Eating at FRANK Restaurant in the AGO

Fine Dining in Toronto at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Oct 20, 2009

FRANK is a welcome addition to the newly renovated AGO. The modern décor, seasonal menu and refined service make this restaurant as much a destination as the museum is.

The name FRANK works on many levels. For the architect Frank Gehry who designed the new AGO and for Frank Stella the contemporary artist whose steel sculpture is a focal point in the restaurant.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner and brunch on the weekend, reservations are required here, especially for lunch. Quite popular with downtown professionals and employee’s of the AGO, getting a table, or even a seat at the small bar can be next to impossible during the day.

Where to Eat Downtown

Generally restaurants in major tourist attractions tend to be over priced and mediocre at best. Although expensive, each dish at FRANK looks and tastes like a work of art. The menu is always loyal to local and Canadian products and the wine list is comprised of strictly Ontario wine.

The traditional niçoise salad has a delicious twist and is served with wild sockeye salmon from British Columbia and the Ontario lamb burger with grilled eggplant is juicy and perfectly cooked.

The idea here is quality not quantity and yet the entrées tend to be filling even if the plate looks sparse when it arrives at the table.

Dinner for two, with wine will cost more than $100.00 here, plus taxes and tip. Lunch will be less but only slightly and yet dining here mirrors the beauty of the AGO so perfectly that the experience is worth the price of the bill.

Travel Ideas and Sightseeing in the City

There are many attractions and landmarks to see here in Toronto but the AGO is definitely the local favourite. While it is possible to see the entire collection in one day it can be overwhelming.

Try joining one of the tours offered throughout the day that are included with the price of admission. Each tour will focus either on a single area of the museum or a particular work of art.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is easily accessed by public transportation. The closest subway stop is St. Patrick station. Exiting the station walk two blocks west and the museum is located at Dundas and MacCaul Street.

Whether refuelling during a trip to the museum or dining here before seeing the rest of the city, FRANK is an artistic experience for the taste buds.

The copyright of the article Eating at FRANK Restaurant in the AGO in North American Culinary Travel is owned by Allison Anthony. Permission to republish Eating at FRANK Restaurant in the AGO in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.