Cluny Bistro

Someone from this business manages this listing.

1,323 reviews

#95 of 9,184 Restaurants in Toronto₹₹ - ₹₹₹, French, European, Vegetarian friendly

+1 416-203-2632+ Add website

Hours

Sun

10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Wed

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Thu

12:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Fri

12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Sat

10:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Ratings and reviews

4.0

1,323 reviews

#95 of 9,184 Restaurants in Toronto

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

French, European, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“... were at the start of dinner service so not the end of the night pot of soup.”

“The tartine was bursting with mushroom and truffle flavour.”

“wine and soup.”

“Pork chop was juicy and the truffle chicken was delicious!”

Location and contact

35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4 Canada

Old Toronto

+1 416-203-2632

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Does this restaurant have private dining rooms?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

Welcome to Cluny Bistro! We're Distillery District's entry into the wonderful world of French inspired food with a modern twist. With a fun, casual atmosphere featuring vibrant music and breathtaking design, we're not your parent's French Bistro! We offer our guests an exciting, non-pretentious menu reflective of France's modern food movement. Chef Christine Mast's menu begs you to share items with the table, allowing you to try the many amazing flavours presented. Cluny's Patisserie will indulge you with our house-made macarons and homemade bread still warm from the oven. We hope you visit Cluny Bistro not only to savour our magnificent food, but also to enjoy the whole dining experience as a vibrant social event. We look forward to serving you soon!

PRICE RANGE

₹621.00 – ₹2,794.00

CUISINES

French, European

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.0

1,323 reviews

Excellent

618

Very good

391

Average

165

Poor

Terrible

Kulbi

Thornhill2585 contributions

Great location, atmosphere & service

Feb 2020 • couples

Presentation of food sometimes outweighs the quality/ taste for value. Menu well organized with clear indication of what is/can be vegetarian, etc. Partner loved the French onion soup. Could they make a vegetarian version with veg/shroom broth? Of course, but they don’t so I had the veloute which was interesting but not hot enough. The $21 scallop app was 2 medium size scallops, the mushroom toast was ok but could have been more, asparagus were too breaded and the coating could’ve been less greasy and more flavourful, fries were good but also not hot enough...and $22 for a glass of Tempranillo a bit steep. The server was friendly & knowledgeable. Distillery District is a great location and the decor and baked bread very nice, though the butter shouldn’t have been so cold it was hard to cut and the chunk flew out into the table.

Written 15 February 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stuart K

Kulbi, it was great welcoming you and your partner in for a meal with us. While we're please your partner loved their meal, it's disappointing to hear your experience was anything less than outstanding. Please know your feedback on our dishes has been heard, and asides from the meal, we're delighted you enjoyed the amazing service we're known for. Hope you give us another opportunity to deliver the exceptional meal you deserve. All the best, Stuart K

Written 17 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NadjV

Toronto122 contributions

Get curious at Cluny!!

Dec 2019 • friends

At first it may look like a super fancy place in the Distillery District neighborhood but please treat yourself because you will not be disappointed! I wandered in with two friends on a weekday during the Christmas market and was immediately pulled in by the quaint and gorgeous interior. The restaurant was filling up quickly and we put our names on the 45 minute waitlist. This was due to the festive season and busy market time. It worked out perfectly because we were able to explore the market during the wait time. We shared the Amberjack Ceviche to start and it was packed with flavour and the serving presentation was beautiful. I ordered the Grilled Vadouvan Chicken with Du Puy lentils, dried apricots, golden raisins, crème fraîche raita, cucumber & herb salad which exceeded my expectations in the portion, presentation, textures and overall taste. My friend ordered the popular Frenchy Burger which looked amazing and on my list for our next visit. We were torn by how to conclude this meal and decided to order two desserts. Another party with a set menu had a creme brulet dessert prepared that was not on the menu but we had to ask after witnessing each server pass by with it in hand continuously. They had no issues preparing one for us and we were ecstatic! The second dessert was a visual experience that featured cotton candy and dollops of Saffron ice cream, mascarpone cream, advocaat spiked anglaise, caramelized walnut crumble. It was luxurious. By the end of the meal we were planning our next visit.

