Back to DT Bistro: A Review

I last wrote about DT Bistro almost three years ago, first about their brunch and then again, their prix fixe dinner. This restaurant, located on Harbord Road between Spadina and Bathurst, was actually where my husband and I got our wedding cake (after a very long search). A bit has changed since the last time we were over – the restaurant has since renovated and reconfigured (lighting is a little dimmer and moodier in the evening and the dining room is no longer split between two sides) – but the food remains the same. The menu has streamlined a bit. When I last reviewed the restaurant in 2010, there were two prix fixe menus, with one at $25 and another at $35. The more expensive menu no longer exists, and the $25 has since increased to $27.

Mushroom soup

At my recent visit, I decided to order a la carte, starting with the mushroom soup. The soup is a purée mixed with a little bit of cream and is not too heavy. Presentation is, however, a little bit plain, though the taste definitely makes up for it. Perhaps a little bit garnish would make it look prettier? Other starters I recommend include the pumpkin and pear salad or the French onion soup.

Black cod and vegetables

For the main, I ordered from the night’s special, black cod with vegetables and fingerling potatoes. It was nice and light compared to many of the mains on the regular menu – a good thing if you want to have one of DT Bistro’s very rich desserts! The regular main course menu has a wide range of dishes including a burger, duck and pasta, with prices ranging from $14 to $28.50.

Chocolate hazelnut dome

Dessert is a definite MUST at DT Bistro. After all, DT stands for DESSERT TRENDS. With a great deal to choose from, I decided to have the chocolate hazelnut dome. Served with berry compote and dollop of cream, this dessert is rich with its hard chocolate dome, mousse filling and cookie bottom. I have to admit that it is hard to break apart due to the crunchiness. And perhaps it’s because DT is so dessert-focused, but presentation for this course is much more artistically done than for the starters and mains.

The menu has changed a bit since I last went. Bread is no longer complementary ($4) and some of the Asian-inspired dishes have been taken off the menu.

DT BIstro is located on 154 Harbord Street, between Spadina and Bathurst. Their phone number is 416-916-8155.

About Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Cynthia Cheng Mintz is the founder and webitor-in-chief of this site and the petite-focused site, Shorty Stories. She has also written for other publications including the Toronto Star and has blogged for The Huffington Post. Her first novel, Aspirations, was published in 2007. Outside of writing, Cynthia researches and advises philanthropic ideas for family funds and foundations and also volunteers.