Note to influencers; you'll love this place. Everything is so Instagrammable, you're followers are going to love it! Perfect lighting, nice plating, cool 'Florin' ice stamps.
Note to foodies: marketing. If you've been to Florence (or really anywhere in Tuscany), you'll probably be expecting rustic and simple, yet bold and fresh recipes that emphasize the regional/seasonal vegetables and patiently cured beef cuts that have you rolling out the front door. Not that the food is bad, but come on, it's not Florence. If you like Italian, I think it's fair to say their pasta is on par with the likes of Sud Forno, or Terroni (slightly above par). For example, the Tagliatelle touted shaved black truffle (very Tuscany-esque and difficult to find), yet it came out with four shaved truffle flakes, and because this was supposed to be the star of the dish, the entire dish fell very flat. The dish price point came in at 42, and in Tuscany, they have a heavy hand with freshly shaved truffle, so this was disappointing. The Wild Boar ragu was a little better and only priced at 32, so if you go and you are craving pasta, that would be my recommendation. I will say the pasta was fresh, so that was pleasant. When I heard that Francis Bermejo (Bar Buca) and Brian Kang (Don Alfonso, DaNico) were creating the menu, I was excited to see them zero in on the taste of Florence; however, it tasted more like a vague idea of the dish than a true homage.
Note to cocktail drinkers: I like to test the quality of a bar by ordering a Negroni first. I ordered both the 1252 Negroni with gold leaf and antica formula, as well as a regular Negroni. Their 1252 was decent, but it didn't end up coming with gold leaf flakes (price point 25). Their regular Negroni didn't compare and tasted like a cheap bar rail Negroni. Maybe they ran out of their homemade sweet Vermouth? Other drinks around the restaurant looked nice and were presented well, so probably worth testing other cocktails.
All around service wasn't bad.
If you value atmosphere over food, this place is pretty awesome, so don't let my review discourage you from visiting and trying it out for yourself; however, for those who know the Tuscany regionās cuisine, the experience is a gentle but persistent...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreA true gem in the Toronto dining scene, Florin effortlessly combines sophisticated style with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, the decor captivates you. It's a masterclass in designāclassy and unique, yet approachable, with memorable lighting that creates the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Itās the thoughtful little touches, like the custom-stamped ice in their cocktails, that signal you're in for a special experience.
The service was impeccable from start to finishāattentive, knowledgeable, and perfectly paced.
Let's talk about the cocktails, which are nothing short of fantastic. Their signature "1252," a creative and refined take on a classic Negroni, is an absolute must-try and sets the tone for the culinary journey ahead.
My wife and I, along with another couple, had the pleasure of sharing several dishes, and each one was a standout. The cured amberjack appetizer was incredible, a truly out-of-this-world plate that I'll be dreaming about for weeks. The Gnoudi was another highlight, perfectly executed and incredibly flavorful. For our mains, the 22-ounce bone-in strip loin was cooked to perfection, a testament to the kitchen's skill. The new seafood pasta, a recent addition to the menu, was so fresh and delicious I could happily live on it.
Florin is a rare find that excels on every level. It's the perfect spot for a special night out, a celebratory dinner, a business meeting, or even just dropping in for world-class cocktails and a snack at the bar. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A truly...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreMe my wife and two of our friends recently had a pleasure of dining at Florin this charming Italian restaurant, and I must say, everything about the experience was exceptional.
The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. From the moment we walked in we are greeted with genuine hospitality that set the tone for the evening.
The food was outstanding classic Italian flavors prepared with care and authenticity. The pasta dishes were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the fish were fresh and expertly seasoned. Every bite was a reminder of why Italian cuisine is so beloved.
What truly set Florin apart, however, was the service. The servers were attentive,friendly, and professional, making sure we had everything we need without ever feeling rushed. The chef even came out to personally check how we were enjoying our meal, which added a thoughtful personal touch. It's rare to see that level of dedication and pride.
And a special mention to the manager, who was equally fantastic engaged, approachable and clearly passionate about creating a memorable experience for guests.
Overall, Florin is a place I will definitely be returning to. If you're looking for authentic Italian food, a cozy atmosphere, and service that makes you feel truly valuable Florin is the restaurant, is...
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