This review is long overdue.
My wife and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary in 2024. We wanted to do something different and unique. It has been 13 years since we landed in Toronto and we have never went up the CN Tower. So we decided to take up a trip up the CN Tower and celebrate our wedding anniversary at the 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower.
We made reservations for lunch. It was a Sunday so the traffic on our way to the CN Tower was very light and parking was easy to find. We parked at the Metro South Parking on Lower Simcoe Street. And from there it was a 5-minute walk to the CN Tower.
As per the CN Tower site, if you have reservation at 360 "guests do not need to purchase a separate admission ticket." (https://www.cntower.ca/dine-at-360-restaurant/360-overview) The CN Tower stands at 553 M, roughly 1,815 feet or 147 floors. The restaurant is at the top floor. One can just imagine how fast the elevator should be to bring us to the top floor. Surprisingly it just took less than 60 seconds.
When we reached our floor, we were directed to a room where we checked-in our winter jackets, and then to a space with a photo booth. Since we cannot let this opportunity pass, my wife and I had our photo taken. After this photo-op, we proceeded to 360 Restaurant.
We were welcomed at reception and seated next to the window where we had a fantastic view of Lake Ontario.
The 360 Restaurant used to be called Top of Toronto. In 1984 it was refurbished and in 1995, it was renamed 360. It seats 400, and is well kept. Floors are clean and the tables are not sticky. And there is no smell of "old" restaurant, which is great. The CN Tower construction started in 1973. By 1974 "work began on the seven-storey sphere that would eventually house the observation decks and the revolving 360 Restaurant." (The CN Tower Story) So the restaurant is about 50 years old!
We were given our menus. We did a quick look over and decided, out of curiosity, to try the 360 Indigenous Menu.
Like any fine dining restaurant, it does take some time for the food to be served. However, the wait time is barely noticeable because I have a wonderful lunch date and the fact that since we are in a revolving restaurant we are entertained by the revolution of the whole restaurant. We were seated by the windows. I unconsciously placed my right foot by the wall and felt the floor moving. So I looked down and realized that I stepped on the edge of the floor that met the wall. If I am not mistaken it takes 15 -20 minutes for the restaurant to do a 360 rotation. And during this rotation we got to see aside from Lake Ontario, Downtown Toronto, and planes taking off and landing at Billy Bishop airport.
After 15 minutes, the appetizers were served.
For our appetizers, we had Chinook Salmon Tartare and Pickled Late Summer Beets, Capers, Sumac Aioli and Sweet Potato Chips.
For the main, we had North Fork Bison Tenderloin, K2 Milling stone milled grits, grilled rapini, partridgeberry with morel jus.
And for dessert, Haskap Berry and Quebec Almond Tart, and Birch Creme Anglaise with Spruce tips Granola.
It is rare that my wife and I go to fine dining restaurants. We do not claim that we are food experts or connoisseurs or... influencers. But we know if the food is cooked properly and tastes like how it is supposed to taste. We do like to experiment. We are adventurous with food.
360 Restaurant is very well maintained considering how old it is and when the last time it was refurbished. The dining area does not smell like the kitchen! And this is a plus! Floors are carpeted, tables are not sticky, and upholstery is well kept.
We also know what great service looks like. Staff were cordial and very accommodating, and always attentive, paying attention to the needs of the diners. We have had the experience in other restaurants where we feel that the staff are just intentionally avoiding us. But not here. Not at 360 Restaurant.
The food. The salmon tartare was excellent. The sweet potato chips were crispy not soggy. And its not everyday that we have bison tenderloin. This was the exciting part. The salmon and grilled Rapini was also wonderful. To cleanse the pallet the Haskop Berry and Quebec Almond Tart and Birch Creme Anglaise with Spruce Tip Granola were a great combination and were not too sweet.
Our experience at the 360 Restaurant is definitely one to remember. It was a wonderful experience. Definitely we will come back with the family.