Chez Nad

What is Chez Nad? Tucked directly behind Nadège Nourian's flagship pastry shop at 780 Queen Street West across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Chez Nad is an intimate 40-seat French bistronomie room. Nourian teamed up with executive chef Laura Maxwell (formerly of Le Sélect Bistro) to channel the bouchons and bistros of Lyon into a cozy, dimly lit dining space styled with heirloom shelves, brass accents, and a hand-drawn mural of Lyon. Seating spans walnut banquettes, closely spaced tables, and counter spots that transition smoothly from afternoon apéro to full evening service.

Chez Nad Menu & What to Order The kitchen sidesteps tired bistro tropes in favour of authentic Lyonnais soul food, highlighted by the standout Quenelle de Maman—a delicate pickerel quenelle swimming in rich lobster bisque with mushrooms and green olives. The hand-cut beef tartare arrives tossed with Dijon and topped with a golden egg yolk and crisp croissant croutons, while the buttermilk-fried chicken cordon bleu stuffed with Brie de Meaux and bacon hits high-low decadence. Save room for the pastry queen's dessert course: either the crisp, airy Pavlova Infiniment Citron or L'univers Sucré de Nadège, a generous multi-dessert sampler pairing warm chocolate mousse, macarons, and house sorbets.

Know Before You Go Reservations can be booked in advance online, though the front café-bar keeps a handful of seats open for spontaneous walk-ins seeking early evening drinks and gougères. The 501 Queen streetcar stops right outside at Gore Vale Avenue, making transit straightforward, while street parking along Queen is notoriously tight on weekends. Keep in mind dinner runs Wednesday through Saturday, with dedicated weekend brunch offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.