SARA

What is SARA? Occupying a converted two-storey Victorian townhouse at 98 Portland Street, SARA offers a sleek, calm sanctuary from the surrounding King West strip. Designed by architecture studio ODAMI in soothing earthy minimalism with soft plaster curves, marble tables, and discreet built-in table compartments to stash your phone, the room encourages guests to stay in the moment. Diners can settle across two intimate dining floors, pull up a seat at the bar, or slip into the lush rear garden patio in warm weather.

SARA Menu & What to Order Operated by The Food Dudes and executive chef Lia Silva, the kitchen centres around "The Journey," a seven-course tasting format rooted in Japanese techniques and global flavours. Standout dishes include the crisp squash latke crowned with ikura, hamachi crudo with shio dashi, and a bite-sized Wagyu Reuben layered on toasted Japanese milk bread. The curated wine pairings elevate the entire spread, while the kitchen thoughtfully accommodates vegetarian, gluten-free, and pescatarian diners with advance notice.

Know Before You Go Bookings through OpenTable are essential for dining room seating, especially for weekend date nights and special celebrations. Drop-ins can occasionally snag a spot at the bar for gin-forward cocktails and a la carte snacks if seats are free. Street parking along Portland is notoriously difficult, so take the 504 King streetcar to Portland Street or use the underground garage off Wellington.