A Leaf, a Dragon and a restaurateur open Toronto’s best new steak and sushi house

Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House emerged from an unexpected dinner discussion among Nick Di Donato, CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, Kevin O’Leary from Dragon’s Den, and Toronto Maple Leafs’ right winger, Mitch Marner. Recognizing a gap in Toronto’s dining scene, they envisioned a fine-dining destination that not only showcased premium cuts of meat, including certified Japanese Kobe beef, but also boasted an amazing daily seafood selection and an ultra-premium sushi program.

The sister restaurant to Casa Loma’s Blue Blood Steakhouse, Blue Bovine is located at the northeast corner of the historic Union Station and boasts striking views of the city from the expansive windows. Guests will also find a dramatic, bronze bull weighing 1,500 pounds standing ground at the entrance โ€” a homage to The Big Apple’s own “Charging Bull”

โ€œOur majestic sculpture is poised to become an enduring symbol, not only for our Bay Street establishment, but also for Torontoโ€™s iconic Union Station and the community,โ€ says Nick Di Donato, president and CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. โ€œServing as Torontoโ€™s own rendition of Manhattanโ€™s famed Wall Street bull, our hand-carved masterpiece represents Liberty Groupโ€™s ongoing mission to bring world-class restaurants and unequaled hospitality to our city, and onto the global stage.”

@bluebovine/Instagram

The venue accommodates up to two hundred guests for lunch and dinner, operating from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Its open kitchen design allows executive chef Sean Blomeley and his team to showcase their culinary expertise. Blending land and sea, the steak and sushi kitchen presents diners with an array of premium meats and seafood, expertly grilled to perfection. Guests can observe the aging process of ultra-premium beef in the salt-rock room, adding to the dining experience.

Under the guidance of award-winning sushi chef Yi-Joo Na, an array of traditional and innovative sushi creations awaits, highlighting the freshest seafood available. The Omakase sushi bar presents a traditional Japanese dining experience, with Chef Na crafting personalized sushi and sashimi selections based on the day’s freshest ingredients.

“Weโ€™re bringing many worlds together, and welcome all including the corporate world for lunches and meetings, the after-work crowd ready to unwind, travelers coming in and out of the city, and pre- and post-game and show fans and their teamsโ€™ heroes, to join us to celebrate,’ says Di Donato.

Blue Bovine’s eclectic art collection infuses a vibrant street-style into the space. Works by renowned artists like Mr. Brainwash, Mr. Pinkbrush, Peter Tunney and local artist Peter Triantos inject colour and character, reflecting the modern culture of the restaurant’s ย downtown location.

Online reservations are now open for dinner service starting Feb. 20th, with lunch service available beginning February 26th.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO