Alo Restaurant: A Culinary Journey Above Toronto

Alo Restaurant, established in July 2015, is a contemporary French fine-dining destination located atop a Victorian building at 163 Spadina Avenue in downtown Toronto. The restaurant, owned and helmed by Chef Patrick Kriss, offers an immersive culinary experience that blends artistry, precision, and a passion for innovation.

History and Recognition

Chef Patrick Kriss, a Toronto native, honed his craft in internationally renowned kitchens, including Restaurant Daniel in New York City and several Michelin-starred establishments in France. With Alo, he brings a refined yet modern approach to fine dining that has captured the attention of both national and international audiences.

In September 2022, Alo earned its Michelin star during the launch of Toronto’s inaugural Michelin Guide, solidifying its position as one of the city’s premier dining establishments. Alo has also been consistently ranked among Canada’s best restaurants, including securing the No. 3 spot in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2024.

My Experience with Alo

My first visit to Alo was in February 2024, during the depths of winter in Canada. We ordered the multi-course tasting menu, eager to experience one of Toronto’s most acclaimed restaurants. Yet, when people later asked me about it, I realized I couldn’t recall much about the dishes. Perhaps they were decent enough – neither disappointing nor extraordinary – but nothing stood out as particularly memorable. I found myself wondering why. Alo is celebrated as one of the city’s most prestigious dining establishments, with bookings that are notoriously hard to secure. So why didn’t it leave a lasting impression? What happened that day? Was it me? Could external factors – fatigue, the cold, or even my mood – have influenced my judgment?

Determined to give Alo another chance, we returned in November 2024. This time, the experience was drastically different. The tasting menu featured a meticulously crafted 9-course meal that was immersive and engaging. Interestingly, I recalled the first menu feeling slightly more extensive, but this second visit managed to captivate me in a way the first hadn’t. The flavours, presentation, and overall flow of the courses felt more cohesive, leaving a far deeper impression. It was as if I had finally uncovered what makes Alo so highly regarded – a combination of timing, mood, and a restaurant’s ability to evolve and surprise its guests.

I use five key criteria to evaluate Michelin-starred dining experiences: Food Quality and Ingredients, Dish Presentation, Thoughtfulness in Course Order and Transitions, Service, and Ambiance. Based on these, I give Alo an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

You might wonder why I didn’t award a perfect 5/5. The reason lies in my first visit to Alo, which, while not unpleasant, didn’t leave a lasting impression. Of course, this could have been influenced by factors on my end, but that initial experience introduced a bit of hesitation in giving the restaurant a flawless score. That said, 4.5 is still an excellent rating, and I wholeheartedly recommend Alo to anyone looking to indulge in a high-end dining journey that is refined, elegant, and memorable.

Below are my observations based on the five criteria:

1. Food Quality and Ingredients:

Alo set a high standard right from the start with its amuse-bouche: a trio of canapés featuring foie gras, tuna, and mackerel. The foie gras in particular stood out – it was one of the best I’ve ever tasted, rivaling even those from top establishments in France. Throughout the meal, the ingredients were undeniably fresh, and the chefs displayed creativity and precision in crafting each dish. While there was a range in impact – from “more than decent” to “truly excellent” – the overall quality of the food was impressive, and most dishes were a delight to savour.

2. Dish Presentation:

While I’ve encountered more intricate and visually striking plating at other Michelin-starred establishments, the presentation at Alo still lived up to its fine-dining reputation. The dishes were artfully arranged, and though the styling leaned slightly more restrained than flamboyant, it complemented the restaurant’s understated elegance. I had no complaints about how the food was presented – it was clean, polished, and fitting for the occasion.

3. Thoughtfulness in Course Order and Transitions:

Alo excelled in ensuring a seamless flow between courses. Each dish followed logically from the last, creating a sense of progression throughout the meal. The transitions felt smooth, with flavours and textures balanced in a way that made the experience cohesive and satisfying. It’s clear that the kitchen put considerable thought into the order and pairing of the courses, which greatly enhanced the overall dining journey.

4. Service:

The service at Alo was exceptional, defined by thoughtful attention to detail. Small but meaningful gestures, like scraping breadcrumbs off the table, refolding napkins neatly while we were away, and ensuring we were mindful of steps, elevated the experience. The staff were not only professional but also warm and approachable, making it easy to discuss dietary preferences or requests. Their friendliness and attentiveness created a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

5. Ambience:

Alo’s ambiance struck a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. The dining room, perched atop a Victorian building, offered an intimate and elegant space with a view of the open-concept kitchen. The lighting was soft, creating a warm glow that made the room inviting without being too formal. The bar was another highlight, providing a serene escape before or after the meal. The understated decor, combined with the buzz of the chefs and the quiet hum of conversation, created an atmosphere that felt both exclusive and welcoming.

Conclusion

Alo scored high across all five criteria, and while my first visit left room for doubt, my second experience was a revelation. The food quality, seamless flow of courses, and attentive service especially stood out. My final rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars reflects a near-perfect dining experience. I highly recommend Alo for anyone seeking a Michelin-starred culinary journey that delivers creativity, precision, and elegance.

What Are Your Thoughts on Alo?

Have you had the opportunity to dine at Alo? What was your experience like? Did the dishes meet your expectations, or were there elements that stood out – or perhaps fell short? I’d love to hear your perspective! Whether it was your first visit or a return trip, feel free to share your impressions, favourite dishes, or any memorable moments in the comments.