I went to N. Noir restaurant on Church Street in Toronto last night, and it was an amazing experience. You start by pre-ordering your meal off the menu (appetizer, main course and desert), or you can have the option of ordering a 'surprise meal' which can be anything off the main menu (they will also accommodate you even if you need a gluten free meal)
Once this is done, you are advised to shut off your cell phone and remove your watch or any items that hold or reflect light. You are then escorted in a dining room that is completely dark. It is so dark you can't even see your hand in front of your face. Suddenly your senses completely go into over drive. You can hear conversations from other people in the dining room loud and clear and you can smell every dish in that passes by you in the completely dark dining room.
It gets even more interesting when you try and guess what you are eating. There were eight of us in our group and only person was able to guess the starter, main course and desert. The food is very good (not for gourmet pallets) but still very tasty and reasonably priced for a Toronto restaurant down town.
Eating in the dark with nothing but your knife and fork (ok I cheated a couple of times and used my fingers) and drinking from a glass you can't even see is also a bit of a challenge,but it is the experience you are going to remember.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a birthday party celebration or even if you just want to a restaurant experience that is fun and unique!
The 4 stars are for the service and experience but I would give the food and menu selection 3.5.