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Dinner at Earls on King: A Perfect Pre-Show Feast in Downtown Toronto

  • Writer: glutenfreemomofthr
    glutenfreemomofthr
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 3 min read

This past weekend, I found myself weaving through downtown Toronto traffic on a mission: make it to our 5:15 p.m. reservation at Earls on King Street before catching The Sound of Music at the iconic Princess of Wales Theatre. Easier said than done when the Lakeshore West GO line was closed for construction, half the city was out for the Leafs game, and every Uber driver was apparently taking a scenic route.

We arrived—fashionably—about ten minutes late. Thankfully, Earls didn’t bat an eye.


First Impressions: A Toronto Lounge Vibe at Its Best


By the time we stepped inside, the sun had already dipped below the skyline, leaving the entire space washed in that warm, moody glow that only downtown restaurants seem to master.


The lights were dimmed, the music trendy but not overpowering, and the entire room hummed with the energy of people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s all starting off their Saturday night. Conversations overlapped in a clean, comforting wave of chatter.


Everyone working there was dressed head-to-toe in sleek black outfits, and honestly? Each server looked like they could step off the floor and directly onto a Netflix set—models, actors, dancers, you name it. But beyond the polish, they were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.


Even with the place buzzing and every table full, the staff never made us feel rushed or overlooked.


The Wait: 90 Minutes of Anticipation


At check-in, the hostess gave us a heads-up: a 90-minute wait for food due to how busy the restaurant was. Normally that might be deal-breaking news, but the atmosphere was good, the service warm, and—I'll be honest—my wine was already easing me into the evening.


We settled into our half-booth, half-chair table. It was a bit snug, but cozy enough that the three of us could relax, lean in, and enjoy catching up.


And then we ordered.


The Food: Beautiful, Comforting, and Most Importantly—Gluten Free (my order only)


As someone with celiac disease, dining out can be a gamble. Earls has never once made me feel nervous, and this visit was no exception. Our server confidently walked through gluten-free options, modifications, and cross-contamination protocols like a seasoned pro. Music to my ears.


Here’s what hit the table:


Oven-Baked Salmon


One friend ordered the salmon, and when it arrived, it looked like it had been styled for a cookbook photoshoot. The salmon sat proudly atop a bed of seasoned rice, surrounded by a gorgeous swirl of bright green herb sauce that looked almost too pretty to eat.


Sushi + Dumplings


My other friend opted for sushi and dumplings—juicy, delicately seared, and arranged with that precision you usually only see in boutique sushi spots. Golden edges, glossy glaze, and steam that made all three of us wish we had ordered a set (in my gluten free dreams).


Black Truffle Butter Steak Filet (Gluten Free!)


And then there was my plate—my pride and joy.


The Black Truffle Butter Steak Filet arrived perfectly cooked, nestled next to creamy mashed potatoes and warm seasonal squash. The squash stole my heart: soft, sweet, and tasting like autumn decided to send one last kiss.


The black truffle butter, though… was on another level.It was silky, aromatic, and luxuriously rich—earthy with that unmistakable truffle depth that somehow makes every bite feel like a small celebration. As it melted over the steak, it created this glossy, savory veil that tied every flavour on the plate together.


And the best part?Completely gluten free.No reaction. No worries. No regrets.


Timing, Luckily, Was on Our Side


Even though they quoted 90 minutes, the food arrived just under that—thank goodness, because the wine was starting to make me delightfully buzzy and dangerously chatty. We finished with enough time to enjoy our meals, savor the atmosphere, and still walk over to the Princess of Wales Theatre without rushing.


Would I Go Back? Absolutely.


Earls on King gave us the perfect pre-show experience—beautiful food, a buzzing lounge vibe, impeccable staff, and full gluten-free confidence. Whether you're dining before theatre night, a Leafs game, or just exploring downtown Toronto, this spot continues to deliver.


I’d go back in a heartbeat—preferably with another order of that truffle steak.


Check out my instagram for a reel of our meals @glut.enfreemomofthree


 
 
 

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