Hospitality icon Liberty Entertainment Group and celebrity investors unveil new fine dining destination poised to become downtown Toronto’s newest culinary gem
Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House is Toronto’s newest fine dining destination situated within the city’s historic Union Station, located at the intersection of business, sport and entertainment at Front and Bay Streets in the downtown core.
Read Also: Liberty Entertainment Group debuts ‘DaNico’ in Toronto
Seating up to 200 guests for lunch and dinner, alongside a premium bar experience and intimate private dining spaces for special events, Blue Bovine embraces local and natural elements, with an ethos that shines through its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and honest design materials. This culinary gem is poised to offer its guests a luxurious retreat in the heart of the urban landscape.
Who’s behind it: Spearheaded by Nick Di Donato, CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, and backed by investors Kevin O’Leary, renowned Canadian financial guru and media personality, and Mitch Marner, professional ice hockey right winger of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Bovine brings together the worlds of luxe hospitality, ultra design, and fine dining in a groundbreaking collaboration.
Opening date: Reservations open for dinner service on February 20th, with lunch service added from February 26th onwards. Guests can indulge in gastronomic delights from 11 AM to 2 AM, experiencing the epitome of elegance and comfort from lunch through dinner.
Blue Bovine sets a new standard for excellence in both steak and sushi offerings.
Culinary approach: At Blue Bovine, expect a culinary journey that blends tradition with innovation. Drawing inspiration from the internationally acclaimed BlueBlood Steakhouse, the restaurant offers a tantalizing twist with a daily seafood and premium sushi program. Led by an award-winning sushi master and boasting the coveted seal of Japanese Kobe, Blue Bovine sets a new standard for excellence in both steak and sushi offerings.
Wine program: With over 3,000 bottles in its cellar (and room for about a thousand more), Blue Bovine’s wine list is a testament to luxury and what one should expect – and not just because of what’s on the food menu. Liberty Group’s reputation when it comes to its restaurants’ focus on wine, and its highly educated sommelier team, is reaching second to none status.
While California labels are set to dominate the selection (the idea here is steakhouse + California cabernet = winning combination), there are ample options from France and Italy to satisfy the most discerning palate. Canadian wines make up a smaller percentage but are nevertheless represented. Sake enthusiasts will also find a curated selection to complement the restaurant’s sushi menu.
Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House has a very modern interior design, courtesy of Liberty Group’s VP and creative director, Nadia Di Donato. (Photo by Ethan Shaw Door24 Luxury Videography and Photography)
The design: Designed by Liberty Group’s VP and creative director, Nadia Di Donato, Blue Bovine’s aesthetic is a fusion of modernism and industrial design elements. From marble-clad entrances to rich woods and natural stone, every detail reflects the restaurant’s commitment to sophistication and character. Mirroring the culinary narrative, the design seamlessly blends classic charm with vibrant contemporary influences, creating an ambiance that is both timeless and inviting.
The furniture boasts sleek, modern lines to create a captivating juxtaposition against ornately treated ceilings, walls, and bar areas, adding depth and intrigue to the destination’s overall ambiance. While commissioned works by Mr. Brainwash, Mr. Pinkbrush, Peter Tunney, and local artist, Peter Triantos all add colour and character to the monochromatic space and reflect modern culture and vibrancy of the restaurant’s downtown neighborhood.
A dramatic, bespoke bronze bull weighing 1,500 pounds proudly stands its ground at the entrance of its new home, ultimately defining the destination.
From left to right: Blue Bovine investor Kevin O’Leary, Toronto Maple Leafs player and investor Mitch Marner, and Nick Di Donato, CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group. (Photo by Ethan Shaw Door24 Luxury Videography and Photography)
“Our majestic sculpture is poised to become an enduring symbol, not only for our Bay Street establishment, but also for Toronto’s iconic Union Station and the community,” said Nick Di Donato. “Serving as Toronto’s own rendition of Manhattan’s famed Wall Street bull, our hand-carved masterpiece represents Liberty Group’s ongoing mission to bring world-class restaurants and unequaled hospitality to our city, and onto the global stage.”
“Blue Bovine’s design subtly weaves a story of the history of the building, the journey of the cuisine, and a narrative of the city, adding depth and intrigue to the unparalleled dining experience,” said Nadia Di Donato. “Our goal is always to create a space that is memorable, immersive, and reflective of [the] restaurant’s unique identity and vision.”
Additional info: “We have created Blue Bovine to compliment the lifestyle of Toronto,” continued Nick Di Donato. “Here, we’re bringing many worlds together, and welcome all including the corporate world for lunches and meetings, the after-work crowd ready to unwind, travelers coming in and out of the city, and pre- and post-game and show fans and their teams’ heroes, to join us to celebrate.”
Nick and Nadia Di Donato: Liberty Group’s dynamic duo. (Photo by Ethan Shaw Door24 Luxury Videography and Photography)
Liberty Group most recently opened fine-dining destination, DaNico on College Street last year, already garnering international awards, following the opening of Michelin-starred Don Alfonso Toronto in the Westin Harbour Castle. Their properties have been lauded with multiple honours and both DaNico and Don Alfonso Toronto have been included among VineRoutes’ highly notable list of Ontario’s Top Restaurants.
As developers and operators of numerous landmark establishments, Liberty Entertainment Group is recognized as one of the most successful and innovative in the industry. It continues to achieve success for its impressive roster of venues including Toronto’s premier special event facilities, Casa Loma and Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex.
Bookings are now open online for daily service.
Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House
65 Front St W Unit 108, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3 (Union Station)
