Milos was founded in Montreal (we love a Canadian origin story) by Costas Spiliadis, of Greek origins. His restaurant chain has since expanded to New York, London, Las Vegas, etc. The new spot at Bay and Adelaide is the second Canadian location. The Globe & Mail did a nice write up on the history if you are curious to learn more about the founder’s story.
For those in-the-Toronto-know regarding the backstory of getting this restaurant to Toronto (and the lease), it felt like a welcomed sigh of relief to enter the building. Daily, including the morning of our reservation, husband would text me on his way to work to say, ‘“there’s still construction workers in there.” Thankfully, all signs of scaffolding were gone by the time we sat down.
What we ordered: One dry gin martini with a twist | One virgin Mojito | Milos Special [eggplant, zucchini, halloumi, if you know you know] | Octopus [with bean puree] | Tapioca fish (selected from the Milos market, as pictured above) | Greek salad
Unfortunately the menu is not posted and I did not bring the receipt home; but all together this was $353 CAD.
Recommend for: We were lucky enough to go to the opening, and if not for this occasion, I am not sure if Milos is a ‘date night’ spot. While there were many couples around us, given the location - right between our offices - we could not help but think that Milos is a post work spot (not unlike the New York location).
Milos would be fantastic for a double date with colleagues, a work dinner, etc. That said, there were numerous people (families, groups of friends) dressed to the nines - which I love to see. I often lament that Toronto is too casual. Walk down Ossington for dinner on a Friday night and most people look like they have just left spin class - down with athleisure post 7pm!
A friend works for a luxury hotel and often speaks about the staff to guest ratio (+2 staff to 1 guest); it’s a simple ratio that I now clock when in a high quality establishment. The service staff to guest ratio at Milos must have been 4 to 1. There were so many staff they were tripping over each other. We had a waiter, and he had two coaches. No complaints about the training of course - many of the staff seemed like they were vets flown in from other restaurants to oversee the new guys. Service did take quite a while, which I am sure will correct itself over time.
Reservations: Yes, via their website, but apparently they’re booked for some time.
Complet’s Current
Memorable Meal? I went to Chef Hall for lunch this week and could not get over how busy it was. Also went to Allen’s this past weekend as mentioned, what an absolute treat of a location.
Where am I Eating Next? Because I work in the Financial District, and am in real estate, I am back to Daphne for a work lunch this week.
What My Friends Are Talking About: Martine’s Wine Bar is still hot for most (suggest going if you have not tried) and the new location of Grandma Loves You up at 40 St. Clair Ave W.
Added to My International Must-See List: Spring! According to the Financial Times, the restaurant is celebrating their 10th anniversary and therefore Skye Gyngell is bringing back her favourite chefs for the much celebrated £30-for-three-courses dinners. These are called ‘scratch’ dinners and feature the kitchen scraps. I did book the River Cafe for a nice London lunch and I think husband will toss me in the Thames me if I over plan for our trip next month…Maybe two meals and one trip to the Tate will be reasonable…