A Toronto steakhouse that’s been closed for nearly a year is finally about to open its doors once again, unleashing a completely reimagined concept upon the city’s culinary scene.
If we’re all being honest with ourselves, Toronto’s not hurting for steakhouses. From old standards like Jacobs & Co., to swanky new spots like Animl and Blue Bovine, there’s no shortage of spots where you can fulfil your most carniverous cravings — but that doesn’t mean it’s not still painful when we lose one.
For the past nine months, Toronto steak lovers have been living with a Harbour Sixty-shaped hole in their hearts, as the South Core steakhouse, which has been a stalwart for the past quarter century, has remained closed amid lengthy renovations.
The wait is finally almost over, though, as Harbour Sixty has finally announced the restaurant will be reopening as of March 1 — but don’t expect the same old steakhouse you once knew.
Under the direction of Toronto-based creative teams Sovereign State and Biography, united as HEAVY, as well as a powerhouse food and beverage team helmed by Executive Chef S0lomon Mason and Beverage Director Steve MacNeil, the restaurant emerges as something entirely new.
In fact, three distinct properties will be emerging from the cocoon, where only one went in.
The dining room at Harbour Sixty.
Joining Harbour Sixty are private event venue Estelle, and Arianna, an “avant-garde” Italian restaurant that will add a unique new angle to the property.
Located on the third floor of the restaurant, Estelle is a sleek, intimate venue that offers private dining at their Cellar room, where you’ll get a first-hand view of the restaurant’s comprehensive wine program, or the Louis XIII room; a formal dining room that’s every bit as regal as the name suggests.
The room at Arianna.
Upstairs, on the fourth floor, Arianna is described as the “crown jewel” of Harbour Sixty, featuring warm, vibrant interiors designed to elevate the already droolworthy dishes on offer.
I mean, fried Italian dough stuffed with ricotta drizzled with burnt honey? Come on.
As for Harbour Sixty itself, which resides on the first and second floors of the property, it, too, is stepping into a new era of luxury that, while maintaining that old, classic steakhouse glamour, feels utterly current.
A private dining room at Estelle.
Since, really, a restaurant that’s nice to look at can only get you so far before the food has to deliver, too, Harbour Sixty has also cultivated what they describe as the “finest meat program in Toronto,” which incoporates a premium selection of beef both from right here in Canada and around the world.
Equally unique is their seafood program, for which the steakhouse has added a dry-aging room (for fish, go figure!).
All of these upgrades result in a miraculous menu featuring the likes of overflowing seafood towers, collossal T-bone steaks, sophisticated steak tartare served alongside staples like mac and cheese, brussels sprouts and oysters.
If you’re looking for a reservation that’ll pack a punch this winter, this is it.
Reservations, starting March 9, for Harbour Sixty and Arianna are open now via OpenTable.
Harbour Sixty is located at 60 Harbour Street. At least it’s easy to remember!
