Bernhardt's

Tucked into an Edwardian house on Dovercourt Road, Bernhardt's brings a refined bistro sensibility to Dovercourt Park. The kitchen is run by the team behind Dreyfus, specifically Zach Kolomeir and Carmelina Imola, who have traded the city’s usual high-concept pretension for a focus on rotisserie chicken and seasonal vegetables. It manages to feel like a neighbourhood local while maintaining the technical precision you’d expect from a place with this pedigree, leaning into a vibe that is relaxed rather than stuffy.

Start with the White Rock rotisserie chicken, which comes with house-made gravy, pickles, and your choice of fries or roasted garlic potatoes. The Big Greenie salad is a reliable move if you want something fresh to balance out the richness of the bird. The wine list leans heavily into natural and low-intervention bottles, so don't hesitate to ask the staff for a pairing. Seating is tight inside, so book a table well in advance if you’re planning a weekend dinner. If the weather is actually cooperating, the backyard patio is the best seat in the house.