Nota Bene hits the nail on the head when it comes to clientele and location. While I agree with fellow Yelpers that NB is too expensive for what it is, they're location caters to the downtown working crowd who are more than likely using corporate credit cards to pay for their meals. In this case, heck yes I'll spend $25 on the smallest piece of Halibut for lunch.
I recently came to NB on a business lunch in the same situation as I mentioned above: on someone else's dime. However, besides the high priced lunch, NB is quite a lovely place to dine.
The restaurant's decor is simple-sophistication: clean simple lines and nice finishes, complete with an intimate eating space conducive to keeping your business to yourself without sharing with your neighbour. The servers are friendly yet discreet and maintain a high level of professionalism during service.
Needless to say, the meal was fantastic. The Halibut was cooked perfectly with the simplest flavours and buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture. The garlic-sauteed rapini was also cooked with the same perfection - steamed, sauteed, yet still maintaining a nice crispness.
The cappuccino I ordered following lunch was mediocre, but that was to be expected.
Honourable Mentions:
- our glasses were never empty (i thoroughly appreciate a server who is conscious of this simple gesture)
- a well rounded menu that would keep both vegetarians and meat eaters tres satisfied.