Located in a cozy townhouse in a pretty quiet neighbourhood, Branca on Dundas West is a quite a place. Its unique method of cooking meat is definitely something I've never heard of in Toronto.
I've been here three times so I'm going to combine my reviews together.
First Visit: We came here on a late Wed night for a drink. The ambience was great and we had a great time. We didn't get to try the food because we already had lots for dinner, but we got lucky and had the opportunity to tour the fire pit in the back where they roasted the meat every day. It's so cool. Gotta try the steaks and ribs next.
Second visit: I came here for my birthday on a Tuesday night with a group of 6 people in total. We arrived at 8pm and the restaurant was 75% full. So make sure to make reservations if you want to come, even on weekdays.
We had 4 apps in total, a 48oz 30day dry aged steak to share for everyone, 2 side dishes and 3 desserts plus the cake we brought. Everything was fabulous, especially the octopus appetizer and the dark chocolate with burned marshmallow dessert. Everybody was amazed by how well-flavoured the dishes were put together. You must try!
The service was on point too. There was never moment I ran out of wine or water in my glass!
Third visit - we sat at the bar and a few drinks and a dessert. The panqueques dessert was stellar!!! We ended up getting two more for the group Lol it's a stuffed small crepe, rolled up and with sugar torched on the surface. A little bit crunchy outside and soft inside. Dipped into whipped cream. So good.