Kultura is both a restaurant and a lounge, our columnist writes.
Kultura
169 King St.
416-363-9000
www.kulturarestaurant.com
Ambience: Kultura is both restaurant and lounge, but it’s as the latter that the venue truly shines, drawing a healthy mix of movers and shakers. Wednesday through Saturday, DJs spin a mix of house and lounge grooves while the refined clientele bump their well-toned elbows and clink martini glasses hello. It is definitely trendy, but Kultura blends chic and pretentious, stirs it well and pours out an atmosphere that beckons repeat visits. It’s this air of exclusivity that could offer Kultura extended staying power in a highly competitive dining and nightlife market.
Crowd: They strut and flaunt and mingle, but they also come for late-night drinks and share interesting fusion plates over quiet conversation to unwind. They’re older — late-twenties and up — but tend to be a bit more sophisticated than some of the slowly depreciating King West crowd down the street.
Dress code: Pull out all the stops, dress to impress and think trendy. In fact, call your fashion plate friend (or find one) and beg for guidance.
Should I dance on the bar? Only the uncouth would opt for such behaviour — although you might consider it your right after getting the cheque.
Will I get lucky? Only if you’re willing to foot the bill for those decadent $25 glasses of Burgundian bliss.
Best accessory: A boob job.
Cocktail du jour: Kultura has a fantastic wine list — it’s pricey ($9 to $25 per glass) if you haven’t figured that out by now — but diverse and worth exploring glass by pungent glass. They also offer a wide range of martinis and virtually any cocktail for those wishing to stray from the vintage selection.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to close; open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for brunch.
