Rooftop Aera in Toronto

Aera: steaks, sushi and cocktails on the 38th floor of The Well

Above King West

The Well is a vast complex of offices, homes and shops built between Front Street and Wellington Street, west of downtown. Aera occupies the 38th floor of its office tower, at 8 Spadina Avenue. From the dining room, the picture windows frame the CN Tower, the dome of the Rogers Centre and Lake Ontario; at sunset, the western shore of the lake is set ablaze. Window tables can be booked online, and demand is high.

Steakhouse and sushi counter

The menu revisits American classics around grilled dishes, prime meats and seafood, with a sushi counter facing the open kitchen. The bar lines up classic and house cocktails from CA$24 to CA$28, a fine selection of sakes and wines, and offers a happy hour every day from 4pm to 6pm. DJs liven up Friday and Saturday nights.

Open Aera, the summer rooftop

One floor higher, the Open Aera terrace opens in summer, in the open air, with an all-day menu and weekend brunch; in bad weather, brunch moves down to the dining room. Rooftop reservations do not include an indoor fallback in case of rain.

Practical information

Dining room and bar open all year round, in the evening, with brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Online booking, up to six weeks in advance; walk-in guests accepted at the bar and in the lounge subject to availability. Bar and rooftop reserved for guests aged 19 and over from Thursday to Saturday from 5pm. Business or smart casual attire suggested. Prices exclude taxes and tip. Elevators from the lobby of 8 Spadina; 504 King and 510 Spadina streetcars, St. Andrew and Union subway stations.