This French-Cantonese restaurant, a fun surprise for Little Italy, is a bona fide hit with chic young Torontonians.
What’s the scoop with this place?
With gorgeous, deep-cerulean hues, DaiLo feels like the set of “In the Mood For Love” or some other iconic Hong Kong drama. Throw in some flattering muted lights, and you have one of the sexiest spaces in the city. The owners also operate Lopan, the bar upstairs, where the vibe is especially buzzy on late nights and weekends.
Sounds great. What was the crowd like?
Young Torontonian foodies eager to try French-Cantonese cuisine, from the lamb’s neck to the confit peppered pork cheeks.
Got it. What should we be drinking?
The wine list at DaiLo offers a smart selection of tasty international varieties that go well with the menu’s big flavors. There are also sakes on tap and some light, fizzy, and citrusy cocktails, including a refreshing lemongrass gimlet.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
You wouldn’t expect to find a French-Cantonese restaurant on College Street in Little Italy, but that’s part of the fun. The menu features crowd-pleasers like truffled pumpkin dumplings and jellyfish slaw, but the real treats here include the whole fried trout, a dramatic and flavorful dish that’s served pre-chopped with several dipping sauces, the braised lamb neck with banana blossom salad, and the General Tso sweetbreads. A $65 chef’s choice menu, which consists of six or seven dishes, showcases the menu’s full range.
And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
The staff is extremely knowledgeable and will patiently walk you through the menu.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
The $65 chef’s choice menu draws young professionals, and the fried trout will impress any first date.
