La Banane
A stylish French bistro in Toronto offering inventive cuisine, a vibrant Art Deco ambiance, and an exceptional raw bar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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La Banane
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stylish French bistro in Toronto offering inventive cuisine, a vibrant Art Deco ambiance, and an exceptional raw bar.
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
Explore Unique Cocktails
Try the unique and expertly crafted cocktails recommended by the knowledgeable staff.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elegant Art Deco Ambiance
Chic brass-accented eatery with a lively atmosphere, reminiscent of a stylish New Year's Eve party.
Exceptional Raw Bar
Indulge in a diverse selection of fresh seafood options, including shellfish towers.
French-Inspired Cuisine with Twists
Experience expertly rendered Gallic classics and inventive dishes with unexpected, delightful twists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
Explore Unique Cocktails
Try the unique and expertly crafted cocktails recommended by the knowledgeable staff.
Inform About Dietary Needs
Communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the staff for tailored recommendations.
Consider Tasting Menu
The 'Carte Blanche' tasting menu is highly recommended for a comprehensive culinary experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
Explore Unique Cocktails
Try the unique and expertly crafted cocktails recommended by the knowledgeable staff.
Inform About Dietary Needs
Communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the staff for tailored recommendations.
Consider Tasting Menu
The 'Carte Blanche' tasting menu is highly recommended for a comprehensive culinary experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Banane is celebrated for its exceptional French-inspired cuisine, particularly its raw bar and inventive dishes, all served in a chic and energetic Art Deco setting. Reviewers consistently praise the outstanding service, with specific mention of attentive and knowledgeable staff. While the experience is often described as a culinary masterpiece, some diners note that the pricing can be on the higher side, with additional costs for sides.
"Overview
La Banane is a chic French-inspired restaurant at 227 Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Since opening in 2017 under chef-owner Brandon Olsen, it’s earned a strong reputation for blending classic bistro ambience with modern flair.
Design: Rich brass, leather banquettes, a marble bar, and playful Art Deco-meets-disco details create a fun yet upscale vibe.
Vibe: Energetic, stylish, and filled with funk, Motown, and disco—a perfect “Sex and the City meets Ossington” atmosphere.
What We Ordered: Carte Blanche ($135 per person)
A tasting menu highlighting the best of the kitchen.
Cold – Raw Bar
Shrimp Cocktail: Next-level freshness with a bold, homemade French cocktail sauce. Outstanding.
Hokkaido Scallops: Drizzled in a sauce so good it stops time. Incredibly fresh, perfectly balanced.
Hot – From the Kitchen
Brioche & Butter: Warm, hand-torn, melt-in-your-hands buns—a delightful start.
Roasted Maitake Mushroom: Rich, umami-packed, steak-like texture with a sauce that elevates the dish to memorable heights.
Main Course
Eurobass-En-Croute: Stunning presentation. A salt-baked pastry shell seals in moisture and flavour. Served with:
Ontario Asparagus: With Bayonne ham, hollandaise, pistachio, and mint. Possibly the best asparagus I’ve ever had.
We paused mid-meal—an appreciated break to soak in the atmosphere. Our servers were attentive yet unobtrusive, upbeat and deeply knowledgeable.
Confit Lamb Neck: Braised 36 hours. Fall-apart tender, with spring vegetables and an extraordinary sauce.
Pommes Aligot: Velvety potatoes blended with Gruyère and chives. Rich, glutinous, and absolutely perfect.
Dessert
Carré D’Or with milk ice cream: Simple, elegant, flawless.
The Service
Our server was knowledgeable, warm, and enthusiastic—clearly passionate about the food and guest experience. She recommended the Carte Blanche, checked in regularly but never intruded, and exuded positivity. Service was impeccable from start to finish—professional, polished, and personal.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been immersed in Toronto’s dining scene since the ’80s—before the rise of “foodies” and social media critics. I’ve dined at Alo, Don Alfonso, Scaramouche, Giulietta, Edulis, and countless gems (both upscale and humble). Places like Pho Tien Thanh or Badiali Pizza remind us that excellence doesn’t need pretense.
But La Banane is something else.
This was the best meal I’ve ever had in Toronto. It rivals the food and hospitality we experienced in the Loire Valley. Every course was thoughtful, generous (no tiny ramekins here), and meticulously executed.
I’ve long said nothing in Toronto compares to the culinary excellence of France. I now stand corrected.
La Banane is of that caliber. The detail, the service, the quality—it’s extraordinary. And yes, it offers real value, which feels like a lost art.
Do yourself a favour: don’t take my word for it. Go experience it. You’ll be treating yourself to something truly special."
Peter Nikitopoulos
"I had a great meal at La Banana. The drinks were tasty, and the appetizers were surprising. I didn’t expect the mussels to be served cold, but they tasted good. The beef tartare was a bit on the salty side. The service was nice, though a little slower than expected. My favorite was the scallop. The dry-aged steak was good, but we were already full from the appetizers. Definitely a great experience!"
