Solid cocktails, a menu of tasty South American-inspired bites and one of the best bottomless brunches in the city made Marked Restaurant my go-to spot whenever I needed an easy, crowd-pleaser. I've been there with friends, dates and even my family. Now the downtown Toronto restaurant has transformed into Runway06.
Runway06: What's the vibe
The sprawling space feels louder and flashier than before. On a Thursday evening after work, EDM is bumping out of the speakers, even though most diners don't arrive until much later.
While Marked Restaurant took a lot of inspiration from South America, Runway06 has broadened its travel horizons to a more globally influenced theme. A modest renovation has opened up the whole front area, and a massive screen covers an entire wall, displaying brightly coloured landscapes reminiscent of a lo-fi YouTube video. Without the wall dividing the sections, everything in the lounge and the dining area can be seen all at once: the many different light fixtures, textures and patterns all vying for your attention.
At the back of the restaurant, the speakeasy-esque Corsair is still an intimate bar with a bit less stimulation.
Runway06: What's on the menu
All of the best dishes from Marked Restaurant are still on the menu at Runway06. The snackable mushroom coxinha are as crispy, truffle-y and delicious as ever. I could order three plates of them and make a whole meal out of it.
The tuna ceviche is taken over by spicy tiger's milk, but chunks of cucumber and avocado cool it down. Seaweed crackers on the side add to the flavour, but aren't the most structurally sound for scooping.
New to Runway06, there are a couple of pasta options. The rigatoni alla vodka is simple but surprisingly tasty with perfectly al dente noodles, a creamy tomato sauce and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. The steak options have been expanded, including a juicy Ontario beef flat iron, served over a bed of tomatoes and pistachio chimi.
Runway06: What's on the drink menu
Old favourites are still on the menu, including their takes on the classics, like the negroni, margarita and house old fashioned, along with signature cocktails like the Yucatàn Slam, a sweet and spicy tequila drink with jalapeño and prickly pear.
New to Runway06, Skinny Dipping in Cuba is a delightfully boozy serve that sees three different kinds of rum balanced with cinnamon and a brown butter wash. It's a cocktail that will warm you up from the inside out.
Of the new additions, my favourite is the Birds of Paradise. I'm a sucker for anything bubbly, and this fruity, sparkling cocktail with gin, tropical tea and peach bitters definitely hits the spot.
With a new name, a wider variety of globally inspired plates and new cocktails, Runway06 is still an easy choice for a crowd-pleasing night out with an upbeat, party vibe.
Dinner and drinks for two: around $120 before tax and tip.
