Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Toronto / Ontario
  4. Toronto
  5. Queen West
World renowned cocktail bar. - BarChef, Toronto, ON

BarChef

4.7
4.7
475 Reviews
CAN$51 and over
Cocktail Bar
Globally celebrated mixologist and judge on Netflix DRINK MASTERS, Frankie Solarik, opened up BarChef in 2008 with the intention of having the world’s most progressive cocktail program. Utilizing modern culinary techniques and a Chef’s philosophy, BarChef's modernist cocktails are multi-sensorial, highlighting tactile elements, aromatics, viscosity, and edible pairings. These efforts have granted incredible accolades such as being on the Condé Nast Traveller Magazine Gold List for both 2018 and 2020 as one of the top cocktail bars in the world. BarChef has also been highlighted in numerous publications such as: The New York Times, Vogue, Thrillist, Forbes, National Geographic, CBC, GQ, and many more. Enjoy!

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 32 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Lounge
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri, Sun 5:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Phone number
    (416) 868-4800
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Lionel Duke
  • Catering
    Treat your guests to the world renowned BarChef multi-sensory cocktail experience at your next event. Providing you with customized cocktails, bespoke ornate bar design and luxury service, we create experiences your guests will never forget.
  • Private party facilities
    BarChef is available for private hire for events of up to 100 guests - serving as the perfect setting for corporate functions, holiday parties, product launches, team-building events, and birthday celebrations.

What 475 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Toronto / Ontario

    Innovative

  • Toronto / Ontario

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Toronto / Ontario

    Cocktail Bar

  • Toronto

    Innovative

  • Toronto

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Toronto

    Good for special occasions

475 Reviews
  1. IrinaA

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Please kindly update your sign/ logo to be able to locate your place. I was making circles around the area for 10 mins to find a place in the evening. Decor is all black and a lot of dim lights too- not bad idea but we were not able to see even a menu. Maybe it makes sense to update a decor to smth more”happy colours” or increase a light a bit so people can see each other. It was almost pitch black.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went there for my First anniversary and it was a great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sreeram

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After hearing a lot of reviews from friends, I decided to check this place out. The Ambience is nice when you enter the place. The waitress who attended gave some excellent suggestions that I tried and enjoyed. We ordered fries with dips, which was good. The dip was exceptional. I would recommend trying this place.

    Is this helpful?

  4. melissas

    Manitoba

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything about this Bar is exactly what I expected it to be. Was not disappointed. Tasty cocktails, knowledgeable mixologist and exciting vibe. Checked BarChef off my bucket list. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lots of fun. The drinks were amazing and presented in an informative but not pedantic manner. The special drinks were works of art and we got to see some of the drinks we didn't try performed at neighboring tables. As the dd I found the flavors of the non-alcoholic drinks to be a little too subtle. A great night out.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    fantastic drinks , knowledgeable & friendly service. The atmosphere and vibe was perfect. A great way to celebrate our anniversary

    Is this helpful?

  7. Michael

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unique beverages and carefully crafted experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The overall experience was amazing and we had a fantastic time trying a few cocktails and admiring what others were trying too. The only knock was we tried the truffle fries and misread the menu thinking fries + toppings = $11 vs toppings alone were $11 on top of the $9 charge for the fries. It's a good thing they were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  9. WeiD

    Toronto

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! How about adding a hand dryer in the washroom?

    Is this helpful?

  10. AshleyS

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Knowledgeable staff and a unique cocktail experience.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Cole

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Enjoy to evening. Great spot. However it is on the pricier side

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great drinks and presentation and friendly staff, music was way too loud was hard to hear each other talk.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    Food and drinks are great. If it could be quieter, it’d be much nicer.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    BarChef exceeded expectations! Annabelle and her team provided exceptional service, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The cocktails were masterfully crafted, showcasing creativity and precision. A must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch mixology experience. Will definitely come back for more!

    Is this helpful?

  15. nelly

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    OMG! I loved everything about the place. The ambiance, service and cocktails were amazing. We didn’t expect the cocktails to be so good. Definitely will come back. Our server Mani knew everything about every cocktail and gave us detailed descriptions.

    Is this helpful?

  16. ConorM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The cocktails, food and ambience are essentially perfect. The music really is too loud which forces staff to nearly shout, esp when there is so much for them to explain

    Is this helpful?

  17. RobertoV

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It’s fine. I had higher expectations. There are better cocktail bars in Toronto. The staff is very friendly and well trained.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Dooglazz

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience visiting the BarChef, exploring the many drink option with friends. After 7 pm it gets really busy and the noise level is much higher.

    Is this helpful?

  19. MikeK

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Maybe my favorite place to get a cocktail (and my feet have touched all seven continents).

    BarChefResponded on November 2, 2023

    Dear Mark, Wow, what a compliment! We are immensely honoured to be one of your favourite destinations for cocktails, and we're excited to continue presenting you with extraordinary cocktail experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit! Cheers, Trey Russell General Manager, BarChef.

    Is this helpful?

  20. RaveenaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great vibe, fantastic cocktail experience, impressive attention to detail. Definitely a must visit!

    BarChefResponded on November 2, 2023

    Dear Raveena, Thank you for sharing your positive impressions. It’s heartwarming to know that the atmosphere and experience resonated with you. Your recommendation is highly valued, and we eagerly await your next visit! Warm regards, Trey Russell General Manager, BarChef.

    Is this helpful?

  21. DanielaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great drinks and good ambience. The servers are friendly and know their stuff.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really cool cocktail experience - ordered both an easy supper and a cocktail off the portion of the menu where the cocktails impact multiple senses. We were celebrating our engagement so they brought out something special to celebrate. Would recommend trying this spot out!

    BarChefResponded on November 2, 2023

    Congratulations on your engagement! We're honored that you chose BarChef to celebrate such a momentous occasion. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your experience, and that our special celebratory gesture added to the joy of your evening. Thank you for recommending us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Cheers, Trey Russell General Manager, BarChef.

    Is this helpful?

  23. JohnP

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience3
    The room was very dark, tough to read the menu. The bar was very dirty even though we were the very first customers of the night at 5 pm. The service was good but very over-scripted and felt disingenuous. The drinks were too sweet. The signature smoke Manhattan was very watery! Almost like they forgot the bourbon! The food was good. The presentation was ok. Overrated. Disappointing.

    BarChefResponded on October 25, 2023

    Thank you for your detailed feedback. I’m sorry to hear that some aspects of your visit were disappointing. The dim lighting in our establishment is a deliberate choice to enhance the presentation of our Modernist cocktails, and we understand it might not be to everyone’s preference. As we carve our ice behind the bar by hand, shards of ice can occasionally land on the bar - making it appear wet. That being said, I can ensure you that the bar is cleaned thoroughly before, during, and after service. In terms of service - our team undergoes extensive training to be knowledgeable and informative. While we strive for a balance between professionalism and genuineness, I apologize that we appear to have missed the mark on this occasion. Warm regards, Trey Russell General Manager, BarChef.

    Is this helpful?

  24. KurianJ

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Didn’t order any food. Everything from service to presentation was impeccable. Finest old fashioned yet in Canada

    Is this helpful?

  25. robustrobust

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an excellent time at Bar Chef. It’s truly a unique experience.

    Is this helpful?

  26. ShannonK

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The amount of effort and time that went into these cocktails was not lost on our group. The experience was amazing and the staff was so incredibly knowledgeable. We would definitely gridiron BarChef again next time we are in Toronto! Very well done!

    BarChefResponded on November 2, 2023

    Dear Shannon, Your appreciation of the hard work and creativity we pour into our cocktails is immensely gratifying and your intention to revisit when you're next in Toronto is the highest compliment. Thank you, and we eagerly await your return! Cheers, Trey Russell General Manager, BarChef.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Nick

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great place with fantastic drinks and a great atmosphere. Definitely an experience like no other.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Natasha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a good time, great place for special events

    Is this helpful?

  29. JBrie

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff member who looked after us was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. She made our experience ant BarChef even better. We will definitely be back. Thank you for the amazing experience 😊

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great time, interesting with great atmosphere and service

    Is this helpful?

  31. JamC

    Hong Kong

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing place to celebrate special occasions! Great service, beautiful drinks (don't be afraid to splurge on the modernist drinks, well worth it for the showmanship and flairs!). Thank you for the great night, my friends are all raving and saying they must come back to try out the rest of the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Foodie123

    Toronto

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the moment you walk in, the ambience is amazing- dim lighting, candles lit, and the bar itself is gorgeous. We started off with the big ‘modernist’ cocktails that come in a bowl and are a whole experience, then got drinks from the ‘overture’ series to end off with a lighter drink. Both were amazing and the drinks had such unique ingredients. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  33. jeffreyb

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I really enjoy your bar. One of my top 5 Toronto bars. I don’t live in town, so my first time eating there. Awesome food…Japanese chicken, Lobster, Sliders. My only comment is your bar. Beautiful, but when busy your mixologists are slammed. Hard to get an order in. At one point, there was one lone soul working the very busy bar. One of the female servers saw me waiting. I don’t know her name. Attractive tall girl with pigtail. The hostess (Maril?) was lovely as was the girl who served my smoked Manhattan. I’ll be back!! Jeff Blanchard

    Is this helpful?

  34. Sophie

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing bar with beautiful cocktails that come with unique experiences!

    Is this helpful?

  35. jennifer

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful experience for the senses! Our server was super knowledgeable. A very unique experience. I can’t wait to return!!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an amazing place a and fabulous experience love the concept 👌🏼 the drinks are fun and also good ! You absolutely need to try this one ❤️

    Is this helpful?

  37. IvonneF

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Interesting experience. A bit overpriced but the food and cocktails were good

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Mexico City

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cocktails were fantastic. Definitely worth the experience.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    The initial experience was great, lots of attention at first. After we finished drinks, no one asked if we would like another. No one cleared plates until we left. Food is underwhelming. Drinks where very exiting and interesting.

    Is this helpful?

  40. Lina

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    always great quality drinks, decent small plates, good atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

BarChef is rated 4.7 stars by 475 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

9:30 PM


Booked 32 times today
Google Map for BarChef

472 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Queen West
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri, Sun 5:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Cocktail Bar, Lounge
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Executive chef
    Lionel Duke
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar
  • Phone number
    (416) 868-4800
  • Catering
    Treat your guests to the world renowned BarChef multi-sensory cocktail experience at your next event. Providing you with customized cocktails, bespoke ornate bar design and luxury service, we create experiences your guests will never forget.
  • Private party facilities
    BarChef is available for private hire for events of up to 100 guests - serving as the perfect setting for corporate functions, holiday parties, product launches, team-building events, and birthday celebrations.
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