irene toronto

Toronto restaurant known for its waterfront views has been totally transformed

A restaurant in Toronto known for its spacious patio and scenic views of the city's waterfront has been transformed into a totally new concept.

Against the Grain was an urban tavern that served up globally-inspired dishes and hand-crafted cocktails steps away from Lower Jarvis and Queens Quay. 

The restaurant was a go-to spot for refuelling on savoury grub after soaking in the sun's rays at Sugar Beach or going for a bike ride along the waterfront.

The restaurant brand, owned by FAB Concepts, previously shuttered its Leaside location.

If you were a fan of the lakefront patio, you'll be pleased to hear that the space has already re-opened under a new name and a brand new look. 

IRENE is the next name to call the picturesque space its home, and opened its doors for the first time on Monday, April 24. 

The menu includes shareables like focaccia, blistered shishito peppers, and sesame ginger calamari, as well as raw bar selections like chilled oysters and ahi tuna tataki. 

You'll also find lots of handheld and specialty dishes, including jerk chicken, AAA steak frites, and roasted duck breast. 

With summer just around the corner, you can also look forward to sipping on a variety of cocktails out on the restaurant's patio, including the blueberry lemonade sangria, passionfruit paloma, and pineapple chai delight. 

If cocktails aren't your thing, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of beers, IPAs, ales, lagers, ciders, hard seltzers, and wines. 

Your four-legged furry friends are also considered guests at this lakefront patio, and even get their own dedicated menu called the "pawtio menu." Plates on the fur-baby exclusive menu include "beef lovers dinner," "Thanksgiving turkey dinner," pupsicles, and doggie biscuits. 

IRENE is located at 25 Dockside Drive. 

Lead photo by

Against the Grain


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

CN Tower will soon host what might be the highest drag brunch in the world

Shoppers call out Loblaw-owned store for sign telling customers to pick up trash

World's biggest poutine eating challenge coming to Toronto this summer

There's a Filipino night market in Toronto this week

Canadian shoppers react to TikToker's U.S. Costco grocery haul

Future of The Beer Store in Ontario uncertain beyond 2026

Toronto bakery is permanently closing after nearly 60 years in business

There's a Hungarian food and cultural festival in Toronto this week