Written 12 January 2020

Stuart K

Nadjvee, it was an absolute pleasure welcoming you and your party in for the outstanding experience you deserve. We appreciate your patience as we prepared your table, and we're pleased you had the opportunity to browse the market. It's wonderful you enjoyed your meal, and we'll be sure to pass along your compliments to our chef. We look forward to welcoming you all back for another lovely meal -- we're confident you'll love our Frenchy Burger! All the best, Stuart K

Written 15 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gerard D

Midland53 contributions

Great French Bistro and Boulangerie

Jan 2020 • family

Great French Bistro and boulangerie in The Dustillery District of Toronto. The meat is excellent and the deserts are just extraordinary.. stop by the boulangerie to buy some excellent bread and pastries before leaving... prices are on the high side

Written 20 January 2020

Stuart K

Gerard, it was an absolute pleasure welcoming you in to our bistro and boulangerie. We're delighted you enjoyed the outstanding flavors and experience we're known for, and you deserve. We would love to welcome you back for another patisserie or lovely meal. All the best, Stuart K

Written 27 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Oliver

1 contribution

Terrible experience

Mar 2020 • none

Had been looking forward to eating at this restaurant. Service was a bit slow and food rather tasteless. That said, two really disappointing things. First, damaged cocktail in a leaking glass. Was obvious when waiter provided although after table got drenched and it was brought politely to the server, the table was dried and another glass provided. More should have been done. Secondly, the kitchen is open and employee wearing purple gloves to prepare food cleaned her ears and did not change gloves. Disgusting. I probably made a mistake. We did not make a scene. Also I did pay and left a fair tip as I did not want to penalize the server. That said, this was shameful. What a horrible experience.

Written 7 March 2020

Stuart K

While it was a pleasure welcoming you in, we are quite disappointed your experience was anything less than outstanding. Firstly, we take great pride in upholding all health and safety standards. If saw something, we would have preferred you to bring it to our attention immediately, so it could have been quickly addressed. We do apologize for the mishap regarding your cocktail glass. While it appears we did our best to handle the situation at the moment, we would like to thank you for taking the time to leaver your feedback. Please know we will be following up with the team regarding what you have shared with us. It is our hope that you consider returning to allow us to demonstrate the high-quality experience we're known for and you deserve. Warmly, Stuart K

Written 12 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

C L

1 contribution

Not great. Mediocre at best

Aug 2021 • family

Good atmosphere but the service was lackluster and the food bland. We went for brunch, food came out cold and the seared tuna on our nicoise was soggy. Bread stale. Hostess seemed new and bery confused, also never checked us in with OpenTable nor confirmed our reservation, so our reservation went flagged as unattended. Location is great though, if you don’t mind overpriced mediocrity and C- service.

Written 22 August 2021

Stuart K

Thank you for taking the time to provide your valued feedback to us. We take great pride in delivering excellent and friendly customer service, so we're quite surprised to hear your experience was anything less than outstanding. We are also sorry to hear you weren’t a fan of our flavours. Please know that we would have been happy to replace anything that wasn't to your liking. Saying that, there is no excuse for the shortcomings you've outlined during your experience and we are sincerely sorry. We kindly ask you to reach out to Casey, our Guest Services Manager, at ctanaka@thedistillery.ca so that we can resolve your no show status and therefore won't affect your future bookings. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and do hope you will give us another chance to show you the 5-star service you expect and most definitely deserve should you choose to visit us again. All the very best, Stuart K.

Written 24 August 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anna N

New York17 contributions

Good bistro vibe, but the food & drink miss the mark

Nov 2021 • none

Enjoyed the location and the ambience, but was underwhelmed by the food and drink. The menu is edited well, but the execution is average and not something one would think to talk about later. The wine menu is Canadian, not French, and reds lack depth. I opted to start with a cocktail, The Princess Peach, simply because the bartender looked to be having a good time making it. It arrived frothy and pink with an enormous méringue floating on top, which was totally unexpected and out of place in a cocktail. Unfortunately, it lacked depth of flavor and weight, such that I wondered if there was any alcohol in it at all. The méringue turned out to be the unexpected highlight; it was bright, light and flavorful. I would have gladly ordered it for dessert after the meal, rather than in my drink. My partner had the duck, ordered medium, but served rare. It was accompanied by a couple stalks of limp broccoli, and it needed to be served with a steak knife which was not to be. My salmon nicoise tartare was very oily, served in chopped little bits scattered across the plate, and covered by a flavorless "tomato cracker," which resembled a deep-fried , red-hued puff, utterly lacking in any flavor. I couldn't understand how it was supposed to compliment the strong flavors on the plate. The service was friendly and fairly attentive, but forgot to have the duck prepared medium. If you love true French bistro food, this might not live up to your expectations. Given the superb quality of the meringue, we would recommend this as a dessert stop.

