Paris Steak
Paris Steak is a charming, bistro-inspired sandwich shop in the heart of Liberty Village.
Here, mouthwatering prime cuts meet punchy house-made chimichurri on warm, artisanal bread. On the side: duck fat fries cooked in beef tallow, peppery arugula salad, and classic steakhouse sauces like peppercorn and Béarnaise.
The small sit-down spot, which opened in early May, is already earning rave reviews from steak-obsessed Toronto residents.
For co-owner and fellow steak obsessive Peter Armanious, the opening marks a dream come true.
No stranger to the hospitality industry, Armanious worked both front and back of house while paying his way through school. He later built a career in finance, specializing in mergers and acquisitions for restaurants and hospitality groups.
Now, back in the kitchen, he's making premium dry-aged beef more accessible.
"Probably 75 per cent of my diet is red meat to be honest," laughed Armanious. "I found myself going out and dining at steak restaurants, only to be paying a fortune every week."
While the menu isn't exactly cheap, the prices reflect quality without the white-tablecloth markup. Think high-end steakhouse flavours, only in handheld form.
Everything is aged for a minimum of 30 days and butchered in-house.
"The dry aging helps in elevating the texture and the taste of meat," explained Armanious. "The longer you dry-age, the more funky the meat becomes."
The signature Steak Sandwich starts with your choice of steak. Options include the Ribeye ($25), Striploin ($22), or Chuck ($20), with the Striploin being a customer favourite.
Seasoned and grilled medium rare, it's served on a fluffy, buttered ciabatta bun and topped with lightly dressed arugula and house-made chimichurri. The chimi is fruity and fresh, a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and finely chopped herbs.
Duck Fat Fries ($8) make the ideal sandwich pairing. Fresh-cut, double-blanched, cooked in beef tallow, and tossed in duck fat, they're finished with Parmesan shavings to up the indulgence factor.
You can also skip the bun altogether with the Steak Frites ($23). The steak and fries get the same careful treatment, only this time, it feels entirely appropriate to drown the plate in silky-smooth, savoury peppercorn sauce.
Beyond sandwiches and large platters of fries, Paris Steak also does a Steak Salad ($23). Arugula is tossed in a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing, then topped off with crispy onions and Parmesan.
To accompany the meal, there is a selection of beer, seltzers, and wine, featuring everything from a fruity Beaujolais ($9) to a crisp Riesling ($9).
For dessert, 13-year-old baking entrepreneur Giuliana, better known as sweetgeeztreats, is whipping up a heavenly banana pudding and chocolate mousse.
The Biscoff Banana Pudding ($7) is a creamy, comforting delight made with layers of silky sweet custard, crunchy Biscoff crumble, sliced bananas, and notes of vanilla.
Inspired by the classic French treat, the velvety Mousse au Chocolat ($7) balances a light and airy texture with the rich, decadent taste of chocolate.
The space was thoughtfully designed with an upstairs suited for grab-and-go customers and a full-fledged bistro downstairs for those who prefer to dine in and linger a little longer.
Moody, with an underground Parisian vibe, the walls are lined with conversation-worthy artwork from local artists. Beyond that, you'll find all the classic elements of a bistro: red banquettes, marble-topped tables, and warm wall sconces.
Paris Steak is located at 120 Atlantic Avenue.
Fareen Karim