What is Bar Piquette
Bar Piquette is a charming establishment known for its relaxed atmosphere and expansive wine offerings. Situated in the vibrant Queen West, neighbourhood it's a go-to spot for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Here, guests can savour a curated selection of European-inspired small plates paired perfectly with an extensive wine list, in either their narrow dining room or cozy heated back patio. If you're looking for a leisurely afternoon or a cozy evening under the stars, Bar Piquette offers a delightful experience with its inviting outdoor seating and warm ambiance.
How to Get there
To reach Bar Piquette at Queen and Dovercourt, it is very accessible by car or by public transit. If using public transit, you can take the Queen streetcar from Osgoode Subway Station and get off at the Dovercourt Road stop. From there, it's just a short walk to the bar. If there is a designated driver, you can use any mapping app to navigate to the intersection of Queen Street West and Dovercourt Road, there is both street parking and a paid parking lot a block East from the Bar. If you are planning on indulging in any drinks, we definitely highly recommend to utilize transit or arrange a ride through a driving app for a safe journey home. This evening me and my dear friend have decided to utilize uber. See here for directions.
Atmosphere
As we stepped into Bar Piquette on a vibrant Friday evening, we were greeted by an intimate dining space exuding Parisian charm. The narrow room was adorned with cozy round tables reminiscent of those found in Parisian bistros, lining one side, while a striking long bar stretched along the opposite wall. Adjacent to the bar, a sizeable temperature-controlled cabinet showcased an enticing array of wines, setting the stage for an evening of indulgence and conviviality.
Lights hanging from the ceiling casted a soft and inviting glow throughout the space. The space although tight did not feel claustrophobic, instead it felt like a cozy embrace with a perfect setting for intimate conversations or casual gatherings. Whether you're seated beneath the gentle illumination indoors or sitting below the evening stars on their back patio, this establishment sets the stage for a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
We had reserved a table on their heated back patio, which on a Canadian February evening proved to be more than warm enough. Our host walked us past the dining space, through a small annex with a small chandelier which led us to their back patio, which felt more like a green house or a solarium, with lights strung across the rafters. On the back wall of the patio had a chalk wall with a list of the days special features written by hand. We were sat at a small wooden table against the wall and were quickly handed a menu with many pages of wines to choose from and a small plates list. Despite being at a wine bar, we were both feeling a bit in the mood for cocktails and had each ordered a Gin and Tonic $16 and an Old Fashioned $18.
What we ordered
1 Smoked Trout Dip: Indulge in our creamy trout dip, skillfully crafted with premium smoked trout, blended with tangy cream cheese, and seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices.
2 Citrus-Marinated Olives: Dive into a flavorful medley of green and black olives, marinated to perfection with zesty garlic, fragrant fennel, and citrusy orange, offering a tantalizing burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
3 Artisanal Cheese Fondue: Delight in the ultimate comfort food experience with our decadent cheese fondue. Made with a velvety blend of Emmental, Gruyère, and Vacherin cheeses, each bubbling pot is served with a bounty of accompaniments including Robinson sourdough, pickled guindillas, crisp radish, sweet apple, juicy pear, and tender potatoes, promising a symphony of flavors and textures in every dip.
The delicate Trout Dip was delightful, the crotini, or crisped thin slices of bread had many holes and so it was rather difficult to get more than a small amount of dip on it, but pleasant nonetheless. The marinated Olives went perfectly with our drinks. Lastly the rich Fondue, every bite harmonized perfectly with the next, especially with the sourdough and potatos, creating a symphony of flavours that delight the palate and leave a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts:
Bar Piquette stands as an initimate comfortable space for a night to unwind and relax in the heart of Queen and Dovercourt. With its inviting ambiance, delectable menu offerings, and attentive service, it's a destination where food, wine, and ambiance converge to create unforgettable experiences. My one critique of my time at the Bar Piquette is that as it hit 2 hours from our reservation and we were waiting for our bill, the host came to tell us that the next reservation was here for our table, we let her know that we were waiting to pay and that we would be leaving shortly. It would be best to let your guests know from the start if there is a seating limit on the reservation or better communication between the host and the server of that section. Otherwise, the evening was an excellent experience and we will be back for a glass of wine next time.
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