Review Jazz Bistro Toronto - Toronto

It was our first time visiting the Jazz Bistro, and we had a really great experience! Loved the cozy atmosphere and the food was delicious too. The roasted chicken with gnocchi was so tasty and my husband loved his burger. I requested a cocktail menu and was informed they were in the process of updating it. Quality cocktails would definitely add to the amazing vibe of this place. Rémi Bolduc and the band were fantastic and the sound was perfect! I appreciated that they requested no talking during the performances but unfortunately the two young women sitting beside us talked the entire time. They obviously weren't there for the Jazz, but we did not let that take away from the enjoyment of our evening. After 2 years, it was gift to have an evening of live music at The Jazz Bistro!🎶

Saw Wild Blue Herons live here, they were incredible! Beautiful venue, great food and service. About $30-40 for main course, wine starting at about $50 a bottle. Menu is small but we'll executed. Acoustics are great, seating done well so everyone can see and hear properly (not a given in a music club, sadly). Staff are very lovely.

The Jazz bistro is a fantastic place for jazz lovers and a hidden gem in Toronto's busy entertainment vibe. They perform both on main level and 3rd floor and have a nice semi open patio upstairs. Going back there after 4 years, the quality of service and food is still outstanding. The performance of the band (Club 350), jamming was astonishing.

Sooo we went to the Jazz Bistro to celebrate my mothers birthday. The service was impeccable our host for the evening Veronica was amazing and helpful made everything super easy. I just have a couple little issues, the food was good but for the amount you pay not worth it. $20 for 2 pieces of braised beef, 41.99 for rack of lamb that came with 3 pieces not 4 also should have came with somthing like wild rice or something I get the dishes were to be upscale but they should also be filling. We had to pay for bread which is normally free everywhere else. We also paid the entertainment fee which was well worth it, however we we decided to move upstairs for the late night session we were going to be charged again for an entertainment fee. I feel as if we paid once we should have to pay again especially if we will be buying drinks etc... However all in all we enjoyed ourselves the taste of the food was great and again service was amazing.

Come here for the stellar live music, but definitely not the food/service! Honestly, it’s the only thing saving this from a 1 star review. The menu items are severely overpriced, which would be acceptable if there was not already a $20 cover fee. Ordered a “charcuterie board” for over $25, and say in quotations because there was not a single piece of cheese. Just a few pieces of subpar cured cuts, a mini cooked sausage (?) and 2 squirts of mustard. The bread came with a *choice* of olive oil or butter. Next time I’d go with olive oil as the latter was a tiny rock hard pebble of butter. All the food felt like it came from a quick trip to No Frills, minus the price. The service wasn’t a saving grace. I’m usually understandable with inexperienced servers since the pandemic labour shortage, and although our server was new and inattentive, he was still pleasant. The hostess however was very rude to me and my partner, and made us uncomfortable being there. It’s a shame because I did really enjoy experience minus what’s said above, and there are not many small venues like this in the core. On the fence if a return trip is worth it’s faults.

Ok ok…. Before I get to deep into it, I must say that I love the vibe of the place and I’m all for supporting artists and the jazz bistro is one of my fav places for live music and a night out. That being said. The food isn’t great. The cheese plate for $27 contains a minuscule amount of meh cheese and 6 pieces of walnuts. It’s a bit heavy, that you’re willing to put down to support the joint and the musicians. The “steak” on the other hand was really bad. It was a stewing beef quality piece of beef that had zero zing, with the saltiest fries that will give your kidneys a workout. Desserts on the other hand are heavenly, so are the bar’s cocktail offerings.

Service wasn't great. Sound wasn't great (vocals were way too low). Tip option was on top of cover and they didn't warn me. Maybe that's my bad, but I hate giving an extra tip for bad service. I had to wave down the server to get served at all. It may have been a slow night, but staff started cleaning while the performance was still going. Kitchen staff was playing loud music during the performance that you could hear every time the door opened (which was often since people were coming in and out while cleaning). I get it, everyone wants to get home, especially on a slow night, but in my opinion it was so disrespectful to the performers who were great. I would not come back here unless I specifically wanted to see whoever was performing. 3 stars are for the look and feel of the place. It has a ton of potential, just get some more respectful staff or better supervision.

