Ever fancied a meal that comes with a side of Toronto’s skyline? Let me take you through my recent excursion to 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower – an experience that tantalizes both the taste buds and the eyes.
To be noted: I have lived in Toronto for forty plus years but never been up to the top of the CN Tower. In my need to find Toronto’s best places to eat, a friend recommended that I try the 360 Restaurant.
Some of the perks of opting for dinner at 360 Restaurant are quite unique.
- Spectacular Views: It’s a no-brainer! Dining 351 metres above ground offers panoramic sights of Toronto that are second to none.
- Observation Deck Access: Your meal ticket includes a trip to the viewing gallery, a nice touch for those of us keen on sightseeing.
- A Tasty Fixed Menu: At a reasonable $75.00, the quality and selection make it a strong contender when considering nice places to eat in Toronto.
The prices that I have quoted here are as of fall 2023. Like everything these days, the prices will have probably gone up.
However, my recommendation is that you do the meal and then you have access to the observation deck to walk off that meal. In my mind, this is a great deal. You get an awesome meal for about forty dollars and then the observation deck which alone for a senior is thirty-six dollars.
Nestled in the heart of downtown and towering above the fray, the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant is centrally located. If you’re using public transport, be prepared for a walk – watch out for steep staircases that might trouble some of my fellow seniors. This is especially true if you come to the tower from the Front Street side.
Side Note: Depending on the time of year, I would look on Viator to see what packages are available. The Hop-on, Hop-off bus may be an alternative and it has a stop on the south side of the tower. Hence, no stairs to climb.
As mentioned above, public transportation will get you close. Head to Union Station and find the streetcar bay from where you would take either the 509 or 510 streetcars to the Rees Street stop. It is about a 5-minute walk from there.
The Ambience
Once inside, the ambiance is light and bright. The steady rotation offers a dynamic view, ensuring your meal is accompanied by a constantly changing backdrop. When I was there, one rotation took about one hour. It was enough time to enjoy your meal and a coffee after.
Yes, noise can be a factor, and crying little ones might test your patience, but such is the price of a popular spot. And again, this will also be a factor of what time of day you go. I have been told there tends to be fewer children later in the day.
The Menu and the Food
Once inside, the ambiance is light and bright. The steady rotation offers a dynamic view, ensuring your meal is accompanied by a constantly changing backdrop. When I was there, one rotation took about one hour. It was enough time to enjoy your meal and a coffee after.
Yes, noise can be a factor, and crying little ones might test your patience, but such is the price of a popular spot. And again, this will also be a factor of what time of day you go. I have been told there tends to be fewer children later in the day.
Oh, the food! Potato leek soup, a snug vegetarian cabbage roll and to top it off, mastery in the form of cheesecake. Simply put, it’s a flavour journey that’s hearty without leaving you stuffed to the gills.
The Staff and Service
My servers were splendid. They were smiling and friendly and were able to answer whatever questions that I had about the food and its ingredients.
However, I found the hosts a little abrupt and not so welcoming. I was made to feel a little guilty when I came down from the observation deck to the restaurant as this is not their preferred order. (But hey, 360 folks. this fact is not made clear anywhere until you show up at the tower and someone tells you!).
Accessibility
Aside from the stairs from Front Street that I have already mentioned, there are small steps around the restaurant to get to the seating area.
If you are wheelchair bound, you will be seated up in the higher section away from the window. There are elevators available to get you to and from the observation deck. You will just need to get assistance from one of the hosts.
Conclusion
Dining at 360 Restaurant is a must-do for visiting seniors and anyone searching for great places to eat in Toronto. The minor hiccups in service pale in comparison to the culinary highs and spectacular vistas. Pack your patience along with your appetite, and you’re in for a delightful evening.
Remember, folks:
- Book ahead: Time slots are like gold, especially if your knees prefer lifts to stairs.
- Bring your best camera: Not every day, you dine amongst the clouds!
- Save room for dessert: The cheesecake is celestial!
Ready for an elevated dining experience that’s quite literally ‘above it all’? Then 360 Restaurant awaits. Cheers to a meal you’ll recount to friends for years to come!
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Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes. Most of all have happy travels and see you out there on the road!
Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography: From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.