"Velvet drapes frame the entrance, welcoming you in style, while dark hardwood floors contrast the bright floral wall paintings. A variety of sweet aromas fill the room. Chef JC Dupoire can't help but smile as he occasionally glances into the warm, intimate dining room from his open concept kitchen; he knows he's got your French-inspired imagination going wild already. But at Loire, the food is what truly steals the show.
After all, what's a French meal without the use of the local ingredients, ultimate freshness and dazzling the palate?
Aptly labeled as presenting a "casual gourmet" menu, Loire strongly emphasizes the use of local ingredients to create unique twists of French classics. Pretentiousness is nowhere to be found as Dupoire maintains and even exceeds the level of style, quality and overall experience typically found in the old country.
Naturally, our meal begins with a Selection of Charcuterie ($16) and features fresh Markus' Farm Summer Sausage, delectable Chicken Liver Parfait, delicious Maple glazed Pork Belly and a home-made Canadian Whiskey Mustard that was spread and devoured within seconds." - Dine.to
"The atmosphere was great, the food was great, the sommelier was amazing. He recommended a chinon which is now my favorite wine.
Save room for the cheese plate, it was one of the best I've ever had." - Yelp.ca
"We celebrated an anniversary at Loire and the manager/ waiter went out of his way to make the night very special. We shared an appetizer and each had a main, which were superb, every last bite. The wine was incredible as it was one of the last left of an exquisite batch, and they may even hold on to the last few for us if we return! I will definitely be back, not only because of the fond memory of the evening, but the service was great not to mention the food. If you can afford to splurge every now and then, make Loire one to try." - Yelp.ca
"Over the last few years, the number of restaurants adhering loosely to the model of simple, affordable fare served in an attractive yet informal setting has grown exponentially in this city. Joining the fray in 2009 was Loire, a self-described “casual gourmet” spot well situated along increasingly foodie-friendly Harbord Street. With fresh, seasonal dishes that could include chili- and cornmeal-crusted Lake Erie whitefish, grilled New York striploin and a succulent beef or lamb burger on challah bread, the intimate restaurant effortlessly straddles the line between relaxed neighbourhood fave and boldface fine-dining destination. No surprise, considering the pedigree of its owners: chef Jean-Charles Dupoire previously toiled for the Fairmont Royal York’s Epic, while sommelier Sylvain Brissonnet spent more than a decade at revered Langdon Hall." - Where.ca
"Had a terrific dinner last night. The mussels were exquisite, the trout was wonderfully cooked and the chocolate-peanut butter mouse was spectacular. An amazing wine selection thank you Sylvain for your gracious hospitality!" - Urbanspoon.com
"French cuisine takes a modern Toronto turn in chef Jean-Charles Dupoire’s hands. His co-owner, veteran sommelier Sylvain Brissonnet, runs the coolly serene little room. Unpretentious but classy and good value, it’s a fine addition to Harbord Street’s burgeoning restaurant strip." –TorontoLife.com