Est. 2016. A gourmet vegan restaurant, originally Awai at Bloor St W, but since moving downtown it has rebranded as Avelo. Has an upstairs bar (Bar Avelo). Offers fine dining in a living room-sized, 22-seat dining room of a heritage house. Sources as locally and seasonally as possible. Menu changes from time to time, with examples such as black rice risotto in a red wine sauce, artichoke ravioli and squash crema catalana, pumpkin gazpacho, gnocchi with baby kale, and flatbread. Uses a wood fire oven. Offers 5- or 8-course tasting menus by reservation, with drink pairings (alcoholic or non). Access by subway at Museum Station + 10 min walk or at Wellesley or Bloor-Yonge Station + 5 min walk. Lots of car park options around. Reservations recommended. Open Wed-Sun 5:00pm-11:00pm. Closed Mon & Tue.
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Last update on 12 Nov 2023 by rogeryang
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Featured Review
WFPBNonna
Points +283
Absolutely amazing - Edit
This was not just the best vegan food, it was the best food, period. Avelo deserves a Michelin star! The atmosphere is wonderful, service impeccable. We were so impressed with every course. This our new favorite in North America. Can’t wait to go back.
Read morePros: Completely vegan menu , Atmosphere and decor, Impeccable and knowledgeable service
Guest
70 Reviews
First Review by Vegan_Hilary
vegdom
Points +392
Great Experience - Edit
I tried foods I have never even heard of. So many unique and delicious ingredients.
Read moreThey set the bar really high: I'll forever compare purple cabbage to this preparation.
I love that they made so many ferments in house, even the soy sauce.
Pros: So many great house made ferments, Interesting menu, Didn't have to make decisions, not even the tip
Cons: Expensive
Guest
sglcklch
Points +3547
Absolutely phenomenal - Edit
I came here with high expectations and it certainly didn't disappoint. We were seated upstairs where the ambiance was more cozy and intimate. The 8-course meal was fantastic from start to finish. The food was so full of flavor and umami. It was here that I tasted my first cashew cheese cultured with penicillin and a whole sunflower head. Talk about creativity! Service was warm and friendly with just the right amount of attentiveness. For sure wasn't cheap by any means, but I felt the price was reasonable and definitely worth it. I just wish they'd start serving the 8-course dinner earlier. Right now 7:45 pm is the first seating, which is a little late for a 2.5 hour meal even with moderate pacing between courses.
Read morePros: excellent food, great service, setting
Cons: 8-course seating starts too late
villain
Please upload the full size of the photos , it looks amazing 😍
Read moreGuest
LisaSpykers
Points +9969
A memorable dining experience - Edit
Over 3 hours, we were presented with a variety of flavor parings, ingredients we never heard of, and a visual delight.
Read moreI loved nearly all the dishes (there was one with tofu that lacked a little something and the broccoli fritter was too oily) but each dish brought a surprise. I was quite satiated by the end too.
The taxes and 18% service charge/tip bring it to quite an expensive meal ($405 for two with one wine pairing for my partner). Worth it for a special occasion or treat though.
Updated from previous review on 2023-09-14
Guest
rosekreider
Points +96
Great dining experience - Edit
One of my best dining experiences since becoming vegan. Interesting, delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere.
Read moreGuest
CarolynMendes
Points +46
A MUST - Edit
I don’t have enough words for my experience at Avelo. This is the kind of dining experience you think only exists in movies. We tried the 8 course tasting menu the wine pairing. This is probably the best vegan meal I have ever had. Every course was incredible. There was not a single dish that came out that wasn’t thoughtfully and artfully prepared. The restaurant is in an old cottage house so it’s very small and intimate which only adds to the charm and how special this dining experience is. You have to make reservations due to the small size and type of dining experience they provide. I’m honestly surprised they don’t hold a Michelin Star. If you’re in town during the days of the eeek they are open, make a reservation. It’s worth the price tag for the tasting menu. You won’t forget it.
