menu and describe how the region and the feed will effect the taste of your steak. The pop over buns are incredible - kind of like a buttery garlic Yorkshire pudding. I get my steak chared-blue and they always cook it to perfection. I am also a fan of getting the 2 oz fois gras steak topping. Favorite side is the duck fat fried potatoes (fries). Piano lounge is more lively, but upstairs is perfect for a more formal dinner or business meal. Lots of place close by for pre and post drinks. Love it here.
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Review from Eatie M.
Mississauga, ON
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I thought ByMark was the benchmark for a great steak in the city until I tried Jacobs and Co. Let's just say it's a new benchmark. From the moment my friends and husband arrived, the impeccable service began. The wait staff were discreetly polite and so educational about the menu offerings. We did not have the most expensive steak on the menu but the Australian Waygu steak is delectable. We tried 2 other steaks (one from Canada and one from the US) as recommended by our waiter. Sharing steaks is clearly a strange concept in traditional steak houses but I highly recommend sharing so that you can taste a little of everything.
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Review from Kat T.
Where has this place been hiding for the last 4 years? Toronto's elite have been dining in relative seclusion for too long. Now on Yelp, I will expose this diamond in the 'rough' neighborhood of King West and it's going to be packed. Well, at least for those who can stomach the relative expense.
For the experience, you find a short set of steps up and then back down into the former Roxy-Blu basement bar that has been transformed into a sexy man-cave. The fireplace roaring, the antler rack, TV's and live jazz music gives it a great ambiance. Although you can eat in the man-cave, if you wish, Philip took us upstairs to the dining room. Again, this place never looked to good. The window seats aren't necessarily where you would first want to sit due to the street lights outside. So, if you are going with a group of 4-6 people, hope you get seated in one of the luxorious booths. This is like Hollywood in the 60's, or vegas for high-rollers. Truly gorgeous!
Menus arrive, we order drinks, they take their time, but it's all about the experience. I never felt we were left alone for too long, but no intrusive, "How's everything?" every 10 minutes, either.
Once we ordered, the pop-overs arrived. Having spent too much time watching the food network, I know how these are made with layers of butter on top of butter. Nonetheless, these are worth it!
My baked ricotta salad with beets is served in a huge plate and huge portions. Totally different than most beet salads!
Now, I don't eat red meat. That's no problem here. However, we came for my friend's birthday and he got meat. We had a great view of the dry-aging room. The waiter promises that the meat tastes different once aged. However, due to the lower fat content in tenderloins, this cut is served fresh. The meat comes served in a cast iron pan. And is totally the best meat ever- apparently.
I got the black cod, which was, once I got into it, as good as Nobu's miso black cod. Wow- delicious sauce, and great with some of the supplied sauces and salts!
When they bring the main course, they also drop off and explain all the sides- if you want to add a little smoke to your food- just use the brown-coloured salt. If you want to add a little bacon, there is a pot of creamy bacon stuff.
The dessert menu is as big as the regular menu with a wide selection of alcohols, house-churned ice creams and sorbets and tarts and pies.
This place was truly worth the price. A great restaurant for private events of 10-30 people.
Bathrooms- unisex, and the walls are covered with mirrors inside!
With a gourmet cheese store opening soon next door that promises to let you experience cheese like you've never had it before, I assume this place will be the first stop for dinner after a cheese/gourmet food shopping spree. So, get there before the other uber-trendy folks do.
Don't forget to wear your Armani- not the T shirts, the suits.Listed in: ROTD's, More than $100 per person
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Review from Audrey W.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2011
I've been lucky enough to have eaten here a couple times, very nice restaurant, classy modern clean decor, does not feel overwhelming. Service has always been great. The ceasar salad is made fresh at your table and may be the best ceasar I have ever had, the ceasar salad alone is enough to keep me coming back. Their steaks are unbelievable, the duck confit fries are delicious. The portions are generous. The icing on the whole experience are the delicious complimentary muffins you receive at the end of the evening. The have gorgeous private dining rooms.