Very cool place right next to the theatre. Definite dinner / theatre / drinks place with great music. Great menu. Lovely staff. Loved it. (This was a "theatre family night"... next visit will have to be just the grown-up kids...)

We had no reservations. The manager very kindly gave us a small table by the window. The wait staff was amazing and our food even more so. We went there because we were seeing Bat out of Hell at the Mirvish Theater. We would highly recommend

Appalling! Our visit was terrible! The Jazz Bistro missed badly on so many levels: 1. didn't honour reservation request --> when we reserved, a week in advance, we asked for a table on the main floor, near the piano --> we were seated on the second floor, since they'd otherwise "need to split a table for four" --> they continued to seat other couples on the main floor, after refusing us 2. the absolute worst service I've ever received anywhere! --> 20 minutes to get a menu --> 45 minutes for our appetizer --> the wine arrived after we'd finished the appetizer --> paying the bill took ages; and we could see a line of angry people standing by the bar with the same problem: trying to pay their bill 3. no respect whatsoever for the music --> the din was so loud, the two of us couldn't hear one another, let alone the music 4. my meal was not cooked --> the duck arrived raw and had to be sent back Having been a fan of Top of the Senator, I was excited to try out The Jazz Bistro on this visit to Toronto. But I'm cured of that now.

The venue is classy and intimate. If you want to be immersed in music, and feel like the musicians are playing just for you...this is a great spot. I don't think there is a bad seat in the place, at least on the first floor. I didn't go upstairs. The service was a bit slow, but it was packed that night and the kitchen was slammed, I am sure. The servers were spot on. The only complaint I have is that the chicken was very dry and difficult to cut. My meal was the only downfall. I'd like to come back, and give it another chance, but I don't get to Toronto that often. However ...I'd definitely come back to see AJ Bridel, should she be performing there again!

The waiter apologized about being short staffed & yet we were not feeling neglected in anyway but you could see he was moving really fast running up & down to the kitchen with absolute professionalism. The food & service was excellent. The piano music while dining was an added plus.

Whether a group or a few this place offers a great menu and of course great jazz. Great place to chill

Great ambiance, good food. I had the duck salad which was phenomenal. The jazz was fantastic. The reason for going !!! Not a great wine list ;( overall �

The atmosphere, the music, and the decor were absolutely mesmerizing. We even got to dance a little bit while watching the band play. As for the food, we tried most of the appetizers and a couple of the mains. Everything was good with some dishes that stood out amongst the rest. I highly suggest the curried prawns appetizer and the veal chop dijonaise main. The service was phenomenal. Our main server (I, unfortunately, forget her name but she's Australian) was very attentive and very friendly. Everything was done without needing to be asked for. We even got to chat a little at the end of the night. She is easily one of my favourite servers in recent memory. Thank you for an amazing evening. I can't wait to be back!

It was my first experience in a Jazz and food environment, and I must say I absolutely loved it. The band playing was in the middle of a freestyle set when I walked in, and it sounded beautiful. Also the mushroom ravioli was the best I'd ever tasted. It was late and I'd just seen The Bodyguard at the Ed Mirvish, and it was perfect to zip across the street and enjoy more music, a lively crowd, friendly service, and a stunning performance. Thank you Jazz Bistro. WILL BE BACK.

I love the food and enjoyed the band on my first visit and I will be coming back soon. I recommend coming to bistro and enjoying the atmosphere like my wife and I did.

Fantastic place to hear live Jazz music and grab a bite. The personalized connect you get with the singers is amazing

I had an absolutely beautiful night! Thank you very much to Jazz Bistro's fantastic staff! The service was just beyond my expectations! Had the best meal ever! And of course enjoyed the beautiful performances of talented Tia Brazda and her amazing band, and Denielle Bassels! Thank you!

Staff were great. Sound guy, Adam, was a delight to work with, audience was great. The place looked great. All around positive experience.

I loved it! Lovely ambiance, delicious food, friendly service. It's not a "cheap night out" but I felt the price was worth the overall experience we had. It's not easy for servers to be so attentive and helpful while still letting patrons enjoy a show and I think they did a very good job.

Loved this place. I was visiting from Vancouver and was delighted to find this jazz bar, especially when I found out they were featuring a Moe Koffman evening. Beautiful setting for fabulous music. Wish we had something this classy in Vancouver.

