Many of our guests comment of how the warmth and friendliness of Barberian's recalls an earlier era. This impression is complimented by the antiques, paintings and artifacts that we proudly display throughout our restaurant. The Barberian family has been collecting Canadiana for over 50 years.

This respect for history being forefront in our minds, every effort has been made to retain the character of the original building Harry Barberian took in hand back in 1959. That year, Harry Barberian saw a chance to showcase his love for a great steak in his own restaurant, sharing his dedication to quality food with the city of Toronto. As his clientele grew, so did his restaurant. What is now our celebrated bar, featuring hundreds of fine liqueurs, scotches and ports was once the grill over which Harry reigned. Dancing with his steaks, regaling his customers with his stories and endless opinions, Harry became a neighborhood and then a citywide favorite. His larger then life personality brought in the diners as much as his food did. In those days a rib steak cost five dollars and there was no liquor, but the diners kept coming.

In 1969 an addition was made that moved Harry's beloved grill to the back of the building and added seats for diners in a new front dining room. In 2006 another dining room was added, as well as a purpose-built, two-story subterranean wine cellar that houses over 30,000 bottles. The original dining rooms and the 1969 addition display classic Canadiana and tell the early history of our nation through sculpture, paintings and material history. A bust of explorer Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) honors the man who in 1608 founded the colony that would become Quebec. At the entrance to the restaurant there is a copy of the Globe newspaper dated July 1, 1867; the day Canada became a country. A wooden statuette of Sir John A. MacDonald is one of two known to exist of Canada's first Prime Minister and Father of Confederation. The other was a treasured part of former Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker's private collection.

Barberian's is host to numerous treasures that celebrate the skill and diversity of Canadian artists. There are excellent examples of works by the Group of Seven and their best-known contemporaries. It was the Group of Seven who established the bold, distinct style that characterized a new and truly Canadian landscape art in the first decades of the 20th century. Ontario scenes are predominant in our collection with works by A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, Franz Johnston, A.J. Casson and many others, however all areas of Canada are represented. From "Mile 100", Haines Road, Yukon by Collier to a rare oil depicting "Peggy's Cove" by Nicholas Hornyansky. Among the artifacts and antiques are one of the original clocks made in Canada, a long case by I. Twiss, authentic coal oil lamps, Inuit carvings, pre-Confederation money including coins and currency issued by the Hudson's Bay Company and an extensive collection of firearms. These firearms include rifles used by the Hudson's Bay Company for the fur trade and guns used by both sides during the Riel rebellion and the War of 1812.

The newest additions to the Barberian collection are appropriately displayed in the newest dining room. The interests of the second generation of restauranteur Barberians are reflected in the extensive collection of vintage photography by Canadian, American and French photographers. Striking black and white images that celebrate the themes of food and wine are a fitting backdrop to the quiet elegance that is the newest wing of Barberian's.

In 1959 Harry Barberian started a restaurant to share his enthusiasm for great food, fine wine, and an ambiance that stimulates. His family, staff and friends still work to keep Harry's vision alive and his collections growing. We hope that you will take the time to enjoy it when you visit us and that we'll see you again and again.

REVIEW

Set in a historic 1860 house in the busy Dundas and Yonge area, this classy yet casual steakhouse serves as an eclectic dining spot for families, sports fans, athletes and CEOs. The decor matches the ambience with a wood bar and panelling and dark-wine coloured accents topped off by impeccable service. Specialties of the house include Rib and Salmon Steaks. A late-night (post-10pm) menu features such delicacies as Cheese Fondue, Baked Alaska, Grand Marnier Souffle and Crepes Suzette. Wine lovers have a choice of more than 800 wines.

Source: travel.yahoo.com

REVIEW

You'll find original Group of Seven paintings on the wall and a suited maitre d' at the front door of Barberian's, but don't let it scare you. Set in an historic 1860 house, you'll find hockey fans seated next to bank presidents. Toronto athletes are also known to frequent Barberians, and for some reason the Cleveland Indians always eat here when they're in town getting beaten by the Jays (go Jays!). Popular items include the Rib Steak and the Salmon Steak, but take note of the extensive wine cellar. Its selection of 800 wines (15,000 bottles!) have gained notice from Wine Spectator magazine. Drop by after a show and check out the special after-theatre menu.

Source: toronto.com

REVIEW

Barberian's excels with 47 years' worth of hospitality and traditional dim-lit woody atmosphere. Quality New York, porterhouse and Chateaubriand cuts are served by no-nonsense waiters, with wines selected from the Wine Spectator recognized list. Get civilized at Barberian's.

Source: Now Magazine - Voted Best steak house October/November 2006

REVIEW

Now and then, one just wants a steak, and only a proper, purpose-built wood-panelled emporium of martinis and beef will do. Trendy new places just never add up to as much as an old, authentic steak house with a bit of history in the mix, and this is Toronto's best. It helps, too, that the dry-aged beef is of absolute top quality and that they are grilled over charcoal. And, of course, there is the wine list, which is not merely the finest in town, but notable for its very reasonable mark-ups, too. Atmosphere is as it should be, and the small bar at the front of the room is a favourite spot for a luxurious lunch with the dailies.

Source: Weekend Post/ National Post Saturday, October 28th, 2006

REVIEW

A haven for carnivores, this steakhouse is defiantly old-fashioned in look: authentic Group of Seven paintings adorn the walls, and glasses are strictly Riedel. Aaron Barberian's 20,000 bottle, 2,000-label cellar cellar is dominated by French and Californian with a special focus on Rhone reds, including 60 different Cheateauneuf du Pape. Some fine first growth Bordeaux bottles date back to the fifties, and vintages like '82 are in full force.

Source: Wine Access - Ontario's Best Vintage Dining September 2006

REVIEW

A favorite since 1959, Barberian's is a traditional steakhouse set in an 1860 home, with the expected dark woods, white linens and framed artwork. Steaks come in various sizes and preparations - char-broiled, bacon-wrapped or topped with peppercorn or béarnaise sauce. All are accompanied by garlic bread, kosher pickles, and a potato or rice. Other choices include ribs, salmon and rack of lamb. The after-theatre menu also offers cheese or beef fondue for two. The most charming dessert is chocolate mousse presented in a white-and-dark chocolate house. Award-winning wine list.

Source: 10best.com