A Night at Jacob's & Co. Steakhouse

The Bay Adelaide Centre is a stunning architectural landmark that rises amidst the busy financial district, with its modern design fitting seamlessly into Toronto's skyline. Situated on the fourth floor, Jacob's & Co. is perched above the bustling streets below, offering diners both an intimate and elevated dining experience with panoramic views of the city.

Just steps away from Union Station, St. Lawrence Market, and Harbourfront Centre, this area is ideal for both locals and travelers looking to explore Toronto’s iconic sites before or after enjoying a meal at one of the city’s premier steakhouses.

The restaurant’s interior is just as impressive as its location. With its high ceilings, polished wood, sleek finishes, and dazzling chandeliers, Jacob's & Co. exudes a sense of refined elegance. It’s sophisticated, yet welcoming, offering an upscale environment where guests can unwind and enjoy a meal of exceptional quality.

Led by Executive Chef Danny McCallum: Crafting the Perfect Meal

Jacob's & Co. is helmed by Executive Chef Danny McCallum, whose commitment to excellence is evident in every dish. Known for his expertise in creating world-class steakhouse experiences, Chef McCallum is focused on bringing out the best in premium ingredients.

The dry-aged beef is the standout feature of the menu, with a meticulous aging process that enhances the meat’s natural flavors. The attention to detail extends beyond the steaks, with creative side dishes and seasonal offerings that reflect the kitchen's expertise and commitment to quality.

The Steak: A Masterclass in Quality and Flavor

When it comes to a steakhouse, the star of the show is always the steak, and Jacob’s & Co. delivers. The restaurant’s dry-aged beef is aged for 28 to 35 days, intensifying the natural flavors and creating a tenderness that’s unrivaled. The bone-in ribeye I tried was the epitome of steak perfection.

The steak arrived with a perfectly seared crust — golden-brown and crispy — giving way to a juicy, tender interior cooked precisely to medium-rare. Each bite was a balance of richness and depth, with a buttery mouthfeel and a slight char from the grill. The flavor was complex but not overpowering, a testament to the careful aging and grilling techniques.

It was paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon, which brought out the deep, savory notes of the beef. The wine’s tannins cut through the richness of the steak, making each bite even more enjoyable.

But what truly sets Jacob’s & Co. apart is the attention to side dishes and accompaniments. At many steakhouses, sides feel like an afterthought, but here, every element on the plate is treated with the same care and craftsmanship as the main dish.

The Sides: Elevating the Meal

Jacob's & Co. doesn’t just serve a great steak — the sides are worth celebrating too. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted Brussels sprouts and charred asparagus, each side is thoughtfully crafted to complement the main event.

The creamed spinach was a standout: smooth, velvety, and rich without being heavy, with just the right balance of creaminess and a slight tang from the cheese. The truffle fries were crispy and addictive, with the earthy flavor of truffle oil adding a luxurious twist to the simple comfort of fries.

And then there’s the squash & sage tortellini. It may seem like an unexpected dish at a steakhouse, but it was the perfect contrast to the beef’s richness. The handmade tortellini was filled with sweet, roasted squash and served in a sage-infused butter sauce. The earthy sage elevated the sweetness of the squash, and the delicate pasta melted in your mouth. It was a light, comforting dish that balanced out the indulgence of the steak, showcasing the kitchen’s range beyond just beef.

The Sauces: A Perfect Pairing

No great steak is complete without the perfect sauce. Jacob’s & Co. offers an array of sauce options to elevate the meal, from the classic béarnaise to a more adventurous peppercorn sauce and a rich red wine demi-glace. Each sauce was expertly crafted, adding layers of flavor that enhanced the beef without overpowering it. My choice, the red wine demi-glace, added a silky richness that paired beautifully with the dry-aged steak.

The Desserts: The Sweet Finish

No meal at Jacob’s & Co. is complete without finishing with something sweet. The chocolate soufflé is a must-try. It’s a warm, decadent dessert with a rich, molten center, perfectly balanced by the lightness of the soufflé. The subtle bitterness of the chocolate paired wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors and temperatures.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the lemon meringue tart is an excellent option. The tart’s crisp crust is filled with a smooth, tangy lemon custard and topped with a perfectly browned meringue. It’s a refreshing way to end the meal, offering a bright note after the richness of the main courses.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the lemon meringue tart is an excellent option. The tart’s crisp crust is filled with a smooth, tangy lemon custard and topped with a perfectly browned meringue. It’s a refreshing way to end the meal, offering a bright note after the richness of the main courses.

Would I return? Absolutely.

Queen’s Harbour: A Family-Friendly Waterfront Dining Experience in Toronto

Queen’s Harbour is one of those Toronto waterfront spots that manages to feel both upscale and welcoming—no small feat, especially when you’re dining with kids. We recently visited as a family, including two energetic 20-month-old babies and a curious 6-year-old, and overall, it turned out to be a really enjoyable experience.

The Atmosphere

From the moment you walk in, Queen’s Harbour makes an impression. The space is modern, bright, and stylish, with beautiful views that give it a relaxed yet polished vibe. Even with a full dining room, it didn’t feel overwhelming. For families, that balance is important—it felt comfortable enough to bring kids, without sacrificing the restaurant’s upscale feel.

