Dopamina: Michelin-Starred Chef Brings Bold Flavors to Bay Street
If you’ve been craving a new culinary experience in downtown Toronto, Dopamina is here to serve it up—literally. This upscale, Asian-inspired Mediterranean restaurant is the creation of owner Gary Tsang, who’s been eagerly eyeing this prime spot. And with chef So Sakata (former head of Thornhill’s Michelin-starred Frilu) at the helm, Dopamina promises a menu that’s as addictive as its name.
Michelin Pedigree with a Toronto Twist
Gary Tsang’s love for food traces back to his childhood spent exploring Toronto’s diverse food scene. Fast forward to today, and he’s brought his own dream to life—a vibrant spot with food that aims to give diners the “dopamine effect” with each bite. Enter Dopamina, an eatery blending Tsang’s knack for design and Sakata’s culinary wizardry, serving up Spanish tapas with Asian flair.
Michelin-Level Talent and Unique Asian-Inspired Tapas
Chef Sakata’s approach to Spanish tapas with Asian influences is at the heart of Dopamina. Each dish is designed to spark interest, blending ingredients in ways that are familiar but never predictable. Here’s a peek at a few highlights:
- Squid Ink Buns with Lobster ($14): These deep-fried buns are light and savory, filled with espuma and finished with lobster in three styles—oil, mayo, and a chilled chunk—plus jamón ibérico and tarragon.
- Kanpachi Crudo with Prosciutto Oil ($26): Kanpachi is thinly sliced, cured, and paired with dashi and saffron. Lime zest and prosciutto-infused oil bring it to life with a hit of umami.
- Foie Gras Eclairs ($12): These eclairs are stuffed with foie gras mousse and topped with grape chutney and shallots, a savory twist on a classic.
- Truffle Butter Agnolotti ($34): Delicate agnolotti are filled with a blend of yam, ricotta, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, served in a truffle butter sauce.
Each dish balances tradition with creativity, tapping into unexpected flavors that surprise with every bite.
The Cocktail Menu: Bold and Innovative
At Dopamina, the cocktail list has an adventurous spirit. Using Asian ingredients and twists on classics, each drink complements the bold flavors of the food menu.
- The Kimchini ($23): A gochugaru-infused sake and vodka martini with house-made kimchi syrup, shiro-dashi bitters, and toasted nori garnish.
- Five O’Clock in Tokyo ($28): An Old Fashioned-inspired drink featuring Nikka Taketsuru whisky, white miso, and oolong-honey syrup with yuzu and orange peel.
- Iberian 75 ($22): A Spanish take on the French 75, combining cava and Madeira with a touch of truffle syrup for a balanced profile.
Dopamina’s wine list offers selections that pair well with the menu’s flavors, featuring unique bottles chosen to complement the unexpected combinations on each plate.
A Setting That Enhances the Experience
Dopamina’s interiors add to its appeal, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The 65-seat dining room features orange leather chairs, royal blue booths, marble tables, and a fresco by Italian artist Sandro Martini, creating a setting that’s fresh, vibrant, and welcoming.
Weekend High Tea with a Twist
Dopamina is adding a weekend high tea service to its lineup, featuring pastries and bites with Asian influences. The pastry team has crafted items that blend traditional and modern flavors, making it a unique weekend option for those looking to try something different.
Plan Your Visit to Dopamina
Dopamina’s hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Located in a bustling part of downtown Toronto near Yorkville and the Financial District, it’s a convenient option for an elevated dining experience.
- Address: 832 Bay St., Unit 3, Toronto, ON
- Reservations: Recommended
- Website: dopaminarestaurant.com
- Instagram: @dopamina.to
Dopamina is adding something new to Toronto’s dining landscape. With a Michelin-starred chef and a bold fusion of flavors, it’s setting a new standard in downtown dining.