Read moreGuest
MikeWigmore
Points +347
Avelo is a must-visit - Edit
Avelo is not just a meal, it's an experience - a flavor-filled adventure that stays with you long after you've left the beautifully adorned space. For those looking to push the boundaries of traditional vegan cuisine, Avelo is a must-visit.
Read moreGuest
VeggieInThe6ix
Points +1037
Amazing Food - Edit
Some of the best vegan food in the city. No fake meat just creative delicious plates
Read moreGuest
Sleepybulldog
Points +111
Best culinary experience ever! - Edit
The ambiance was elevated comfort. The service was attentive and informative but not intrusive.
Read moreThe food was another level of sublime! The blue cashew cheese almost made me weep for joy. Cultured cheeses were the hardest for me to hive up when transitioning to a plant based diet. We are a mixed family of omnivores, vegetarians and.vegans and yet all were gob smacked by the culinary experience!
Pros: Inventive , Creative , Elevating
Cons: None
Guest
MarEichler17
Points +333
Fine Dinning VGF experience - Edit
We got the 8 course menu. They were able to completely accommodate the GF dietary restrictions. The 8 course were each so unique and different from each other. The service was amazing. The whole meal took about 2.5 hours. The restaurant is in an old house and so it’s very calm and comfortable, it feels like you were invited over to dinner by a friend (who is an amazing chef).
Read moreIt’s quite expensive, but it’s worth it for a special celebration.
18% Service fee in lieu of tip
Updated from previous review on 2023-05-01
Pros: GF accommodations on everything, Comfortable atmosphere , Attentive and kind staff
Guest
Courage91
Points +318
The best in Toronto - Edit
Absolutely loved our time at Avelo in Toronto.
Read moreWe visited from the UK and this was an amazing meal and experience.
Pros: Amazing experience , Beautiful fresh food, Great wine pairing
Cons: It is very expensive
Guest
Jessicawhimandwillow
Points +123
Totally worth the splurge // amazing experience - Edit
It’s definitely a special occasion spot but the first time we went we were so blown away by the blind tasting 8 course menu! It was so fun to try all the dishes and discuss with my partner! It was also nice to just savour the food and really appreciate everything! What they do with whole foods is amazing! The presentation is so cool too and the staff really knows their stuff! The menu is seasonal and changes so you know your getting the best quality foods! You won’t be disappointed! And they can make it gluten free!
Read morePros: Amazing date spot, Unique experience , Gluten free option
Guest
mlcastle
Points +130
Excellent vegan fine dining - Edit
Delivers on what they say they aim to deliver on. It isn't cheap, but definitely worth considering if you're looking for a place to splurge.
Read moreGuest
cat_lover_41
Points +317
Fantastic, but brace your wallet - Edit
The food was fantastic, plating all beautiful, all the staff was very helpful, respectful and knowledgeable.
Read moreOnly knock I'd give it is the price. It's easily the most expensive vegan restaurant in Toronto right now. The two of us had an 8-course meal and probably three glasses of wine each and it came to just under $450.
It's a special occasion place, but the bill isn't tiny.
Pros: Stunning food, Quiet space, good date spot , Extremely knowledgeable staff
Cons: Easily the most expensive vegan restaurant in town, Not a place you'd go if you're really hungry
Guest
PreciousPorota
Points +313
Great Experience - Edit
Avalon lived up to the experience we were hoping for. The physical setting was gorgeous, the staff attentive and friendly. We loved hearing the explanation of each tasting course and the creativity that went into each dish. A few courses were not as delicious as we had hoped.Considering the price paid, I wanted to love everything! We are glad we went to experience this at least once.
Read moreGuest
JoshHyatt
Points +518
Spectacular. - Edit
This is truly a dining experience. Had 8 courses, each delicately and meticulously prepared. The staff clearly explained each dish and their intricate natures. Truly spectacular.