The place to go! The music is great and enjoyed the food as well. My new "go to" place to unwind.

Was horrible. Husband called weeks in advance for reservation and let them know it was a special birthday. They “made note of it and would have a special dessert” etc. Got there and had to wait 20 min for drink order, 35 min for drinks and it went downhill from there. Ate food and they gave us the bill - which we amazingly got super fast lol Will NEVER go back. Place has gone downhill.

So disappointed with Jazz Bistro ... several people waited in a line out the door to be seated for an extremely long time because the host was on the phone ... they no longer serve the wonderful breads they used to ... and they served my Caesar salad in a warm (right out of the dishwasher) bowl ... twice!! I used to love this place. � Bartender behind bar was great!

Overall not bad. However, when we called to reserve, we were told the band would be on at 8 and we should come at 7:30 To order dinner. We arrived at 7:15 and were finished our cocktails, dinner and a bottle of wine before the band finally went on at 9:10. They played for 40 minutes and then took a 45 minute break before the 2nd set. Finally, the prosciutto wrapped lamb tastes like neither prosciutto nor lamb.

Our meal was exquisite, atmosphere was great! The performance top notch!! We loved every minute of our time here and look forward to coming back!

Great music, great food, and incredibly friendly staff! I LOVE the Jazz Bistro!

The Best Dark and Stormy cocktail. Gnocchi perfectly cushiony. Half chicken soooooooo moist. Perfect place to dine and listen to Jazz music pre theatre at Mirvish.

This was my first visit to Toronto and it was a baptism of glorious food and music! Warm and cozy ambiance with excellent service! I will return!

We had a wonderful meal and listened to an amazing pianist before seeing a show. If you have the chance to visit Jazz Bistro DO IT!!!

Amazing music, awesome service, beautiful food and great atmosphere. Loved every minute of my Jazz Bistro experience! �

Gone downhill lately. Is there new management either front of house or in the kitchen??

Wonderful staff, wonderful food and wonderful music!! We will be going back!

Brilliant music venue! Staff is very sensitive to the need for focus on the music and the food is truly great!

Great venue. Great ambience. Great music. Really good food and wine. Friendly and knowledgeable service.

Lovely place, awesome food and excellent service. It was an exciting concert, Roberto Occhipinti'a all stars quintet!!!

First class shows, great service, wonderful ambiance; menu could have more selections.

Gorgeous venue with fantastic sound and wonderful staff!

Been many times. Excellent restaurant and BETTER TALENT. Genevieve Marentette and Robert Scott on piano were fabulous!!! What talent. Please don't miss their show. They are at The Jazz Bistro on Tuesdays right now!! Show starts at 8:30. Order the mushroom ravioli. Mmm

One of the best jazz clubs anywhere. Bonus: the food rocks.

Great little bistro! Food was excellent would definitely go back.

My friend and I were thrilled with the exemplary service; relaxing and inviting ambiance and finely prepared food - delicious! We attended Marilyn Lighstone and David Warrack's show and were delighted with the whole experience. I want to return for brunch, soon!

The food, music and ambiance are fantastic! Highly recommended for a great evening of Jazz.

Right located in front of dundas square, this place remind Jazz places of Chicago. Live bands have a good stage in the middle . Almost any table on 1st or 2nd floor is near the band. Recommend.

We enjoyed the performance at this place last night. The band was super loud but the hostess kept telling people to be quiet... apparently the place was fully booked, but we were told on the phone that you can't make reservations.<br/>It was amazing that nothing was offered on the side to a total of 12 drinks. Not even beer nuts.<br/>Expensive for what they are offering.<br/>

Terrible. Will not return. Decided to come to this restaurant for a birthday dinner and was very disappointed with the staff, service, and food. The hostess was EXTREMELY rude to me and my guests. We called to make a reservation and had to wait 30 minutes past our original time slot. She said she has space for only two of us to sit at the bar and the others could wait outside. We finally got a table and it took forever to place an order, get cutlery, and get our drinks. Appetizers were mediocre. It then took another 40 minutes to get our entrees after watching all the tables beside ours get theirs far before ours. 2 dishes came out first and the other 2 came out five minutes later. Needless to say, our food got cold waiting. The food was missing garnish and ingredients listed on the menu. I asked for the missing sauce and the waiter replied with "what do you want with it?" Hello? The sauce that it said it came with on the menu! Furthermore, the food was bland and boring. Not worth the price. <br/>Before the band started, the hostess took the mic and was like "Hello, can everyone stop talking? Hello? Please pay attention to the musicians and not talk" RUDE! This is NOT how you address your guests!<br/>AWFUL experience. Will NOT return to this restaurant again.

