Gary Tsang once operated a charming, Michelin-starred restaurant in Thornhill—impressive, but a bit out of the way. That location has since closed, and Tsang has returned with a bold new concept in a much more central spot: Dopamina, located at 45 Grosvenor Street. The kitchen is led by his former chef, So Sakata, and the restaurant offers a contemporary, Asian-inspired take on upscale Mediterranean cuisine.
The name Dopamina is a clever play on “dopamine,” the feel-good neurotransmitter tied to pleasure, motivation, and reward. True to its name, the experience here delivers on all three.
The space is stunning—modern and airy, with soaring 60-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a dramatic 300-foot-long coiled glass sculpture stretching across the room. A bold mural by artist Sandro Martini adds even more visual impact. Upon entering, you’re greeted by an inviting bar, and the main dining room accommodates approximately 65 guests. Royal blue leatherette banquettes offer a pop of colour, though the upright backs could be more comfortable. Burnt orange chairs, wood-trimmed porcelain tables, grey tile floors, and occasional throw pillows round out the Zen-like aesthetic. An eclectic soundtrack plays softly in the background.
The kitchen is compact and completely open—a theatrical touch—supported by a high server-to-guest ratio that ensures attentive, polished service. While the food’s served on small plates (a personal pet peeve), they do refresh both plates and cutlery between each course, which softens the blow.
You can choose between a 7-course blind tasting menu for $185 or order à la carte, as we did—which I appreciated. The presentation of every dish was artful. We began with Japanese milk bread paired with white sesame butter—it had a similar texture and sweetness to a good brioche. A gem lettuce salad with shiso-cucumber dressing, slivers of pear, and a hint of horseradish was light and refreshing.
The standout appetizers were a luscious scallop crudo in a sauce of whey, burnt cream, and lemon thyme, and an outstanding beef tartare with smoked bone marrow, pickles, and tiny rye chips. I would have preferred larger chips to better scoop the tartare.
The green pea gnocchi with pesto and pecorino was both delicate and flavorful. At the same time, the fried Hamachi collar in a fish caramel sauce—with herbs and pickled shallots—was a savory highlight.
Cocktail specials had whimsical names like Always Spring in Amalfi and Five O’clock in Tokyo, and there were several inventive mocktails as well. The wine list is impressive and well-curated, with selections from Europe, North America, and Australia.
Desserts didn’t disappoint. Of the three on offer, we tried two: a rich baked chocolate custard with tonka bean cheesecake ice cream, and a refreshing frozen yogurt with blood orange, honey, and cardamom granita.
It’s exciting to see a fine dining restaurant that feels elevated yet accessible. The service was attentive, and the overall vibe felt both special and welcoming. Parking is limited, so I recommend taking a taxi or Uber—unless you’re lucky enough, like me, to be able to walk there.
Dopamina is an underrated gem. Recommended.
Happy dining!
Shanea
08/01/2025