The Food: OG Shareable Platter

We went with the OG Shareable Platter, which was a great choice for our group. The platter is generous, well-presented, and perfect for sharing, especially when everyone wants to try a bit of everything.

Everything we tasted was very good, but the steak stood out—cooked perfectly, flavorful, and tender. The variety on the platter made it easy to keep everyone happy, and the portions were more than enough for both adults and kids to nibble on.

Dining out with young children can always be unpredictable, but Queen’s Harbour handled it well. The spacing between tables was decent, staff were understanding, and the overall environment felt accommodating for families. Our 6-year-old enjoyed the food, and even with two toddlers at the table, we didn’t feel rushed or out of place.

One Thing to Note: Parking

If there’s one downside to mention, it’s parking. Finding a spot nearby can be a bit challenging, especially during busy times or on weekends. It’s definitely something to plan for—arriving early or allowing extra time will make the experience much smoother.

Queen’s Harbour delivers on food, atmosphere, and overall experience. The OG Shareable Platter is a solid choice, the steak is excellent, and the setting makes it ideal for special occasions or relaxed family outings by the water. Parking may take a little patience, but once you’re inside, it’s well worth it.

Fujisan Sushi – Fresh, Reliable, and Comforting Japanese Eats in Markham

Markham is packed with amazing Asian food, but Fujisan Sushi stands out as one of those dependable neighbourhood gems that always hits the spot. Located in a community known for high-quality dining, Fujisan keeps things simple: fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a local favourite.

Whether you're stopping in for dinner with family, grabbing a quick lunch, or picking up takeout after a long day, Fujisan Sushi Markham delivers consistency and flavour every time.

Cozy, Comfortable, and Family-Friendly

Fujisan has the classic feel of a Japanese restaurant built on honesty and good hospitality. The interior is clean and relaxed — nothing too busy or distracting — making it a perfect spot for casual meals, date nights, or family dinners. The staff greet you warmly, service is efficient, and everything flows smoothly from start to finish.

Fresh Sushi With Generous Portions

Markham sets a high bar for Japanese cuisine, and Fujisan meets it with ease. The sushi here is fresh, nicely presented, and portioned generously. Whether you order traditional rolls or one of their creative signature options, you can expect consistent quality.

Popular Favourites:

Sashimi Platters – thick slices, fresh, and well-balanced

Specialty Rolls – visually appealing and full of flavour

Tempura Udon – comforting broth and crispy tempura

Bento Boxes – great for anyone who wants a little bit of everything

The fish quality is especially impressive given the price point — fresh, clean-tasting, and never watery or dull.

Exceptional Value for Markham

Markham dining can get pricey, but Fujisan has stuck with fair, reasonable pricing that makes it easy to come back often. The portion sizes are solid, combination meals feel generous, and takeout orders are packed neatly and carefully.

It’s the kind of place where you truly feel like you’re getting value for what you pay — something everyone can appreciate.

A Strong Takeout Option

Fujisan’s takeout packaging is consistently reliable. Rolls stay intact, tempura remains crisp, and sashimi arrives chilled and neatly arranged. For Markham’s busy families and food lovers, this makes Fujisan a perfect go-to for sushi nights.

Fujisan Sushi Markham is one of those understated neighbourhood spots that earns your trust quickly. It doesn’t rely on hype or trendy gimmicks — just genuinely good food made with care. Fresh sushi, friendly service, great value, and consistent quality make it a standout in the Markham dining scene.

If you’re exploring Markham or live nearby, this is absolutely a spot to keep on your regular rotation.

El Mariachi Tacos & Churros – Streetsville, Mississauga: A True Taste of Mexico in the Heart of the Village

If you’re craving authentic, flavour-packed Mexican street food without leaving the GTA, El Mariachi Tacos And Churros in Streetsville, Mississauga is the spot you need to try. I recently visited, and let me tell you — the tacos here are next-level. Freshly made, perfectly seasoned, and served with that warm, homemade touch that instantly transports you to a street corner in Mexico City.

A Cozy Streetsville Gem

Located right in the historic village of Streetsville, El Mariachi blends local charm with bold Mexican flavours. The restaurant has a casual, inviting atmosphere — the kind of place where you can drop in for a quick bite or settle in for a comforting meal with friends.

The Tacos: The Star of the Show

I tried their tacos, and they were honestly some of the best I’ve had in the GTA. The tortillas taste authentically hand-pressed, the fillings are juicy and seasoned beautifully, and the toppings strike the perfect balance between fresh and spicy.

Whether you go for al pastor, birria, or carne asada, each bite brings that real street-taco flavour. The portions are generous but not overwhelming — ideal for mixing and matching different styles.

Don’t Skip the Churros

The churros here deserve their own hype. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with cinnamon sugar… then dipped into warm dulce de leche or chocolate. Truly the perfect sweet finish.

Friendly Service & Quick Turnaround

The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food. Even during busy times, service is quick but never rushed — a big plus if you’re stopping by on a lunch break or mid-errand.

Location

📍 El Mariachi Tacos And Churros

27 Queen St S, Mississauga, ON L5M 1K3 (Streetsville)

Final Thoughts

El Mariachi Tacos And Churros is easily one of the must-try taco spots in Mississauga. Authentic flavours, great prices, friendly vibes — and seriously amazing tacos. If you love bold, traditional Mexican street food, add this place to your list.