Written 9 November 2021

Stuart K

Anna, thank you for taking the time to leave your detailed and important feedback. It's disappointing to hear that you weren't just as wow-ed by your dining experience on the whole. We assure you that our Chef and his team put a lot of care and consideration into using the best, freshest ingredients and care deeply about sharing cuisine that is modern and authentic. We would have been happy to replace anything that wasn't to your taste and make personalized recommendations that would have been more to your liking. Regardless, please know that your feedback has been heard in regard to the flavours of your cocktail, madame duck and salmon nicoise tartare. We hope you'll give us another chance to show you the 5-star experience we're capable of and you deserve. All the very best, Stuart K.

Written 17 November 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susie J

Toronto179 contributions

BEAUTIFUL PATIO AND TERRIFIC SERVICE

Sept 2020 • none

We arrived on time and our table on the patio wasn't ready. Seems diners were loving being out and not leaving quick enough. Was offered a table inside but we said we were fine to wait. Hostess kept us up to date on tables and the possibility one would be soon. She said "i really want you to experience the outdoor patio". Super nice. It's COVID and everyone is doing their best. Had a lovely table outside with all the glittery lights..so nice to be out. 3 of us had the french onion soup which was superb and 1 had the bayou balls again superb. We loved the asparagus coated in sesames which is a terrific party idea. My son had the shore fish which is basically like pieces of fish and frites. His friend had the tuna which tasted good but seem to be a bit of a maneuver for a teen to manage. Husband loved his pork belly and I had the special lamb which was lukewarm and they took it back and the hot one really wasn't any tastier. The server noticed that i didn't eat it and offered to take it off the bill but i said i was fine. She took it away and said she really wanted us to love everything. Such nice service. We were actually full so four of us shared the Hazlenut desert. Covid sharing. It was plenty for four. The patio is lovely and they really have a great time working in a difficult environment. My hat is off to them. Thank you for making our Toronto restaurants superb.

Written 19 September 2020

Alex S

Whitby39 contributions

Over priced pretentiousness

Jul 2022 • friends

We went to Cluny’s on a friends insistence. She said it was the only place they treated her like a lady and that the atmosphere and food were fantastic. Boy was she astounded to see that since her last visit Cluny’s has gone downhill like a train wreck. It’s a pretentious bad attempt at French country decor and fare. The decor is pleasing and the outside patio also not bad but not worth the pretentiousness. The food is plain and extremely overpriced. A herbed chicken for $39 my mother can make better and more authentic. Nothing on the dinner menu was less than $30 a plate, except the bread basket that it’s not part of the meal it’s charged at $6 and only brought on request. As we found out when the server took away the bread plates without asking if we wanted any bread with the meal. Then the service OMG what badly trained staff they have. It’s like if the staff they used to have left because they couldn’t pay them and they grabbed the left over servers from a sports bar. All that pretentiousness and staff that don’t know how to treat their patrons. Staff that hurry you and speak to you like a sports barman trying to get rid of you. The man that served us would be better suited as a barman in a pub then the atmosphere Cluny is pretentiously trying to sell. There was only one server that came close to upholding any semblance of professional and good customer service and she was serving the table beside us. Unfortunately not worth the time or many. Maybe if they raise their standards according to what they once tried to be I might try them out again, but for now I prefer taking my patronage where they treat me better and the food is exceptional.

Written 23 July 2022

Stuart K

Alex, we appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback, and are sorry to hear that you did not have the outstanding experience that you deserve. From day one we have prided ourselves in offering exciting, non-pretentious cuisine inspired by France's modern food movement. We make it a priority to offer the diversity of flavours that our guests are hungry for and our chefs are passionate about sharing. To address your feedback regarding service, we take great pride in delivering outstanding, friendly and professional customer service, so we're quite surprised to hear your experience was anything less than that. Regardless, please know your feedback has been heard and we are deeply sorry for this level of service. We hope you consider giving us another chance to demonstrate the amazing experience we're known for and you deserve. All the very best, Stuart K.

Written 9 August 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

James M

1 contribution

“You can wait in the rain” was the response from the host.

Aug 2020 • couples

Let me start by saying I have been a long time Cluny patron. Yesterday we were heading down for dinner (no reso as per the restaurant) and it was raining quite a storm. I called the restaurant when I was in the parking lot and made sure there was a table for 2 available - "yes, we have tables for 2 ready for walk-ins". It literally took us 2 minutes to (we ran in the rain) get from our car to the restaurant and when we arrived, the host informed us they were at capacity and we'd have to wait. Ok, but I just called 2 minutes ago and you said you had tables ... Anyways. I didn't mind waiting as that's how it is during COVID, but what pissed me off was when Miss Karen asked us to stand outside IN THE POURING RAIN and wait for our table. We told her that were not willing to stand in the rain but we would just stand inside the doorway, out of the way of the host stand. Nope. She wanted us outside in the rain. Not impressed Cluny. Not impressed one bit.

