Aloette Bay has just opened its doors in Toronto’s Financial District (FiDi), and is already giving the city something to talk about by rethinking the offerings of an urban food hall. Located in the shiny new(ish) CIBC Square, this new spot from the Alo Food Group blends the fast-paced vibe of the Financial District with the quality and style you’d expect from a more upscale restaurant.
New addition to the Financial District
Toronto’s Financial District is known for its busy, no-nonsense eateries where grabbing a quick bite (and perhaps a cocktail) between meetings is the norm. Aloette Bay, however, offers something a little different. It’s not just about speed here—it’s about enjoying a well-crafted meal, even if you’re short on time. Aloette Bay aims to elevate the typical dining options in this area, providing a space that’s both convenient (it sits right across from Scotiabank Arena) and a bit more refined with its restaurant-within-a-food hall concept.
The Alo Food Group, already known for its popular spots like Alo and Aloette, brings that same dedication to quality and detail to their new Bay Street location. The menu is curated by Chef Patrick Kriss, a celebrated fixture on Toronto’s food scene, and keeps things accessible while still offering a touch of sophistication. It’s a place where you can enjoy a good meal – even breakfast(!) – without the need for reservations or a long wait.
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“We are excited about being in an area of Downtown that has the most coming-and-going of people from different communities,” says Patrick Kriss. “This is our only restaurant that offers the full breakfast/lunch/dinner experience daily.”
Warm, cozy, and stunning: The Aloette Bay ambiance
Walking into Aloette Bay, you’re greeted by a space that feels warm, cozy, and stunning on the design front — exactly what you’d expect from the Alo Group. “It doesn’t feel like you’re dining in a food hall at all,” says Steven Branco, Editor-in-Chief of View the Vibe and Chief Creative Officer of Stamina Group. “Instead, it’s classy and elevated but approachable, avoiding any hint of stuffiness.” The design is bright and modern, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, making the space feel welcoming, whether you’re there for a quick lunch, pre-game happy hour drinks, or a more relaxed dinner. The spot’s unique layout is functional, catering to the busy crowd of the Financial District, but it doesn’t skimp on style.
“The food and bar offerings will always be what we’re most excited about,” says Kriss. “But getting into services, the space feels like one of the stars of the show. It’s frankly a uniquely shaped floor plan that results in many different pockets of activity that offers a different experience throughout whether it’s sitting at the dining counter looking into the kitchen, watching the game at the bar, or in a snug booth for two.”
The menu sticks to what works, with some classic beloved Aloette dishes like their well-known burger and iceberg wedge salad. But there are also new options exclusive to this location, like a lobster pasta that’s rich yet not overwhelming, and a hearty beef short rib paired with parsnip puree.
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“The guests will tell us what will become our star menu items,” says Kriss. “But the classics will still be the hits: Aloette Burger, Wedge Salad, and the Lemon Pie. For breakfast, the Grapefruit Brulée is Insta-worthy and tasty. The Carrot Cake will soon be a famous dessert, if we had to bet.”
The tartar, plated with a fresh twist, was particularly refreshing, and as Branco noted, “You can’t have just one bite” (yes, consider that a challenge). The octopus carpaccio was another standout— something Branco said was like nothing he’d ever tried before. “We didn’t even know what we were eating at first, but then couldn’t stop until we plowed right through it,” shares Branco.
The drinks menu also impresses, with a selection of expertly crafted cocktails that pair well with the food. And for those looking to unwind after work, Aloette Bay offers some happy hour specials that are definitely worth checking out.
Quick and convenient: Aloette Go
For those days when you just want something quick on the go, or you’re craving something from the Aloette Go menu—often only available through Uber Eats—you’re in luck. There’s an Aloette Go location literally right next door, around the corner from the main entrance. It’s a convenient option for when you need something delicious but don’t have time to dine in.
A different kind of dining in Toronto’s FiDi
Aloette Bay is trying to bring something new to the Financial District’s dining scene. It’s a spot that fits into the fast-paced environment but still manages to offer a quality dining experience. It’s less about being flashy and more about providing something reliable and enjoyable in a part of the city where quick and efficient often take precedence over memorable.
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“Aloette is like a mini-vacation for our guests,” says Kriss. “It’s also the most widely welcoming of our concepts. Some regulars will treat us like a steakhouse and go all out; some will be here for a burger and a beer; for some it will be a meeting place; others will bring all of their first dates here.”
If you work or spend time in Toronto’s Financial District, or are a regular sports game or concert-goer at Scotiabank Arena, Aloette Bay could easily become a regular go-to. It’s a place where you can grab a meal that’s both satisfying and a step above the usual options.
The 411 on: Aloette Bay
Now open at CIBC Square, Aloette Bay is ready to welcome anyone looking for a meal that combines convenience with a bit more finesse. Whether you’re familiar with the Aloette brand or just curious to try something new, this new spot is worth checking out.
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Location: 81 Bay St. 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 0E7
Contact: (416) 315-7275, Website
Community: Financial District (FiDi)
Crowd: Mixed, Tourists, Locals, Sports Fans
Delivery: UberEats
Takeout: Aloette Go (next door and on UberEats)
Reservations: OpenTable
Originally published on September 1, 2024
