Linny’s — Restaurant in Toronto

Quite possibly the best dining experience I've ever had in Toronto, where I've spent all of my life. Having dined at hundreds of restaurants across the city, GTA, and Southern Ontario, spanning all imaginable price-points and styles of cuisines, I'm genuinely left racking my brain thinking of a meal which I enjoyed more than the one which my party and I enjoyed at Linny's last night. I'm not a snob by any means, and certainly don't frequent joints priced in this sphere very often (just see my reviews)- in fact, in the several instances I've dined at places priced similarly (and beyond), I've most often come away vastly disappointed-, but Linny's is something truly remarkable in our city, but also likely anywhere- yes, I'm feeling so bold as to proclaim that. Stepping into the establishment is much like stepping back to decades past in NYC, in the very best of ways, with super chic design, inviting lighting, and swanky jazz playing at the perfect volume. At the back, the bustling kitchen reveals itself, perfectly integrated into the dining room- dinner and a show, the star of which, despite all the 10/10 aesthetic distractions/accompaniments around, is undoubtedly the food. We opted for the tasting menu, adding a couple of extras as well. Save for a single dish I didn't bond with due to overpowering (for my palate) flavours, every single thing was an 11/10. I can't even say "one thing better than the next", because, well, it was all evenly epic, all across the board, start to finish, vibes, service, and all. But just for the sake of this review and particulars, some dishes which I haven't been to shake from the front of my mind the past 24 hours were: the bone-in ribeye (very strong contender for best steak I've had in YYZ), the chicken liver on sourdough, the kasha and bows, the cured salmon, of course the pastrami, the salads (both fantastic), the braised lamb, the fried eggplant side... the deserts, each a decadent symphony in its own right... even just the starters, i.e. the challah bread with cream cheese & jam, the fried salami... even the fries; they remind me of a bygone era, old diner style, simple in essence, but you very rarely see them done this way these days. I'm really, really, not about dining at the latest (and allegedly greatest) spots, especially not trendy/hyped ones like this, as, again, I've too many times been disappointed by them (including by several Michelin-starred darlings), but this place... this place is something legitimately special and stand-out in a city chock-full of joints trying to set themselves apart whether by actual merit or gimmick (or "balloon frosting", as some might say)- it just all comes together at Linny's, making for the perfect experience. I'm most fortunate to have been treated to last nights dinner extravaganza, but am not thrilled at the idea of footing the bill on my next visit, which I fear will be (much) sooner rather than later... In fact, I can see this spot becoming something of a problem for me, ha. Thanks, D. Schwartz & Co., for opening this gem of a culinary institution in our city- you've tapped into and very successfully brought us something very special. I could go on more, but nah. Can't...

A new Ossington favorite!!! Linny’s is a vibe!

If you’re looking for a dining experience that feels equal parts nostalgic and elevated, Linny’s delivers on every front. Tucked away on upper Ossington, this super chic restaurant channels the energy of a swanky supper club from a different era…think warm lighting, 20s-esque music, and an atmosphere that’s both stylish and transportive!!

From the second you walk in, you feel taken care of. Every staff member was gracious, thoughtful, and intentional, creating the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.

Special shoutout to our server, he was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and attentive throughout the entire evening. The kind of service you hope for when dining out! His passion for the menu, thoughtful recommendation, and professionalism elevated the entire meal.

We went with the full four-course experience and it was nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL. The meal kicked off with freshly baked bread that was soft, pillowy, but absolutely packed with flavor. From there, we were treated to a lineup that kept surprising us: delicately prepared fish carpaccios, savory chicken liver topped with crispy onions, house-cured salami, and golden croquettes that were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And a delicious take on a beet salad.

The mains were equally impressive. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection, but the standout…no question…was the infamous pastrami. Salty, cured in house (for I think 24 hours?) and bursting with flavor, and unlike anything I’ve had in Toronto. I’ve made food pilgrimages to Montreal for this level of craftsmanship haha, but to now find it just blocks from home? G-A-M-E-C-H-A-N-G-E-R!

And just when we thought we were full, dessert arrived! This instantly transported me back to my childhood. It had that rare ability to taste both DIVINE and deeply nostalgic, like something my mom would have baked if she trained under a Michelin-starred pastry chef 😍. Comforting, thoughtful, and the perfect end to a spectacular meal.

Linny’s is the moment! One of those places you walk out of already planning your next visit!! I will be back and bringing some family and friends along! Thank you for a...

Bittered Kompot Didn’t drink since I was driving 😅 Originally picked the first cocktail on the menu and asked the bartender to cut the maple syrup in half — only to be told I had actually chosen the sweetest drink on the list. Ended up switching to the one in the photo: fizzy, tangy-sweet with strawberry and bitter orange notes — super refreshing.

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Chicken Liver Toast The chicken liver pâté was sandwiched between the toast and chopped egg. Kitchen had already pre-cut it into four — thoughtful touch! Toast was a bit too hard for my taste; it would’ve been better slightly softer. The salty-sweet flavor reminded me of a Chinese dish, though I couldn’t quite place which one.

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Mushroom Blintz Grilled king oyster mushroom slices with a mushroom-stuffed crepe — like a Western-style long dumpling! Another dish that really caters to a Chinese palate. Sauce paired really well too.

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Ribeye 18 oz + Peppercorn Gravy + Broccoli Ordered medium rare — perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. That said, maybe I had too high of an expectation for the steak. The smoky flavor was slightly overpowering, so it was a bit of a letdown. Ironically, the best part was the simple side of broccoli. The sauce was absolutely delicious. Our server said this broccoli actually gets mixed feedback — people either love it or say it has a “weird taste.” I’m definitely in the “love it” camp.

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Seasonal Parfait Currently it’s carrot cake + caramelized nuts + cream cheese. No surprise — it’s very sweet. Gave up after one bite.

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🍽️ Heads-up: they charge a $50 no-show fee after booking, so make sure you’re firm on your time. In addition to à la carte, they also offer a $145 per person chef’s choice tasting menu. We didn’t get seated at a regular table this time — ended up at the bar. But the service was great — friendly and attentive. Somehow started chatting with the staff about gin & tonics, and they spontaneously offered a taste of a new tonic water they were testing out. Interior has a simple, retro vibe. Staff all wear beige jackets — very aesthetic. Great for food and photos. Will definitely come back to try more appetizers and...