Calibee L
"Wonderful time at this place that was recommended to us by coworkers in Montréal! Definitely a spot to checkout if you’re visiting Toronto!
We both had the carte blanche menu (equivalent to a tasting menu) which had 5 courses of vegetables, seafood, and meat dishes as well as two non-alcoholic cocktails - the service was exquisite.
Yum!"
Guillaume Desmarais-Gauthier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and tends to fill up quickly. It's advised to book in advance to secure a table.
Popular choices include the raw bar selections, roasted maitake mushroom, eurobass-en-croûte, pommes aligot, and the gâteau à la banane dessert.
Yes, La Banane offers a 'Carte Blanche' tasting menu which is highly recommended by diners for a comprehensive experience.
Yes, if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, inform the staff beforehand. They can provide tailored recommendations and accommodations.
The ambiance is chic and vibrant, featuring brass accents, leather banquettes, and an Art Deco-meets-disco style, creating a lively and stylish atmosphere.
Parking can be challenging as it's limited to street parking or paid lots. Taking an Uber or other ride-sharing service is a convenient option.
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Start your evening here at the elegant bar where a perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail makes for a nice companion. Salt Spring mussels with Normandy cider and crème fraîche are plump and delicious, and the flavorful broth will have you asking for a second brioche to sop up it up. Gâteau à la banane, a sweet cake accompanied by salted caramel ice cream and caramelized bananas, does its name proud.
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Chef Brandon Olsen’s foray into French cuisine reliably delivers both expertly rendered Gallic classics and unexpected twists bound to inspire more than a few toothy grins. Forget the muted image of the stuffy bistro: this one springs to life in green, gold and copper, with the ambiance of a nightly New Year’s Eve dinner party, complete with disco tunes and coupes of boozy cocktails like the bourbon-based Banane Banane, spiked with banana liqueur. Here, you’ll find the city’s finest example of a pâté en croûte, with golden pastry encasing peppery duck-pork stuffing and a cap of wine gelée on top.
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Beyond the yellow door, guests enter a space where the past and future mingle. Hallmarks of classic bistro style — a long marble bar, white linens and crystal stemware — are mixed with contemporary art, bold colour and an eclectic soundtrack of funk, Motown and disco. Chef Brandon Olsen's cuisine features an extensive raw bar and French classics, executed in a modern style.
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Beyond the yellow door, guests enter a space where the past and future mingle. Hallmarks of classic bistro style — a long marble bar, white linens and crystal stemware — are mixed with contemporary art, bold colour and an eclectic soundtrack of funk, Motown and disco. Chef Brandon Olsen’s cuisine features an extensive raw bar and French classics, executed in a modern style.
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Voici un restaurant situé à Toronto qui va particulièrement vous surprendre par son nom: La Banane!. Contrairement à ce que son nom laisse supposer, cette destination gastronomique présente surtout des plats avec des fruits de mer. On vous suggère tout de même d’essayer leur gâteau à la banane et leur daiquiri à la banane pour honorer le nom de ce restaurant!
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La Banane in Toronto is a standout French bistro that captivates diners with its chic and vibrant ambiance. This lively restaurant embraces a retro-inspired decor and atmosphere. With a menu that showcases a creative twist on classic French dishes, such as steak frites and escargots, La Banane offers a unique and flavourful dining experience.
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La Banane knows how to rock the French culinary scene and gives you a new level of appreciation for seafood. Hands down, you’ll definitely want to get your claws into their famous eurobass en croûte (it’s the star of the show!). This extravagant whole fish wrapped in golden puff pastry is almost too gorgeous to eat—almost!
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Chef Brandon Olsen’s fun and delicious French restaurant La Banane has become a beloved part of the Toronto culinary scene. Although the restaurant has yet to establish any delivery or takeout program, there is always Brandon Olsen’s ridiculously good fried chicken. Order Brando’s Fried Chicken here.
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In French, the idiom "avoir la banane” means to sport a happy smile. Every patron leaving this modern bistro is sure to head home with a huge, contented grin. The 80-seat Ossington dining room—done up in marble and gold—features art from Canadian superstars such as Douglas Coupland…
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Foie gras mi-cuit, chilled seafood, and a rib steak (for two) dressed in Bordelaise are on the modern French menu from Chef Brandon Olsen at this Ossington restaurant. Address:227 Ossington Avenue, TorontoPhone: 416-551-6263. Facebook | Instagram
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Whether it’s thanks to its Raw Bar, foie gras, or wagyu steaks, La Banane offers a bold and delicious menu that keeps people hooked. It offers a more contemporary take on French cuisine and it’s worth a try. Where: 227 Ossington Avenue
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They’re known for their extensive raw bar, ideal for seafood lovers, but their menu goes beyond just fresh oysters. La Banane offers inventive takes on French classics, so get ready for a culinary adventure with a Parisian twist.
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Ph: (647) 347-3663 La Banane (24): 227 Ossington Ave, Toronto. Ph: 416-551-6263 Atelier (25): 540 Rochester St, Ottawa. Ph: 613-321-3537 Scaramouche (26): One Benvenuto Place, Toronto.
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