Award-winning

R&D Restaurant - Toronto

Name: R&D Restaurant - Toronto
Address: 241 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5T 2E2
Telephone: (416) 586-1241
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1363 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Asian

Top tags:

R&D is an urban casual restaurant in the heart of Toronto’s iconic Chinatown, headed by first-ever MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong and his mentor, Michelin-starred restaurant owner Alvin Leung. The stylish interior reflects R&D's dualistic nature: open & abuzz with energy while preserving an intimate atmosphere.

At R&D, eastern dishes meet western style in the form of modern Chinese sharing plates, where classic ingredients are given a vanguard treatment.

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

8:00 p.m.

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Contemporary Asian, Asian, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of Operation
Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 586-1241
Website
http://www.rdspadina.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Eric Chong
Private party facilities
With its eclectic and laid-back interior, animated Chinatown home and daring Asian fusion fare, R&D is an ideal venue for lively cocktail receptions, intimate group dinners and more.

Location
241 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2E2
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Neighbourhood
Chinatown / Kensington Market
Cross Street
Spadina & Grange
Parking Details
Street parking available on Spadina Avenue. Public parking available on Sullivan Street.
Public Transit
Accessible via the 510 Spadina streetcar. Located in front of the Sullivan Street stop.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Toronto / Ontario Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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Experiences

Best Duck in the City
Multiple dates available
Savour Chef Eric Chong's famous whole-roasted Pekin Duck for $120. Featuring roasted garlic hoisin, leeks and steamed baos, you're in for a formidable feast for two (or more)! We need 24 hours' notice to prepare your duck. Please book your reservation at least one day in advance and indicate how many ducks to prepare in the reservation note.
New Year's Eve
$130.00 per person
Dec 31, 2023 only
Start 2024 with a dining experience to remember! Chef Eric and his team have dreamed up a perfectly balanced prix fixe that offers a taste of old and new, filled with both R&D staples and fresh new flavours. We look forward to sharing our creation with you and welcoming the new year together.

Popular dishes

CSB
char siu, housemade milk bun
- 2 Pcs$14.00
Grandpa's Fun Guo
chicken, truffle, bamboo
- 3 Pcs$14.00
French Onion Spring Roll
beef short rib, caramelized onions, emmental mornay
- 3 Pcs$14.00
Hokkaido Scallop Siu Mai
chili, sesame, gochujang, maggi
- 4 Pcs$16.00
Kalbi Beef Bao
beef short rib, kimchi, kewpie
- 2 Pcs$14.00
Foie Gras Sou
foie gras parfait, hazelnut, sour cherry, maple
- 2 Pcs$14.00

Choi

Vegetables

Honeynut Squash$16.00
japanese curry, pumpkin seed crumb, maple syrup
Kale Salad$16.00
preserved soybean dressing, pine nuts, poached pear, croutons
Brussels Sprouts$16.00
deep-fried, chili glaze, wild rice
Charred Broccolini Gomae$16.00
peanut dressing, spiced nuts, roasted garlic

Siu

Small

King Salmon Sashimi$23.00
juniper-cured, citrus foam, pickled jalapeños, thai basil, crème fraîche
Beef Tartare$21.00
lemongrass, galangal, sambal, coconut, rice chip
Mapo Tofu$16.00
fermented chili, silken tofu, szechuan spiced crispy tofu
Shrimp Toast$20.00
preserved lemon emulsion, brioche, brûlée lemon, chives
Popcorn Shrimp$18.00
prawn-crusted nobashi shrimp, laksa mayo
Lamb Spiducci$20.00
satay sauce, candied peanuts, aïoli
Fried Chicken$25.00
chili crisp, osprey bluffs honey, 16-spice blend

Dai

Large

R&D Fried Rice$29.00
mushroom xo, porcini butter, maitake, olive leaf, singapore crunch
Chili Crab Tonnarelli$38.00
dungeness crab, lobster, tomato, parmesan
Halibut$44.00
tom yum, wild mushrooms, red spinach, lime leaf
Ibérico Char Siu$45.00
ginger scallion, wildflower honey, jus
@wok_lobster$75.00
lobster dashi, charred corn, vermicelli, poached tail
Wagyu Beef$120.00
a5 japanese wagyu strip loin, potato pavé, black pepper bordelaise, shallots
Best Duck In the City$110.00
whole roasted pekin duck, roasted garlic hoisin, cucumber, leeks, steamed baos

