I say e11even is one of Toronto’s top new restaurants

As a restaurant critic, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to have tremendous meals. And while I’ve had some great experiences, not every restaurant lives up to the hype.

E11even Restaurant is one of the few that far exceeds it.

e11even looks swank, but so do a lot of restaurants. It is huge, but then again, so many restaurants are taking on larger spaces.

It could be seen as too corporate or men’s club-y, but lucky for us, it’s neither.

So already you’re thinking, well, then the food can’t be superb. How could it? It’s just asking too much.

But everything from the apps to the mains are staggeringly good  – and do not leave without having the Garden of Eden, a cucumber-based drink made with Hendrick’s Gin (pictured below).

I think that their menu can be divided into 2 categories – clean, light eating or comfort food dishes. In the light section, check out the House Smoked Salmon, Tuna Tartare and Crab Cake (pictured below).

What you can’t tell from these pictures is how incredibly fresh and satisfying everything is. You will be oohing and ahhing your whole way through the meal, like I did.

For heartier dishes, try the awe-inspiring Kobe Meatball.

Or the Cheeseburger.

And the Baby Back Ribs? Unbelievably juicy. Slurp.

One of the best concepts for dessert is this one with its just-out-of-the-oven goodness, Cookies and Milk.

But if that’s not your thing, there’s so much more to choose from. What about Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter Mousse or Sorbet?

I liked the food so much that this past week, I took my 4 Food Book Clubs there on Monday and Tuesday night. Executive Chef Robert Bartley and his team put out consistently stellar dishes in portions that never disappoint.

Oh, and that’s just the beginning! I haven’t even told you about the decor, open kitchen, Tokyo toilets or iPad wine lists…

Yes, e11even really does have it all. I think it’s one of our city’s best, so book now (make a reservation as they are hugely busy!).