Written 22 August 2020

409emilyl

First of all, thank you for your continued patronage — it genuinely means a lot to us. Though, I am very sorry to hear that we were unable to accommodate you. At this time we are offering limited reservations, leaving room for walk-in’s on a first-come-first-served to allow ourselves the flexibility and control to safely manage traffic flow. After checking in with the team, it sounds like during the time of your arrival the dining room was being reworked to move guests inside while ensuring we still had tables available for expected reservations *and* were keeping within government-issued capacity mandates. Because of this, we had made the quick decision to hold on taking any more walk-ins while figuring this out. We sincerely apologize if anything was miscommunicated or guaranteed to you over the phone prior to you joining us. We pride ourselves on saying what we do and doing what we say, so appreciate knowing when miss that mark. Please know that your feedback has been heard, and has already initiated a meaningful discussion. While we make no excuses, we would ask you to understand that this is still new for us. The off and on rain Friday night was a challenge operationally. Adjustments have been made to almost every part of how our business operates. While many of these changes are obvious, there is even more happening 'behind the scenes'. Please trust that every decision we make is being done so with the health, safety and very best interests of our team and guests (including you!) as our highest priority. Again, are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment. But would hope that you will give us another chance to show you the 5-star experience you deserve and we are capable of providing to you. All our best, Stuart K.

Written 28 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

schaefdog

Uxbridge189 contributions

***NO PRETENCE IN THIS FRENCH BISTRO***

Jul 2021 • family

I’ve often passed on dining at French restaurants falsely believing them to be stuffy, and pretentious. I gave Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie a try after hearing some great reviews, and I’m glad I did! First off, their location in the Distillery District is perfect. The cobblestone footpaths evoke a European atmosphere and walking onto the patio space at Cluny was inspiring. (see pic) Our table for 4 was spacious and nicely distanced from other diners. The service staff are welcoming, extremely knowledgeable, and Dylan, our server, was exceptional. He gave us some great suggestions regarding wine, appetizer and entree choices, and took great care of us from start to finish. As for the food…come hungry and don’t miss the opportunity to share some “small plate” offerings like Nicoise Tartare, Raw Oysters, Bayou Bites , Mushroom Tartine, and the the best French Onion Soup on the planet! I had the Pan Seared Halibut (the daily special) and it was prepared perfectly. The generous portion of halibut had a golden brown crust, was moist with a delicate sweet flavour. Accompanied by delicious carrots, peas, and a cherry tomato ragu…it was the envy of our table. We ended the meal with an assortment of Macarons and fresh fruits…a delight! Thanks to Cluny, I’ve changed my mind about French restaurants and will definitely be back to try the Steak Frites….it looks amazing!

Written 20 July 2021

Stuart K

It's wonderful to have your support! Thank you for taking the time to reach out. We're happy to hear that we made some delicious recommendations and provided you with 5-star service! We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to our chef and team regarding the food, especially the fan favourite French Onion Soup! We are very lucky to be in the historic Distillery District, and we hope to welcome you back for another exceptional experience very soon. All the best, Stuart K.

Written 23 July 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Beach_Addict

Grand Cayman337 contributions

Honestly, I really struggled

Mar 2019 • friends

Honestly, I really struggled to find something to order for dinner here. Granted, I’m not generally one for French cuisine but it was in my neighborhood and a last minute decision with a friend. I finally landed on the Omelette (of all things for dinner) but I really didn’t want anything else the menu had to offer. We shared the Steak Tartare to start and that was okay but that’s where it ends. I didn’t even finish the omelette because the taste just didn’t appeal to me. Nothing was memorable about the meal or the service on this occasion I’m afraid. So not a place that I can say I’d be returning to.

Written 12 February 2020

Stuart K

While it was a pleasure welcoming you in, we're disappointed you didn't share in the unique, memorable experience we would have hoped you to have. It is understandable that some of our items aren't going to appeal to everyone, but we do feel as though our Chef and his team work hard to present a menu for many to enjoy. Please know your feedback has been heard, and we would love to invite you back for the memorable, outstanding experience you deserve. We're quite confident we can find something that you would love. All the very best, Stuart K.

