Lavantine Restaurant and Skybar Feels Like an Escape in the City

You know it. We know it. VanMag has been all about the patios in summer 2024. But how could we possibly stop now when there’s a new rooftop patio in town?

Lavantine Restaurant and Skybar might be one of the city’s most recent additions to the patio list—but it’s safe to say that the oasis-level rooftop has already cemented its vacation-in-the-city vibes. 

On one of the hottest days of the year so far, I trudged from my downtown apartment to the Azur Hotel to do my duty as a food writer—a.k.a. pro patio testing (what can I say, I’m a woman of the people)—and when I stepped out of the elevator and onto Lavantine’s rooftop I was blown away by not just the resort-chic decor (think oceanic shades of blue and crisp white marble), but the temperature: suddenly, it wasn’t so blisteringly hot anymore. A light breeze rustled through the lush greenery and my core temp dipped before I even sat down at my corner table. A mid-July miracle.

The food and drinks bring the vacation spirit, too, with a menu inspired by the Levant region that features abundant veg, pitch-perfect proteins and a hummus ($19) so smooth I had to double-check if I truly hadn’t been transported across the world. Fortunately (unfortunately?) no magical transportation occurred, but I did begin to pretend that I’d never have to leave the cool embrace of a secret patio in the sky…. or the meant-to-share plates like the kibbeh ($19)—a one-two punch of deeply spiced, crispy beef stuffed with melty cheese—and a tender-but-punchy lamb kebab ($39) that’s ground in-house and grilled over an open flame.

Seafood and veg lovers haven’t been neglected here: the whole branzino ($55) brings a sense of luxe summers abroad thanks to a tableside deboning and a bright, citrusy flavour, while the whole cauliflower ($35)—adorned with jalapeno-coconut sauce, dukkah, smoked pepper and maple tahini—might just be the best take on the cruciferous veggie I’ve seen. (Also perhaps the most beautiful, see below). 

Lest you think I’ve forgotten the real gems that make a dinner feel like a vacation: the cocktail program at Lavantine is strong, with a two-part menu that’s steeped in innovation. Chapter One features drinks that take inspiration from the tales of 1001 Nights. Like the Seven Voyages ($20), a crisp and refreshing combination of gin, salt, olive and citrus that was inspired by Sinbad’s journey through the Mediterranean. Chapter Two is all about the desserts of the world, like the Thailand ($20), a not-too-sweet mix of vodka, bourbon, pandan, citrus, vanilla and cream cheese. Yes, cream cheese. Inspired by cheesecake, this drink arrives shockingly clear with a velvety texture, but no visible cheese in sight. 

Of course, we patio-lovers here at Vanmag would hit up the breezy rooftop just for the vibes alone, but with a menu as focused and expertly delivered as this, there’s an even more worthwhile reason to take a little afternoon staycation. 

Lavantine Restaurant and Skybar
833 W Pender St.