After a gut-wrenching fire forced them to close, Myth Restaurant has returned to King Street West. The Greek dining destination was forced to shutter for repairs after a massive fire practically gutted the restaurant. After months of renovations, the space is downright gorgeous. This restaurant is an absolute head-turner, perfect for romantic date nights or a big night out with the girls.

GET ME TO THE GREEK- MYTH RESTAURANT IS AN URBAN OASIS

myth restaurant- smoked fig old fashioned
Smoked Fig Old Fashioned

King Street West has a reputation for being the hub of social activity in Toronto. Myth Restaurant helps secure this title and echoes the vibrant party lifestyle that Greece is known for. Yes, there are belly dancers and live entertainment (Thursday through Saturday) and an ample raucous bar that helps perpetuate the area’s stereotype, but under a bigger lens, Myth is more than just where to drink this Friday night.

myth restaurant- saganaki
Saganaki Cheese is torched tableside

There seems to be a union here, from the menu to the service, there’s a distinct Greek approach to entertaining. Between the dynamic dining room, beautiful bar and Brant Street patio, you sense the departure from the Toronto you know. An evening at Myth Restaurant almost resembles a far-flung holiday, everybody is in a good mood here. The service feels like family and each plate has signature Myth pageantry. It’s almost too good for us, do we deserve this level of niceness?

PRETTY PEOPLE DOING PRETTY THINGS AT MYTH RESTAURANT

Start things off on the right foot with something from the bar. Ilios ($25, lead photo) offers a dose of drama and a dram of tequila all in one potent package. Served in a gold vessel encased in dry ice, you’ll feel like Greek Goddess when this arrives tableside. This bright pink-hued cocktail is garnished with fresh rosemary and is refreshingly punchy.

Also served with mystery and intrigue, the Smoked Fig Old Fashioned ($25, above) arrives in a cloche to contain the aromatic smoke. Made with Patron Anejo tequila and vermouth, this dashing drink makes a statement.

Wines are available by the glass or bottle. A knowledgeable sommelier is on hand to advise and pour. We loved his selection, a bright and airy red from Naoussa, Greece that paired perfectly with our mains.

myth restaurant-wine list
Knowledgable and fun sommeliers take the guesswork out of Greek wines

OLIVE BRANCH OF EXCELLENT OFFERINGS

The menu reads like a travel guide to Greece. We’re calling for a chorus of shared plates; exploring Greek culture and the Mediterranean diet through food culture is a noble effort. And a generous one at that. The menu is extensive and broken down by category. Absolutely begin with the Myth Mezze Platter ($35). Housemade breads are almost as impressive as the trio of dipping opportunities. Hummus, tirokafteri (a spicy feta-based dip) and taramasalata (made with fish-roe and lemon juice). Accompanied by fresh vegetables and marinated olives, this is a mandatory first course.

myth restaurant- myth mezze platter
Generous portion sizes make this an easily shareable starters

Pair the mezze with Magiatiko ($28). This fresh Yellowtail Sashimi is dressed with Greek favourite green olives and an upscale dose of salty black caviar. Definitely save room for the Saganaki ($20), with fried graviera cheese lit tableside with the signature OPA! It’s hot, it’s salty, it’s hot salty cheese. Yes, please.

Savoury types may want to have the Tiropita ($22) for dessert. This is basically a stuffed grilled cheese pie, sprinkled with truffle tableside and drizzled with chilli honey. It’s delectable. The pride is evident in each dish, created by Chef Nikitas Pirgis and executed by Executive Chef Sergio Abrunho. Rooted in traditional ingredients and techniques, their shared approach to highlighting classic Greek dishes fosters an elevated dining experience.

myth restaurant-tiropita
Tiropita presents like a shared starter, but savoury types may want to save this for dessert

MORE MYTH RESTAURANT HITS

Showy mains boast the coastal side of Mediterranean culture. From seafood towers with whole lobsters to briny oysters, pescatarians will struggle to choose from so many options. Also presented tableside, is the delicate Lavraki ($65). Fresh whole sea bass flecked with wild greens and swimming in lemon oil is a summery effort. The fish is so tender and expertly deboned.

A perfect summer salad is always a good fit, and again the kitchen shines with its take on a Greek salad. Horiatiki ($23) makes a bold statement with a slab of salty feta cheese, heirloom tomatoes and chunky housemade croutons. Not straying too far from the original, this salad is a polished version of your standard Greek.

myth restaurant-horiatiki
Horiatiki is Myth Restaurant’s spin on a traditional Greek Salad

The best part? You instantly feel like you know everyone. It’s that friendly. That’s rare for Toronto restaurants. Celebrating anything and everything is a calling card of Greek culture. Here, it’s distilled, amplified and explored. The eclectic energy sets the stage for your evening. The rest is up to you.

@auburnlane

A Greek revival reborn as a King Street West destination for Toronto- Welcome to Myth Restaurant 🔪#auburnlaneeats #mythrestaurant #hosted #torontofood #kingstreetwest #girlsnight

♬ Radio – Lana Del Rey

Myth is open every day, from 5 pm until late at 522 King Street West at Brant. Learn more about Myth by giving them a follow @mythtoronto

Thank you Myth Restaurant for hosting.

All images by Libby Roach.