Feel like royalty at this warm Yorkville destination

Warm greetings, ambient jazz and exposed brick illuminated by black and white films and candlelight welcome you out of the cold and into the warm and style that is MODO.

Located at 122 Avenue Rd., MODO sets the standard of what a Yorkville dining experience should be like.

With valet parking at the door and a friendly hostess to check your coat upon arrival, you know right away youre in good hands. MODOs old meets new theme means rich hardwood floors, imported furniture and modern accents that take you through the restaurant. The main bar is flanked with the buildings original large wooden beams. The upstairs dining area has open space that features intimate individual seating or can be combined to accommodate large parties. The restaurant itself is esthetically impressive. Warm drapes, candles everywhere and red accents make you look and feel like royalty.

Our server, Elvis, was extremely knowledgeable, attentive and genuine. All of his recommendations were bang-on

One of MODOs best features is a unique sampler option that allows you to choose an appetizer and two half portions of an entrée. This ingenious menu design makes the hardest decision of night to be whether you start on the left or right side of the beautifully presented plate.

As soon as the waiter brings over sliced bread with a trio of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and hot chili infused oil you realize Chef Ians (formerly of Noce)dedication to detail.

For an appetizer, Elvis recommended the beautifully presented "mille foglie" a light phillo pastry filled with mixed mushrooms, goat cheese and spinach served with a raspberry coulis ($9). The best part? The unexpected sweet raspberry drizzle that pleased the eye and provided the perfect compliment for the rich spinach and goat cheese filling. This antipasti is a must have. The size was perfect for the delicious dishes that followed.

After being presented with my main dish, I had trouble deciding which to try first. And after I tried the left side, I didnt want to leave it alone to try the right, which ended up being equally addictive.

On the left was a pheasant breast stuffed with mushrooms and truffle goat cheese with a pink peppercorn reduction sauce ($14/28) that was one of the tenderest pieces of poultry I have ever tasted. The subtle sauce complimented the dish without overpowering the fantastic quality of the ingredients.

On the right were two butterflied grilled jumbo shrimp with a spicy tomato sauce (15/30) that were so large that they almost matched the size of the pheasant breast. The shrimp were very fresh, perfectly grilled and well complimented by the spicy sauce that put regular marinara sauce to shame. There is also a garlic butter option.

My guest had two half entrees that impressed even his discerning palate. On the left side of his rectangular plate he had an Elvis-recommended thick juicy 5 oz cut of grilled New York strip loin with roasted garlic and rosemary reduction ($15/30) the same quality of any high-end steak house. The reduction sauce was exceptional and the addition of crispy fried parsnip strips made for an excellent texture variation.

On the right side, a pan roasted filet of branzino sea bass with olives, capers and oven roasted cherry tomatoes ($14/28) which was also delightful.

We both shared two sides. The sautéed spinach and onions ($7) were excellent with a delicious, yet subtle, flavour. The roasted potatoes ($7) were that lovely brown crispy colour garnished with rosemary. Both sides were very generous proportions.

The desert list would make any gelato shop jealous. Not only does MODO offer 17 different gelati ($8), all of the flavours are paired with exotically delicious ingredients such as Amaretto with candied nuts;Caffe with caramelized espresso and sambuca; Green apple with a sugar rim, apple sourz and apple slice; and Mint with chocolate shavings and crème de menthe.

Not a gelato fan? No problem, the classic vanilla bean creme brulee served with fresh fruit ($9) achieved the perfection that every crème brulee should aim to be.

MODO offers an excellent selection of martinis, champagne, port, scotch, cognac, grappa and an impressive wine list from across the world.

Offering live house entertainment on Wednesdays and Thursdays, MODO created a unique signature blend of organic jazz with eclectic styles, sounds and rhythms that can only be found at MODO.

On weekends, seasoned spin professionals, resident DJ Dave Campbell (Friday nights) and resident DJ Aki (Saturday nights) create a mix of soulful R&B, classic house and Old School with Zen style influences.

Whether you are looking for a romantic evening, fun with the gang or a place to celebrate a special occasion, MODO is more than dinner, it is a destination.

Having worked in the restaurant and bar industry to put herself throughuniversity, Kristen developed a critical eye for quality food and good service. Kristen recently finished a graduate degree in Journalism and couldn't resist combining her love for food with her love of writing.

Toronto Free Press Restaurant Guide

MoDo Restaurant:

MoDo Resturant