Prime Seafood Palace
Two visits in, and I'm coming back for more!
I have been fortunate enough to enjoy two dinners at Prime Seafood Palace and enjoyed extraordinary meals on both visits. It’s an establishment that exudes a modern charm conducive to culinary exploration. We also found parking near the restaurant on Queen Street on the most recent visit, score!
Queen West has changed a lot over the 10-plus years I have lived in Toronto, and one thing you can always be prepared for is that it’ll be busy, but the interior at Prime (let’s just go with that) makes you feel like you’re in the plush Scandinavian inspired lounge. The interior was designed by the Architect Omar Gandhi, who isn’t known for restaurants, but that’s likely why they chose him. We sat in the booths, which are good for 6 or so people - maybe 8 if you squeeze in - and they face out into the restaurant. It was cool too, when we realized the cutlery was hidden under the table. The restaurant design is unquestionably unique and inviting.
Upon entering, we were greeted by the enticing aroma of Lobster Pasta, a dish that proved to be a symphony of flavours with each forkful. Some of my eating partners thought the pasta was too salty, but to me, it was perfect and worthy of the $50 price tag. Next up was the 55-ounce off-menu Tomahawk Steak - was a marvel, a colossal and succulent centrepiece that was seared to perfection! I say off-menu because although they have a Tomahawk Steak on the menu, it’s smaller than 55 ounces. The Rutabaga Croquettes offered a rich and decadent counterpoint, even more so when you get the upcharge of the White Alba Truffle, melding the earthiness of truffle with the creamy indulgence of a perfectly fried croquette. I could’ve eaten ten more of them.
Dessert hit all the right notes, and the team was nice enough to put a candle on the chocolate cake for my very lucky daughter, whose birthday was earlier in the month. I would also love to share pictures of the Apple Tart and the Tres Leches cake, but we ate them too quickly….
The wine list was a curated journey through vineyards far and wide, with each selection harmonizing with our meal in a manner that only deepened our appreciation for the chef's palate. The wine of choice for the evening on our second visit was Chateau La Croix coming in at $140 a bottle. And we wrapped up the dinner with a much-needed Barolo Chinoto.
Service at Prime Seafood Palace was the ribbon on the package, delivered with authentic warmth and professionalism that made everyone feel comfortable without any hint of pretension. I do need to say that the music, though at times, is questionable - verging on pub rock music - but maybe that’s the vibe they are going for - fine by me!
In sum, Prime Seafood Palace is more than a restaurant; it's a testament to the joy of dining, where atmosphere, gastronomy, and heartfelt service converge to craft an experience that's memorable and, without question, worth repeating.
Congratulations to Matty Matheson and the Prime team!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
CA$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Lobster Pasta; Tomahawk Steak, Rutabaga Croquettes.
