Sassafraz
Toronto
At a glance
Sassafraz is a celebrated establishment located at 100 Cumberland St in Toronto's Yorkville area. Known for its contemporary Canadian cuisine, Sassafraz has established its position as a premier dining destination by harmoniously blending a commitment to local ingredients with a diverse and evolving menu. With its Victorian rowhouse setting, this venue provides a unique experience for diners, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and relaxed.
The dining at Sassafraz extends into multiple areas, offering a range of experiences. The main dining room features a lush wall of living plants that infuses the space with natural vibrancy. The S-Café is designed for those who appreciate a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, perfect for enjoying a cappuccino or a glass of wine. The al fresco seating on the patio provides an opportunity to enjoy meals outdoors in Toronto's Yorkville neighborhood.
Sassafraz's location in a vibrant historical district adds to its charm. The structure itself, consisting of interconnected Victorian rowhouses, has an inviting and warm interior. It's this blend of style and setting that has made Sassafraz a popular venue for brunch, dinner, weddings, and private events.
The restaurant prides itself on its warm hospitality and service. Headed by Chef Geoff Webb, the kitchen focuses on market-driven dishes that highlight the relationships with local farms and purveyors. While specifics of the menu change with the seasons, diners can expect a thoughtful and meticulously crafted culinary journey.
Overall, Sassafraz offers a versatile dining experience that appeals to a broad audience, from casual diners seeking a sophisticated ambiance to those looking for the perfect spot for a memorable event. Its dedication to quality, both in service and cuisine, distinguishes it within Toronto's gastronomic scene.
Reviews
Service was great. Our waitress was amazing. Drinks were really good (and heavy). The burrata with fried bread in olive oil, chopped tomatos and crispy onions on top was in another level! Best I’ve tried. Strongly recommended! Steak was so tasty, we ordered 16 oz for two, which was enough only if you had starter prior to main course. It served with vegetables. For dessert, we had chocolate cake and lemon tart. Tart was OK (too ordinary compare to other elements we tried). Chocolate cake was good but heavy. The price sits on pricy/fancy side. So I’ll come back for special occasions.
Sassafraz is a lovely spot with genuinely good customer service and delicious food. The staff were attentive, welcoming, and made the experience feel smooth and well looked after. One detail I was especially pleasantly surprised by was the tea: it is served as loose-leaf tea rather than a tea bag. That may sound small, but it is actually quite rare—even at many of Toronto’s more expensive restaurants—and I really feel they deserve credit for that thoughtful touch. The only reason I am giving four stars instead of five is that I did not feel a particularly memorable atmosphere or special “vibe” during my visit. It is a nice place, but not necessarily somewhere I felt excited to return to.
Super friendly staff and accommodating! Halal beef and lamb was a win. Highly recommend the steak and eggs. The potatoes and lamb was good too. The pancakes were def to share, not sweet and has hints of nutmeg. The entrance was not accessible sadly. We had to carry the stroller up and down the stairs. Totally worth it.
My friend and I visited Sassafraz for coffee, and we absolutely loved it! The atmosphere was nice, warm and cozy, making it a great spot to enjoy good food and coffee. We’ll definitely be coming back! The lavender tea and cappuccino were both excellent, great flavour. We also ordered the tomato bruschetta, and the New York cheesecake was absolutely delicious, taking the experience to the next level. On top of that, the service was outstanding and made the whole experience even better.
I recently came back to this Yorkville landmark after decades, and it felt both nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. It’s one of those places that has stood the test of time, and I can see why - it’s approachable, consistent, and still delivers a solid dining experience in one of Toronto’s most upscale neighbourhoods. I visited for a casual lunch with a close friend, and we decided to keep things light. I ordered the fish taco, and I have to say - it really exceeded my expectations. What sets it apart is that they use salmon instead of the typical basa (which many restaurants use), and it’s not deep fried. That alone made a huge difference for me. The taco was fresh, flavourful, and well-balanced - light but still satisfying, and you could actually taste the quality of the fish. At $22, it’s also quite reasonable for Yorkville, especially considering the quality and location. It’s not trying to be overly trendy or reinvent the wheel - it just focuses on doing simple things well. Overall, it was a lovely lunch experience. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and the perfect setting to catch up with a friend. I’d definitely come back again, especially when I’m in the mood for something lighter but still satisfying. Shout out to Yen who was so wonderful and made our lunch date even extra special.
