TORONTO — Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) has announced the re-opening of Biff’s Bistro, a French restaurant located at the corner of Yonge and Front in Toronto’s downtown core.
Occupying part of the former O&B Café Grill Yonge & Front space in Berczy Square opposite Meridian Hall, the transformation is part of GWL Realty Advisors’ strategy to modernize Berczy Square and re-imagine the property as a premiere dining destination.
Biff’s menu, developed by O&B district executive chef John Horne (La Plume, Maison Selby, Auberge du Pommier) with chef de cuisine Trenton Pajuluoma, spotlights French staples, balancing delicate seafood with heartier braised entrees and shareables.
“When Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini first opened Biff’s 24 years ago, they had a clear vision for a bustling French bistro combining 1930s Paris with fresh London cool,” says Horne. “We’ve carefully preserved those charming details to evoke old memories while adding modern updates to bring Biff’s into its next era.”
Menu standouts include Soupe à L’oignon ($18) with three types of cheeses and baguette; phyllo-wrapped Truffle Baked Brie ($24) with tomato fondue, pickled onion and crostini; Canard ($46) with scallion spätzle, rapini and cherry jus; and Trout Amandine ($39) with almonds, herbs, lemon and spinach. Cote de Boeuf ($99) is the star of the steak frites program that spotlights several premium cuts, served alongside green beans, hand-cut frites and Béarnaise or red-wine jus. The dessert menu offers classic Crème Brûlee ($13) with strawberries and a sable cookie.
Signature cocktails such as the Mon Chéri ($16) with Tío Pepeextra dry fino, lime juice, Monin mojito syrup and ginger beer are served alongside new-age classics such as the White Negroni ($16) with affino, Lillet blanc, Tanqueray gin and angostura orange bitters. A summer rosé menu encourages guests to drink pink during the warmer months. The concise wine list offers house red and white by the glass and half-litre, complemented by a diverse selection of Old and New World bottles, as well as a focus on French producers.
The interior, designed by Solid Design Creative, blends original Biff’s pieces with new materials and sophisticated accents. Upon arrival, a floor-to-ceiling wine display showcases Biff’s Red bottles from over the years, a collaboration with long-time partners Cave Spring. Dark leather-tufted banquettes, deep maroon tones and a zinc bar top centrepiece add romance and refinement. Preserved artwork, retro posters and vintage French ads adorn the walls, while florals, greenery and touches of pink add a newfound femininity to the space.
Biff’s Bistro will be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch coming this September.