Working with local suppliers in the city, the menu at the recently opened Westend Grill House is as diverse as the city of Toronto itself.
“We picked the best dishes from each region and put our own spin on it, combining contrasting culinary traditions or techniques into a single dish,” says owner Harris Mohan, who recently relocated to Canada from Sri Lanka.
Upon arriving in Toronto, Mohan held several jobs in the hospitality industry, including working as a dishwasher and a line cook. But with a passion for all things culinary, it was always his dream to open a restaurant of his own.
Inside, the spot is modern and inviting, with cream-coloured, high back chairs, wooden tables, plenty of natural light and a collection of live plants. Westend Grill House can seat between 50 and 60 guests, and also has a banquet hall which can accommodate up to 200 guests for larger functions.
On the menu, diners will find classic steakhouse dishes, like the Australian wagyu steak served with peppercorn sauce and mashed potatoes, or the juicy garlic shrimp finished in white wine and butter. But guests will also find other unconventional items, that are quickly gaining popularity on Instagram, like the wagyu burgers served on a pitch black charcoal-infused bun, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and a secret pink sauce made from strawberries.
Save room for dessert — the chocolate chip cookie skillet served with vanilla ice cream is a bestseller, as is the modern tiramisu, which is decked out with gold foil. Always evolving, the restaurant continues to add new seasonal menu items that are just begging to be photographed.
Their playful presentation and plating, from cocktails to desserts, make this spot a must-visit.
From Monday to Friday between 1 and 3 p.m., Westend Grill House offers discounted rates on select food items as part of a happy hour special. From 3 to 6 p.m., diners can take advantage of happy hour drink specials, like the $4 beer, $7 house wine, or fun mocktails, like coconut water served straight from a green coconut.
Westend Grill House is located at 4040 Steeles Ave W Unit 1 in Woodbridge and is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.