Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto / Ontario
  4. Toronto
  5. Queen West
Image - Nota Bene, Toronto, ON
Nota Bene, Toronto, ON
Nota Bene, Toronto, ON
Nota Bene, Toronto, ON
Nota Bene, Toronto, ON

Nota Bene

4.2
4.2
2413 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary American
Nota Bene restaurant is a sophisticated dining establishment created and run by famed Toronto Chef, David Lee. Opened in August 2008, the restaurant has garnered much critical acclaim and has been featured on countless “best of” lists including Toronto Life, En Route Magazine, Maclean's and most recently, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Continental, Canadian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:00pm - Close Bar: Weekdays: 11:30am - Close; Saturday: 5:00pm - Close
  • Phone number
    (416) 977-6400
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    David Lee
  • Private party facilities
    - Available for lunch, dinner + reception events- Accommodates up to 36 seated guests or 60 for a standing reception- Seasonally-inspired group menu options available- Sommelier to assist with wine selection
  • Private party contact
    Mel Payne: (416) 977-6400
  • Neighborhood
    Queen West
  • Cross street
    University
  • Parking details
    Nota Bene offers a conveniently located public parking lot on St. Patrick Street, one street west of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Subway: Osgoode Station<br />Street Car: Queen West Street Car
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,413 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2
4.2 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

2,413 Reviews
  1. CameronR

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Reviewed on October 27, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    ⚠️IT was excellent; but, I thought it closed last year.❓😥

    Is this helpful?

  2. TerryC

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on October 20, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    an excellent choice for this areas fine dining experience

    Is this helpful?

  3. THE19THOLE

    Toronto

    335 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    335 reviews

    Reviewed on October 10, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    Authentic food, great service and beautiful decor in an open concept setting. Very chic and modern.

    Is this helpful?

  4. ArlyB

    Toronto

    42 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    42 reviews

    Reviewed on September 27, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    Good food. See & be seen people watching type of place. a little pricey & pretentious.

    Is this helpful?

  5. DianaC

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Reviewed on July 11, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    This was one of the best meals that I have ever tried. Nota Bene is one of those hidden gems that I highly recommend. We were a table of 7 and every meal was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  6. PennyB

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Reviewed on June 18, 2019

    overall4foodserviceambience
    Pricey but really good. Atmosphere is more formal. Perfect for a family or business occasion

    Is this helpful?

  7. BiggHussDogg

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2018

    overall2food3service3ambience5
    Food was finished before the wine ever arrived. 200$ is a lot to spend on a bottle of wine, a salad and two pastas.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent food,service and location

    Is this helpful?

  9. Aurora

    Toronto

    35 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Pre-theatre dining. This was amazing value, good service and great food. We arrived late and assumed we would only have time for an appetizer. Our waiter was fantastic and accommodating. We were quickly provided water and a summary of the 3 courses which could be served in our timeframe. Wonderful! Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 19, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff are just SOOOOOO good looking!

    Is this helpful?

  11. LornaD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2018

    overall3food2service5ambience1
    the restaurant was too noisy to carry on a normal conversation

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2018

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    One of the ladies had a severe gluten allergy. After carefully going through the menu over with our server we opted to select a few things we could all share, including two mains. When the mains arrived we were told they weren’t gluten free and we were stunned. We mentioned that we would’ve only ordered one of the mains and got a gluten free dish as well if that was the case. No apology was provided but instead they just took away one of the dishes. After speaking to the manager he said the dish was in fact gluten free. We were appalled. No further apology was given just the bill, as is.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I am very sad to hear it’s closing - I will miss it

    Is this helpful?

  14. Anonymous

    Toronto

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sad to hear Nota Bene will be closing at year's end. The 36oz ribsteak is definitely worth going for one last time. Delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  15. Lobsterliscious

    Naples

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience all around.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Arestaurantreview

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was incredible as always, servers make great recommendations~

    Is this helpful?

  17. Mickey

    Toronto

    89 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    89 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Nota Bene has consistently been one of our favorite restaurants in Toronto sine it opened a decade ago, and we are all sorry to see it close - and yes, we know it’s rebranding into a plant-based restaurant. The service is amazingly polished, and they even have my wife’s favorite drink recipe on file. It’s obvious that many people love this restaurant because it was packed with what seemed to be regulars who are trying to get in a last meal before it closes. They’ve even nostalgically brought back some of their old favorites on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  18. GCor

    Toronto

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good location for dinner before the theatre. More than able to meet our timeline. We've been here before and as the evening goes on the restaurant gets quite noisy, but at 5:00 it was perfectly tranquil!

    Is this helpful?

  19. BradR

    Toronto

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shame it is rumoured to be closing; well worth the visit!

    Is this helpful?

