Flor do Ave Restaurant (1654 St Clair Ave W, Toronto) - Portuguese Cuisine — Restaurant in Toronto

Flor do Ave: A Hidden Culinary Treasure

Who would’ve thought that one of the best meals I’ve had in ages would be just around the corner from home?

Craving something special but not wanting to venture too far, I came across Flor do Ave, a cozy Portuguese restaurant that quietly delivers what many big-name spots only promise: incredible food, warm service, and flavors that make you close your eyes and say yes, this.

We started with flaming chorizo and clams—and let me tell you, that clam sauce was so good I had to ask for bread just to mop it up. The clams were a little on the slim side (clearly watching their figure 🤣), but the taste more than made up for it.

For the main course, it was grilled sea bass for me and a perfectly cooked steak for my dining partner. Both dishes were Michelin-star worthy. The sea bass was tender, kissed with charcoal, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt so delicate I asked where it came from. The answer? Just “sea salt.” Whoever’s sourcing it—bless you.

Out of curiosity, I googled the chef and nearly dropped my fork—Paula Da Silva, runner-up on Hell’s Kitchen Season 5, trained under Gordon Ramsay himself. He praised her for her near-perfect execution and calm intensity—and now I understand exactly why. Her touch is all over that kitchen.

Dessert? All were delightful, but the passion fruit mousse absolutely stole the show. Light, tangy, and smooth—it’s a dessert you think about long after the spoon hits empty.

And a special shoutout to Barbara, our server, who made the entire evening even better. When asked how she did, someone at the table quietly said, “She deserves a five-star review.” And honestly? She does.

We’ll definitely be back. Probably...

Flor do Ave Restaurant - A Hidden Gem for Authentic Portuguese Flavors

I recently dined at Flor do Ave, and it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a charming location, this restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at home from the moment you step inside.

The menu is a celebration of traditional Portuguese cuisine, with a variety of dishes that highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage. I started with their Bacalhau à Brás, a flavorful blend of shredded cod, onions, and crispy potatoes. The balance of flavors was impeccable, and the portion size was generous.

For the main course, I tried the Frango Assado (roasted chicken), which was perfectly cooked – tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. The sides of rice and roasted vegetables complemented the dish well. The food is clearly prepared with fresh ingredients and a lot of love.

The service was another highlight. The staff was friendly, attentive, and eager to explain the menu, making recommendations that turned out to be spot on. Even though the restaurant was busy, the service was quick and efficient.

To finish off the meal, I couldn’t resist the Pastel de Nata – a quintessential Portuguese dessert. It was warm, creamy, and had the perfect balance of sweetness.

Overall, Flor do Ave is a must-visit if you’re in the area and want to experience authentic Portuguese flavors. The cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service make it a standout dining experience. I highly...

Having been to Portugal more than once, I have a soft spot for Portuguese cuisine for its authenticity and lack of complications. To me, Portuguese food is forever associated with warm people, welcoming atmosphere and great company.

Flor do Ave delivers all of the above from the moment you set foot in the restaurant. It is a little slice of Portugal with its handmade tiles, wine bottles and other decorative touches.

Our experience tonight was outstanding. The simple menu was complemented by a rather extensive list of specials. We had the white wine clams and octopus salad as appetizers, and monk fish rice and skewered beef for mains.

Let's start with the biggest surprise, the skewered beef! The quality and taste could go toe-to-toe with the best Brazilian churrascaria any day! The meat was seasoned beautifully and grilled to perfection.

The monk fish rice brought me back to many monk fish stews and rice dishes I have had in Portugal. It was rich and aromatic. The clams were served in a flavourful and flagrant white wine sauce. The octopus salad transported me back to the Algarve instantly.

The cocktail was outstanding and the after dinner espresso hit the spot just right. Seeing all the families and friends dining together in this intimate restaurant just made the meal that much...