Introducing: Trinity Taverna, a new Greek restaurant in the Beach with a palatial terrace
Name: Trinity Taverna
Contact Info: 1681 Lakeshore Blvd. E., 416-698-3456, trinitytaverna.com
Neighborhood: The Beach
Owners: George Foulidis, Danny Foulidis and Peter Morentzos, founder of Queue de Cheval in Montreal
Chef: Pierre Restivo
The Place: A 600-seat, Mykonos-style villa with white plaster walls, Grecian arches and a thatched ceiling made out of silver-grey birch branches. Sliding doors and windows retract to make the space feel like an oversized Mediterranean terrace.
The Food: Standard Greek mezze and mains with a focus on grilled meat and seafood, like veal cheek moussaka and grilled octopus glazed with balsamic. Spit-roasted lamb, goat and suckling pig are sold by the pound and served with crisp roast potatoes.
The Drinks: A 7000-bottle wine collection devoted entirely to Greek labels, plus summer cocktails, like a mojito made with Mastiha (a Greek liqueur seasoned with resin from the mastic tree).
The Numbers:
• 60,000 birch branches tethered to the ceiling and awnings
• 7000 Greek bottles in the wine cellar
• 600 seats
• 120 days to renovate the space, which formerly housed the Boardwalk Café
• 20-25 lambs roasted per week
226505 The space feels like a Mediterranean villa with white plaster walls, decorative arches and pops of colour (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-01-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-01.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-01/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-01 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226511 (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-07-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-07.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-07/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-07 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226507 60,000 birch branches are tethered to the restaurant's ceiling and awnings (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-03-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-03.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-03/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-03 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226506 Recessed shelves hold Grecian urns (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-02-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-02.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-02/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-02 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226508 (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-04-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-04.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-04/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-04 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226923 Retractable windows and doors make the space feel like an oversized terrace (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Trinity-Patio-Sub-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Trinity-Patio-Sub.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Trinity-Patio-Sub.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-patio-sub/ trinity-patio-sub 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226512 A market-style counter by the entrance is heaped with veggies and seafood (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-08-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-08.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-08/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-08 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226530 (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-26.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-26/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-26 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226515 Lamb tartar with mint, sheep’s milk cheese, quail egg, chili oil and croutons ($16) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-11.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-11/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-11 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226513 Tomato salad with sesame-crusted feta, black olive tapenade and oregano ($14) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-09-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-09.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-09/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-09 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226521 Shrimp, zucchini and lamb chops on the industrial-size outdoor grill (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-17.jpg 416 624 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-17/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-17 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226516 (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-12.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-12/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-12 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226523 Grilled calamari with harissa oil and thyme ($MP) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-19.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-19/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-19 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226522 Grilled shrimp with thyme, oregano and lemon ($MP) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-18.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-18/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-18 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226514 (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-10.jpg 416 624 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-10/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-10 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226518 Spit-roasted suckling pig with garlic-herb potatoes ($32/lb) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-14.jpg 416 624 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-14/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-14 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226519 Green beans stewed in tomato sauce ($12) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-15.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-15/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-15 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226524 Rack of lamb with hand-cut fries and veal jus ($36) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-20.jpg 416 624 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-20/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-20 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226915 (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Trinity-Gyro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Trinity-Gyro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Trinity-Gyro.jpg 656 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-gyro/ trinity-gyro 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226526 Lamb gyro with tomato relish, tzatziki and paprika ($18) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-22.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-22/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-22 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226527 Raspberry panna cotta with Mastiha liqueur, basil and strawberry coulis ($12) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-23.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-23/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-23 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226520 Crème brulée and halva–topped chocolate walnut cake with chocolate tahini sauce ($14) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-16.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-16/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-16 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226529 Feta cheesecake ($14) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-25.jpg 416 624 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-25/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-25 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226528 Yogurt brulée with raspberry coulis ($12) (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-24.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-24/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-24 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
226531 A Greek-inspired mojito with Mastiha liqueur, lime and mint (Image: Igor Yu) Introducing: Trinity Taverna Introducing: Trinity Taverna https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-27.jpg 624 416 {"copyright":"All Rights Reserved 2013"} https://torontolife.com/food/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurants/slide/trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-27/ trinity-taverna-toronto-restaurant-27 0 0
(Image: Igor Yu)
My friend and I were at the Trinity Taverna last Sunday, August 4th…it was a sunny day so we sat outside on the Terrace overlooking the beach, beautiful setting! it seamed to be at a Mediterranean Restaurant in Europe…The food was fresh and well presented with the most courterous and attentive service, we had as suggested by the waiter…T.T. Lamb Gyro with tomato relish Tzatziki and paprika for $18 and T.T. Tomato Salad with sesame-crusted feta, black olive and oregano for $14, sthe portion were generous so we shared them, it cost us $16 each, very reasonably, we certainly enjoyed our day at the Beaches…..
The Music and Bass is way too loud!! It is very sad that Luca and the managers and owners at the Trinity Restaurant don’t realize that the senior citizens and families with children are disturbed and kept awake by the thumping bass that travels through our neighbourhood onto Kew Beach Ave. The LCBO will be notified and so have the police and councillor Mary Margaret McMahon. This is not the club zone of downtown.
A reservation for 5 had been made well in advance, with a request of a upper level table or similar, as it was a special occasion. This request was reiterated mid week to ensure the location of the table. No problem they said. Two of the guests (females in their 50’s even though it was to be a mixed group), arrived first. Our request was not noted. There was an arrogant (not good for business)young man at the entrance who directed a young gal to seat us. The area that she attempted to seat us was probably the worst choice possible. We disputed it and she tried her best to find another spot…having to check with the arrogant young man at the door with each attempt. We eventually were placed outside which was fine even though it hadn’t been our original request.
The food was quite good and our server (Gordy, I believe was his name) was very attentive. On the Trinity website, a guest can order flowers in advance if they wish. We did this, as it was a special occasion. We told them at the desk, as we came in to bring the flowers once they arrived. Didn’t happen! How difficult is it to bring them to the table. After all, they provide the service and we pay them in advance.They had been sitting there for quite some time. We picked them up on the way out. A vase (square jar) held 4 plus inexpensive flowers and a bit of greenery. The vase was short and they flowers and sprigs of green were shoved in without any
foam to secure them. Price tag….$70.00. Do not waste your money. You can pick up nicer arrangements than this for $10-15.00
I live in the Beaches,as do the others I was with. We know restaurants and support the local ones if feasible. I hope Trinity is successful but I think they have a little work to do yet.
Beautiful place, good food, ok service. The staff and owner do not work for your business, which is a very poor quality in any restaurant. They know they are sitting on a goldmine and could care less about happy customers or loyal customers. Prices are a bit high (especially drinks). I did not like the spices in the shrimp saganaki.