Crème Brasserie

162 Cumberland Street, Toronto   |   Telephone 416-962-7363
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SARA SAYS…

In restaurant language, “French bistro” is a comforting and familiar phrase. Something about white tablecloths and the sparkle of glasses on a pretty terrace says, “Entrez, s’il vous plait.” Now, we can go to Crème, a classic, yet totally unpretentious courtyard in the tidy walkway that ties Yorkville to Cumberland. Partners Ricardo Sousa, the manager, and Ricardo Roque, the chef, have re-created this space to reflect their vision of sophisticated casual comfort – and they have nailed it.

Within the dining room crystal chandeliers glitter, oil paintings glow and chairs are carefully chosen for comfort. Inside, a serious kitchen run by Chef Roque whips up the classics like steak frites, escargot, and a crisp and succulent half chicken in white wine herb jus. Try the steamed lobster with shaved cantaloupe and fresh mint, or the cranberry-mustard-crusted rack of lamb in red currant jus. Outside, Sousa is a lesson in genuine hospitality and warmth, and we can see the growing popularity of this friendly patio as the place to relax or mingle. An in-house pastry chef keeps us happy too.

While Roque hand-minces tuna, steams mussels, and fire-grills entrees, Sousa welcomes friends, old and new. Clearly, all guests are treated like the crème de la crème.