I thought I had discovered a hidden gem, but Hamptons Restaurant had been quietly impressing diners for over two years. Located at 53 Clinton Street in Toronto, this eatery offers delicious and imaginative dinners to those in the know. Set in a historic Victorian home, possibly dating back to the 1890s, it features exposed brick, peeling walls, and mid-century and modern furniture mixed with lush greenery. Dining options include a separate sunroom, the main dining room, a quaint outdoor patio, a garden, or a private cellar room, perfect for intimate gatherings. While some reviewers say it has a beachside vibe, I felt more of a NYC West Village atmosphere.
Owners Rachel Chartrand and Michael Young, partners in business and life, create a welcoming atmosphere, with Rachel offering a complimentary glass of bubbly or rosé, making you feel at home, and Michael, who is a bartender extraordinaire. The concise, weekly-changing menu crafted by chefs Omar Janz and Samuel Leung, features dishes like seasonal strawberry and blueberry focaccia with triple “A” honey butter, kampachi crudo with black plum and chili, P.E.I. Oysters, and summer crudité with whipped feta and chives. The kitchen offers burrata with excellent heirloom tomatoes and smoked trout rillettes with house potato chips. At the same time, the grill serves grass-fed hanger steak with lobster and garlic butter, or an incredible Stealhead trout and mussels with seasonal peas that burst with flavour.
Their philosophy centers on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a wine list that evolves with the ever-changing menu, featuring selections from France, Spain, Portugal, Ontario, and Italy. You can also bring your own wine for a reasonable $30 corkage fee. Michael’s cocktail creations are impressive, and I particularly enjoyed one called The Enzo, made with distilled gin, select aperitivo, green grapes, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It was a perfect refreshing choice for a hot summer night. The Verbena Club Martini, made with distilled vodka, Dolin dry vermouth, orange bitters, and lemon verbena oil was a hit for my husband.
Everything we tried was flavorsome, with brilliantly simple, dynamic small plates crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The staff are engaging and make your experience very special. It is quaint, quirky, romantic, and a palate-pleasing dining experience. Hamptons restaurant is open for dinner Thursday to Saturday from 6pm, and Sunday for a leisurely European lunch from 3pm-7pm.
Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
08/22/2024
