A French brasserie with one of the best steak frites in the city — the bavette with frites and bearnaise is a proper, beautifully executed bistro classic in one of Toronto's prettiest dining rooms.
Neighbourhood: King St East / St. Lawrence · Address: 4 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2 · Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30AM–10PM | Fri–Sat 11:30AM–11PM | Sun 11AM–9PM · Price Range: $$$ · Phone: (416) 860-0086 · Website: https://biffsbistro.com · Editorial status: Not yet verified
For a proper French bistro vibe and one of Toronto’s best steak frites, Biff’s remains a reliable go-to. The covered patio and the comfortable, historic dining room both make dinner feel special without being stuffy.
Biff’s nails that Parisian brasserie feel without trying too hard, making it easy to relax. The kitchen consistently delivers classics others often mess up—especially the fries and sauces. Unlike trendier downtown steakhouses, it’s both inviting and grown-up, with a menu that actually feels French.
Biff’s Bistro is a mainstay for French comfort food in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, run by O&B and known for its consistently solid brasserie fare. The room is all art deco details, deep banquettes, and tile floors, evoking Paris without pretense. Chef-driven but unpretentious, the menu features bistro classics like steak frites, mussels, duck confit, and a deep French wine list. The servers know their stuff and treat regulars and first-timers the same.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, though walk-ins are sometimes possible during lunch or early dinner.
The bavette steak frites with bearnaise—it's the dish regulars swear by.
Yes—there are semi-private spaces and large banquettes for groups up to 8–10, but weekends can get busy and quite lively.
Most mains are $30–$45; starters and desserts $12–$20. Not cheap, but not outrageous for the quality.
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