Maven Toronto

Went for the Hanukkah dinner and everything was incredible. Familiar but elevated and the service was very friendly. They accommodated some dietary restrictions in the group well and with no problems (I gave advance notice). I’ll come back to try the regular menu and for the challah buns and schnitzel, which were both outstanding. A beautiful tribute to bubbies everywhere. Highly recommend!

December 29, 2024 on Google

Small but delicious menu. Very cute and cozy interior, and top notch service (shoutout to Amanda for taking such good care of us). We had the challah rolls, carrots with labneh, schnitzel (!!!!!) and duck "cholent". All delicious across the board but the standouts were the duck and schnitzel, so moist but also nice and crispy.

December 21, 2024 on Google

Grounded in the flavours and spirit of familiar Ashkenazi dishes, executed with confidence and a bit of flair. The menu is well balanced - the fare is rich but not heavy. It also retains a sense of fun and liveliness - I love that each diner gets a small, endlessly refillable side of coleslaw (delicious). The restaurant's design speaks quality, heritage and intention. This is as good as it gets.

December 13, 2024 on Google

Maven serves elevated Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine inspired by the cooking of the owner's grandmother (ie Bubbe). I discovered this restaurant a few weeks ago when I was searching for an elevated version of cholent, the traditional Shabbat stew. Their version, which is served with duck, has a really pleasing creamy texture from the schmaltz. In addition to the cholent, we had the challah with chicken liver mousse, bbq salami, sticky charred carrots, crispy potato, schnitzel, beets, potato salad, spaetzle, and cheesecake for dessert. The photos capture some of it, but to be honest I was enjoying myself so much I forgot to take photos of everything 😅 The cholent was my personal highlight (again, it's why I wanted to visit this restaurant in the first place), but everything was excellent across the board. The chicken liver mousse and the fermented plum sauce on the schnitzel figure prominently in my memory. I also have nothing but praise for the staff, who were pleasant and attentive throughout our meal. Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to the owner, Shauna Godfrey, for choosing to open such an unapologetically Ashkenazi restaurant. In Toronto, your options for Jewish restaurants are generally limited to the old institutions/delis or more modern Israeli-style places. Otherwise, restaurants that are "Jewish inspired" often only have a handful of pertinent items on the menu. For Maven to have an entire menu that reflects Ashkenazi culture, and moreover includes elevated versions of classic dishes, makes the restaurant something special in this city.

December 5, 2024 on Google

Warm wonderland atmosphere, fabulous staff. Incredible food! Visit Maven for a delicious Dinner.

November 24, 2024 on Google

On the third night of this beautiful new restaurant, we found ourselves nothing short of impressed. The servers were friendly, professional and very knowledgable. The schnitzel, wow! The schnitzel must be the best I’ve had. The entire menu was well prepared and thought out, and the cheese cake for dessert was the cherry on top. Would definitely recommend. We look forward to coming back!

November 16, 2024 on Google

A new hot spot for comfort polish/jewish cuisine. The ambience is intimate with moody textures. Limited items on the one page menu but curated to deliver. We had the everything cashews, liver pate, salmon, schnitzel, duck and cheesecake. With recipes that were pasted down generations, expect bold flavours that demand your attention. We will be back to try other items on the menu.

November 15, 2024 on Google

We loved this restaurant. Great fusions of old classics. The coleslaw was one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten in my life. Great service and a welcoming atmosphere. We will be back

November 11, 2024 on Google