Read morePros: True fine dining
Cons: Expensive
JaneFinch
Absolutely LUV avelo! Would eat there every day if possible!
Read moreGuest
Angelicaaa
Points +235
Wow! - Edit
Seasonal and delicious vegan menu. Do not miss trying this restaurant!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-09-03
Pros: Nothing but vegan options , Amazing, AMAZING! Food!, Superb service
Cons: Tasting menu (con for picky eaters)
Guest
vegangrocerygrabs
Points +1722
Best Vegan Fine Dining - Edit
Avelo is the best vegan fine dining experience you will ever have! As a vegan it can be intimidating to think about fine dining, but Avelo somehow does it right. So many amazing flavors and flavor combinations that I would never think of! It felt like I was experiencing vegetables in a whole new way. I was so impressed with the creative combinations. Only downside to Avelo is the price point, however, it is such a great place to go for a special occasion. We tried the 8-course option and had cocktails as well. Loved how passionate the waiters are about the food and how they explain every component so diligently.
Read moreCons: Very pricey
Guest
KMRMSW
Points +104
Exquisite vegan fine dining - Edit
A very special experience with creative vegan food
Read morePros: Inventive food, Truly “dinner theatre”
Guest
Abbatosaurus
Points +350
Absolutely stunning - Edit
most amazing dining experience I’ve ever had. Was so good and interesting and worth the price on the very first dish. Definitely for the curious people out there as each course had something I’ve ever heard of before! But absolutely amazing and I’m so glad we went here. Pic is of a rhubarb desert, but they change their menu all the time.
Read moreGuest
kbw5044
Points +1242
Fine dining - Edit
Great place for a nice date night. The food is so creative and delicious, nice atmosphere. It's definitely expensive but it is supposed to be fine dining.
Read moreGuest
Heidical
Points +115
Amazing eating experience - Edit
We did the 5 course menu and it did not dissapoint. Each dish was unique and had so much flavour, the servers were knowledgeable and friendly and you really felt taken care of. Highly recommend
Read morePros: Wonderful flavours
Cons: None
Guest
PANOP123
Points +150
Incredible Fine Dining Cuisine - Edit
This is among the best fine dining restaurants in Toronto - vegan or not. The cuisine is bold and innovative. Extraordinarily creative and delicious.
Read morePros: All vegan and exquisite cuisine. , Chef is among the best. , You’ve never seen/tasted anything like it.
Cons: No espresso option at end.
Guest
Bailey88
Points +267
Fabulous - Edit
A friend took me here for my birthday. Gorgeous 8 course tasting menu. All superb. A must visit for a special occasion.
Read morePros: All vegan
Cons: Pricey
Guest
AbbyKuo
Points +560
Very fine dining - Edit
All food prepared very thoughtfully and with time (aging, fermentation, etc). We had the five course set with a glass of wine. The bill came to CAD$157 plus tip for two of us. If you are planning to have a very fine dining experience, come here! The dessert chef brought us our desserts and explained them to us which we thought was a surprise. Other dishes such as soup, flatbread, risotto etc were explained passionately by our waiter. Staffs are very proud with what they serve. Caters food allergies.
Read morePros: Cozy place with friendly staff, Specially prepared and creative gourmet food
Cons: Very pricey
Guest
hokusai77
Points +13599
Great food experience - Edit
I highly recommend this restaurant, everything was perfect, from staff to location, from food to drinks. We tried the five dish course, and we were thrilled!
Read morePros: everything!
Guest
MichaelO
Points +164
The best vegan restaurant in Toronto - Edit
The food it is really tasty and creative. They play very well with different flavors and texture in each plate. My mouth was really surprise with all the deepness and creativity in the food.
Read morePros: Dishes change selon season, Really tasty, Good attention
Guest
vegangolfer
Points +36
Awesome - Edit
Extremely Fresh. Great staff. Delicious.
Read moreGuest
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