Antler Kitchen & Bar is a Canadian restaurant at 1454 Dundas St W in Toronto‘s Little Portugal and Dundas West strip. Chef Michael Hunter opened it in 2014. A hunter and forager himself, he built the menu around regional, seasonal and wild foods, and diners come for game meats and foraged produce served in a warm, exposed-brick room.
What to Expect at Antler Kitchen & Bar
The restaurant’s stated aim is to define Canadian cuisine through local wild ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons. Venison, wild boar, duck and Ontario fish often appear, alongside foraged mushrooms, ramps, fiddleheads and berries. Hunter’s cookbook, The Hunter Chef, grew out of this approach, and the restaurant’s site promotes it.
The dining room is small and candlelit. Exposed brick and rustic wood give it a cabin-meets-city feel that suits date nights. The bar pours Ontario wines, craft beer and seasonal cocktails. Vegetarian plates built on foraged vegetables are usually available. Mention allergies when you book.
- Game Meats: Venison, boar and other wild proteins, sourced responsibly.
- Foraged Produce: Mushrooms, greens and berries that rotate with the seasons.
- Seasonal Menu: Dishes change through the year to follow Ontario harvests.
- Local Drinks: Ontario wines and craft beers paired to the menu.
- Intimate Room: An exposed-brick space with limited seats, suited to couples.
Antler Kitchen & Bar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1454 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y6 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Dundas West / Little Portugal |
| Operating Hours | Mon closed; Tue–Fri 5–10PM; Sat–Sun 3–10PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; mains typically about $30–$45 |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | 505 Dundas streetcar (Dufferin St stop); street parking and Green P lots nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | antlerkitchenbar.com · +1 647-345-8300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The room is small, so reserve through the official website, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Weekend openings at 3PM are quieter, and Tuesday or Wednesday at 5PM is the calmest time to dine. The TTC 505 Dundas streetcar stops steps away. Dundas West station on Line 2 is a short ride or a 20-minute walk. The entrance is at street level, but tables are close together. Call ahead if you need wheelchair seating or more space.
Before or after dinner, you can walk to several nearby spots:
- Trinity Bellwoods Park: About 15 minutes east, good for an evening stroll.
- Ossington Avenue: Bars along this strip suit a nightcap.
- Dundas West: Cafes and bakeries line the street outside the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Antler’s hours?
Antler opens Tuesday to Friday from 5 to 10PM and weekends from 3 to 10PM. It is closed Mondays. Early weekday seatings are the quietest.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended because the room is small. Book online through the official site. Expect a $$$ spend per person with drinks.
How long should I plan for dinner?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed multi-course meal with wine.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual fits the room. The candlelit setting suits adults and couples more than young children.
When planning your Toronto travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Toronto, pair this stop with standout local spots including Richmond Station, Gusto 101, Park Hyatt Toronto, and Trinity Bellwoods Park (1.4 km away).
