How does one find the best steak in the city?

If you’re a Toronto resident, the best method for finding your favourite steakhouse is simple: by the process of elimination. In the biggest city in Canada, there are several options to make sure you have the best carnivorous experience possible.

You never want to gamble on an important meeting with a client or customer by taking them to a sub-par steakhouse. The key elements to a winning steakhouse are a great atmosphere, quality and taste of the main event (your steak), location, fabulous service, and an innovative menu. You might not normally give much thought to the last element, an innovative menu, but your side dishes are just as important as the quality of the meat itself.

Here are our favourite three steakhouses and the winning qualities of each:

The Keg
If you are going to choose to eat at a Keg Steakhouse in Toronto, your best bet is the York and Adelaide venue. We tried the Keg Mansion once, but for quality and atmosphere you’re better off in the downtown core, close to the financial district. The Keg Mansion, while a good option, is in an area of town that isn’t central, and although the building itself is very interesting historically, it is very large which makes for a less intimate dining experience. Here’s how The Keg at York and Adelaide rates:

Address: 165 York Street

Atmosphere: We give it five out of five. The lounge feel of the restaurant creates an intimate vibe, and its upscale bar invites a professional crowd. Ideal for after-work drinks, or a full meal.

Quality of meal: You’re guaranteed a good hearty meal, and the steak quality of The Keg rarely fails. A safe bet and top quality for your traditional striploin, signature Baseball steak and Filet Mignon. The Keg’s best offer, in our opinion, is the combination dinners where you can get surf and turf.  Try the sirloin and king crab option.

Location: Heart of downtown. Ideal for corporate Toronto visitors but still good for a romantic dinner out on the weekend.

Service: Top notch. The Keg servers take in some of the best tips in the city for good reason. Just be sure to request a full bottle of wine on busy nights (not just a glass) because this location is always busy.

Innovation: Offering several combinations and seasonal menus are critical for keeping The Keg’s reputation of being a crowd favourite—and their potato options will keep any diner happy, especially the thrice-baked option.

Overall rating: Four out of five. Although The Keg is always a safe bet, it is a chain and you can find Kegs anywhere. Why not try something different while you’re in Toronto?

Barberians

Address: 7 Elm Street

Atmosphere: An old boys’ club. Although by far the biggest steak meal you’ll find in the city, you’ll sacrifice a “fun” atmosphere for a sizeable meal. This is a good destination if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Those looking to party might want to go to another neighbourhood spot. Barberians has been around since 1959 and once I ate there, I understood why.

Quality of meal: They’ve got their steaks right—practice makes perfect. There is no doubt that they use the best quality beef, and you can get a simple striploin or a mammoth porterhouse, whatever suits your appetite. The wine list is also impressive with a selection of over 2,800 bottles.

Location: This restaurant’s Elm Street location makes it ideal for the later evening crowd. It is on a street with a row of trendier restaurants but you won’t find a better steak anywhere in this area.

Service: Efficient, thorough and stately.

Innovation: The Grand Marnier soufflé is extremely popular. Don’t bother trying anything else to cap off your meal. They also offer a popular after-theatre menu featuring Baked Alaska.

Overall rating: We give this Toronto classic a four out of five. By far one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and I’ve heard only great things from other patrons as well. However, the atmosphere is bit dated, and the place could use a makeover.

Harbour Sixty   

Address: 60 Harbour Street

Atmosphere: Exactly what you want where you want it. You can get a table at the bar if you’re interested in a little more eye-candy and more mingling in this very upscale section, or you can dine in the proper dining room if you’re looking for something more intimate. We recommend the bar section.

Quality of meal: Superb. Although you want to be careful to order your steak a little more thoroughly-cooked than you might at The Keg (they let you know that the thickness of the filets can make it a touch difficult to grill the meat to well-done), there has probably never been a better-cooked meal in the city of Toronto. In addition, expect a variety of bar snacks including olives and cheeses beforehand to whet your appetite. We’ll deal with the incredible side dishes later.

Location: Off the Lakeshore. This means a little less central downtown, but in a historic building with lots of charm, and you can have your car parked safely with the valet.

Service: Attentive, but not in any way over-bearing, and someone is always on hand if you need anything.

Innovation: Our favourite part of the meal, besides the steak was the incredible lobster mashed potatoes on the side. Nothing like these potatoes anywhere else in the city—trust me. 

Overall rating: Five out of five. After trying every Keg in the city, and Ruth’s Chris (which doesn’t compare to these three venues), and all the other off-the-beaten-path steakhouses, Harbour Sixty wins. Hands down. Be sure to get a reservation and enjoy your meal.

- Special from the Editor