Toronto, prepare to indulge in a blend of elegance and relaxation at the brand-new bar and brassiere at Hilton Toronto.
Opened February 29, 2024, Frenchy offers a Parisian flair right in the heart of the city.
Designed by the award-winning DesignAgency in collaboration with Barney River, Frenchy showcases a stylish and sophisticated space. It seamlessly transitions from grand to intimate, with deep banquettes and armchairs perfect for both celebratory gatherings and quiet conversations. The décor, featuring deep burgundy hues, wood, marble, and floral accents, exudes elegance. A stately private dining room houses Frenchy’s extensive wine collection in lacquered wall cabinets, making it an ideal setting for meetings, tastings, and special occasions. As day turns to night, the space is bathed in a gentle glow from soft ambient lighting.
Frenchy combines the energy of a sidewalk café with the sophistication of fine dining. At the heart of the hotel, the chic lobby bar and lounge are centered around a sweeping oval-shaped bar, wrapped in rich, high-gloss red tambour paneling and topped with a sculptural brass gantry. This bar is set to become the epicenter of enjoyment in Toronto, offering a taste of European charm. Frenchy aims to redefine the lobby bar experience, making it the perfect spot for spontaneous meetings and lively conversations. Guests can enjoy meticulously crafted signature cocktails, Champagne, and a variety of European wines, while sampling bar snacks like crispy olives, escargot vol-au-vent, truffle brie gougères, and croque monsieur sliders.
The bar, lounge, and restaurant work together to create a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the world’s best social havens. Frenchy’s menu is unapologetically French, featuring simple yet flavorful dishes expertly prepared by Executive Chef Aaron Chen. “Our goal was to ensure that every dish blends comfort with class, offering a culinary experience that celebrates the essence of French gastronomy with relaxed elegance,” says Chen.
Frenchy serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your morning with a Parisian-inspired breakfast, elevate lunchtime meetings with colleagues or friends with an extensive selection of salads and sandwiches, and indulge in a robust dinner menu featuring French staples.
Begin your evening with oysters, escargots, truffle-baked brie, and foie gras mousse, then savour mains like bouillabaisse, gnocchi Parisienne, and duck confit cassoulet. Frenchy’s signature “Avec Frites” section (also available at lunch) reimagines the classic steak frites to include all your favorites. The menus blend traditional French flavors with unpretentious elegance, promising a delightful culinary experience.
In the Swagger “date night” taste test, one of us had the French Onion Soup ($23), that swirled of flavours of beef broth, red wine, caramelized onion, toasted baguette, and gruyère cheese. “The best,” was the overarching sentiment. The taste testers shared the salmon tartare ($24), exquisitely placed in a bowl. Fresh and smooth, it was a refreshing palette cleanser before getting to the big finish, the main dish of main dishes!
And that was sharing the côte de boeuf for two, with red wine jus, priced at $160 (market price.) It captured our attention and, subsequently, our palate. The sizzling, marbled beef, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, boasts a caramelized crust, while the interior remains succulent and tender. Each slice offers a buttery richness that lingers, underscored by the deep, beefy essence that defines prime rib at its finest.
Accompanying the star of the show is a red wine jus that elevates the dish to new heights. The jus, with its velvety texture and robust flavor, is a masterclass in balance. It marries the deep notes of the wine with the savory drippings from the meat, creating a sauce that enhances without overpowering.
It is, without doubt, a dish that demands to be savoured, shared, and remembered.
Frenchy’s expertly curated cocktail list perfectly complements every dish. The mixologists craft innovative cocktails using premium spirits, handpicked herbs, fresh fruits, and unique infusions. Signature cocktails like the Frenchy 75 (a twist on the French 75 with gin, Champagne, and lemon, infused with red Hibiscus syrup) and the Frou-Frou (an indulgent espresso Martini with a rich pistachio flavor) offer a journey in every sip. Additionally, an extensive selection of European wines, beers, and non-alcoholic alternatives ensures there’s something for everyone.
Weekly programming enhances every dining experience. Enjoy Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with selected cocktails and bar bites at exclusive prices. On Thursdays, immerse yourself in soulful funk and soul music from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday nights feature local DJs from 8:00 PM to midnight, creating the perfect ambiance for a night of camaraderie. Sundays offer a delightful blend of live jazz music and a Parisian brunch from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, fusing leisure with sophistication. Frenchy’s programming celebrates flavours, rhythms, and moments, ensuring every visit is a vibrant culinary journey.
Frenchy is located at 145 Richmond St. W. inside Hilton Toronto and open daily from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM. For more information or reservations, visit the Instagram page here and the website here.