Tim Ban

Dessert

Sticky Toffee Pudding$15.00
palm sugar toffee, medjool dates, caramelized apples, calvados cinnamon ice cream
Lava Cake$15.00
valrhona dark chocolate, tonka bean ganache, toasted brown rice ice cream (baked to order, please allow 15 minutes)
Sweet Corn Panna Cotta$15.00
ontario corn, corn flakes, wild blueberries
Ice Cream$5.00
two scoops of black sesame, mango, ginger, red bean, vanilla or matcha

What 1,363 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto / Ontario
Innovative
Toronto
Innovative

1,363 Reviews

D
Daddy2dine
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightful dinner. Wait staff was great and we really enjoyed the food and drinks. Noise level was just right for conversation. We will be back!
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DO
DanOinTO
Toronto
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friends and I went to R&D for dinner and had a great time. The food was flavourful and beautifully presented, but most importantly it was delicious. The server was great. He seemed to know exactly when to come to the table. And the ambiance was conducive to conversation but still lively enough to feel like you were out on the town. Will definitely go back again!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious Peking duck. Well prepared and great services.
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DR
DmitryR
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and experience overall. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.
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EA
ElenaA
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptional food! We had an exquisite gourmet experience!
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A
Anabelita
Mexico City
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is amazing! If you are in Toronto, this is a must!!! This place really surprised us in a very good manner. Noodles with lobster and din sum is a must.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience3
Great food, but really poor service. Waited 10 mins to be seated, long delays between plates, and half hearted apologies from staff.
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AC
AnnaC
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They curated our tasting menu based on our budget and it felt like we paid so much less for what we got. The value and quality of the food is really good. We don't have anything that we can comfortably say was at the bottom of rank when it comes to taste. The Hainan chicken, siumai, and spring roll though were all at the top of our rankings! Must try! The Hainanese chicken is so simple and classic but perfect in every way!
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T
Tin2
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was amazing especially the Peking Duck. They also provided an excellent service. We would go back again!
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C
Cmax
Exclusive
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had such a lovely birthday celebration at R&D last night! The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. Will definitely be back again soon!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommend! Amazing food and service - will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food! Fast and friendly service! Unique and delicious! A must try!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food at a reasonable price and the service was great!
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R
Rfoo
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
We loved our meal and the bartender & wait staff recommendations. We were disappointed that we could not order the duck as we were not aware that this dish required a pre-order 24 hrs in advance. We were a little disappointed that our dirtly cutlery was not changed between dishes since it had to sit on the bare table. Otherwise, a fantastic evening, All 4 of us said we'd be back. Great job.
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R
Ruru
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and service with a cool and comfortable atmosphere. The R&D fried rice and Fried chicken were to die for. Owner Eric, always makes us feel comfortable and valued and staff all appear happy to be there.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very cool atmosphere. Really delicious food!! Excellent service. A bit noisy, but manageable.
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B
Bobby
Toronto
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was on point; service, food, ambience, had an amazing time. Chef Eric and his team's customer service were outstanding. Aside from the food, the highlight of the night was when my brother asked him for the rest of the duck from the Best Duck in the City (we're Chinese so we typically like to save the bones to make broth). Chef Eric wrapped it up and vacuums sealed it for us. Looking forward to our next visit!
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SB
ShannonB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely incredible food. Everything I've tried there is perfectly cooked, with amazing flavours.
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S
Sp2014
Toronto
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very nice modern asian/fusion place. Unique dishes. Best when ordered in group as main dishes are large
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A
Andy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious duck and we appreciate the extra touch for our anniversary.
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AK
AnhK
Toronto
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Came here for the “best duck in the city” but the experience was just so so. Everything about this restaurant is just above average and you definitely can find better pecking duck in other Chinese restaurants
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KW
KatieW
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff and chef were absolutely exceptional and every dish we had was delicious. Highly recommend.
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MG
