You can tell what’s important to Chef Patrick Kriss the moment you stroll into One Michelin Star Alo, his contemporary French restaurant poised at the intersection of Toronto's Fashion District and Chinatown.
The flow of the restaurant encourages conviviality from the open kitchen to the buoyant bar; the latter offers a multicourse tasting menu as a more casual riff on the blind tasting experience in the main dining room. After chatting with Chef Kriss to learn more about his favorite eateries around town, this sort of informal blueprint explains itself.
When off-duty, Kriss is likely to be spotted at Bar Ardo for a late-night glass of Crémant or ordering scrambled eggs at ONE restaurant — even during a business lunch. There’s a relaxed air that follows him, and he seems to find the spots to match this aura from first light to his post-shift drink.
For a well-rounded list of food and beverage hotspots around Toronto, check out Chef Kriss’s complete suggestions below.
Who serves your favorite cup of coffee?
The cortado that Sabrina, Alo's AGM, makes me before service every day. It's the perfect balance of coffee, milk, and sugar that makes it exceptional. If Sabrina isn’t available, I'd grab an espresso from Spaccio.
What is your favorite breakfast spot?
Patrician Grill. I usually order scrambled eggs, home fries, and ham, while my son gets pancakes. The vibe is very old-school, and they only take cash.
What is your favorite grab and go?
Chop Hop by Adrian Niman. I always go for the Rasa Salad (base of napa cabbage, kale, mint, parsley, and white quinoa with cherry tomato, red and yellow pepper, cucumber, red grape, jalapeño feta spread, red wine vinaigrette, and crispy harissa chickpeas with crumbled feta for garnish). It is healthy and delicious, with just the right amount of spice and freshness. You'll typically find me picking it up in the middle of the day at work.
Where are you going for a sit-down, business lunch?
ONE. I might just order a coffee or a glass of wine, or sometimes eggs and toast. The service is fantastic, and they know how to read the room, offering just the right amount of attention during important meetings.
Where’s your go-to for date night?
Sotto Sotto, with drinks at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The Royal York Bar is lively and I love a good hotel bar. Sotto Sotto has an old-school charm, making you feel like family and always knowing your preferences.
Where would you take your family?
Hy's Steakhouse. My son and nephew love it. The steaks are consistent and the service is excellent.
Where would we find you post-shift for late night eats?
I don't usually eat late, but if I do, it's usually something simple like oysters with horseradish and lemon, and fries. I like Bar Banane, Bar Ardo, or the Royal York Bar.
Is there a restaurant that doesn't fit on this list you want to share more about?
Bar Ardo for a late-night glass of Crémant. It's my go-to spot to unwind and enjoy a quiet moment.
Address Book:
Terroni Sud Forno Produzione e Spaccio (Spaccio East)
22 Sackville St, Toronto, ON M5A 3E2, Canada
Chop Hop
199 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5L 1L5, Canada
ONE Restaurant at The Hazelton Hotel
116 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C2, Canada
Ristorante Sotto Sotto
120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4, Canada
Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
365 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5H 2V1, Canada
Bar Banane
227A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8, Canada
Bar ARDO
169 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1J4, Canada
Hero image: Jonathan Adediji / Alo Food Group
