Ruelo Patisserie

Due to its popularity from overseas, high tea places are popping up all over the place here in Toronto.  Some of them are quite pricey and are out of reach for the average person however there are now some that are more reasonable and can be enjoyed by all.  One place that has opened up for a couple of years now is Ruelo Patisserie which is located in the eastern part of North York.  A few of my friends had been there recently and said it was pretty good.  I personally never fully enjoyed high tea as I always found this time of setting to be expensive and not very filling to the stomach.  However there was a Groupon coupon that we had purchased from a while back that even though it was expired, it was still being honored here at the restaurant so hearing that, I decided to give a try and see whether a newer setting will give me a different perspective on high tea restaurants.

From the exterior, one would have never ever guessed that a high tea restaurant had existed at this location. It was in a plaza that was probably more fitted for non-restaurant commercial use however as I have mentioned many times before, sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that are hidden or in the most oddest of places.  Upon entertaining the establishment, it was very modern, quite clean and did not have that certain royal elegance to it.  It was more like a fusion high tea place that was catered more for the modern times.  We had reservations and were given a seat by the window.  Since it was a set course, there was nothing to choose from except for the teas.  The clear glass window behind the cashier allowed one to give a glimpse to their expansive kitchen in the back which revealed a number of chefs making beautiful cakes and pastries.

Our tray arrived shortly after we sat down.  In the tray contained creme brulees, cheesecake, macarons, scones and mini shrimp and smoked salmon sandwiches.  There was a jar of sweet blueberry jam as well for the scones.  The blueberry jam I had to admit made a world of difference for the scones.  I'm not a big fan of dry bread to begin with but the jam was sweet and made it much more tastier for us to enjoy.  The chocolate croissant pastries ( I will say croissant even though they weren't) were also quite good.  The chocolate inside was sweet as well but not overwhelming.  The proportions were just perfect which made the scones quite enjoyable.  My wife who was with me absolutely loved the quiche that day as it hit all the right spots while my personal favorite was the grilled pepper wrapped by a thinly sliced prosciutto meat.

I actually had a pretty good time there.  The interior decor might not give you the impression of a royal British high tea place however it's not really their main specialty.  They make a lot of cakes in there including wedding cakes which was really where more of their business was centered on.  The tea selection was probably a little bit on the weaker side with some of the more high end teas not in existence at the restaurant. Still a nice hot cup of jasmine tea had satisfied me enough for the afternoon.  The cost was $27.50 for two with the Groupon coupon and $51.98 without.  If you like high tea and don't like all the fancy hats and dressing up and just want to go in and relax and lounge then this place is the place for you.  I would visit it again one day or go up to Richmond Hill and give their sister restaurant a try.  Overall I give it a 3.50 out of 5.

Ruelo Patisserie
463 McNicoll Avenue
North York, Ontario

416-486-1800