The Dorset: A Taste of the British Coast at the Well
The Dorset brings a taste of the British coast and countryside to the heart of Toronto. Set in The Well at King West, this new restaurant strikes the perfect balance between laid-back comfort and refined dining. At the helm is Executive Chef Ryan Lister, born in Weymouth, Dorset, who pours his love for coastal flavors and hearty home cooking into every dish. The result? A menu that feels both familiar and fresh, offering something special for every kind of diner.
Meet the Chef: Ryan Lister
Hailing from the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, Chef Ryan Lister’s passion for food started at a young age. His family’s home-cooked meals, from his grandma’s hearty stew and dumplings to his mum’s rice pudding, shaped his culinary style. Now, Ryan brings those comforting flavors to The Dorset, combining traditional British dishes with fresh coastal ingredients.
The Menu: British Classics with a Twist
- Location: 457 Wellington St W, Toronto
- Price Range: $$$
- Social Media: @thedorset.to
- Menu: The Dorset Menu
At The Dorset, you’ll find elevated takes on British pub classics like fish and chips and Scotch eggs, appetizing seasonal dishes and an exquisite six-course tasting menu. All offerings highlight fresh coastal flavors, with a nod to chef Ryan’s English roots and can be enjoyed in the cozy main floor bar and dining room or upstairs in the airy light-filled space featuring an open kitchen.
From a full English breakfast to a hearty Sunday roast, The Dorset celebrates the best of British cuisine with a modern, Toronto twist.
What We Tried
Food
- Steak & Chips: Portobello mushrooms, tomato, charred allium butter, triple-cooked chips, red wine jus
- Sweet Corn Risotto: Wild mushrooms, creamed leeks, brown butter (v)
- Wagyu Tartare: Crispy egg yolk, puffed cheddar, capers, shallot
- Strawberry Trifle: Custard, sherry sponge, strawberry chantilly
Drinks
- Toodle Pip: Tanqueray gin, campari, cava, lemon, strawberry
- Dorset Martini: Plymouth english gin, lillet blanc, dolin dry vermouth, tío pepe, bergamot & citrus bitters
- Bellini Highball: Undone blanco vermouth, cipriani peach bellini nectar, soda, lemon
- Espresso Martini: Smirnoff vodka, kahlúa, cold brew coffee
- Solitaire: Jim beam bourbon, kahlúa, angostura bitters, cacao bitters, maple-spiced syrup
The Vibe: Classic Meets Contemporary
The restaurant’s design is as thoughtful as the menu. The main-floor dining area is cozy yet stylish, featuring rich fabrics, velvets, and a re-imagined 17th-century fox-hunting mural. Upstairs, you’ll find an airy, sunlit space with French oak floors, whitewashed barn walls, and a soothing color palette of coastal blues and sage. It’s the perfect setting for everything from casual brunches to intimate dinners.
Happy Hour at The Dorset
The Dorset is the perfect spot for a laid-back Happy Hour in Toronto. Guests can enjoy half-priced drinks every Monday from 4–6pm and Tuesday through Sunday from 3–6pm. Whether it’s a refreshing beer, a classic cocktail, or a glass of wine, the drink menu has something for everyone. Pair it with 20% off tasty snacks, and it’s the ideal way to wind down after work or catch up with friends. With great deals and a welcoming atmosphere, The Dorset is the go-to spot for Toronto’s best Happy Hour vibes.
Why Visit The Dorset?
Whether you’re enjoying classic pub fare or indulging in the refined flavors, The Dorset offers an unforgettable dining experience. With its blend of exceptional food, warm service, and British seaside flair, it’s quickly becoming a must-visit spot in Toronto’s King West.
Make a reservation today to experience a taste of the British coast and countryside, right here in Toronto.
References
- https://www.thedorsetwellington.com/
- https://thewelltoronto.com/directory/the-dorset/
- https://www.oliverbonacini.com/restaurants/the-dorset/
- https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/the-dorset-toronto/
- https://streetsoftoronto.com/restaurant/the-dorset/
- https://torontolife.com/food/whats-on-the-menu-at-the-dorset-obs-new-british-pub-and-restaurant-inside-the-well/
