When a name like Reza Abedi, the mastermind behind Toronto’s trendiest spots — Lavelle, Lobby and most recently Baby’s Cabaret — unveils a new venture, you know it’s not just another opening. Jade Yorkville is grabbing attention on Avenue Road, and it’s easy to see why.
The restaurant is all about sleek, understated elegance with a trendy edge. The menu includes luxury dishes like duck breast, seafood crudo and even corn dogs topped with caviar. It’s the perfect mashup of classic and creative without trying too hard.
Jade’s design, by Victoria Opacak, is all about subtle class. The jade-green porcelain exterior teases what’s inside — deep green hues wrapping everything from the marble bar to the velvet booths. It’s a space that’s somehow both luxe and down-to-earth, a balance that feels perfectly on purpose.
“We incorporated a monochromatic palette to create a consistent and harmonious atmosphere. By integrating several variations of the same hue, we achieved a sense of elegance that wasn’t overwhelming,” says Opacak. “Our goal was to create an intimate and sultry ambiance with beauty that speaks for itself. ”
Jade’s menu, crafted by executive chef Hermawan Lay, redefines French-Asian fusion. Playful dishes like kaizen toast with foie gras and unagi, or the corn dog with caviar, might sound quirky, but the execution is all precision. Lay’s mastery of both cuisines shines through, with every plate designed to share, making the whole experience feel communal. And the desserts? The miso cheesecake and pandan cake are the kind of sweet endings you don’t want to miss.
“We designed our dishes to be bold and rich, marrying the sophistication of French culinary style combined with the lively and bold flavours of Asia,” says Lay. “Our goal was to curate Jade’s menu to emulate the restaurant’s effortlessly cool and contemporary essence while maintaining a sense of refinement and elevation.”
At Jade, diners get a rare level of control with gold service switches at every table. Want a private, uninterrupted dinner? No problem. Ready for another round? Just flip the switch and signal for service on your terms.
As for the drinks, beverage director Jake Dolgy has created a cocktail program that complements the menu’s complexity. Fun bevvies like the Lychee Fizz, with its blend of Grey Goose vodka, lychee and St-Germain, offer a refreshing start, while the Tokyo Godfather, with its mix of scotch, miso and shiitake, provides a more adventurous option.
Jade officially opens on August 21 Wednesday through Sunday at 137 Avenue Road.
