The story
In Toronto’s Distillery District, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie offers a version of French dining that is deliberately relaxed and energetic. The team describes it as “not your parents’ French bistro” — the cooking draws on France’s modern food movement, and the atmosphere pairs vibrant music with what the restaurant calls “breathtaking design.”
Nearly every item on the menu is made from scratch. The wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator with an Award of Excellence in 2024, holds nearly 200 bottles and is curated to complement the kitchen’s approach. On the patio, the season brings anywhere from 8,000 to 80,000 twinkle lights.
Adjacent to the main dining room is the Cluny Café & Boulangerie, inspired by the Parisian cafés that serve as centres of social and culinary life. It functions as a neighbourhood hub — a place for coffee and a croissant in the morning, a grab-and-go sandwich at lunch, or a box of housemade macarons to take home. The café also sells artisanal breads, loose-leaf teas, and signature pantry items like frites spice.
The boulangerie’s croissants are baked fresh daily, and the pastry case includes classics like pain au chocolat, apricot danish, and lemon tart. For something savoury, there are sandwiches such as the croque monsieur and a toasted ham and brie baguette. The café also offers Cluny’s own roast coffee beans, available in espresso, dark, and decaf.
The bistro itself serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Bar Cluny is a separate space within the restaurant, with its own menu and hours.
Private dining is available for intimate social gatherings, business events, and media functions. The team notes that guests at these events experience the same chef-driven modern French cuisine and hospitality that defines the restaurant.
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie is part of the Distillery Restaurants group, which also includes Pure Spirits, El Catrin, and Archeo.
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