This was my first time dining at Jazz Bistro. My companion and I had theatre tickets for a show at the Mirvish Theatre.<br/>It seemed convenient to dine at Jazz Bistro because of the close proximity to the theatre.<br/><br/>Little did I know, Jazz Bistro would steal the show. I started off with a classic martini, it tasted so good, I had another. The food was also I very good. I had the vegetarian tomato soup and the spinach gnocchi. We chose a bottle of the Ironstone Cabernet and we both enjoyed the wine.<br/><br/>A piano player played live jazz music in the background making this dining experience quite memorable. It cost about 200 bucks for the two of us which is not extreme but not cheap either.<br/><br/>In any case, I will definitely return to Jazz Bistro in the near future.

We stopped here for dinner after shopping at the Eaton Center. We both enjoy jazz and thought this would be a cool place to check out. The atmosphere is definitely very cool. Unfortunately we were too early to catch the actual live show that night but there was some live piano music going on while we ate, which was nice.<br/><br/>We both agreed that the food was really good but they don't bring it up to that next level. I tried the dinosaur kale salad (really nice with a lemony dressing) and butternut squash risotto (the wild mushrooms were tasty). Mr. Crayon tried the caesar salad and bistro burger. All the food was good, nothing wrong with anything, we just agreed it's not the kind of place you go to for incredible food. It's more about the atmosphere. <br/><br/>The service was okay. Our water and wine glasses were always full during our meal. It did taper off a little at the end while we were waiting for the bill. And unfortunately we were seated directly beside the server station where all the servers were inputting their orders and huddling around chatting to each other. That really took away from the romance of the atmosphere. Since there was almost always at least one person hovering around there, we couldn't really talk about anything private or personal. <br/><br/>Over all, based on this one experience, I would say this place is cool and I would go back to watch some live jazz and drink wine, but I can't give as high of a rating as I would like because our visit could have been a little better.

Poor management. The management failed to deal with obnoxious couple who were seated beside us just before the band started. The fellow abandoned his chair to squeeze in across the table between his girl friend and my wife, crowding my wife and sitting in our space. This guy spoiled our evening which has been wonderful until Mr. Rude entered the picture. We complained to management. They did nothing to remedy the situation. We left. Will not be back. What happened to civility?

Need a chef. Great staff, beautiful restaurant, all 3 floors. Menu is intriguing, but food is tasteless.

Excellent food! Great value and delicate presentation. Servers are excellent and love their job. Menu has plenty of options. Ambiance was enjoyable, was able to see love music. They do free coat and bag check. Only complaint is table for 2 is quite small.

Food was stellar. Not cheap, but very good. Too bad we couldn't stay for the music!

We will definitely be paying another visit to the Jazz Bistro in the near future, it’s the perfect new patio spot in Toronto and sure to become a big hit! Will you be checking out the Jazz Cellar? Let us know in the comments!

Located at 251 Victoria Street, Jazz Bistro is in the building that once housed the legendary Top O’ The Senator jazz club. Jazz Bistro opened last March and is one of Toronto’s hotspot for live music and dining. Kicking off this summer with the introduction of their new rooftop patio The Jazz Cellar , they have also introduced a new dinner and cocktail menu along with DJ nights and Cabaret. Once entering The Jazz Cellar you are instantly welcomed into a warm and creative space to chill and enjoy the best of summer. Executive Chef Brad Macdonald , has created a new summer menu for lunch, brunch and dinner to compliment the creative talent of the performances and the sophistication of the venue. We had the opportunity to check out a few new items on his menu, including the Lobster Tacos , with black bean spread, avocado and pico di gallo, along with a savory Pulled Pork Sliders  with cabbage and pepper slaw on a house baked kaiser. They were both absolutely

