Hotel Ocho
- 195 Spadina Ave. (near Queen)
- 416-593-0885
- hotelocho.com
- Reservations: Yes
- Social lunch: Yes
- Licensed: Yes
- Rating: 4 out of 5
Built in 1902, the building that is now Hotel Ocho underwent a five-year renovation and restoration. The result is an “industrial loft-style hotel, restaurant and lounge” that is spacious and open – long black couches sit parallel to sleek wood tables underneath exposed wide wood beams and ducting.
Grilled Calamari with Mix Greens ($13) and the Lunch Special, Open-Faced Steak Sandwich ($10) with cheese and salad or fries suit the warm summer day.
Both the steak and calamari are slightly overcooked, but only slightly. The steak is herbed and still soft, and the squid is buoyant and toothsome.
Fresh salads are enlivened by sunny dressings. The plates offer small, but satisfying portions. We order a side of fries ($4) just to ensure we’re full. Great choice: thin, hot and nicely salted.
Lunch at a hotel – it’s suddenly possible and affordable. Free WiFi, too.
Just imagine what the rooms are like.
