Grace is a cozy restaurant in Toronto's Little Italy neighbourhood (503 College St.) that could be best described as a modern farmhouse bistro. Co-owners Chris Hoffman and Leslie Gibson, along with executive chef Colin Moïses have a great thing going. Open since 2008, the 60-seat restaurant is spacious and airy, but still feels intimate and romantic. The bright, clean-lined main floor features charming rustic touches, and just upstairs a sleek, secondary space is available for private dining and cocktail receptions. Totally elegant and totally comfortable, the ambiance is lovely.

With cuisine anchored by fresh, local and sustainably farmed food, you're likely to find this week's harvest on the menu, perfectly executed and artfully plated. In addition to the regular fare, a “Driftwood Menu” offers selections presented on boards designed for sharing.

The bread is delicious, served in cardboard fruit baskets with a dreamy sweetened butter. Slices of cucumber are suspended in water glasses, a refreshing touch. Service was impeccable, friendly and attentive.

I started with grace greens, a simple salad with garlic scape and white currant dressing ($10), then moved on to the ontario beef flat iron steak and short ribs accompanied by vegetables, fingerling potatoes and spiced kale ($29). Sipping a full-bodied red wine over the delicious meal, it was a splendid night out. I’ll be returning this summer to enjoy Grace's courtyard, but I’ll be back even sooner to order a dessert I didn’t have room for. The chocolate cremeaux is made with chocolate crumb, roasted marshmallow and house biscotti—as far as sweet things go, that’s right up my alley. Photo courtesy of Grace restaurant