MarcG
Tampa
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall2food4service3ambience1
Duck was very good, but house special fried rice was dry and barely warm. Was told that we would be limited to 1 hour 45 mins. Music was too loud and played 90’s rap music with profanity. Decor was not pleasing.
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VA
VANESSA
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and great service! We will definitely go again
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D
Debora
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely experience with the tasting menu, dishes were delicious and the service simply outstanding! Took a client here and she kept raving about it all night. A must visit!
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JR
JohnR
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Maybe it was the expectation of what the meal was going to be but I found it underwhelming. Some of the spice levels totally overpowered the dishes and other dishes just didn’t make my taste buds sing. The R & D rice was fantastic.
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AV
AnthonyV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the second time at R&D and look forward to the next !
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PO
PolO
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent walk through of the menu with the chef and top notch food!
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AS
AbbyS
Toronto
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing from the food to the service!! Special thank-you to Kyle our server. Best fried rice in the city. Highly recommend the Waygu, CSB, and Kalbi beef bao as well. The perfect place for a date!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing. Flavours out of this world. All staff super friendly.
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TO
TimO
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great to sit at the counter and watch the chef’s working. Try the dim sum
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JM
JessM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I got tables at the Chef rail and were not disappointed. Chef Eric and his team were incredible and the food was sooo good. Our server was so helpful and attentive and all the food was incredible. We may have over ordered and couldn’t finish it all. Even the small plates were a really good portion. The whole experience was amazing and I would go back again and next time get the duck!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
I have a bit high expectation at R&D, however it is average at most. The peking duck is more like a smoke duck breast. I am typical Chinese, and expect something similar to typical Chinese restaurant. Then it comes out more like fusion style. The shrimp toast is not as good as Mimi. The dessert is the best of the night, highly recommend the toffee cake with ice cream.
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c
chrichri
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We dined at RnD for our first anniversary. Our server, Ray, was lovely, and recommended great sides for the magnificent duck (the fried rice was ridiculously good). The dining room is very beautiful while maintaining a casual vibe. We will be back to celebrate again :)
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CK
ColetteK
Toronto
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exciting twists on my already favourite dishes. R & D felt like eating elevated street food at a market with the benefits of getting all your dishes and drinks at one "vendor", having a ready table, no queueing , full and awesome service, expert advice, and climate control. No pretences. Went as a party of two for a wedding anniversary - such a terrific spot made even more special by some surprise touches from the staff. Next time we're going to bring our friends so we can try even more dishes!!
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SG
SteveG
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food, cocktail and servers were great! We’ll be back again.
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CM
CatM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The CSB was nice and crispy on the outside with a yummy pork filling. The Charred Broccoli was superb. My only complaint (if I even have one) is it was a little on the sweet side for me. But all around great experience. Highly recommend.
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S
Soniouze
Toronto
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Peking Duck was one of the best dish. Crispy skin and the meat was very tender.
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JS
JesseS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was my first time dining at R&D Restaurant, I was amazed by layers of flavours and presentation. Got meet to chef Eric and one of his chef’s that was pretty cool because I reserved the chefs counter that was awesome. I will definitely recommend it to anyone and also I will be back again!
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GP
GenevieveP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We dinned at R&D for the first time last night, it was a great experience. The food was exquisite. We started off our meal by sharing the pork and crab shu mai and the french onion spring rolls. The flavors of these two dishes were bold, surprising and different then anything I've tasted before. For our main, we ordered the wagu beef which was to die for, it just melts in your mouth. We also ordered the fried chicken which was light, crispy, moist on the inside with a delicious sauce on top. We ended our meal with the citrus tart and the sticky toffee pudding ... we were spechless at the amazing flavors of both desserts. We are already planning our next visit to R&D. The service and ambiance were also on point.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from R&D Restaurant - Toronto using the Order Online button.

R&D Restaurant - Toronto is rated 4.7 stars by 1363 OpenTable diners.

R&D Restaurant - Toronto does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.