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Farewell FRANK... Hello AGO Bistro!

Burger and fries

The AGO Bistro burger, with pickled portobello mushroom, Upper Canada Cheese Co. maple smoked comfort cream, lettuce, house-made pickles, French fries, Blackbird Bakery bun, and Dijon aioli. Image courtesy of the AGO.

They say that art is food for the soul, but that doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy a delicious meal when you visit the AGO!

We’re excited to announce that today is the official launch of the AGO’s newly re-branded restaurant, AGO Bistro. Formerly known as FRANK, our new name reflects the global bistro menu philosophy that guides our Executive Chef Renée Bellefeuille and her culinary team. Diners can expect a casual, relaxing place to rest the feet and chew over the ideas and thoughts inspired by a day of art-going—as well as some really amazing food, with a few new items on the menu.

"The most exciting part of the new menu is the return to tradition—a respect for the ingredients. Guests will order a dish because they recognize its name or style, but remember it for the flavours and quality,” Bellefeuille said.

Here’s what you can expect at the new AGO Bistro:

  • A new, art-inspired menu – some old favourites remain, joined by new seasonal flavours to try
  • A new look and vibe – communal tables have been added for anyone interested in a group hangout, with cool background music adding to your afternoon or evening playlist
  • Our amazing wait staff looking sharp in new uniforms

Enough talk – want to see what we mean?

Mussels and Fries
Moules-frites: PEI mussels, shallots, leek, cherry tomato, fresh herbs, butter, Collective Arts Brewery Ransack the Universe India Pale Ale, herb and garlic mini loaf, fries, aioli. Image courtesy of the AGO.

Pasta on a plate
AGO Bistro's take on carbonara. Image courtesy of the AGO.

Pasta with vegetables and cheese
AGO Bistro’s vegetarian pasta dish – fresh pappardelle with locally sourced seasonal vegetables and cheese. Image courtesy of the AGO.

Steak and french fries on a plate
Steak frites - Bespoke Butchers flatiron steak, French fries, aioli, Maître d’hotel butter, and jus (with the option to add foie gras). Image courtesy of the AGO.

Fish cubes on a plate
Ocean Wise mahi mahi – grilled octopus, saffron fumet, braised baby fennel, charred vine tomato, green beans, and black olive tapenade. Image courtesy of the AGO.

AGO Bistro is open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday, 12 pm – 2:30 pm; dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30 – 10 pm; and brunch on Saturday, 11 am – 2:30 pm, and Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm. You can also drop by for our cinq-a-sept menu (featuring affordable and delicious snacks like charcuterie, cheese samplers, a feature cocktail and more) from 4 - 7 pm, and connect with AGO Bistro on Facebook and Instagram.

Short on time? Check out caféAGO in our Concourse Level for fresh lunch and snack options.  And if you want to enjoy a gelato or a pastry while looking at one of the best views in town, visit the Espresso Bar in Galleria Italia. If you are an AGO Member, you can dine in Toronto’s oldest surviving brick house, the Grange, home of the Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge.

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