A creative, hospitality-driven Leslieville spot delivering playful, Ontario-focused plates with standout service; great for dates and celebrations if you enjoy bold, nostalgic twists.
Ricky+Olivia exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality anchored by standout dishes like steak tartare and carrot with bay leaf ice cream, paired with outstanding service attentiveness and owner-led hospitality. Distinctive design and knowledgeable wine guidance elevate the experience, though occasional consistency notes on seasoning prevent higher distinction. This is a destination-worthy restaurant that ranks among the region's finest contemporary dining establishments.
The room feels warm and buzzing, with a quirky, lounge-to-kitchen flow that lets you watch plates land while staff narrate the fun. One diner summed it up: "It felt like dinner at a cool friend’s place, just with better wine and pacing." Owners often appear tableside, and the vibe is casual but polished enough for a celebration. In the kitchen, the cooking leans playful and produce-driven: Big Mac-style tartare with fried saltines, PB-and-J vibes in the chicken liver mousse, and the now-famous carrot with bay leaf ice cream. Expect cross-cultural flavors—tahini, dukkah, char siu glazes—expressed through Ontario ingredients. If you enjoy bold ideas and nostalgic winks more than tradition, you will feel right at home. Families can make this work thanks to comfort anchors like the burger and fries, but much of the menu skews adventurous. Picky eaters may prefer simpler picks, while teens and curious kids might love the playful desserts. No explicit kids menu noted.
Area vibe: Lively, creative east-end strip with indie shops, bars, and neighborhood dining; attracts date nights and local regulars.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked corridor with steady evening footfall; typical urban vigilance applies.
What's nearby: Near boutique retail, cafes, small bars; short ride to Gerrard Chinatown and Greektown; transit along Queen St E.
The steak tartare, burger, chicken liver mousse, and the carrot plus ice cream dessert are the must-tries.
It’s casual-chic and buzzing, so book ahead, expect limited street parking, and consider sharing dishes because portions run small to medium.
Warm, quirky, and lively with an open kitchen and owners frequently at tableside, it feels like dinner at a cool friend’s place but more polished.