Jazz Bistro ( @JazzBistro_CA ) located at the historical 251 Victoria Street is Toronto’s newest Jazz club. This newly renovated space is a 3 level restaurant featuring performances six days a week while providing event space for some of the world’s best local and international musicians. Luckily enough for me, I was invited to their Official Launch Party last Wednesday.The Launch Party was packed with media outlets occupying 2 floors of the bistro. Their open concept design ensures guests on the second floor balcony to be able to have a perfect view of the stage. The stage features the only  Steinway Red Pops Special-collection ebony grand piano in Canada. Jazz Bistro offers a great selection of food and cocktails. The night of the launch party we had the opportunity to sample some mini bites which included shrimp caesar shooters, egg mimosa, slices of lamb, smoked salmon & also caviar on blintz (thin pancakes), foie gras and baked brie. Chef Matt Cowan has created a menu specially fo

A boisterous crowd of area locals and out-of-towners fill the city’s newest, lushiest patio in the

The Jazz Bistro seems like a small and unassuming restaurant, located almost directly behind the large and booming Yonge and Dundas Square. Sitting on quieter Victoria Street, this glamorous space serves up live jazz music, great shareable appetizer plates, and a DJ on the weekends.<br/><br/> Jazz Bistro Bar We had the chance to check out the grand opening of their third floor rooftop patio, The Jazz Cellar, and boy does it impress!<br/><br/> Only open since March of 2013 and taking over the Top O’ the Senator Jazz Club, the Jazz Bistro is one of the city’s better venues for live entertainment and great food. It’s quickly becoming a new favourite in the downtown core, especially after the recent unveiling of its summer patio.<br/><br/> Jazz Bistro Patio This outdoor oasis provides the perfect escape from the bustling city, and will feature summer promotions such as $5 drinks everyday between 5-7pm, no cover DJ nights starting at 9pm on Thursday and Friday nights, and Blue Jays games on the big screen TVs on their patio with the chance to win tickets every month! <br/><br/>The new summer menu, created by chef Brad Macdonald, is sure to please even the pickiest eaters: some of the highlights of the new menu include a gigantic nicoise salad with seared fresh yellowfin tuna ($24), spinach and roasted red pepper dip ($12), a pulled pork sandwich ($14), and lobster tacos with a black bean spread ($15).<br/><br/>Alongside a great selection of premium beer and wine, summer cocktails will include a Rhubarb Fizz, Pink Negroni, and a Pimm’s Cup, all for $10.<br/><br/>We will definitely be paying another visit to the Jazz Bistro in the near future, it’s the perfect new patio spot in Toronto and sure to become a big hit! Will you be checking out the Jazz Cellar? Let us know in the comments!

I've been known to make crazy mistakes like show up to a party on the wrong day.  Yesterday, it sort of happened again.Two of my girlfriends and I planned on a Sunday brunch before seeing a 1:30p show at a theatre in downtown Toronto. Being the only one of the three who actually lives in the city, I chose a hot spot (according to on-line reviews) just across the street from the theatre. I'd never been but had always heard about it. I was excited to go.I showed up a bit early at the restaurant. It was a very cool place with a baby grand piano and a small stage, where a beautiful pianist was warming up for what I found out was to be a small jazz performance during Sunday brunch. I thought to myself that I couldn't have picked a cooler place!   I was satisfied with my choice, sat down at a table for 4 and ordered a coffee and enjoyed the mellow tunes from the performer.It wasn't like my 2 girlfriends to be late. But hey, we all have kids and they were coming from out of town, so I sat back, sipped coffee and also did a little people-watching.Then my cell phone rang.Yup. Turns out I was at the wrong restaurant.My girlfriends had been waiting for me for about 10 minutes at the restaurant next door.I ran to the place next door and waded through dozens of people in a line-up that was out the door. I found my two friends at the front of the line and we all looked at each other and said: "Let's get out of here."I brought them over to the place I had ordered my coffee at, which is called The Jazz Bistro.It was one of my better mistakes.Live Jazz, fantastic décor, cool and classy ambience (like Jazz music itself), and delicious brunch? What more can three hungry, theatre-ready gals ask for?The waiter knew. "Mimosa, anyone?"A very smiley and handsome server brought us a bunch appetizer plate of warm, homemade mini-scones and whipped butter. The girls and I sat back, chatted about life and enjoyed what has now become one of my favourite brunch spots in Toronto.At this time of day, the Bistro offers their brunch menu, so naturally, I ordered my favourite brunch plate - Eggs Benedict. I always say that it's the Hollandaise sauce that makes the Benny and well, Jazz Bistro delivered. The sauce was creamy, a perfect yellow and had just the perfect amount of tang and consistency. The cuts of peameal bacon were thick and juicy. I savoured every delicious bite, along with the potato gallette and salad that came with it. It was a very generous portion that held me over until dinnertime later that evening.One of my friends ordered the Baked Omelette (with fine herbs, asperagus and goat cheese). It looked like a gorgeous quiche (see the photo). My other friend ordered the House-cured Peameal bacon and Roasted Chicken on a Kaiser, sans Kaiser. (She saved her daily intake of carbs for the mini-scones) Even without the bun, her brunch looked beautiful and tasty on her plate.I'm so glad that I made the mistake of going to the "wrong" place. I would never have known about The Jazz Bistro otherwise.I want to go back.

