Enigma Yorkville chef Quinton Bennett reveals his fave spots to eat and drink in Toronto — including where he gets the gelato he still thinks about

Contents

WHERE CHEFS EAT BEST DATE-NIGHT SPOT BEST BAKERY Pull Quote1 HIDDEN GEM viag THE LAST BEST THING YOU ATE mayrik CURRENT OBSESSION Pull QuoteBKK FANCY DINNER suchi COMFORT FOOD pho BEST DESSERT gelato LUNCH SPOT dylan BEST LATE-NIGHT CRAVING SPOT pizza BEST TAKEOUT takeout FAVOURITE WEEKEND BRUNCH PLACE brunch FAVOURITE COFFEE SHOP coffee BEST COCKTAIL BAR cocktail PLACE I’M DYING TO TRY victoria

WHERE CHEFS EAT

Where Chefs Eat is a weekly series that asks Toronto chefs and restaurant owners to name their favourite places to dine in the city: where they go for everything from weekend brunch to late-night cravings, fancy dinners to dessert.

This week’s chef: Executive chef Quinton Bennett of Enigma Yorkville.

Known for: Ever-changing tasting menus.

Fermentation. Handmade pastas. Whole animal butchery. “I like that more chefs are focusing on craft — really taking the time to do things properly,” Quinton Bennett says. “It’s not just about chasing trends anymore.” He is the executive chef at the Michelin-starred Enigma Yorkville, where timeless craft is definitely king. The restaurant specializes in tasting menus; they change frequently, so regulars never have the same experience twice.

This format spurs Bennett’s creativity ever further. “We don’t just put food on plates; we try to take guests somewhere with each dish. The tasting menu format lets us tell a story and evolve it over time. It allows for rhythm — like composing music. There’s a pace and a build. You can take people from subtle to bold, light to rich, and end on something quiet,” he says. “It’s also a great way to explore technique and seasonal ingredients without having to cram it all into one plate. It’s thoughtful. And it gives people time to actually slow down and be present.”

So where does Bennett go when he wants to indulge in something special? Here are his favourite spots to eat and drink in Toronto.

BEST DATE-NIGHT SPOT

Dreyfus, 96 Harbord St.

“It’s intimate, warm, and the food is always spot-on. Small menu, big flavour. You can actually talk to each other, which makes it a great date place. The wine list is excellent, and it always feels like the kind of place you can settle into for the night. No pressure, just great food and a quiet atmosphere. It’s one of the few places I’ve been to more than once. It feels effortless — tight menu, good wine, and food that’s clearly made with care. The kind of spot I trust to always get it right. Between working in the kitchen and taking care of my two little kids, I naturally do a lot of home cooking, but Dreyfus holds a special appeal to me because I walk away with the feeling that I’ve enjoyed something I can’t replicate at home. To me, that’s the point of eating out and why I keep returning to Dreyfus.”

BEST BAKERY

Celena’s Bakery, 1938 Danforth Ave.

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“Their morning buns and danishes are fantastic, and the sourdough is consistently great. It’s a bit of a weekend ritual to stop in with the kids.”

HIDDEN GEM

Viaggio, 1727 Dundas St. W.

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“It’s a cosy, modern Italian spot that flies under the radar but serves beautifully made pastas and mains with a lot of heart. It’s the kind of neighbourhood restaurant you hope to find but rarely do.”

THE LAST BEST THING YOU ATE

Mayrik, 1580 Bayview Ave.

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“The lamb platter is beautifully spiced, slow-cooked and the kind of dish that’s both comforting and complex. There’s a lot of soul in their food.”

CURRENT OBSESSION

Eat BKK, various locations

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“The green curry fried rice is bold, packed with flavour and just the right amount of heat. I’ve had it a few times recently and it keeps pulling me back.”

FANCY DINNER

Sushi Masaki Saito, 88 Avenue Rd.

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“If I could get a night off and a reservation, probably Sushi Masaki Saito. I haven’t been, but I respect the craft from afar. The dedication to detail and the history in every move is something I really admire. It’s the kind of place that teaches you to slow down and pay attention.”

COMFORT FOOD

Pho Metro, various locations

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“There’s something about a really well-made pho broth — clear, deep and not too heavy — that just resets everything. It’s honest, comforting and quietly complex.”

BEST DESSERT

Bar Ape, 283 Rushton Rd.

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“I’m not a big dessert guy, but I once had a pistachio gelato at Bar Ape that I still think about. Smooth, not too sweet and packed with flavour. It’s simple but done right — and that makes all the difference.”

LUNCH SPOT

The Dylan Bar, 1276 Danforth Ave.

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“It’s been a go-to lately — their steak sandwich and fries are great, and the vibe is unfussy but polished. Perfect for a quick, solid lunch.”

BEST LATE-NIGHT CRAVING SPOT

King Slice, various locations

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“It’s big, greasy and exactly what you want after a long shift. I’ll usually go for a classic pepperoni slice, nothing fancy. No explanation needed. It’s comfort in its most straightforward form.”

BEST TAKEOUT

Bistro Camino, 2750 Danforth Ave.

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“This is a bit of a hidden gem for Japanese-French comfort food. Their takeout holds up surprisingly well; the beef stew and miso-glazed salmon are both standouts. It’s not your typical takeout spot, which makes it feel a little more special when you bring it home.”

FAVOURITE WEEKEND BRUNCH PLACE

Mira Mira Diner, 1963 Queen St. E.

brunch

“It’s elevated diner fare that still feels familiar. I’ll usually go for the breakfast sandwich or the huevos rancheros — both hit the spot without being overdone.”

FAVOURITE COFFEE SHOP

Pilot Coffee Roasters, various locations

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“I just get a proper Americano, nothing fancy. They roast their own beans, and the coffee is always smooth and strong without being bitter.”

BEST COCKTAIL BAR

Bar Pompette, 607 College St.

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“They do a proper martini — cold, clean and exactly how it should be. Or if I’m feeling something different, their French 75 is solid, too, as a lighter option. To me, Bar Pompette also has the perfect atmosphere since it strikes the fine balance of feeling elevated without veering into uninviting territory, which is rare. It’s the kind of place where the bar staff just quietly know what they’re doing.”

PLACE I’M DYING TO TRY

Restaurant 20 Victoria, 20 Victoria St.

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“I’ve heard only good things. Quiet precision, great produce — exactly my kind of place. I like spaces that keep the focus on what’s on the plate without needing to overexplain it. It’s high on my list.”