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Home » Destinations » Canada & United States » Ontario » Toronto » Nota Bene Restaurant: A Top Choice for Summerlicious

Nota Bene Restaurant: A Top Choice for Summerlicious

Posted July 10, 2017, Updated April 29, 2020 //  by Michele Peterson 51 Comments

We may earn income from advertising links in this post. Please read our Disclosure Statement for details.

If you’re trying to decide on the best restaurant to choose for Summerlicious, Toronto’s popular price fixe food festival, you won’t be disappointed with dinner at Nota Bene Restaurant. 

If you’re not familiar with the Summerlicious food festival, it’s a two-week event promoted by the City of Toronto featuring more than 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants offering three-course prix fixe menus at one of three price categories

Lunch: $18 | $23 | $28 or Dinner: $28 | $38 | $48 (subject to change annually)

Along with One at the Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville, Nota Bene is one of the best restaurants to enjoy during Summerlicious. It opened in 2008  and quickly vaulted to several “Canada’s Best New Restaurant” lists.

Nota Bene Restaurant Toronto
Sleek and contemporary, Nota Bene is located in the heart of Toronto on Queen St. W at University

Nota Bene is helmed by Executive Chef David Lee, who built a stellar reputation at hot spots such as Centro, Splendido and Carbon Bar.

The interior has since been remodelled and the menu has evolved, but it continues to be beloved by food fans due to its exceptionally-prepared contemporary cuisine and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

How to Score a Reservation at the Best Summerlicious Restaurants

Aeroplan members enjoy opportunity to make restaurant reservations for Summerlicious before the general public Credit Aeroplan
Aeroplan members enjoy the opportunity to make restaurant reservations for Summerlicious before the general public Credit: Aeroplan

The biggest challenge of Summerlicious is getting a dinner reservation for the restaurant of your choice.

Did you know that Aeroplan members can make advance reservations at Summerlicious participating restaurants a day before the general public? I didn’t!

This perk is a new benefit for Aeroplan members and is very handy for scoring prime-time reservations at  top restaurants such as Nota Bene during Summerlicious, Toronto’s summer restaurant promotion.

Not yet a member of the Aeroplan Loyalty Program? It’s easy and free to enroll here.

With our Aeroplan reservation in place at Nota Bene, we breezed past the Saturday night crowds on busy Queen St. West and were whisked to our reserved table for two. It was hard not to gawk at the glam decor.

The sleek yet welcoming design channels a zen vibe through a creative mix of  textures, colours and light harmoniously imagined by  +tongtong  studio (known for projects such as the W Hotel Hoboken, The Drake and Cafe Belong).

Our plush seats offered views of the modern open kitchen, the glossy indigo-hued ceiling with reflections evoking the night skyline and an airy collection of tumbleweeds, affixed on the ceiling for a splash of fun.

Create your own Gin and Tonic at Nota Bene restaurant in Toronto
Create your own Gin and Tonic by choosing your gin, your tonic and garnishes at Nota Bene restaurant in Toronto

We began our meal with Nota Bene’s Build-Your-Own Gin & Tonic menu. Guided by our knowledgeable server, our choice of gin was Whitley Neill, featuring nine botanicals including Baobob fruit and cape gooseberry from Africa.

The gin was paired with a Mediterranean tonic and served with a DIY garnish of grapefruit, cucumber and hibiscus. Despite our enthusiasm for dropping hibiscus flowers into the cocktail to watch it morph into a pretty shade of pink, we didn’t manage to destroy our creation and our G & T  turned out to be a deliciously refreshing and ideal for a summer evening. Definitely put Whitley Neill gin on your must-try list!

Unable to resist the lure of the Tunisian Octopus on Nota Bene’s regular menu, my dining companion opted for selections from the main menu while I explored the Summerlicious offerings. I only veered off-menu briefly when I learned of the special appetizer option, a dish of Ontario white asparagus, itself such a rarity at the end of asparagus season in Ontario that I had to have it. I wasn’t disappointed with my choice, it was beautifully prepared and tasted as fresh as a spring breeze.

white ontario asparagus at Nota Bene
Beautiful white Ontario asparagus makes a brief but special appearance each spring

Our memorable Nota Bene dining experience continued with a side order of the shoshito peppers, slim hot peppers blistered in oil and sprinkled with sea salt, a snack that reminded of Pimientos de Padron, one of my all-time favourite dishes from Galicia, northern Spain.

Not only do the shoshito peppers at Note Bene offer the same sizzling bite of flavour with unexpectedly hits of heat every 10th pepper or so, but they are just as addictive as their northern counterparts.

Tunisian Octopus served with miso-gochujang sauce Nota Bene
Probably the best octopus I’ve ever eaten was this Tunisian Octopus served with miso-gochujang sauce at Nota Bene

My choice for a main from the Summerlicious menu was Ragu Bolognese — prepared with rapini, olives and pancetta over a tender Pappardelle pasta — a dish that instantly transported me back to Tuscany, Italy. I was also impressed by the forkfuls of the Tunisian Octopus I was able to spear from my companion’s plate. It was incredibly tender and delicate tasting.