The Jazz Bistro patio is a little oasis in a busy part of the city. Steps from Dundas Square, within minutes you could be relaxing here with a drink in your hand after shopping or just hanging out.<br/><br/>The Jazz Bistro serves up dinner as well as brunch. I sampled bites from their shareable plates menu.<br/><br/>The menu includes Lobster Tacos with Black Bean Spread, Pulled Pork Sliders and Spicy Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar Balls.I really like the Moroccan vibe that they have going on with the angular tents above. Each evening they have live music. They even have live music during brunch on Sunday. Check out the music schedule.<br/><br/>I would love to return to have brunch or dinner on this rooftop. Would you?

This summer, Yonge and Dundas’ Jazz Bistro has opened The Jazz Cellar, which, contrary to its name, is actually a luxurious rooftop patio. This spacious and tranquil destination is quickly becoming a hot spot for dinner and drinks - transporting visitors out of the busy downtown core and into a relaxing, vacation-like atmosphere. <br/><br/>While the lower levels of the Jazz Bistro are dimly lit with chic, luscious furniture and live jazz, the rooftop patio presents itself as an outdoor oasis. <br/><br/>With seemingly endless options of cozy patio furniture to recline on, this jungle tree-house like space will definitely appeal to a broad array of groups - from couples looking to cozy up with a bottle of wine to business people hoping to impress big clients.<br/><br/>Speaking of curling up with a bottle of wine, the wine and cocktail menu at the Jazz Cellar offers a wide selection of beverages that will titillate your taste buds. The cocktails we got to sample included.<br/><br/>Toronto Blonde: Apparently made for me- this gin and citrus-based drink was incredibly refreshing! <br/><br/>Winter Revival: This coconut and citrus cocktail was the crowd favorite of the night and tasted like a wonderful mix of coconut cream and key lime pie. Oh yum. <br/><br/>In addition to the full service bar, diners can enjoy summer specific brunch, lunch and dinner menus designed by Executive Chef Brad MacDonald. After glancing at the menu, its safe to say that the atmosphere at Jazz Cellar is only to be matched by the creative and sophisticated culinary experience that diners can expect. Like most Toronto chefs these days, MacDonald’s menu revolves around fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local farmer’s markets and suppliers - exactly the kind of food that pairs perfectly with an ice cold local beer on a sprawling yet cozy rooftop patio. Some of the menu offerings we got to enjoy included: <br/><br/>Pulled Pork Slider Pulled pork with cabbage and pepper slaw on a house baker Kaiser bun: Juicy and tangy on a pillowy soft bun.<br/><br/>Gazpacho With avocado mousse: Chilly and fresh with a kick of peppery heat <br/><br/>While admittedly nibbles were few and far between at this event, enjoying a glass of wine on the gorgeous new patio more than enough. After eyeing the menu greedily, I’ve decided that the lobster tacos with pico de gallo is more than enough reason to pop back over to the Jazz Cellar to spend a bit more time on this grandiose patio to enjoy the rest of summer. <br/><br/>Disclaimer: The preceding event was complimentary, however, as always, all opinions are genuine.