From the quaint menu to quirky marketing, everything at Le Papillon on Front is done in house, and all staff lend a hand.
General manager Sean Gowland says the homemade rule goes a long way to not only keeping costs down, but also towards creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for every walk of life. “We like to be able to cater to a lot of vibes,” says Sean. “We like to tip on the edge of trendy but there’s no 'I’m not hip enough to go there' or 'I’m too hip to go there.'”
Dishes like hearty French onion soup and tourtière – a traditional Québecois meat pie of seasoned veal, beef and pork with house chutney, potatoes and market vegetables – are comparable to what you’d be served at Grandma’s. The restaurant is stylishly impressive, yet stills feels homey, comfortable and relaxed.
Le Papillon on Front's eclectic team includes a few Francophone servers who help to give the restaurant its French-Canadian authenticity and also come in handy when Toronto classrooms come to learn the language and experience the cuisine. “It’s different being an independent restaurant,” says Sean. “We really do our best to make sure our customers leave happy.”
Oct. 4, 2019 partner and I had dinner before the theatre. Food was very good. Service was even better. New waiter Bishoy was gracious, friendly and watching to be ready to help whenever we needed it. Suplementary servers were also very polite and always helpful. Very nice experience worth repeating whenever we are in town.
The years have been kind to Le Papillon! The best onion soup in the world! Perfect crêpes! The service was so friendly. I had missed this restaurant and didn’t realize they had just moved! What a pleasant surprise to return to the flavours and textures we remeber.
I can not beleive that no one else has written a...
I can not beleive that no one else has written a review for the Le Papillion. It is my top choice for a restaurant if you want a romantic date atmosphere or a nice place to take your parents when the come to town. The serive is always great, the food is consistently great. The prices are quite reasonable. The crepes are always fresh and delicious, the salmon good, great French Onion soup. I also love the tarte au sucre (maple suger pie) for dessert- its the only place in Toronto that I know of that serves tarte au sucre. Great quebecois fare!
It had been a while since we’d been to le Papillion and we were not disappointed. Neil was a great server, informative about both wine and food. Four of us shared 2 appetizers - Brie and smoked salmon - then we each tried something different for our entres. I always enjoy the Crepe St Laurent and the Bouillabaisse is also great.
We’ve been going to this restaurant for many years and plan to keep up the tradition.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Maureen
May 26, 2023
Delicious French onion soup, wonderful crepes and a very diverse menu with good prices.
We have dined at Le Papillion for years and it never disappoints.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Glenn
May 21, 2023
We came for dessert and specialty coffees to celebrate a birthday. Everything was great. Highly recommend this place.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Arezoo
May 14, 2023
We love the place and keep coming back.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Laura
May 12, 2023
Very reasonably priced, quick service and nice atmosphere as always :) Awesome neighborhood restaurant to enjoy a quiet, delicious meal.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Marc
May 6, 2023
This was an excellent dinner. Great service, wonderful food, and a lovely atmosphere. More than that, the prices were more than reasonable. We will be back.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Andrea
May 1, 2023
Always a great experience and amazing food
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Maryanne
April 30, 2023
Le Papillon is an awesome restaurant. Great ambience and decor. The service is impeccable and service staff are very welcoming and personable. The food is amazing. A varied selection of starters and mains. So yummy. The Crème Brûlée is divine. Le Papillon is our go to restaurant for dinner every time we visit Toronto.
A definite must go!!!!
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Julie
April 29, 2023
Have been going to Le Papillon for years and it never disappoints. The service, food and atmosphere was excellent. My friend was visiting from the States and loved it. Looking forward to my next visit.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Terry
April 25, 2023
A refreshing change of scenery - a quiet/uncrowded, simple and lovely dining room, beautifully-prepared and delicious meal with friendly (but perfectly professional) service.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Frank
April 22, 2023
Excellent, as usual. Wonderful food.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Shelley
April 21, 2023
Yummy food. Server Neil was terrific.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Anne
April 20, 2023
Delicious food, attentive service
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Michael
April 17, 2023
As always!!! Thank you!!!
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Chris
April 17, 2023
Top to bottom a success. Great food and the hands that made and served it were superb!
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Lesia
April 3, 2023
Had dinner at Le Papillon on Front for the first time and really liked the place: spacious and cozy at the same time, well thought interior design, with tables not too close to each other so you are saved from listening to your neighbours conversations; courteous and prompt service; tasty and reasonably priced menu. Great venue, we'll be back!
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Daria
April 2, 2023
I have been a customer of this restaurant through its various locations for several decades and Le Papillon has never disappointed. Yesterday I brought 3 newbies after attending a theatre performance and we all had an excellent experience. I was so happy that nobody has “messed” with the French Onion soup recipe and it remains as perfect as it has always been. The staff was friendly and attentive. I can’t wait to return and I know you have several new converts as well!.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Anna
April 2, 2023
My martini was yummy! Meat pie was a little dry. Everything else is pretty good.
Ambiance:4/5
Cuisine:4/5
Service:4/5
By Charles
April 1, 2023
Food excellent but the servers seemed very rushed and we had different servers at different times in the evening.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:3/5
By Jennifer
March 28, 2023
Our first bowl of French onion soup at le Papillon was in 1974 and it is still fabulous 50 years later. First spoonful took us right back in time.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:4/5
Service:5/5
By Catherine
March 25, 2023
We hadn’t been for. Number of YEAS due to OBI
Service fab.Food disappointing. Escargot overcooked and small, crepes dry, poor seasoning with beef bourignon. Dessert great. We invited friends and were embarrassed with our recommendation. Tough times for restaurants but but $275 for four with one bottle of wine…won’t be going again soon.
was fab..food not so good escargot small and over cooked..creoeds dry and so much different than the PREDOVID EXPERIENCW.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:2/5
Service:5/5
By Liz
March 20, 2023
Excellent as always. Highly recommend the atmosphere and the service and the food.m
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Chris
March 12, 2023
Franchesco was a phenomenally threat server. On the other side of the wall they made us a spectacular dinner top to bottom. Thank you!
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Paul
March 12, 2023
Hadn't been for a long time. Glad to be back and will do again real soon.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Rod
March 3, 2023
What else can I tell you. This was my first visit but certainly it won’t be my last.
Upon arrival I was greeted with a smile and a welcome. The restaurant wasn’t busy that evening so I was able to choose a table in the area I preferred. All the courses were tasty and prepared and presented well. Our server did not hover but was there when needed. All the staff were courteous.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Sabina
February 27, 2023
We had a great time because everybody was happy with the choices and their dishes. This restaurant is a sure thing.
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:5/5
Service:5/5
By Dianne
February 27, 2023
Great dinner with friends! The wonderful thing about Le Papillon is that you can actually have a conversation! The food and service was great!
Ambiance:5/5
Cuisine:4/5
Service:5/5
By Shelley
February 26, 2023
We've been coming to Le Papillion and always enjoy the experience and food.
