TORONTO ― Rosewood Hospitality recently opened its latest restaurant venture called Paros. The new resto provides guests with an Aegean experience focusing on classic Greek dishes with quality ingredients. Accessible via Yorkville Avenue and along the historic Old York Lane, the restaurant has been re-imagined from its previous life and brings a renewed spirit to the cozy neighbourhood’s dining scene.
Similar to the Greek island’s best hidden gems, Paros was designed to be warm and welcoming, much like a family-owned establishment. Designed by Lisa Ho Studio, inside, a dimly-lit dining-room and bar are tucked in an intimate cave-like space lined with deep sand-coloured banquettes and terrazzo table tops. Unifying the European-inspired space with the surrounding Toronto community, strategic uplighting also highlights a 3D sculptural wall designed by a local Toronto artist.
Outside, Paros has been extended with an al fresco Greek garden patio and bar, providing additional space for friends and family to gather. Overhanging the garden are fuchsia bougainvillea trees, bringing a vibrant and eye-catching colour scheme to its timeless and monochromatic space.
“Unlike the crisp white and blue that people are used to, we peeled back the layers, highlighting the beauty and simplicity of warm-coloured textured plaster and washed brick to evoke natural beauty,” says Ho. “I wanted to ensure the restaurant design was traditionally Greek, refined yet understated, and elevated yet simple. I wanted the focus to remain on exceptional food, drinks and great company.”
Known for being colourful and diverse in flavour, Paros highlights the best of traditional Greek cuisine. Executive chef Jack Connacher and his team have curated an à la carte menu using fresh and local ingredients. Guests can look forward to menu favourites, including the Trio Dip with melitzanosalata, tzatziki and htipiti, a flaming Saganaki, Greek Salad with toasted sesame-crusted feta, Hamachi Crudo, Lamb Chops, Paros Sliders and Grilled Branzino.
“We wanted to design a menu that beautifully presented and celebrated Greek dishes,” shares Connacher. “This is Yorkville’s only Aegean restaurant, and we were careful in selecting staple menu items that truly provide guests with an authentic and elevated Greek culinary journey.”
Complimenting the menu are a variety of signature and classic craft cocktails created by head bartender Josh Duchesne. The Paros beverage program features a range of innovative cocktails with in-house creations such as Karpos Aqua Fresca with grapefruit-rose vodka, lemon juice, guava puree and aloe water, to trusted choices like an Aperol Spritz and Espresso Martini. In addition to inventive blends and time-honoured Greek wines and beers, those looking to continue their evening can opt for bottle service with premium bubbles and liquor.
Paros Yorkville is located at 119 Yorkville Ave and is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
