Cafe Nicole

What is Cafe Nicole? Set inside the Novotel Toronto Centre at 45 The Esplanade, Café Nicole Bistro + Bar serves as an all-day dining anchor in the St. Lawrence Market district. The polished interior pairs contemporary mood lighting and plush banquettes with a central cocktail bar and an expansive seasonal patio fronting The Esplanade. Operating from early morning until late evening, the space moves effortlessly between corporate breakfast room, theatre-district dining room, and casual neighbourhood watering hole.

Cafe Nicole Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out approachable bistro classics and elevated pub fare alongside an extensive drinks program. Standout starters include the butter chicken flatbread and flash-fried lemon pepper calamari with chipotle aioli, both ideal alongside a draft lager or a Twilight Spritz. Heartier appetites should hone in on the dry-aged smash burger or the crisp beer-battered haddock with house tartar, while lighter and vegetarian cravings are well served by the roasted golden beet salad and Mediterranean kale bowl.

Know Before You Go Tables can be booked in advance on OpenTable, but walk-in seating along the bar and outdoor patio is generally easy to come by before peak showtimes at neighbouring Meridian Hall. The daily happy hour running from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. is one of the better value propositions in the area, offering discounted spritzes, house wine, and draft beer. Located a quick five-minute walk east of Union Station, the restaurant is easily accessible by subway and GO transit, with paid underground parking next door.