Inside the Drake Hotel’s dynamic menu revamp, from brunch to late night bites

The Drake Hotel is redefining what it means to eat, sip and share meals in the city with a refreshed menu that celebrates snacks, bold flavours, sushi and elevated brunch—from morning to later night.

For more than 20 years, the Drake Hotel has set the standard for innovative hospitality in Toronto. It’s an iconic multi-venue destination for locals and tourists alike, is consistently ranked among the top hotels in the city and is known for its inviting accommodations, buzz-worthy events, a sun-soaked rooftop patio and an eclectic array of award-winning eats. Since 2004, the Drake has helped shape the city’s culinary conversation. Now, with their new executive chef Daniel Hyam and his reimagined menu, it’s once again raising the bar.

“I leaned into shareable plates and elevated the sushi program, making sure the daytime snacks were just as bold as the evening mains,” Hyam says of the new culinary course he’s charted. “Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a full meal, the menu flows naturally from day to dusk—full of vibrant, crave-worthy fusion flavours that feel familiar yet surprising.”

A native Torontonian, George Brown graduate and veteran of high-volume kitchens across North America—including a decade under chef David Lee at the highly acclaimed Nota Bene—Hyam signed on at the Drake in 2025 and set about revitalizing the already-popular menu.

“There’s a real creative energy that runs through everything at the Drake, and that kind of environment is incredibly inspiring as a chef,” he says. “This approach opens up new possibilities and allows us to create a menu that’s diverse, exciting, and full of contrasting flavours.”

Much of the inspiration for the rebuilt menu comes from the city itself. “Toronto has an incredible food scene thanks to its diverse communities,” says Hyam. “So many cultures come together. I wanted the food to reflect that energy and vibrancy.”

Must-try items include the sticky baby back ribs, slow-cooked to tender perfection and brightened with fresh aromatics. The Umai bowl offers a balanced blend of flavours and textures featuring miso-glazed salmon. Pork and shrimp pot stickers—topped with kewpie, tonkatsu, bonito and scallion—deliver a punchy, umami-rich start to any meal. The playful Drake Dogs—garnished with queso, pickled jalapeño and smoked tomatillo relish—bring lively energy to the mix. A fresh addition, the green papaya and mango slaw with chili lime vinaigrette, mint, Thai basil, crispy noodles, cucumber and peanuts adds bright, crunchy contrast. The expanded sushi selection features delicate options like flame-seared aburi unagi dressed with red shiso and a luscious glaze. Together, these dishes reinforce the Drake’s reputation as a destination for fun, unforgettable food alongside their renowned late-night DJs and a venerable cocktail program.

The Drake’s weekend brunch—already a Toronto institution—has also been rebooted. With elevated comfort classics and cheeky takes on morning favourites, it remains one of the best tables in the city. “Brunch is part of the Drake’s DNA,” says Hyam. “We’ve kept the hits and added a few new reasons to keep coming back.”

The Drake Hotel’s new menu showcases a lineup of dynamic, shareable dishes rooted in one core philosophy: playful, well-executed food that balances bright, fresh ingredients with bold and satisfying flavours. It’s the kind of menu that brings people together, where good food meets great company. Through this culinary program, the Drake continues to deliver on what it’s always done best: creating fun, memorable dining experiences for locals and travelers alike.

To explore the new menu or to reserve your table, visit thedrake.ca.