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| - This is one of the better hidden gems in the GTA. I'd classify Port as a Joey Don Mills, Moxies & Milestonesque fusionesquey "premium casual" dinning experience. But it's got one thing none of these other restaurants have: a harbour view!
Why can't a place like this exist in the downtown waterfront area? I can only imagine how popular a place like this would be if it took advantage of our waterfront, instead of the crap we currently have, such as tourist crap traps (which even tourists aren't going to) like Captain Johns!
The deck looking out into the tranquil harbour has got to be one of the more beautiful views in the GTA, and this mid-sized restaurant takes full advantage of it with it's floor to ceiling windows.
The service was pretty good even though on this night it seemed like they had a sophisticated crew of high school kids. Maybe I'm getting older, but they seemed awfully young. They were very professional nonetheless except for when our waitress dropped an "oh shit" when she realized our bill was wrong.
The food was pretty good. Everyone seemed happy with the food: our table had the Free Run Chicken with mash, a walleye, a rack of lamb, a steak and I had the artic char with risotto. My fish was done perfectly and the risotto was very good. As a table we shared some mussels and their charcuterie plate. Mussels were good, but the charcuterie plate was the main reason this isn't a 5 star place. It was some mediocre slices of bread, prosciutto, low end brie cheese along with some balsamic vinegar and dijion mustard dip. That and a bread basket is an additional cost here.
We followed it up with some Crème brûlée, apple crumble and cheese cake, and we all agreed our deserts was our least favourite part of the meal. There wasn't anything specific, but they could definitely rework the dessert menu.
The bar section has a few big screens carrying the game, and one when the Leafs make it back to the playoffs, I'm sure I'll head out here to watch a game or two in the spring.
If you're ever out in the east end, i'd say it's worth a drive to Port, however make sure you have a reservation in hand, as this is THE fine and romantic dinning experience out in Pickering.
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