Swan is great in that area (short of Sugar Cafe). Interesting brunch items (there's a benedict with smoked fish I think) and great atmosphere. Seating is miniscule however so be prepared to wait during brunch 'rushhour'.

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Coincidentally went to SWAN just a few days ago for lunch and had the burger that was surprisingly delicious. Caramelised sweet onions, excellent side of greens but the patty itself was charred perfectly on the outside giving it just the right 'crisp' while having great texture inside...

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I've been to Swan a few times for breakfast but never for dins. During the day, the food is good but the atmosphere is cool/grunge/retro/diner

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Swan Restaurant on Queen W, just west of Trinity Bellwoods park, is great. Very low light with candedlit, high backed booths. Still gets boisterous enough to feel like you're 'on the scene' but very intimate at the same time. Food is excellent and relatively well-priced. It's pretty out of the way, too, so you'll get points for being creative!

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made 9pm reservation on Tuesday and The place is packed. But nothing about Swan is rushed or hectic. It's cool.

One of the things I love about Swan is the unassuming 40's look and feel. From the numerous booths that line the restaurant to the "OPEN" sign slightly askew in the window, it's like entering a time machine. It's not just the decor, the food and service seems to be a good thing borrowed from the past, too.

I must confess: I get so excited about good food that I jump up and down, usually accompanied by a bit of shrieking and hand-clapping. This is no exaggeration and there was plenty of that kind of acting-out from me having dinner at Swan.

My craving for oysters have recently been reawakened, and I knew Swan gets theirs from Oyster Boy a few doors down. My first happy-happy came from an order of half-dozen oysters ($13 & $25 for a dozen).

The second happy-happy was from the seared duck ($21). The way I see it, duck is like a decadent dessert; it's a once-in-a-while treat. This dish doesn't pull any punches. Every bite is full of bold flavour and comes with collard and squash griddle cakes. The portion is generous and there's so much variety on the plate that I make sure every bite tastes a little different from the last.

Swan also makes a mean pork chop ($18) and short ribs ($19). Belly-filling goodness - especially in the colder weather.

Ok, duck is like a decadent dessert... but the bread pudding actually is one. Even I'm surprised after what I've already eaten that I find myself shovelling in forkfuls. But I've never met a bread pudding I didn't like.

Then again, maybe it's just that I'm an unmitigated Swan-fan.

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