Michael Angeloni
#FOOD: THE BERCZY TAVERN OPENS FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2024
The much-anticipated grand opening of The Berczy Tavern is set for July 18, 2024, at 69 Front Street East in the heart of Old Town Toronto. Brought to life by Chef Michael Angeloni and his partners Adam Teolis and Yannick Bigourdan, the new locale promises to be a standout destination for locals and visitors alike with its vibrant live music, new American Bistro cuisine, and historic charm.
“We are thrilled to establish The Berczy Tavern in such a historic and vibrant part of Toronto,” said Adam Teolis, co-owner of The Berczy Tavern. “Our goal is to create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary, where the community can come together to enjoy great food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.”
Located at the intersection of Front and Church Streets, The Berczy Tavern occupies a heritage building across from its namesake, Berczy Park. The restaurant has undergone significant renovations to preserve the building’s historic charm while introducing contemporary elements. Guests will be greeted by a 20-foot tall marble bar, brass detailing, and a grand piano – set to create an unforgettable atmosphere with live performances every evening.
Chef Michael Angeloni has a personal connection to the building, having frequented it during his culinary school days when it housed a Japanese restaurant. This deep-rooted affinity for the location, combined with a desire to create a unique, owner-operated establishment, is at the heart of The Berczy Tavern. Chef Michael is in the kitchen, and Adam is on the floor, ensuring a personal touch in every aspect.
“Toronto needed a destination where people could go for unique experiences. Food and beverage is one thing, but adding music to the mix elevates it to another level,” added Teolis, “The Berczy is a combination of everything we love—perfect dining room, ambiance, and music. We aim to create that dinner party feel with music, warm lighting, and a lively atmosphere where tables aren’t too spread out.” Guests can enjoy live performances by local talent on weekdays starting at 8:00 p.m. and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) beginning at 9:30 p.m., featuring a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, big band tunes, and some of the city’s best piano players.
The restaurant offers a New American bistro menu influenced by the culinary traditions of the South of France, North of Italy, and Spain. The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase the rich flavours and techniques from these regions, blending them seamlessly with contemporary North American cuisine. Highlights include snackable favourites like crab cakes and grilled oysters, as well as shareable plates like octopus and rack of lamb. The beverage program is equally diverse, boasting over 50 wine labels, a selection of local and foreign beers, classic and contemporary cocktails, and a dedicated whiskey nook.
“Old Town Toronto’s unique blend of history and modern vibrancy makes it the perfect home for The Berczy Tavern,” said Chef Michael Angeloni. “We’re excited to contribute to the neighbourhood’s rich culinary scene with a menu that reflects the diverse influences of my culinary journey. We want every diner to leave our restaurant feeling proud of living in Toronto, as the food, drinks, and atmosphere work in harmony to create an unforgettable experience.”
The Berczy Tavern caters to a wide range of dining preferences and occasions, offering a refined dining room at the back for romantic dinners or family celebrations, while the front area provides a more casual bar environment with live music. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Excitingly, there is plenty in the works as the team prepares to open for lunch and brunch in the near future.
For more information, visit www.theberczy.com or follow us on @theberczy.
See some highlights from a Media Preview we were so lucky to attend:
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