Ortolan

To start this one off, I just have to say that I love this place. Bloordale’s Ortolan is an intimate, minimalist space that serves up delicious Italian food. It was started by a few people who left one of my favourite restaurants, Pizza Libretto, pretty much guaranteeing my ardent love for the new restaurant.

When you’re waiting for your food, you can smell everything in the kitchen. It’s just divine. One of the reasons the smell is so mouth watering is because Ortolan only uses fresh ingredients, which make for some delicious gourmet food. The made-in-house pasta was a real standout, along with the gnocchi and crustini. The menu also changes fairly frequently, so you can always be sure to try something new when you’re there.

The twenty seater restaurant does small and intimate right with a well pulled off minimalist aesthetic. The restaurant is simply decorated and pleasant to be in. The service is also great and even though the cost is moderate, I think you get some good value for your money. The only problem I have with Ortolan is its odd location. There’s nothing else around, so it isn’t a neighbourhood many people are going to casually find themselves in. Basically, if you’re going there, it’s to be at Ortolan.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 5-10 Thursday-Saturday 5-10:30
Reservations: Not required
Meals Served: Dinner, Late Night Dining
Cusine Type: Eclectic / Intl, Italian
Atmosphere: Laid Back
Dress Code: Casual
Good For: Dates, Late Night Dining, Locals, Twentysomethings
Payment Options: Do not accept credit cards