AGO Bistro

Duck confit was perfection. Skin’s glaze was juicy and crispy. Came with beets and other vegetables. Nice seating

I am truly saddened that I have to write a not so friendly review of this Bistro situated in one of my favourite galleries.
When I stepped inside, I was greeted by a beautiful and kind girl who, in sync with my wishes, found a table in a gallery overlooking the Bistro's windows.
When a young, ginger-haired server came, satisfaction dissipated quickly. I asked him to tell me more about the Woolwich Goat Cheese and Herb Quiche from their menu, and he responded, "Well, a Quiche is a Quiche.!" His response rubbed me the wrong way because I am a Croat, and my country is not into Quiche "business." But even if I were a Canadian connoisseur of the Quiche, I still deserve a better response. I did not get up and leave because I didn't want to be brushed in the "emotional" colour like women often are. Instead, I ordered the burger (my least favourite dish) and a beer (Mill St. Organic, 341ml). I first got my beer in a glass (containing certainly less than 341 ml of beer). Ten minutes later, the server brought me my burger in a bun on top of burnt, greasy fries. Ugh.
I put aside the top of the bun and discovered burnt bacon topped with cheese on a charred burger, all topped with watercress and lots of mayonnaise. Double ugh.
I was hungry, and since my burger was not cheap ($23 before tax), I ate parts of it.
I was mid-meal when Mr. Ginger, the server, came and asked, "Are you still eating?" Yet again, I did not respond as I would in my country (not holding back the truth). Instead, I minced a dry yes.
It seemed I was too slow for this server—he wanted me gone. I finished my meal with a stomach tied in a knot from humiliation and suppressed anger. Somehow, this experience stained my joy of visiting AGO today. And this is not easy to do since I have been AGO's faithful visitor and member from day one.

We were there for the Foodways Chef Series, nice presentation and exploration of a young chef with the Keith Herring exhibit. Great idea! I hope the Ago will continue to do this!

A lovey restaurant right in the AGO. We enjoyed their prix fixe holiday season menu. Among our group we had steak frites and salmon nicoise, along with starters and dessert. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. Our server was friendly and attentive.

What an awesome find! We enjoyed our lunch here. Service was great; Peter was very helpful and attentive. The kids enjoyed their yummy meals. You can tell that the kitchen staff take pride in the food quality and presentation. We will be back.

This place never disappoints. It's a wonderful place to dine and drink. The atmosphere is comfortable and the food looks like it was put a lot of effort into.

Their prix fix menu is a great deal! Food was fresh and made with local ingredients. The chicken liver pate was generous and their pork belly was cooked to perfection. Service was fast and friendly.

Prefix dinner - simple tasty menu. Love the chicken pate with roasted grapes.

We came here for an office lunch and I would highly recommend it!

The bistro has delicious food (must try their soup) and the service was perfect. Not too formal and not too casual, but friendly and prompt.

Space is a bit loud as the kitchen is open to the dining room.

Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for some food during your trip to AGO. Lots of healthy, earthy, well-crafted dishes, which are appropriately visually pleasing, given their art museum context. The museum closes at 5pm and the restaurant shortly after at 530pm, so it's more of a late lunch / early dinner spot. In addition to a small but well-curated food menu, they also have cocktails, wine, and dessert.

Pictures are of the salmon and the green goddess bowl (vegetarian).

On a recent visit to the AGO, we decided to try Brunch at their Bistro. Wow! Truly a hidden gem in the city. The staff and ambiance were superior and the food was delicious. Fresh, quality ingredients and paired with the best coffee in Toronto, from Pilot Roasters. Highly Recommend!!! Had the yogurt parfait and pancake stack and both were heavenly decadent. They don't skimp on the berries and again I stress, fresh ingredients!!!

One of the nicest spots for food in Toronto. Friendliest service and the tastiest menu items. We take in the latest highlights in the gallery then we're steps away from the dining room and a super meal. Highly recommended.