"Superior to what?" is the question
Ultimately, this is what we opted for.
The service was excellent. We were given a choice of tables and chose one in the front window with a view of the street. The waitstaff was pleasant and attentive without being annoying or overbearing. Recommendations were given cheerfully and specifically. Slight irritation when two different people tried to clear away a plate we weren't finished with within minutes of each other, but that was a very minor quibble.
We started with the anti-pasto platter for two which was an interesting and enjoyable mix of things. It would have been nice if there was some indication what the spoonful of sauce was meant to go with, we eventually ate it with the quail. The salad greens were dressed with a light, sweet dressing that was absolutely heavenly.
We both ordered our main plates off the specials menu. I had a butternut squash ravioli, while my dining companion chose the grilled vegetables with cheese and rice balls and salad greens. The cheese and rice balls (she shared) were really amazing. The textures were just lovely and the flavour quite nice. Unfortunately, she said the salad greens were not given the same wonderful dressing as in the appetizer plate. Rather, she barely ate them because the dressing was so puckery and acidic. The ravioli had a nice subtle, nutty flavour and sauce was incredibly flavourful and a bit spicy. Unfortunately, for the dish as a whole, the flavourful, spicy tomato sauce completely overwhelmed the suble flavours of the pasta. The sauce would have carried a dish all on its own with just a plain pasta, while the ravioli would have been far better served with a simpler sauce - a light cream sauce, or maybe butter / white wine.
Though the choices were pretty run of the mill, dessert was quite good. We ordered a chocolate mousse and a creme brulee. I found the creme brulee had been overtorched, but the creme part of it was nicely done. The chocolate mousse was really excellent. It was topped with bits of crunchy hazelnut and chocolate and a thin layer of ganache. My dining companion, on the other hand, much preferred the creme brulee, so I think we can call dessert a toss-up.
The wine list was extensive and offered a significant range of prices from $30-$150. I can't say much really about the variety of wines, since I know little about wine. There were a half dozen by the glass choices. We ordered a half bottle of something or other Shiraz that was good.
Restaurant Info:
Superior Restaurant
253 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M5B 1N8
Phone: (416) 214-0416
Fax:(416) 214-9785
Hours: Mon 11:30am-9pm, Tue-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun closed
Related Links:
Chowhound's Toronto / Ontario board
Original Chowhound Post
Superior Restaurant