Side Car

By Annabelle Goodman –

Side Car
577 College St
416 536 7000


Side Car is one of the finest restaurants on College St. I always look forward to returning to this favorite spot. From Sunday through Wednesday there is a $25.00 Prix Fixe for 3 absolutely delicious courses.

What a way to celebrate my birthday. I am so blessed with a friendship that goes back to high school days. My friend and her husband were the hosts. It was so great to spend time with them and enjoy the perfect dinner.

The bread was warm   and such a great quality. It was hard to stop eating it.

The main menu is extensive and offers many delicious items. I enjoy the prix fixe because I can sample more of that gourmet food at a reasonable price.

My friend started with the Mushroom Soup. It was rich and creamy and full of flavor. I usually have the Hearts of Romaine Salad. The leaves are crisp and fresh. The dressing is always tasty and the Parmesan shavings add that extra little taste of flavor. The crostini with goat cheese was also enjoyed. The Side Car Salad offers a combination of chopped vegetables, feta cheese and an oregano dressing.

For the main course 2 of us were delighted with our choice of Atlantic Salmon. I have always stated that this is the best salmon on town. I have eaten a lot of salmon in many restaurants. I repeat. This is the best. It never fails. It is perfectly prepared. The crusted salmon is on a bed of Swiss chard with a honey mustard glaze. The delicious butter sauce on the bottom of the plate is absolutely bursting with flavor on the palate. Every bite was savored and melted in my mouth.

 One of my hosts ordered the Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken. with celery root puree, baby carrots and pan jus.

I should never indulge in dessert after eating such great food. However I didn’t hesitate because I have previously tasted the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Two large pieces of creamy, chocolate are plated with dabs of fruit sauce dotted on the plate. A fresh mint leaf was sitting in a mound of whipped cream. Every bite was an experience. It was decadent. It was flavorful. It was divine.

On another occasion I was with a friend who ordered the Mushroom Risotto ($18.00) and declared that dish to be the finest. Braised Lamb Shank is a house favorite.($25.00) It is served with a garlic mash, rapini and braising juices.

Open Faced shrimp Ravioli can be part of the prix fixe or ordered as a single item from the regular menu.($18.00) The dish is prepared with fennel, carrot, celery, tarragon in a shrimp broth.($18.00)

Suggested cocktails are listed with each item. In the summer the back patio is always filled. It is private and charming without the noise and fumes of the street. Recently the upstairs was opened for overflow crowds.

This is a very well run establishment. Owner Bill Sweete was on hand to make sure that all was functioning well. Our server, Eric, made sure that we were enjoying ourselves. His excellent service was well appreciated.

I had a wonderful birthday thanks to my good friends and the wonderful food at Side Car.