Marben
488 Wellington St. W. # 102
416-979-1990
marbenrestaurant.com
Hours of Operation:
Mon, Thur, Fri 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Tues & Wed 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 2 .am.
Sun 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Rating *****
Price range: $3.50 – $17
Reservations: Yes
Time in: 1:31 p.m.
Time out: 2:25 p.m.
Low $ – Rodney’s Oyster’s with Cucumber Mignonette, Lemon ($3.50 each)
High $ – John’s Burger with Branston Pickle, Braised Ribs & Aged Cheddar ($17)
Licensed: Yes
This is nothing like the nightclubby Marben I visited three years ago: Dark walls have been painted Provence yellow. Natural, rustic embellishments like rough-hewn wood plank tabletops give it a fun, casual vibe. And my drink comes in a glass jar.
My server Rachel is warm, smiley. You’ll come just to talk with her. The food, however, is stunning.
Little Bird Salad ($7) sways me into loving rye berries. How did they make it so light, with quinoa, teeny croutons and barley in the mix? Pear and almonds add enticing textures and the lemony dressing is spoon-worthy. I could eat this every day for the next year.
The Sea Bass ($15) is one of the best I’ve ever had. Moist and delicate, it pairs nicely with vibrant kale, soothing squash and zesty cauliflower florets. And fish skin has never been sexier.
An outstanding lunch I’m still thinking about days later.