Memorable cuisine at nota bene

Our dessert choices were Ontario Strawberry Trifle featuring fresh-picked sweet local strawberries and a cheese plate including Bleu d’Élizabeth, a mellow, earthy blue cheese from Quebec. It was an evening of exceptional cuisine with dishes presented in a contemporary way, without the distraction of molecular embellishment, an approach that really allowed the ingredients to shine. Nota Bene’s Summerlicious menu is a taste of summer with a dash of global flair. It’s also fantastic value at $48 (plus gratuity)

The Complete  $48 Summerlicious Dinner Menu at Nota Bene Restaurant in Toronto for 2017

Nova Scotia Lobster Tom Yum Soup
coconut milk, Thai chilies, lemongrass
or
Bigeye Tuna Tartare
soba noodles, wakame, watermelon, shiso
or
Ontario Tomato & Goat Gouda Salad
shoshito peppers, sunflower seed vinaigrette
or
Crisp Duck Salad
green papaya, cucumber, fish sauce, chilies, Asian herbs


Charcoal Grilled Flat Iron Steak
chimichurri rojo, sweet corn succotash, rosemary-thyme ash
or
Arctic Char Filet
wilted greens, coconut broth, coriander, pineapple & jicama salsa
or
Perciatelli Pasta
farmer’s market tomato sauce, burrata pugliese, basil
or
Ragu Bolognese, Pappardelle Pasta
rapini, olives, pancetta


Ontario Strawberry Trifle
Victoria sponge, Hewitts’ cream
or
Sorbet
pineapple compote, coconut tapioca pearls
or
Artisanal Canadian Cheese
buttermilk crostini, fruit compote

Travel Planner

Aeroplan: I usually use my Aeroplan reward points to book travel to sun destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean which means I often forget about the other important benefits of being a member of the Aeroplan Loyalty Program. For example, there’s the Aeroplan Member Donation Program which allows members to donate reward miles to Canadian-based charities. Aeroplan members can also redeem  Reward Miles to shop for Activities and Merchandise from luggage to sporting events. Plus, there are many more benefits waiting to be explored. Join the Aeroplan program at www.aeroplan.com

Visit Toronto and Ontario Travel Tourism: Pick up free maps, tourist booklets packed with information and get advice at the Tourism Toronto and Ontario Travel visitor information centres.

City of  Toronto Summerlicious: Reservations are a must for this popular summer food celebration. Browse restaurants and get contact details on the Full List of participating Summerlicious Restaurants in 2017.

Nota Bene: One of Toronto’s top restaurants, Nota Bene is located at 180 Queen St. West at University Avenue,. The nearest TTC subway station is Osgoode. Be sure to make a reservation if you’re hoping to dine during Summerlicious. Dress is smart casual to elegant. Nota Bene is also planning a Tasting Menu for $79 during summer 2017 so check the Nota Bene website for details.

For more suggestions on what to do in and around Toronto, check out these posts:

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Toronto

Plunge into Winter at Le Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountain

A Food-Lover’s Guide to Muskoka

 

Category: Toronto

About Michele Peterson

Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pat Capo

    July 10, 2017 at 9:01 am

    Wow, I’m an Aeroplan member but didn’t know of all these benefits. I haven’t (yet) attended Summerlicious but this looks like a good year to start. Nota Bene’s menu sounds delicious, especially that Nova Scotia Tom Yum soup.

    Reply
  2. Joanne

    July 10, 2017 at 9:05 am

    I’d love to try that ragu at Summerlicious!

    Reply
  3. Eat All The Things

    July 10, 2017 at 11:08 am

    The Ragu bolognese looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 10, 2017 at 11:28 am

      An excellent choice!

  4. Ali

    July 10, 2017 at 11:16 am

    Perciatelli Pasta!

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 10, 2017 at 11:28 am

      It does sound delicious – good luck!

  5. aninetyfour

    July 10, 2017 at 11:28 am

    I’d love to try the Tunisian Octopus at Nota Bene summerlicious!

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 10, 2017 at 11:40 am

      It was incredible – a fabulous choice!

  6. Sarah Q

    July 10, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    I’d try the octopus for sure!

    Reply
  7. Vanessa L.

    July 10, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    I would love to try the Crisp Duck Salad. Sounds like a great appetizer!

    Reply
  8. Shay A

    July 10, 2017 at 8:10 pm

    Dying to try the octopus!!

    Reply
  9. Sherel Purcell

    July 10, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    I’d love to try the Arctic char

    Reply
  10. Kristy

    July 10, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    The Ontario Strawberry Trifle sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 11, 2017 at 11:07 am

      There’s nothing better than fresh Ontario strawberries!

  11. Marlene Cashin

    July 11, 2017 at 10:24 am

    Despite all the fabulous-sounding dishes, I’d have to say the Tunisian Octopus.

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 11, 2017 at 11:08 am

      Yes, it was impossible to resist!

  12. Yong C.

    July 11, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    I’d love to try the Tunisian Octopus.

