Heron

This is a solid spot for dinner. Creative menu with interesting takes on various small plates. Nothing blew me or my colleague away but each dish was good aside from the poke cone, which had too much seaweed and not enough tuna or other ingredients. Highlights were the cured Hamachi and Ragu lasagna. Service was very good the whole night.

December 19, 2024 on Google

I stumbled upon HERON on my way to dinner with friends at La Veranda, which is around the corner. I came in early from Hamilton wanted a pre-dinner beer. Assuming it’d be a pub, I saw across the street non-descript storefront revealing a velvety dark restaurant with a couple of very well-dressed bartenders, busy cleaning glasses. This felt like a better vibe than just a bar, so I went in. Man, was I glad that I did! My mood changed from just wanting a beer to a double Scotch on the rocks. With Lagavullin on the shelf, I slowly enjoyed my drink as I was admiring the super hip, dark, moody, sexy interior. HERON wasn’t busy when I went, but the vibe was palpable. The bar staff were the highlight of my visit. If they weren’t cleaning glasses, they were engaging with their guests. Bartenders are some of my favourite people, but sometimes they are just there to schlep out drinks. These guys were “hosts”. Well-dressed, like at a Four Seasons Hotel bar, they were young, fashionable, engaging and anticipated the needs of every patron. I reluctantly left for my dinner party. Once it was done, I went back to HERON, having just missed the next GO train to The Hammer. It was busier, but still such a great vibe! All the guests were also nicely dressed, taking the time out to look amazing. This Tapas place definitely has a “vibe” One glass of red wine turned into two, not to mention someone kept giving me shots of something called Green Tea. Damn Good! Not even hungry, I ordered a half dozen Oysters. I love Oysters, but they all came in different shapes and sizes. These were nice and plump. Delicious!! I may have had one more wine before I decided to just Uber back to Hamilton. What a night to remember and so thankful for the great experience from Mike and….Jake?!? I can’t remember the other guy’s name, but he was British (this was on Dec 7th, 2024). Now, I need to find an excuse to go there from Hamilton, again. I definite go-to if you like style, great service, sexy ambiance, amazing drinks and phenomenal staff.

December 9, 2024 on Google

This restaurant is new and has flown under the radar, so I was blown away because the quality and presentation of the food from the tasting menu reminded me of Alo and other polished Michelin-rated restaurants but for a fraction of the price. However, by saying that, I don’t want you to think that the chef and the kitchen is trying to imitate Alo – that would be a disservice to the feats at Heron. The chef at Heron has a clear and different vision of his own, and it’s very fun and delightful to see and eat. Pop rocks as a finishing touch for a dessert? Chocolate with steak tartare? Sounds it’s, but Chef makes it work so, so well. Service was also treat – Peter was friendly and attentive without being obtrusive. I can’t wait to go back for my next special occasion!

September 18, 2024 on Google

Overpriced for what you get. Cocktails are okay. Food needs improvement. All dishes were served warm; nothing was hot/felt very fresh. Food didn’t quite hit the mark. Do not compare this restaurant to the options available in downtown Toronto. Would not go again. Staff are friendly and decor is trendy. The table ordered the lobster potstickers (starchy and nothing special), foie gras (deep fried, peanut butter flavour was overpowering), bone marrow beignets (served room temp, starchy, deep fried of course), Bison (served room temp, deep fried too).

August 25, 2024 on Google

Beautiful art deco interior and amazing vibes. At first glance this place seems like a cocktail with a small food menu, but the dishes pack a big punch. On top of that there is also a tasting menu with totally separate dishes The cocktails here are top notch and goes down easy - so well made you won’t notice the alcohol until it hits you! The espresso martini with the parmigiana reggiano whipped cream is dope!

July 26, 2024 on Google

A step up in the neighborhood, not inexpensive, but downtown excellent without the traffic. The butter poached lobster is obscenely great. Indulge yourself!!! We returned for the Tasting Menu. Oohhh so good. This is the best restaurant within miles of the Kingway

July 26, 2024 on Google

From the owners of Bramble and a few other Kingsway restaurants comes Heron. Went on their +/- 10th day of operations. Got the coveted table for 4 by the window. Tasting menu and wine pairing was very good for their premiere tasting - we were the first ones ever to do the tasting menu. Impressed with their Sommelier. Loved the ‘caviar bump’ where they put some caviar on your fist and you bump in into your mouth - unexpected and classy. Don’t know if I loved the rootbeer pork belly or the black cod more, both so delicious. The dessert was very impressive - a s’more served by pouring absinthe and lighting it on fire to toast the marshmallow. It’s a small venue, mostly tables for 2 so make sure you have a reservation for 4+! Welcome to The Kingsway, Heron! We’ll be back.

May 18, 2024 on Google

Amazing atmosphere, delicious food and drinks and wonderful staff! I've walked by Heron a few times, and the beautiful art deco decor had always piqued my interest. It was a pleasant surprise when I passed by last night and saw that it was finally open, so I just had to go in! The staff was amazing, friendly, and very attentive. The cocktail menu had some classics, along with their own concotions. I ordered a Manhattan, and it was perfect! Every drink came out more beautiful and dangerously more delicious than the last. The bartender must be a wizard because my drinks didn't taste like alcohol, but I could definitely feel it. There were a lot of intriguing items on the menu like Uni Carbonara, but I had the Poached Lobster with uni sauce, which had my taste buds dancing with joy. The Tuna Tataki was delicious, and the slices were big, almost like a steak. I've also never seen it so beautifully presented before! I've only tried rabbit in a stew, so I had the Rabbit, which was prepared 3 ways, and it was very good. Just keep in mind that these plates are small and for sharing, so you'll have to order a few if you're hungry. Lastly, I had a delicious chocolate dessert that was so delectable, I wish I had ordered another before the kitchen closed. I'll definitely be back to try everything else! I highly recommend everything that I've tried so far, but go quickly if you want to try them before they switch up the menu!

May 10, 2024 on Google