The Dorset — Restaurant in Toronto

The Dorset: A Taste of Authentic British Cuisine in Toronto

Nestled by The Well on Front Street, The Dorset stands out as a premier destination for those craving genuine British flavours in Toronto. As someone who grew up in the UK and went to school in Cornwall, I can attest to the authenticity and high standard of their culinary offerings. My recent visit left me thoroughly impressed, from the warm ambiance to the impeccable service and, of course, the outstanding food.

Ambiance and Service: Stepping into The Dorset, I was immediately struck by its inviting ambiance, elegantly combining British charm with a contemporary flair. The staff, attentive and knowledgeable, made us feel right at home. Special mention goes to the manager, whose helpfulness and professionalism enhanced our dining experience.

Culinary Excellence: The menu at The Dorset features a range of authentic British dishes prepared with meticulous attention to detail. We started with the Cornish Pasties, which transported me back to my days in Cornwall. The pastry was flaky and buttery, and the filling was rich and flavorful – a true taste of home. Accompanied by a house-made ketchup that perfectly complemented the pasties, it was a stellar start to our meal.

We also savored the Duck Scotch eggs, expertly cooked with a runny yolk encased in a crispy sausage meat and breadcrumb coating. The accompanying dip added a delightful tanginess, elevating the dish to another level of enjoyment.

Drinks and Dessert: The drink selection at The Dorset is as impressive as its food menu. We enjoyed expertly crafted cocktails that balanced flavours beautifully, enhancing our dining experience. The attention to detail extended to dessert, where we indulged in traditional British sweets that rounded off our meal perfectly.

Homemade Touch: One of the highlights was the homemade bread, which was a testament to The Dorset's commitment to quality and authenticity. Freshly baked and served warm, it was the ideal accompaniment to our meal and reflected the restaurant's dedication to using the finest ingredients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, The Dorset exceeded my expectations in every way. From the authentic and top-quality food to the warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere, it is a true gem in Toronto's dining scene. Whether you're craving a taste of Britain or simply seeking a memorable culinary experience, The Dorset delivers on all fronts. I cannot recommend it highly enough and eagerly anticipate my next visit to savour more of their...

Going to The Dorset is an experience from start to finish. My best friend and I love visiting—whether it’s for casual drinks on the patio or an elevated dinner indoors, it always delivers.

The food is outstanding, with bold flavours, precise technique, and fantastic presentation.

This visit, we ordered the beef tartare, which never disappoints. The tapioca crisps took us back to our home country, Brazil, even in the heart of a British restaurant. The combination of flavours in this dish left us speechless.

The fresh PEI oysters were amazingly tasty, the duck scotch egg was cooked to perfection, and the zucchini and melon salad—fresh, crunchy, and beautifully presented—transported us straight to a beachfront.

To finish, the pork croquettes were a glorious end to our food indulgence. They’re the perfect snack to pair with a cold beer. Speaking of drinks, The Dorset also shines when it comes to cocktails. From refreshing non-alcoholic options to beautifully crafted boozy ones, the Hugo Spritz, Dorchester Pimm’s, and At Her Majesty’s Pleasure are all worth trying—maybe even two! Their beer selection is equally impressive, offering UK-inspired brews that go far beyond the usual options around the city.

Another highlight is that The Dorset is pet-friendly. I brought my dog along, and she was treated like a little queen. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, making the experience even more special for us.

The service is just as exceptional as the food. Attentive servers and friendly staff, from the host to the management, make you feel right at home. This level of hospitality is rare in Toronto, especially on such a busy patio.

Chef Rob and Chef Ryan are true masters of British cuisine. You can feel their passion and talent in every dish they create. They’re culinary superstars.

I cannot recommend this place enough. The Dorset is a true gem in downtown Toronto—delivering great ambiance, outstanding cuisine, impeccable service, fantastic cocktails, and even a warm welcome for your...

they should nOt be serving such a deliciously messy burger at such a classy place but alas — the sacrifices we make for yummy food. the dorset duck burger is a super unique creation made for the well’s burger fest, and i’m really glad i got to try it. it was EXTREMELY saucy, like it was nonstop dripping with this really creamy tangy mayo/aioli and it literally drenched everything, including the crunchy slaw. the bun was toasted super crispy but was also really soft at the same time, and it had a faint nori fragrance. the patty was thick, moist, juicy, and not dry at all — the duck and pork combination made it very different from the usual beefy taste you get in burgers. the fries on the side were also thick, hot, and you could tell they were fried with really well.

also you HAVE to get the sticky toffee pudding !! it hits you with a light aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg spices, but then the cake itself is moist and soaked in a strong, sweet syrup that’s also dominated by a salty, malted, caramel-y butterscotch flavour. on the top, there is also a torched layer of crunchy crackling burnt sugar that gives it such an intense flavour. i love how the brandy didn’t have an overpoweringly boozy/alcohol taste, but instead just accentuated the sweetness and saltiness and richness of the syrup. the best part though was how all these deep, intense flavours were contrasted so perfectly by a massive bulb of light, creamy foam, and an inner core of cold, milky ice cream. THE PERFECT DESSERT.

the cornish pasties were also fantastic, it had a really crispy baked crust and the peppery beef filling was steaming inside of the pocket.

overall, everything — from the preparation to the ingredients — was super high quality. the dining area was realllyyyyy nice and classy and comfortable, and all the staff was really kind and...