    Reply
  13. Yanhua T.

    July 11, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    I would love to try the Crisp Duck Salad.

    Reply
  14. Lori Henry

    July 11, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    The Nova Scotia Lobster Tom Yum Soup!

    Reply
  15. Donna Janke

    July 12, 2017 at 9:51 am

    The menu sounds wonderful

    Reply
  16. Kaila I

    July 12, 2017 at 11:50 am

    I would love love love to try the Perciatelli Pasta! MMMM

    Reply
  17. em

    July 12, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    i would try the Big Eye Tuna Tartare, Cavatelli Pugliesi and Ontario Strawberry Trifle

    Reply
  18. Reena B

    July 12, 2017 at 5:50 pm

    I would love to try Arctic Char Filet
    wilted greens, coconut broth, coriander, pineapple & jicama salsa!

    Reply
  19. Stephen Chin

    July 12, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    100% I would try the Tunisian Octopus. It’s such a difficult meat too cook and I would love to see how it differs from the typical asian styles.

    Reply
  20. Cheryl K

    July 12, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    Omg! Everything looks amazing! I’d love to try the lobster Tom yum soup followed by the filet or Arctic char and for dessert I would go with the sorbet since I’m lactose intolerant. Please pretty please choose me. This menu looks incredible. I also love octopus and white asparagus.

    I’d be so happy if I won and so would the new guy that I’m dating. He’s a foodie at heart Please send us

    Reply
    • Michele Peterson

      July 13, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Thanks for entering Cheryl! Remember to return to tweet a message daily to earn extra entries for you and your date!

  21. Stephanie M

    July 13, 2017 at 6:16 am

    The octopus sounds great!

    Reply
  22. Lina

    July 13, 2017 at 7:38 am

    I’d love to try the Ontario Strawberry Trifle!

    Reply
  23. Sarah Smart

    July 13, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    Perciatelli Pasta for the win! Sounds delish!

    Reply
  24. Davindra Ramnarine

    July 13, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    That Arctic Char Filet has my name written all over it!

    Reply
  25. Erika

    July 13, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    I would try Perciatelli Pasta!

    Reply
  26. Sid Friedman

    July 14, 2017 at 12:23 am

    Ragu Bolognese, Pappardelle Pasta has my name all over it!!!

    Reply
  27. Tanne

    July 14, 2017 at 1:11 am

    dessert ~ Ontario Strawberry Trifle, yum!

    Reply
  28. Sophia

    July 14, 2017 at 2:05 am

    The Bigeye tuna tartare paired with soba noodles, wakame, watermelon and shiso sounds absolutely divine!

    Reply
  29. Mike D

    July 14, 2017 at 8:38 am

    I would love to try the crisp duck salad

    Reply
  30. Andrew

    July 14, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    I’d love to try that big eye tuna tartare. Love a good tartare and also a big fan of soba noodles

    Reply
  31. Jen

    July 14, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    I’ve heard amazing things about the crisp duck salad. I would try that.

    Reply
  32. Evekyn Hannon

    July 14, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Time spent in Italy during the summer would be Summerlicious. Next best thing would be Ragu Bolognese. Where? At Nota Bene, of course:)

    Reply
  33. Christina D

    July 14, 2017 at 11:10 pm

    The Tunisian Octopus would be really cool to try.

    Reply
  34. nicoleroannef

    July 14, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    I would love to try the Ontario Strawberry Trifle.

    Reply
  35. Tracey

    July 15, 2017 at 8:48 am

    What a delicious menu! I would love to try their Perciatelli Pasta with farmer’s market tomato sauce, bur rata pugliese and basil.

    Reply
  36. Jody

    July 15, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I too would like to try the Ragu Bolognese! Great review – thanks.

    Reply
  37. Vanessa Pike

    July 15, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Bring in some Atlantic cod or moose dishes!

    Reply
  38. Lushka Smith

    July 15, 2017 at 11:22 pm

    The Artic Char

    Reply
  39. Jackie M

    July 16, 2017 at 1:18 am

    I would want to try the Arctic Char Filet!

    Reply
  40. Paul A

    July 16, 2017 at 1:19 am

    I’m down to try Cumbrae Farms Beef Brisket Burger on their regular menu!

    Reply
    • Paul A

      July 16, 2017 at 1:22 am

      Summerlicious I would try Charcoal Grilled Flat Iron Steak!

  41. Eliz T

    July 16, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I’m a sucker for dessert! I’d be getting the Ontario Strawberry Trifle for sure!

    Reply
  42. CL Chin

    July 16, 2017 at 10:37 am

    I want to try the Arctic char and the sorbet!

    Reply
  43. Lisa penney

    July 16, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    The Ontario tomato and goat gouda salade sounds divine!

    Reply
  44. M

    July 16, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    I’d like to try the Ragu bolognese!

    Reply

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About A Taste for Travel

Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico, publisher Michele Peterson’s award-winning work has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source , National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and  100+ other publications. 

At A Taste for Travel — along with a team of expert travel writers and photographers — she  helps readers plan vacations and make delicious global recipes at home. 

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