Smyth + The Loyalist

Smyth + The Loyalist is a bit of a two-for-one deal. Upstairs, Smyth provides an 8-course tasting menu using produce from their farm just an hour south of the city. The produce has literally been selected by the staff since it was just a seed. Everything from heirloom tomatoes to herbs and flowers was selected and produced just for this restaurant and its meals. So you can imagine that it is pretty special. 8 course meals are $135, and the restaurant strives to not be too fancy. It is just about good food in a nice comfortable setting where diners can relax and really taste the flavours. Don’t be fooled though, the flavours might be simple but they are paired to make exciting combinations such as Dungeness crab, and foie gras, or duck salad with roasted squid jus. Downstairs the Loyalist is a stylish cocktail space with an extensive drinks list and tasting menu. Tasty morsels start from about $12 like the chicken liver mousse on sourdough with cherries, right through to more substantial items such as aged rib eye with brown butter and black garlic ($28). The care and interest in fresh produce can be seen through every element of this classy bar and restaurant. Drop by for a short nibble or a long evening, and they have you covered!