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Tableside martinis have been a feature of this jewel-toned, Art Deco cocktail bar inside the Fairmont Royal York for longer than most regulars have been alive. The cocktail menu takes its plot points from Michael Ondaatje's Toronto novel "In the Skin of a Lion," so drinks arrive with actual literary backstory, which is either charming or a lot, depending on your mood. North America's 50 Best Bars ranked it nineteenth on the 2026 list.
Ten honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- 50 Best #19 · North America's 50 Best Bars
- The Pinnacle Guide 1 Pin
- 50 Best Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2026 · North America's 50 Best Bars
- Spirited Awards 2026 · Top 10 Nominee · Best International Hotel Bar
- Spirited Awards 2025 · Top 10 International Nominees · Best International Hotel Bar
- Spirited Awards 2024 · Top 10 Nominee · Best International Hotel Bar
- Spirited Awards 2025 · Regional Top 10 Honoree · Best International Bar Team – Canada
- Spirited Awards 2024 · Regional Top 10 Honoree · Best International Bar Team – Canada
- Spirited Awards 2026 · Regional Top 10 Honoree · Best International Bar Team – Canada
- Difford's Guide Difford's Guide
One number, weighted & current 92
How we score
Nearby in the record closest first
- Reign Canadian American Eat · 88
- Clockwork Drink · 81
- Fairmont Royal York Stay · 74
- Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House Eat · 81
- Bymark Eat · 76
- Canoe Contemporary New American Eat · 88
- Four Seasons Toronto Stay · 67
- Aria Eat · 40
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