C5 Restaurant - A Royal Canadian Treat

Grilled Octopus - Garbanzo Bean & Black Olive Relish, Espelette Aioli

I took advantage of a day trip to Toronto by booking a lunch table at C5 restaurant - the ultra mod eatery located on the top floor of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). C5 stands for the fifth "crystal" in this Michael Lee-Chin's "aluminum and glass structure with five interlocking, self supporting prismatic sculptures." C5 is up on my list of museum restaurants alongside Cafe Marly in the Louvre. 

The C5 Lounge's black, leather and glass motif sets the tone for the space immediately upon arriving on the 5th floor of the ROM via a dedicated elevator. The restaurant sits on the tip of the glass prism with a fantastic view of the surrounding parks and buildings. I can just imagine the vibe when this place is hopping in the evening.

Chef Ted Corrado's food is superb with a strong emphasis on seasonality and local Ontario food products. The food preparation and presentation are on par with more publicized food cities such as New York, Chicago and London.  Another brilliant concept within the C5 restaurant is the Food Studio several floors down. Food Studio is a designer's "cafeteria,' serving seasonal and organic menu items in a  sensory pleasant space.

Never settle for "any restaurant" whenever you visit a foreign city. Do your research. Not enough time? Check out the buzz on the latest mobile street food. All the time in the world? Then indulge in the cornucopia of food-worthy eateries and savor the moment. This is what traveling is all about.

c5 Lounge

Open Kitchen

The Dining Room

Black Cod Tempura - Japanese Eggplant, Chanterelles, Garlic Wilted Tendrils, Lychee Black Bean Sauce

Steak Frites - Cumbrae Farms 60 Day Aged Rib Eye, Yukon Gold Frites, Watercress Salad

Fresh White Leather Banquettes

c5 Bar