The One Eighty Restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville

While standing on the spacious sun-soaked patio at The One Eighty I couldn’t help but blurt out, “Spring hath Sprung!” It was 5pm on a Friday, that moment when TGIF reaches its peak, when I found myself shooting a few snaps of Liam with Toronto’s jaw dropping skyline as backdrop.

Located in Toronto’s ritzy Yorkville neighbourhood, The One Eighty sits on the 51st Floor of the Manulife Centre. For years the space was known as Panorama, a popular spot for tourists and local lovers to take in one of the dreamiest views of the city. This spring the space rebranded and relaunched itself, now offering a more chic interior and robust food and beverage menu.

The black and white decked out dining room features a sweeping bar, posh golden chandeliers and ceiling to floor windows offering brilliant views of the city. This central space is flanked by an intimate private dinning room, found tucked behind the bar and lovely lounge, outfitted with cream-noir couch duo and funky side-tables topped with stacks of fashion and design mags.

We celebrate the start of Toronto’s first warm weekend by tucking ourselves into the bar. Serious sippers will be pleased by the drink menu, a colourful collection of local craft beers and international imports, lively wine program and a unique pre-bottled cocktail offering. We sip through a trilogy of the latter, a colourful rainbow featuring cucumber, rosemary and lemon twist adorned cocktails.

We transition to a table on the south side of the room, quickly running our fingers down the menu. Moments later a brass meets glass constructed nouveau dim sum cart parks itself in front of us. Our server walks us through the specials of the day, which cruise from table to table in search of smug mugs. I chirp for the crispy coconut shrimp and beef brisket served stuffed on a chive cheddar biscuit.

A quick glance through the Yorkville restaurants main menu and one can spot a host of trendy dishes: fish tacos, sour cherry adorned chicken and waffles, pea flecked risotto and decadent peanut butter chocolate tart. The stand out dish however is the kitchens signature One Eighty Pizza, a thin and crispy crust topped with tender prosciutto, smoked provolone, nutty pesto and peppery arugula.

Panorama was in need of a facelift. Its new One Eighty makeover offers up a design aesthetic that is now on par with the city’s growing glamorous offerings. It’s also a perfect spot for handsome prince to romance his Rapunzel over thirst quenching sunset this summer. So next time you’re strolling along Bloor Street hark “Rapunzel let down your hair,” and climb your way up to the 51st floor.

The Feast:

Rosemary Bramble

dillons gin, rosemary, ginger, blackberries, lemon, sugar, cassis, soda

Bison

zubrovka vodka, cucumber, lime, basil ginger ale

Citronade

vodka citron, limoncello, lemonade, blue curacao, lemon zest

Dim Sum Cart

coconut shrimp with red curry, beef brisket on chive cheddar biscuit

Halibut Tacos

red slaw, coriander, sriracha sour cream, pico de gallo, lime

Ricotta Caprese Salad