Since its opening in 2009, O.Noir on Church Street has been providing the City of Toronto with the ultimate sensory dining experience. At the heart of their operation is a great cause. Visiting the restaurant makes for a very special date night, or a way to connect with family.

The Dining Experience

O.Noir’s concept is a dining room in total darkness, designed to provide guests a unique way to enjoy food and beverages. Depriving them of the major sense of sight cuts out visual distractions, drawing 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, with the option to add a surprise appetizer. Serving staff lead diners from the lit lounge where they place orders, into the pitch black dining room where they take their seats. The time spent in the dark lasts around an hour and a half and is meant to give guests a taste of how their servers experience dining. 

ONoir Toronto

The Mission

How does the restaurant connect diners to their servers exactly? O.Noir employs a serving team made completely up of blind and visually impaired individuals. These people are best suited to do the job as they navigate every day life without sight. Of course, the staff are also provided training in table waiting and food 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, noting the interaction they had as a highlight of their visit.

ONoir Toronto

Plan Your Visit

The restaurant is open from 6:30 until 9:00 or 10:00 PM throughout the week, and only a small number of walk-ins can be accommodated. It’s well worth it to reserve ahead of time, particularly if you have a larger group. Should 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!

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