Le Plato – 785 Danforth Ave Unit B, Toronto, ON M4J 1L2
Country: Ivory Coast        
Must-try dish: Grilled Goat  
Seating: Indoor seating only. 
Dinner guests: Suited Sebastien 
The high: The atmosphere is comfortable with French music playing in the background. 
The low: The owner closes at random times so it’s not unlikely that it’s closed regardless of the hours saying otherwise on Google. We recommend calling the day you plan on visiting.

Don’t be alarmed if you don’t immediately see the entrance of Le Plato as it’s tucked away in a basement giving in a cozy and private feel. All the tables are decorated with colourful tablecloths and are set the right distance from each other to enjoy the company of the people at your table but still be able to chat with the other tables. It’s a relaxed, child friendly environment that gives the impression of being a guest in someone’s home rather than in a restaurant. 

The Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa with French colonial roots, thus making French the most commonly spoken language. It’s known to be one of the more popular tourist destinations in the region because of the stunning beaches, rainforests, and political stability. But what about the food? Like many countries in Africa, Ivorian cuisine is heavy handed on meats, fish, rice, and root vegetables. Since the coastline is set on the Atlantic ocean, fish is a common ingredient. 

For West Africans in Toronto, Le Plato is the spot to get home-cooked traditional meals, and people travel a long way to sit and enjoy the dishes served here. Aside from the tables, there is a small stage for musicians to play, and when there isn’t live music. French songs transporting you to Africa are heard from the speakers. 

The menu is small, making it easy to decide on which dishes to order. Most of the items are individual so adding a side or two to the meat and fish dishes is recommended, unless you order one of the pre-made combos. 

It was a no-brainer that we ordered the Grilled Goat, which was tender and moist without the gamey taste that is often associated with this meat. It comes in chunks alongside a tomato sauce for dipping. As far as we’re concerned, you can’t ever go wrong with goat, and this dish is our must-try plate of the night. To make things even better, the side dish was pieces of Fried Plantain with a lightly spiced rub. This duo was the winning combination. 

Grilled Chicken has a prominent spot on the menu as it comes in quarter, half, or full orders. Depending on the size of your appetite, you can order the size that best suits you. It’s classic roast chicken with the crispy skin and the bones intact, and decadent meat between it all. This dish was accompanied by Red Rice, which is also known as Jollof Rice in neighbouring countries. Each region and individual chef has their own variation of this dish but the usual ingredients include long-grain rice, scotch bonnet chillies, tomatoes (for the colour), onions, and spices. It’s a go-to on any West African menu. 

Garba is the most traditional item on the menu – it’s a tuna fish tail with the skin still on served on top of a bed of ground cassava called Attieke. This couscous-esque dish is dry, therefore it’s better enjoyed with a house-made tomato sauce or an extra spicy hot sauce. The fish is meaty and dense, but also on the dryer side. We recommend sticking to the meat dishes at Le Plato. 

We covered the majority of the menu with these picks. Depending on the season or supply, the meat and fish options can vary but it’s a guarantee to always have chicken at Le Plato. As far as drinks go, there’s an inexpensive list of beers, wines, and spirits if you’re in the mood. Otherwise pops, juices and waters are available. 

For anyone looking to experience the culinary delights of the Ivory Coast, or looking to speak a little French on the Danforth, then Le Plato is the place to check out. 

Eat with you soon, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)