Prime Seafood Palace

Prime Seafood Palace is Matty Matheson’s ambitious, high-end departure from his more casual roots, and it feels every bit the 'wooden cathedral' he envisioned. Designed by Omar Gandhi, the space is an architectural marvel—an immersive, barrel-vaulted dining room entirely clad in white maple that feels like a serene, upscale mountain retreat hidden right in the middle of the bustling West Queen West strip. Despite the celebrity chef pedigree, the atmosphere is surprisingly refined and quiet, with a focus on Scandinavian hygge and Japanese minimalism. It’s a place where the design is as much a part of the experience as the meal, offering a sophisticated, intimate escape from the city’s usual noise.

For a first-timer, the menu is a study in restraint, balancing top-tier Atlantic seafood with serious, grill-fired proteins. You absolutely must order the Palace potatoes—crispy, pave-style wedges that are essentially the best hash browns you’ll ever eat—and the Sicilian crudo is a perfect, fresh start. The bone-in dry-aged striploin is the main event for meat lovers, but don't overlook the seasonal vegetable preparations, which are treated with the same reverence as the seafood. Expect a high price point, so save this for a special occasion. Reservations are essential and highly competitive, so book well in advance. If you can't snag a table, try your luck at the bar, where the service is just as attentive and the vibe is equally polished.