Since its opening in 2009, O.Noir on Church Street has been providing the City of Toronto with the ultimate sensory dining experience, all while operating for a great cause. Visiting the restaurant makes for a great date night or way to connect with family.

The Dining Experience

The main concept behind O.Noir is that their dining room is designed to provide an environment of total darkness wherein guests enjoy their food and beverages. This deprivation of the major sense of sight allows for visual distractions to be cut out, and allows for more attention to the act of eating and sense of taste. Diners choose two or three courses from the menu including a main and a dessert and/or surprise appetizer. There are vegetarian options on the menu, and generally the kitchen can be accommodating of any allergies or sensitivities. Serving staff will lead diners from the lit lounge where they view the menu and place orders, into the pitch black dining room and to their seats. The whole experience in the dark lasts around an hour and a half and is meant to give guests a taste of how their servers experience dining.

The Mission

O.Noir employs a serving team completely made up of blind and visually impaired individuals. These people are best suited to do the job as they navigate everyday without sight, but they are  also provided training in table waiting and service. O.Noir’s mission is to provide career development to this underemployed group, as well as encourage the exchange of experience between their staff and dinner guests. Many reviewers mention their servers by name, and reference the interaction had with them as a highlight of their visit.

Plan Your Visit

The restaurant is open from 6:30 to 9:00 or 10:00 PM throughout the week, and only a small number of walk-ins can be accommodated each day. It’s well worth it to reserve ahead of time, particularly if you have a larger group. If you have questions related to accessibility or other concerns, there is an FAQ on their website for peace of mind. O.Noir is meant to be an experience for anyone interested!