La cigogne, or stork, is a symbol of the Alsace region of France, where it is thought to bring good luck. At Patisserie La Cigogne, French master pastry chef Thierry Schmitt aims to provide Alsatian delicacies from the land of the stork. Traditional French desserts, like croquembouches, pastries, breads and chocolate, have earned La Cigogne

If you’re looking to get out of the city for a romantic weekend getaway, look no further. Drive southwest to Jordan in the Niagara Region to dine from an ever-changing prix fixe menu inspired by seasonal French cooking. Before dinner, explore the vineyard and sample the wines that have been made by the classically trained

Born in Alsace, France, Chef Marc Thuet began his career working in Michelin-star restaurants across Europe before becoming one of Toronto’s greatest. Now the renowned chef operates Petite Thuet, a rustic bakery inspired by the patisseries of Paris. Through the two locations in Rosedale and Leslieville, Petite Thuet serves hand-baked treats, jams, prepared meals and

Piquette is a bohemian neighbourhood spot in the Queen and Dovercourt village. Reminiscent of the 11th Rue in Paris, this rustic and relaxed wine bar is the perfect place to belly up to the bar and spend the afternoon sipping on some of the most unique wines and curated small plates in the city. This

Little Italy’s Pompette is a feat of contemporary design with a distinctly European flair. The French word “pompette” itself signifies a state of bliss, the overwhelming feeling of joy a person feels when all of the senses have been satisfied. Maxime Hoerth and husband-and-wife team Martine and Jonathan Bauer, all Parisian expats, mind every little

The Fairmont Royal York’s new signature restaurant Reign is serving artful plates of French fare in a sophisticated setting. Reign was introduced as the more food-focused half of a two-part redesign meant to mark the historic landmark’s 90th anniversary this year. Its sister restaurant, Clockwork — which got its name from the massive 90th anniversary

This Corktown bakery was started by power couple, Bruce Lee and Stephanie Duong. While both working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, the couple decided to take their love of pastry and decadent food back to Toronto. The menu at Roselle is based in French patiserrie, but is also influenced by many of the city’s local

Making its first foray into Toronto, Ruelo Patisserie has long called Richmond Hill home. Owner Jacqueline Lo, pastry chef extraordinaire, has been in the biz now for some four years, and hopes to slowly set up camp throughout the city, gaining customers one macaron at a time. Her new Toronto location opened near Yonge and Eglinton last month

Sassafraz, the quintessential Yorkville hangout and celeb magnet, has been seriously revamped. The 20-year-old Victorian house has gone from a sunny yellow to a sophisticated sage green, and that’s just the beginning of the transformation. This new redesign is a culmination of two years of research. After all, it’s hard to revamp such a beloved

Showstopping skyline views accompany the newly merged dining space (the two rooms including the main dining area and the former pasta bar are now one streamlined whole), nestled in a unique location: the top floors of a condo complex. For its entire 30-year tenure, the restaurant has been loved by Torontonians and is considered by

French and Mediterranean fine dining is one way to see this elegant restaurant. Sorrel is decorated in the most luxurious pastels and white linens, and with crystal and glass bottles lining the wall behind the bar and photos of the Mediterranean on the wall, you can’t help but feel fancy walking in here. The food

It’s hard to find a Torontonian who hasn’t dined out on Ossington. The west end stretch, laden with restos and bars and bars masquerading as restos, is an easy destination for a nuit on the town. But back in 2009, when Union hopped onto the scene, the strip was far less trodden. Thanks to its

Victor Restaurant is a stylish spot in the Hotel Le Germain. It serves a chef-driven menu, featuring modern takes on classic dishes, and a refined wine and beer list. It has a chic yet approachable atmosphere, perfect for a pre-theatre meal or drink. The menu has a bunch of seafood favourites as well as wild

After studying in France, pastry chef Gemma Steckel worked in some of the most popular restaurants in Europe and Toronto. Now, she’s serving up a modern twist on classic French desserts at XO Bisous. This charming café has a breakfast and lunch menu with salads and sandwiches made fresh daily with quality ingredients. Located in