La Société

Stepping into La Société is like being transported to Paris.  Taking over the 2nd floor location on the Mink Mile formerly occupied by Dynasty Chinese Cuisine, everything about this  restaurant exudes the air of a Parisian Bistro - from the decor to the menu to the prices.

 The stunning stained glass ceiling reminds us of the restaurant Bofinger in the Marais district or the tea room within Au Printemps department store in the Opera district.  The flooring consists of decorative mosaic tiles, artsy French fashion posters line the walls and if you are lucky enough to score a window seat, you get a great view of Yorkville while seated on plush brown leather banquet benches surrounded by brass railings.

The menu contains the usual suspects for a French bistro - Duck Confit, Steak Frites, Croque Monsieur.

We dropped by to try out the French onion soup ($11), which was ranked by Marc Thuet as one of the best in Toronto in the Toronto Post magazine.  While it was good with a thick seared layer of Gruyère and Emmenthal cheese and a sweet broth, it did not unseat our current reigning favourite from Jacques Bistro du Parc.

The side of frites ($6) were exactly as we liked them - thinly sliced, crispy, not oily, lightly salted and served with a flavourful garlic aioli sauce.  My only complaint is that there could have been more sauce, but then, I always want more sauce.

La Société is worth a visit just to experience the beautiful decor.  We didn't really taste enough of the food to determine whether it is worth the steeper Yorkville prices.  If we come back, I would like to try the Salade Niçoise made with seared rare tuna and french beans.  Rich was eyeing the butter poached PEI lobster benedict that was being devoured at the table next to us.

La Société
131 Bloor St. West