After five years of construction, Toronto’s Cactus Club Cafe is finally set to open at the Yonge Sheppard Centre in North York on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:00 pm!
To celebrate, guests—both reserved and walk-ins—will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco Zero.
With space for over 350 diners, the 14,000 square foot restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a globally-inspired menu, perfect for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or late-night socials.
Cactus Club dining area
Guests can choose from three dining areas: the lively Lounge with DJ-curated music, a warm and inviting Dining Room, and an Enclosed All-Season Patio that provides comfort year-round. The restaurant’s sleek design is enhanced by standout art pieces, including works by Toronto artist Daniel Mazzone, Andy Warhol, and Miami’s Rubem Robierb.
The culinary experience, crafted by the Cactus Test Kitchen under the leadership of Executive Chef Gregory McCallum, features new dishes like Thai Red Curry, Green Goddess Salad, and London Fog Crème Brûlée, exclusive to the North York location.
Thai Red Curry, exclusive to the North York Cactus Club Cafe location
Starting with the appetizers, the wagyu beef carpaccio melts in your mouth and pairs nicely with the vibrant flavours of the béarnaise aioli and arugula. The Chili Citrus Calamari is perfectly crispy and tender at the same time, and had a hint of zesty Szechuan peppercorns that tingles the palate. One of Cactus Club’s most popular items are their sushi rolls, and we loved how fresh and creamy the salmon aburi was.
They also have an amazing selection of cocktails and zero-proof options. We opted for the “penicillin” cocktail, a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy creation that’s as comforting as it is complex. It starts with a base of Johnnie Walker Black, a robust Scotch whisky with deep, rich notes of peat and oats. The drink is finished with a float of smoky Lagavulin whisky that adds an extra layer of depth and bold intensity.
We also loved the Bellini, a peachy cocktail that embodies the essence of sunsets. It starts with Bacardi Superior, a smooth and crisp rum that provides the perfect base. The fresh peach purée and peach schnapps infuses the drink with juicy fruitiness, while a splash of sangria adds a hint of rich, fruity depth.
Bellini
Chef Rob Feenie’s signature Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and creamy. Delicate ravioli is filled with a luscious blend of butternut squash and mascarpone, offering a smooth, velvety texture and a hint of natural sweetness. Juicy prawns add a touch of the ocean, providing a succulent and slightly briny counterpoint to the rich, creamy filling. This dish is a true masterpiece, marrying comfort with sophistication.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns
An indulgent dish is the surf-and-turf experience that combines the best of land and sea:”Steak and Lobster”. The dish has a perfectly cooked Atlantic lobster tail, succulent and buttery, paired with a tender, juicy steak, with a side of seasonal vegetables and buttered mashed potatoes.
Surf and Turf
There is a dessert for everyone’s sweetness level. If you’re looking for something sweeter, the Six Layer Chocolate Slice and New York Cheesecake is decadent. We personally loved the Key Lime Pie, made with approximately 30 limes. The showstopper was the London Fog Crème Brulée: A delicate and creamy dessert with a hint of elegance.
Key Lime Pie is made with over 30 limes!
Located at 4841 Yonge Street, Unit 309, Cactus Club Cafe offers easy access from the Sheppard Yonge TTC station and features secure underground parking. The restaurant is open seven days a week with daily Happy Hour specials and half-priced bottles of wine every Tuesday.
Photos by Nick Lee
https://www.cactusclubcafe.com/
4841 Yonge Street, Unit 309, Toronto, ON M2N 5X2
Instagram: @cactusclubcafe
Facebook: /cactusclubcafe