Written 17 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ET101

Vancouver183 contributions

Great food and lively ambiance

Aug 2021 • friends

Went there for lunch with friend. Seems like most other customers preferred patio but the indoor dining room was very nice. Food was very delicious, friend ordered the french toast and she the cream was addictive!! I ordered the duck confit. Though portion of the duck was quick small, the dish was cooked well and my friend really loved my fries 😆 I will surely return next time when I visit Toronto

Written 15 August 2021

Stuart K

Eugenia, it was a pleasure welcoming you in for lunch inside our beautiful dining room! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our cuisine so much, especially the French Toast and Duck Confit. We look forward to having you join us again next time you're in Toronto. Until then, Stuart K.

Written 18 August 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Holly V

2 contributions

Cluny going downhill

Sept 2021 • friends

This used to be my birthday restaurant. I used to love this restaurant but now, not sure. Yesterday, my colleague and I had dinner outside at 6.30 pm there and our waiter said that the aioli side sauce doesn’t have any lactose. Aioli is a white creamy sauce. It always has lactose. Ate there last year, and service was better. Last year’s waiter had better food options for a lactose intolerant customer. Yesterday’s 6.30 pm outside waiter doesn’t have a clue. Terrible food choices, over priced drink.

Written 11 September 2021

Stuart K

Holly, thank you for taking the time to reach out. It is disappointing to hear that your experience fell short of the standard you expect and deserve. Please know we take allergies and sensitivities very seriously here at Cluny. In regard to the aioli, it is certainly lactose-free. The main ingredients in our aioli are oil, egg yolk, mustard and garlic, all of which do not contain lactose. The creaminess element comes from the process of emulsification. Saying that, we fully understand that there is no excuse for service that misses the mark, so please know that your feedback has been heard. We would love to welcome you back for another visit and hope you give us the chance to show you the experience you deserve. All the very best, Stuart K.

Written 13 September 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NewInCanada

Toronto93 contributions

New Year’s Eve Dinner

Dec 2019 • family

We were told by a member of staff and found out that this was the wrong choice of restaurant for New Year’s Eve. I think the management were determined not to celebrate the occasion. Very subdued on the night. Beef Tartar: okay Cheese Board: 3 tiny pieces Tenderloin: excellent Monkfish: good Fries: awful, just horrible Roast Potatoes: excellent Ordered soufflé but was told after ten minutes that it would take another 25 minutes because the ovens had been turned off. How bizarre is that? We canceled. Server promised to make it up to us if we ever went back and if he was working and if we were seated at one of his tables. What a joke! Overall a total non-event and thoroughly forgettable. Never going back.

Written 12 January 2020

Stuart K

We're quite disappointed your New Year's Eve experience wasn't as exceptional as you deserve. It is one of our busiest evenings of the year, so we're not sure why you were told otherwise. We are in the business of ensuring our customers receive complete satisfaction, so we hope you brought your concerns about your dishes up to us that evening -- no matter how awkward it may seem. Please know your feedback regarding our service has been heard. We are known to deliver outstanding service to all our guests and it displeases us that you received anything less than spectacular. We would genuinely love to welcome you back for the wonderful evening you should have experienced, but we understand if you choose not to. All the very best, Stuart K

Written 15 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rossana B

2 contributions

Outstanding Meal!!!!!

Jun 2021 • family

We decided to visit the Distillery District. It was our first time eating at The Cluny Bistro. We were so impressed by the restaurant from start to finish. The Hostesses were attentive, friendly and seated us as quickly as possible. Our waiter Ayden was perfect. Friendly, there when we needed him, and gave us space to eat and enjoy. His timing was impeccable for bringing out meals and drinks. The appetizers (oysters, Bayou bites and cheese board) were incredible! My family ordered the flat iron and tenderloin meals. They wiped the plates clean. The steaks were cooked to perfection. I had the salmon pilaf. It reminded me of eating at fine restaurants in Los Angeles and Florida. I had forgotten what it was like to eat a meal prepared by culinary chefs. This meal reminded us of what a meal prepared with love and expertise tastes like. Then we went all out on the desserts. I just have two words: Lavender Macaron. We ordered the Tart au Citron, the Baker’s Sampling and Sorbets and Macarons. Pure heaven for our tastebuds! What a Meal! Thank you to all the staff at the Cluny. We were twice visited by the mangers to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. We have found our new favourite restaurant. From start to finish everything was perfect. We can’t wait to be back! Toutes nos félicitations! Un grand merci à vous tous!

Written 27 June 2021

Stuart K

Rossana, we are absolutely thrilled you had such an incredible experience with us at Cluny! We take great pride in delivering outstanding service, cuisine and atmosphere and are so happy this what you have experienced. It's wonderful to hear every aspect of your meal blew you away, especially the steaks and salmon pilaf. We thank you for your feedback and look forward to welcoming you and your family in again for another magical night. All the best, Stuart K.

Written 30 June 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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