The Gist: Your destination for luxury clothing is now your new destination for fine food.

Holts Café Yorkdale got a stunning new look last month, but it gets better – the food is phenomenal.

While Holt Renfrew’s National Food Services team has assembled a "culinary council" dedicated to menu development, each location has a designated chef that caters the menu specifically to the region’s seasonal and local flair.

Here at Yorkdale, elevated café fare is served in a serene, polished space - you’ll come for everything from brunch and afternoon tea, to dinner and post-shopping cocktails.

Grub: Chef Michael Kirkwood specializes in local, Canadian, and artisanal ingredients, and makes everything in house.

The menu includes a variety of signature new dishes including a rich Shakshuka ($16) for brunch, a spicy soba salad ($19) and Potato Crusted Halibut.  You can also enjoy Holts Café classics from their sister restaurants, including the ever popular Chopped Salad ($18, with chicken $23) and Holts Burger ($18).

Following the seasons of fashion, the menu changes in spring, fall, and for holiday, giving you all the more reason to return on a regular basis.

Libations: The seasonal drink list includes a selection of classic holiday cocktails, available warm and chilled, ranging from Bourbon Spiked Eggnog ($14) to Mulled Wine ($15).

Non-alcoholic options consist of gourmet teas and coffees ($4-$4.75), organic juices, and mocktails ($5-$8).

Fixtures & Fittings: Designed by internationally-acclaimed Canadian design firm Yabu Pushelberg, the look was inspired by a greenhouse with a variety of natural elements incorporated.

Swathed in taupes and linen, the elegant oasis features a curved bar and large black-and-white fashion prints for added visual interest.

Like the house in Nancy Meyer’s Something’s Gotta Give, the 1894 sq. ft. space evokes an airy, beachy, elegant calm that makes it seem impossible you’re in a department store.

You’ll come back not only for the food, but the peace the space delivers.

Off the Menu:

Trombartinez ($16) A smooth blend of Tromba tequila reposado, vermouth blend, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Boker's bitters, with a lemon twist results in a sophisticated cocktail, created by mixologist Thomas Bene.

Chicken & Leek Dumplings ($13) Delicate packets of chicken and leek are nestled next to baby bok choy, pickled beech mushrooms, radishes, scallions, set in ginger ponzu.

Albacore Tuna ($15) A modernist plating of thickly sliced tuna edged in an enticing, spicy rub, is set artfully with pickled tomatoes, celery shoots, whipped egg, black olives, and festooned with a creamy, dreamy white anchovy dressing.

Broccoli Caesar ($18) One of the best salads of the year, the plentiful portion of edible green plant will give you enough energy to shop all day.

Dressed in an addictive garlic tahini vinaigrette, and set atop baby gem lettuce and red onion jam, broccoli and broccolini is sprinkled with corn nuts and finished with a heavy dose of fresh pecorino.

Braised Short Rib ($24) This dish delivers all the comfort food feels while still appearing rather regal.

Tender beef, creamy polenta, grilled zucchini, king oyster mushrooms, crispy leeks, and a rich jus will keep any winter chills far, far away.

Indian Spiced Chicken ($21) It might be the first time you order it, but it won’t be the last.

Crispy, crackly skin gives way to moist meat, with enticing accompaniments of tantalizing grilled scallion yogurt, sautéed kale, plump currants, fresh marcona almonds, and fingerling potatoes.  

Cherry & White Chocolate "Cheesecake" ($10) Deconstructed cheesecake features amarena cherry, cream cheese mousse, and sponge toffee.

A slight twist on the classic, Banana Foster Bread Pudding ($10) gets a boozy boost via spiced rum crème and delicate topping of coconut brittle.

How Cool is This?! You’ll be visiting the store for the tempting fare as much as the shopping selection.

At the Stove: Chef Michael Kirkwood

FOH: General Manager Pedro Flynn

Deets: The 85-seat café offers afternoon tea, an all day café menu, daily catering and brunch on weekends for dine-in and take out.

Visiting Hours:  Mon to Fri10am-9pm
                          Sat             9:30am–9pm
                          Sun            11am-7pm

Map It: Holt Renfrew in Yorkdale Mall, main floor

Phone It In: (416) 789-6644

Check out our Facebook page for more photos.