In case you haven’t heard, Rosedale has a fairly new upscale Armenian restaurant on Yonge St. and Woodlawn. Just north of Summerhill, which opened its doors just a few months ago. Truly a hidden gem. Bringing the authentic cuisine and upscale dining experience of Armenia and Lebanon to downtown Toronto in a whole new way. Named after the founders’ mother, siblings Saro, Serouj, Seb, opened Taline in April 2023.
With a mission to radically subvert Torontonians’ impressions not just of Armenian food, but of Armenia itself, the siblings view Taline as more than just a restaurant. It’s a means of showcasing their Armenian culture. Offering an immersive cultural experience through its traditional Armenian dishes. Infused with the perfect combination of rich flavours and spices of Armenian and Lebanese cuisines.
Take a look at the decor inside Taline Toronto
Designed with a light and airy vibe, easily accommodating tables of 2-6, or more easily. But the brothers did not miss a beat with the details. From ornate ceilings on the ground floor to arched stain-glass window detailing, and a beautiful skylight. Above what seems like a 7-foot olive tree in the middle of the room, symbolizing Taline’s (their late mother) affinity for plants, reaching up towards a luminous skylight. Truly the perfect ambiance for either a quiet date night (that doesn’t come with a huge bill), or a family-friendly dinner.
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Taline’s spirit is palpable throughout the restaurant. The walls of the staircase feature a collage of snapshots from Taline’s life, creating a nostalgic ambiance. The warm colours she loved, such as rose, olive green, copper, and tawny brown, adorn the brick walls, wood panelling, leather banquettes, and table lamps, fostering a clean and minimalist setting. Artistic pieces by Toronto-based duo Karagusi pay tribute to Taline, including a captivating puzzle of interlocking T’s and S’s symbolizing Taline and her sons.
The menu itself exemplifies Taline’s influence and passion. Taline’s upbringing in Lebanon and her Armenian heritage shape the dishes. Incorporating flavours and spices from Anjar, Bourj Hammoud, and Armenia itself.
As the head chef, Seb embarked on a mission to recreate the essence of Taline’s cooking. Overcoming the challenge of her (Taline’s) recipe books lacking precise measurements, he immersed himself in the history of Armenian cuisine, meticulously researching and experimenting until he captured his mother’s authentic flavours.
Among the standout dishes is banru, a specialty from Anjar, featuring a luscious combination of feta, halloumi, and shanklish cheeses, complemented by roasted red peppers, candied Thai chilis, and smoked paprika. Micro cilantro grown by the brothers themselves adds a finishing touch. Taline’s menu also features other Armenian delights, including matnakash, an ancient Armenian bread blessed before baking, and a surprising hummus variation bursting with intense flavours.
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Kibbe nayeh, an Armenian-Lebanese beef tartare, showcases a minced-in-house filet of flank seasoned with shallots and Taline’s signature pepper paste. Puffed bulgur adds a delightful crunch, and the dish is adorned with toum, tart pickled turnips, and fresh green Boston lettuce.
At Taline Toronto, lamb takes centre stage in vochkhar, a dish that goes beyond the traditional kebab. Ontario-raised lamb is expertly butchered in-house, seasoned with ras al hanout, and cooked to perfection. Sides include jajekh, an Armenian version of tzatziki, and eetch, a bulgur salad enriched with lamb fat.
What’s on the drink menu at Taline Toronto
Complete your dining experience with a thoughtfully curated wine selection, including rare bottles from Lebanon and Armenia. The cocktail menu, crafted in collaboration with mixologist Tao Zrafi, offers unique flavours inspired by moments in Taline’s life.
What’s next for Taline Toronto?
Taline Toronto continually evolves, with plans to introduce lunch and brunch menus in the future. Stay tuned for exciting changes, and who knows, perhaps even a Taline kebab truck someday.
Immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of Taline Toronto, where the spirit of Taline and the vibrant flavours of Armenia come together.
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