Tucked away from the hustle-and-bustle of Front Street in Toronto, e11even is in the heart of the city — sans the noise, with a perfect vibe.

After another manic day, we step into the elegant setting, ready to relax over cocktails and a solid dinner. A girls’ night out on a Friday or Saturday might be fun, but opting for a Monday sets the right tone for the entire week.

A popular spot for a business lunch, dinner with friends or drinks on a date night, e11even features North American cuisine with a twist, complemented by a variety of colourful cocktails (some of which are served in funky glassware). Key highlights include Berry Caprioska (an excellent berry-focused option for summer) and a Georgian Mule (served in a copper mug). A special note: the bar can make you by far one of the best French Martinis in the city.

e11even’s wine menu was created by its Head Sommelier Anne Martin — with over 3,000 bottles in the glass cellar on-site, the restaurant features iPads on all tables that guests can use to select the right wine pairing. One of the sommeliers is also always available to assist with the selection.

To entice the taste buds of all guests, Executive Chef Evan Tandy has included many classic favourites on the menu, including crab cakes with mustard remoulade, honey peanut shrimp, dry-aged steaks, and sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. A particular highlight on the appetizers menu is the tuna tartare, served on a bed of avocado and topped with crispy shallots. Delicious.

Onto the main courses, the 8 oz filet mignon is cooked to perfection and pairs well with horseradish, and sides of sautéed mushrooms and grilled asparagus. For a slightly “lighter” meal, the Atlantic salmon with red quinoa salad is a great option.

Rounding off the dinner, the sticky toffee pudding is a hands-down winner, and the sorbet with fresh berries is a good choice on a particularly warm evening. Whether you opt for a cold or hot dessert, pair it with a cup of latte to get that energy boost for the rest of the evening.

After many toasts and a truly relaxing experience, we thank our server and hostess, and step back into the busy streets of downtown Toronto.

The next time we are craving an oasis escape, you’ll know where to find us.

Cocktail hour, mid-week power lunches or celebrating a milestone – e11even is the ideal setting for casual upscale dining and special moments. In five years, the elegant yet relaxed environment has been mastered. Located in Maple Leaf Square, e11even is the perfect time for you and yours. See the menu here.

Disclaimer: This post was brought to you by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership.