Quetzal
Mexican restaurant · Kensington-Chinatown
419 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1, Canada
Highlights
Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine, bold flavors, wood-fired grill, craft cocktails
Michelin-starred Mexican cuisine, bold flavors, wood-fired grill, craft cocktails
"Quetzal is another dinner spot that’s basically impossible to book, but they do take some walk-ins, or you can try and snag a last-minute cancellation—the Mexican food here is worth the effort. There’s a 26-foot-long wood-burning grill that they use for many dishes, including an excellent pastor plate with charred pineapple and caramelized onion salsa and Hokkaido scallops with green garlic butter and sea asparagus. If you’re looking for a taco, the blue masa tortillas are handmade with heirloom corn before being packed with flavorful fillings like lamb barbacoa, chorizo, and mushrooms. The narrow space is meant to feel sort of like a market in Oaxaca, with low ceilings and curved white walls, and is usually filled with couples and groups celebrating special occasions." - julia eskins
"Steven Molnar of One MICHELIN Star Quetzal provides guests with a curated driving itinerary and a dining experience." - MICHELIN Guide
"Congratulations to the bar team at One MICHELIN Star Quetzal and the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Toronto Exceptional Cocktail Award Winner! From mezcal to tequila, the agave-based cocktails here have managed to pack the cool and vibrant vibes of Mexico City into delicious sips." - MICHELIN Guide
"MICHELIN One Star Quetzal's bar team who took the Exceptional Cocktail award." - MICHELIN Guide
"Located on College Street, one of the main arteries of downtown Toronto, Quetzal is a Mexican restaurant created to honor Mexican cuisine and traditions. Steven Molnar, executive chef of the One MICHELIN Star, hopes that the restaurant will educate guests on what modern, fine dining Mexican food is. “I strive to change the general perception surrounding Mexican cuisine by showcasing unique flavor combinations and seasonal products,” Molnar explains. Influenced by Molnar’s background—he's Japanese and Hungarian—the dishes have clear Japanese influences, and are all cooked over a 28-foot wood fire. “It creates a unique dining experience,” Molnar continues. “From the wonderful smell of wood fire and distinct flavors of cooking over wood fire to guests being able to witness everything.”" - Kevin Chau
