Discreta

What is Discreta? At 18 Portland Street in Wellington Place, Discreta is an intimate restaurant and lounge inside the 1925 Portland Substation, a Beaux-Arts Toronto Hydro building with the classic "TORONTO HYDRO-ELECTRIC SYSTEM" sign still on the facade. Owner Joseph Alidu and director of operations Ian Manu lean into the heritage shell rather than fighting it: dramatic lighting, high ceilings, rich finishes, and an illuminated onyx bar. The pitch is quieter King-Spadina hospitality. Fewer bodies, more deliberate service, DJ-led late nights. Independent, not a chain.

Discreta Menu & What to Order The cocktail list leans premium spirits. Signatures on the official site include the Alibi (Belvedere, St-Germain, lychee, lemon, sparkling wine), Rare Cask Old Fashioned (Macallan Rare Cask, Pedro Ximénez, maple, smoke), Nocturne (Hendrick's, elderflower, cucumber, basil), and The Confidential (Hennessy VSOP, pear, honey, lemon, Champagne). Food is built for sharing: caviar bites, charcuterie, and late-night plates (the kitchen menu was in refresh mode as of early October 2026, so confirm current dishes on site). Bottle service and VIP booths are part of the lounge side after dusk.

Know Before You Go Open by Thursday, September 25, 2026 (Curiocity Sep 25 "has opened"; blogTO coverage of the Portland Substation room). AGCO liquor sales licence LSL1536168 effective September 4, 2026. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Phone (647) 528-5632. Website discretato.com. Dress code is smart casual / elegant nightwear. Follow @discreta.to for programming. Streetcar and King West parking put you close; the red-brick hydro facade is easy to miss until the red carpet comes out after dark. This is the move when you want a heritage-room cocktail night without the usual King West crush.