FOOD + DRINK RESTAURANTS

Social dining at Kultura in Toronto

kultura restaurant lounge in Toronto

It is fun to go at a trendy restaurant with a young, well-dressed crowd, beautiful décor and most important with incredible food. That was on my agenda last Saturday night. I elected Kultura as the place to review.

My husband and I went to dinner with three of friends that were participating in PodCamp Toronto. Earlier that day, I tried to reserve a table for 2 but Kultura was already fully booked. They told us that we could eat sitting at the counter of the Lounge. That is what we did with our friends.

Everybody enjoyed the meals. Since we were sitting at the lounge, it was noisier but we could still have a conversation. Executive Chef Roger Mooking brings a new twist on multi-ethnic cuisine. The dishes surprise us with an unexpected mix of flavors. The food presentation was imaginative.

What did we eat?

The dinner menu is composed of small portion dishes. The idea is to explore and share a meal. Our friendly server recommended two to three dishes per person. For two girls and three guys, I ordered the following:

  • 2 x Duelling Tartare
  • 1 x Mediterranean Salad
  • 1 x Foie Gras Trio
  • 1 x Mushroom Orecchiette
  • 1 x Green Beans Plate
  • 2 x Filet Mignon with truffle potatoes
  • 1 x Jamaican Chicken Risotto

The amount of food was right. Kultura delivered on my expectation of great food, décor and ambiance. I wish to dine at the restaurant next time I visit Toronto. The signature drinks we tried pleased me except that the Cosmopolitan was apparently too sweet.

The third floor of Kultura is available for private party of up to 30 sitting guests. I visited it and the space creates a really nice atmosphere. Kultura is located at 169 King Street East, downtown Toronto.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Kultura

  • Michelle Sullivan
    February 29, 2008 at 08:10

    Thanks for initiating us to Kultura on Saturday, Kim – it’s a good find indeed. I’m not a fan of ‘counter’ seating, but here it was surprisingly comfortable and, despite the noisy ambiance of the lounge, actually quite intimate. Everything was tasty, but I particularly enjoyed the duelling tartare (tuna and salmon) with dried banana. The filet mignon was also memorable. Service with a smile – which is always a must for me, if I want to feel completely satisfied with my evening. Cheers!

  • Sylvain Grand'Maison
    February 29, 2008 at 10:49

    It was a pleasure to have a Montrealers’ gathering in Toronto with you; smart people at our “table”, great food, beautiful venue, supernicely dressed people… everything was close to perfection except for the ambient sound level that made me miss a few words in our conversations. A very nice evening!

  • Jenn Lee
    February 29, 2008 at 12:11

    thanks for the intro to Kultura! My husband and I are always looking for new places to eat in Toronto and we have yet to visit this resturant so thank you!! 🙂 We’ll be sure to check it out.

  • Connie Crosby
    February 29, 2008 at 23:37

    Ah! You found a real hidden gem. There is no sign outside so I always wondered what this place was when I passed it on the streetcar, until on evening I was taken there for a special dinner. It was a real treat, and I have since taken others to Kultura. One of my favourites.

    Cheers,
    Connie

  • At Home with Kim Vallee
    March 1, 2008 at 04:54

    Connie: I did not realize that there was no sign since I was looking for an address. I agree that it is a gem.

  • Toronto homes
    March 2, 2008 at 07:35

    I`m sure that so many people with me from the Toronto houses would agree with you that place is really amazing. The cuisine is delicios but I think so that your pictures taken speak for itself. You provided a very striking depiction about this restaurant, it was pleasure to read through. I`m very contented with the cultural life in Toronto and nice to hear that other people enjoy it as well.

  • At Home with Kim Vallee
    March 25, 2008 at 13:49

    Better look than taste at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar

  • Maria
    February 28, 2011 at 14:52

    Kultura is quite the divine spot! I visited it again a week ago and it was packed for a Thursday. It seems that they added some new decorations and the place is just stunning, as per usual.
    The menu is still exotic and scrumptious, but they have added some new options by the look of it. I love coming here because they really cater to what you as the patron can and cannot eat. I am vegan and I still had plenty of options.
    Try it out, its happening!