Florette

What is Florette? Set along Queen Street West near Dovercourt Road in Little Portugal, Florette reimagines neighbourhood dining through the stylish aesthetic of an eccentric aunt's living room. Founded by owner Jerry Zhang, chef Mann Bijlani, and beverage lead Matt Allinson, the space features an arched floral-painted ceiling, warm vintage lamps, and shelves lined with colourful house ferments, complete with a cozy front bar and a leafy back patio.

Florette Menu & What to Order Chef Bijlani builds an eclectic, small-plates menu that brings punchy global perspectives to local Ontario ingredients without stuffy dining pretension. Order the signature BC Manila clams simmered in nduja butter and finished with crispy curry leaves, alongside the charred roasted cabbage with tonnato. Heartier cravings are answered by the al dente rigatoni coated in nduja-laced vodka sauce, the nacho-style bone marrow loaded with beef chili, and drinks like the coconut-washed Tepache Colada before finishing with the dense chocolate tart.

Know Before You Go Florette keeps dedicated space for walk-ins at the bar and dining tables, but booking ahead via their website is essential for peak Friday and Saturday dinner seatings. Take the 501 Queen streetcar directly to Dovercourt Road to avoid the hassle of finding street parking in the area. Service runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with an exceptional-value multi-course chef's choice menu available for table-wide ordering.