Inside Toronto’s new multi-level fine dining experience
Published July 11, 2025 at 4:14 pm
A monumental multi-level fine dining hub has just opened in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Inspired by the elegance of European cuisine, the Convivium Dining Community opened its doors last month to widespread acclaim, introducing the city to an experience hard to find anywhere else.
[Convivium Dining Community on Yonge St]
Yourcitywithin.com had the opportunity to visit the location during a launch event to get a comprehensive understanding of Convivium’s one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Located inside the historic Tin & Copper Smith building downtown, guests are immediately welcomed with stylish decor and even a secret indoor garden patio, perfect for those who want to feel the energy of downtown in secluded elegance.
[The perfect pour at Convivium’s media launch night]
In terms of cuisine, Convivium has an air-tight menu of fine dining staples.
Selections like golden scallops, risotto duck confit, and a diverse spread of main courses, such as grilled octopus, black cod, and filet mignon, are just a taste of what is on offer.
[An expert cut at Convivum’s media launch night]
Oxana Glazkova, executive chef at Convivium, sat down with yourcitywithIN.com to discuss her culinary background and how she aims to supply downtown Toronto with numerous fresh takes on classic cuisine.
“For me, it is all about freshness, it is all about texture,” Glazkova told yourcitywithin.com. “When people come by, however, I still want the dishes to be 100 per cent recognizable… for me, it’s the quality, texture and professional service that makes that happen”
[Vibrant pastas are also on the menu at Convivium]
Glazkova went on to mention that the entire menu is inspired by her experiences with French, Italian, and South American cuisine, built solely on a foundation of the freshest ingredients that are brought to the restaurant every morning.
Beyond its main floor, Convivium hosts two separate levels purpose-built for specialized events.
On the second floor, the six private dining rooms dotted throughout the premises bring a unique sense of style, size, and vibe, perfect for a high-level date night.
[A secret sourdough bread nook in a repurposed private dining room, during Convivium’s media launch night]
As for the third floor, two massive dining halls are available for booking, which provide what the restaurant describes as “old world elegance,” fitted with high ceilings and exposed architectural framework showing off the history within the Tin & Copper interior.
According to Glazkova, while all cooking staff are hired for their specific skills, most at Convivium are interchangeable at all kitchens on premises, including the main kitchen and the service kitchens for both the private dining rooms and event halls.
[A robust selection of wines on offer at Convivium’s private dining rooms]
“I’m lucky that I have people with experience, people who can focus on catering or elsewhere, everyone has experience in the world of fine dining,” says Glazkova. “All of my chefs are studying each station, because while each one is different, they are just as important.”
[Options galore]
As for what dish truly signifies Glazkova and her team, she told yourcitywithIN.com that, if there were to be a must-try option, it would be the black Angus tartare.
This specialty dish uses only the best quality Angus beef from Alberta, is topped with black caviar, and comes paired with the lightest and crispiest confit potatoes.
“It’s amazing, very tasty, fresh, and there is a personal touch to each plate.”
Beyond that, Glazkova also notes that it would be foolish not to mention Convivium’s dessert options, which include tiramisù, crème brûlée, and éclair “Convivium” with poppy seed, an 18 cm éclair that Glazkova notes as one of the true signature dishes on offer.
[Go ahead, treat yourself at Convivium]
“It’s amazing, I know a lot of people who come in with people who haven’t been before, it’s the first thing they recommend,” says Glazkova.
The Convivium Dining Community is now fully open to the public for bookings — the only issue one may face, however, is choosing which floor to go for first.