  20. Stevie

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We enjoy going there before the ballet. It's nicer than eating at the hotel. We had a great table location, very cozy and quiet. We ordered good wine and the lobster salad which is always good. We had lots of time to enjoy our meal, then we shared the dessert of sticky pudding ;really delicious. Then a good cappuccino and we're already for the ballet.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Jamjar

    Toronto

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first time for lunch at Nota Bene. Been several times for dinner. I have a food allergy & I spoke with Dan Hyam, the Chef de Cuisine, about designing a safe menu which we did. I had a double order of French Fries in olive oil, which Dan makes for me every time i go there. I also had a great salad, bringing my own dressing. As usual, I felt safe & honoured and enjoyed a delicious meal. The service was impeccable, attentive and couldn't have been better. Thank you all once again. Judith

    Is this helpful?

  22. DeniseB

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Opera and friends bday

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff were fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  24. CaryB

    Toronto

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Overall always enjoyable. Good value for pre-theatre meal. Service is timely and we appreciate this. Comfortable and good overall ambiance make it a popular place.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Mach

    Toronto

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    This was a perfect restaurant to introduce world-traveller visitors to one of Toronto's fine restaurants. Service was excellent and menu was varied and all dishes were delicious and appreciated. The wine list was excellent. One of the guests was in a wheelchair, and staff were excellent in bringing him to our table. My only problem was with the front desk support. I had asked that my credit card be used to pay for a set amount of the bill, before my guests arrived. The receptionist indicated she would inform the waiter - this was not done and it was very embarrassing when the bill came. Also, my coat was hung up, and when it came time to leave, there was no one to get it for me. Being under 5' I could not reach it and finally got it down. Two unpleasant experiences that coloured my experience.

    Is this helpful?

  26. RickM

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2018

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Food is good, and the Gin and Tonic menu from the bar is amongst the best in the city. However this place is starting to show its age in relation to value. There are similarly priced restaurants in the city with superior food selections and restaurants with similar food priced considerably lower. Its simply a value equation. Over priced relative to what it is by about 20%. Service is always exceptional though.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food and service. Pity they are apparently turning into a Planta offshoot. Get there while they still serve meat and fish.

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Tamara

    Toronto

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Right off, service was excellent. Very sweet waitstaff who really gets people. He recommended fabulous dishes, despite our many dietary restrictions. Hamachi Ceviche? Magic! Cavetelli Pugliesi? Yes, please! Burrata Puglliese? Oh yum. Night out with a friend was perfect...now I think I am due for a date night with my man...perfect excuse to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  29. HughM

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an enjoyable outing. I highly recommend for all occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Jamjar

    Toronto

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is always outstanding but the most important compliment I can give is the incredible attention to detail of Chef de Cuisine Dan Hyam. I have a fatal food allergy. Dan & I talk before I visit to plan a safe and delicious menu. He even makes special food for me as a treat as the last 2 visits have been for my birthday and he was so accommodating. Alex our server is also top of his game. Knows in advance what I'm eating, repeats it so there's no misunderstanding, and serves with flair. I love to eat here. I love the safety I feel. Thank you to all for such a wonderful meal and environment. Judith

    Is this helpful?

  31. Brucen

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Amazingly delicious dishes, creatively made. A lil on the pricey side though.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Col12

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food , exciting menu and excellent service make this a great choice had local sourced seafood and some amazing pasta

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was honestly so good. For sure the best ribeye in toronto! I was really pleasantly surprised. We had a huge feast, crispy duck salad, rabbit pappardelle and ribeye- everything was perfect!!

    Is this helpful?

  34. Peterm

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It’s a beautiful modern restaurant. Elegant plating and a nice spin on some really neat ingredients. The crispy duck salad my possibly be one of the best put together dishes I’ve had in a long time. It’s definitely worth a try if dining In Toronto

    Is this helpful?

  35. Peterm

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Stylish, modern restaurant with a fresh take on locally sourced ingredients. If the crispy duck salad is in the menu it’s a must order. One of the best dishes I’ve eaten all year. Another is Crispy pig cheek, need I say more. Worth a try.

    Is this helpful?

  36. SusanK

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was amazing and so was the food. Most important is that noise level was normal and not noisy

    Is this helpful?

  37. Mickey

    Toronto

    89 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    89 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nota Bene has consistently been one of our favorite restaurants anywhere. The service is impeccable. The food is beautifully presented and incredibly tasty, and the cocktails are truly creative. We had the August Tasting menu along with the recommended wine pairings. Loved every course!

    Is this helpful?

  38. winofoodie

    Toronto

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’m gonna miss this place. Always great food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Forever

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  40. SamL

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic August tasting menu, and exceptional service! Would recommend to anyone for a special occasion

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Nota Bene is rated 4.2 stars by 2413 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Nota Bene

180 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X3

Additional information

  • Cross street
    University
  • Neighborhood
    Queen West
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:00pm - Close Bar: Weekdays: 11:30am - Close; Saturday: 5:00pm - Close
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Continental, Canadian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Nota Bene offers a conveniently located public parking lot on St. Patrick Street, one street west of the restaurant.
  • Public transit
    Subway: Osgoode StationStreet Car: Queen West Street Car
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    David Lee
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (416) 977-6400
  • Private party facilities
    - Available for lunch, dinner + reception events- Accommodates up to 36 seated guests or 60 for a standing reception- Seasonally-inspired group menu options available- Sommelier to assist with wine selection
  • Private party contact
    Mel Payne: (416) 977-6400
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo