There are steak houses, and then there’s Barberian’s. There’s no selfie wall or wannabe-witty hashtag associated with this joint — just a couple of Group of Seven paintings (no big deal). This is a proper old-timey dining experience and an institution in Toronto’s food scene. Now in the second generation, the family business reaches back to 1959, with the menu reflecting those classic dishes that never fail to please. Begin the meal with a jumbo shrimp cocktail, a trio of giant prawns in a coupe with house sauce, before tucking into the swanky chateaubriand pour deux, gussied up with wine sauce. For dessert, dig into a banana split — what’s more old school than that?
