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About
The Wood Owl
Welcome to The Wood Owl, a hidden gem nestled at 1380 Danforth Ave, Toronto. This cozy restaurant may not have gone viral just yet, but its unique charm and exceptional culinary offerings deserve your attention. With a rustic, 70s-inspired decor, the atmosphere is both relaxed and inviting, making it the ideal setting for a memorable dining experience.
The menu at The Wood Owl is a feast for the senses, featuring a well-balanced selection of both small and large plates that change seasonally. As one customer, Jordana R, aptly noted, the offerings make choosing much more enjoyable than difficult. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that every bite is an explosion of flavor.
Take the seared branzino, for instance. It rests elegantly over harissa and tomato-braised chickpeas, complemented by shaved fennel and saffron aioli. This dish has been described as perfectly cooked, with a rich flavor profile that delights the palate. For vegetable lovers, the crispy brussels sprouts are a standout, enhanced by whipped silken tofu and smoked shiitake mushrooms—an umami dream that makes for an unforgettable taste sensation.
The carnivores, however, will not be disappointed. The braised beef cheeks are celebrated for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, drizzled with a savory peppercorn sauce that adds depth to every bite. As another patron, Mary Hart, expressed on her birthday visit, the flavorful dishes turn every meal into a celebration, proving that The Wood Owl's kitchen is where culinary dreams come alive.
But it’s not just about the food; the experience at The Wood Owl includes an impressive selection of wines that pair beautifully with the dishes. As Belakresno Sudiyono remarked, the quality of the offerings—from tuna to pistachio cake—is nothing short of delightful. And let’s not forget the warm and knowledgeable staff, who contribute to a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
For those seeking a unique dining experience that balances innovative cuisine with a welcoming ambiance, The Wood Owl is a must-visit. Whether you’re indulging in shareable plates or enjoying a solitary meal, you’ll find that this Toronto spot not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. Join the growing community of patrons who can’t stop raving about their experiences, and perhaps you too will leave with a desire to return.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ The Wood Owl is a cozy spot that, for some inexplicable reason, hasn’t gone viral on social media (yet). The atmosphere is relaxed, with rustic, 70s-inspired retro decor and the seasonally rotating menu offers a well-balanced selection of small and large plates, making ordering decisions difficult in the best way. We started with the seared branzino over harissa and tomato-braised chickpeas, shaved fennel, salsa verde, and saffron aioli. The fish was perfectly cooked, and the chickpeas were packed with flavor. The aioli felt a bit disconnected, but overall, we really enjoyed it. Next came the crispy brussels sprouts with whipped silken tofu, smoked shiitake mushrooms, puffed wild rice furikake, and bonito. This dish fulfilled all my umami dreams—the smoked shiitakes, in particular, added a depth of flavour that truly blew me away. Our final dish, braised beef cheeks with yellowfoot mushrooms, sunchoke soubise, peppercorn sauce, and crispy sunchoke chips, was sublime. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich, and so delicious that ‘orgasmic’ wouldn’t be an overstatement. If it were socially acceptable, I might have licked the plate. From the atmosphere to the friendly service and beautifully executed menu, The Wood Owl offers an exceptional dining experience. I’ll definitely be back! ”
“ We cleaned up the plate and the sauce on it w bread. Not kidding. Tuna: perfect. Pork chop: yummy. Steak and enoki: perfect. Pistachio cake, yum. Orange wine, white, and red selection was nice. I liked the band posters and their thick toilet paper in the bathroom. ”
“ Very enjoyable dinner. The place was busy but not chaotic, we really enjoyed the chill vibe. Food and drinks were on point. The tuna appetizer was our favorite. Trout dip was great, and the chocolate cake was just wow. I'll be back! ”
“ It was my second time at the wood owl, all I can say is, purely amazing! The dishes are so flavourful, an absolute treat to your taste buds. The chicken liver mousse is melt in your mouth with a blast of aromatic flavours. Today was my birthday and I felt the love from the wood owl! So delish! The price is so very reasonable for the amazing food experience. ”
“ One of my favourite places to visit in the city. This warm cozy spot doesn’t accommodate larger groups but it works out since most of their dishes are small Sharable plates. Their wine list is impeccable and the staff are always friendly and very knowledgeable on the menu. Most of their dishes menu items change regularly, but one of my fave dishes that has earned its keep on the menu is the smoked trout dip! ”
“ Very cute Michelin Guide recommended restaurant in the east end. I booked a Saturday night reservation for 3 a month in advance. The portions were surprisingly big and did not cost an arm and a leg. We ordered 3 apps which were not your typical app sizes. We also ordered 4 mains. Everything was very well executed, but my favorite dishes were the beef tartare and the brussel sprouts. The pasta was perfectly cooked and delicious. Had I known the portions were that big, I would have ordered 1 less app. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back. ”
“ Lovely dining experience and I look forward to returning again to try the other dishes! The space was warm and cozy. There were nice wood benches and finishes and tasteful vintage decor. The menu offered a variety of options, including many substantial vegetarian ones. Every bite was flavourful and balanced. The service was attentive and caring. ”
“ Great cozy spot! It’s a busy spot with a good vibe. Delicious and unique dishes. The Brussels sprouts were the best. ”