Monk Kitchen at Templar Hotel - Toronto

In a fuzzy atmosphere, certainly under the floor, for this dinner at 15 where the room had been privatized, everything was perfect (except the clim that forced us to dine with our coats ) the originality of the dishes, the qualities of the dishes and the enthusiasm of the kitchen staff coming to tell us what we were handling with passion and greedy contrasting with the efficient but remote and so thin waitres that the pleasures

We had lunch at the Chef's table right inside the kitchen, it was simply amazing. There was no set menu the Chef asked us what type of meal we were looking for, we went with brunch, and he went and worked his magic with all fresh ingredients making the meal hot and fresh in front of us. Paired with some amazing wine that afterwards I went ordered a few bottlles! I even tried some foods like shrip and mushrooms that I would'nt normally because they're often not fresh or prepared well, this was not the case and was the best shrimp I have ever had and the mushrooms wern't over powering like in many other restaruants dishes.If you get a chance to sit at the Chef's table, do it!

We had a fun evening last Saturday with a group of friends at Monk Kitchen. The Chef came out introduced himself and asked if there were any allergies or aversions. Asked if we were okay with him selecting the menu and pairing which we were. It turned out to be a wonderful meal and really enjoyed the rapport with the chef. The only let down was the beef dish. I had fish which was delicious, but my husband did not find his beef dish very well prepared. Otherwise all the courses were great and in such a unique setting.Personally, I think this is the type of restaurant that is best suited for a group of 4 or more. Music from the upstairs bar could have toned it down a bit.

We sat at the chef's table for our 10th anniversary dinner. The server really likes smiling and is attentive and warm.I asked her to surprise me with a cocktail and she didn't disappoint. Some fruity amazing-ness. I had three quickly... Not realizing they are $16 each.My husband said they're old fashioned was one of be best he's had.We didn't do the wine pairing.Ok on to the food. There were six courses. 1-steamed bun with a tandoori shrimp and pickled cucumber inside. Amazing aioli on the side.2-butternut squash soup infused with lobster. Topped with shavings of prime rib.3-lightly blackened Cajun shrimp on top of corn succotash, topped with a simple but omg amazing coleslaw. 'Spanish tapas' sauce on the side (roasted peppers, tomatoes almonds). I could eat this forever. 4-homemade orecchiette pasta with lemon garlic sauce, topped with sautéed rapini and parm. I could get this anywhere. Boring. And a bit too lemony.5-steamed chicken over mash potatoes... I don't remember this course. I cut one piece of chicken and it was as tough and dry as a tire. I ate the mash which was good. My husband got steak and said was chewy and impossible to eat. (Another couple near us didn't touch it either.) I was so disappointed with the last two courses. 6- dessert saved the day. Petit fours of lemon square, rosina walnut cookie (named after Chef Roberto's grandmother), chocolate mint creme cake and a smore (grilled angel food cake topped with chocolate mousse and graham cracker crumbs)Chef Roberto and his team talked to us throughout the night. We loved watching them work. Great experience and we recommend Monk Kitchen.

Honestly, this is a gem. It takes a lot to impress me, and this place is amazing. The venue is small, so you must have reservations. There are no menus, so you are at the whim of the chef and whatever amazing ingredients are available - and that is what makes this place so special. Enjoy it, or just leave the next meal to me, because I will be back whenever I can manage it.The ambiance is not what you would expect, but the tranquility is breathtaking once you embrace it. The food is amazing in an epic way. Let them know what you like and talk to everyone, including the chef (Mark in tonight's case) and staff. They are welcoming, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Reservations are mandatory, don't leave it to chance. They are buying the food for you, today!It is hard to impress me, and they did more than that.