What is O.NOIR
O.NOIR Toronto brings its senses to people !
Since opening of Canada’s only “Dine in the Dark” restaurants named O.NOIR in Montreal (2006) and Toronto (2009), O.NOIR has constantly brought an extraordinary culinary adventure to guests from near and far. Already the rage in Europe, Australia, and US cities like Los Angeles and New York, O.NOIR Toronto invites guests to experience food, drinks, and conversation as never before – without use of sight!
“It’s a sensual dining experience like no other!” states O.NOIR founder and former owner Moe Alameddine, “[w]hen you eat food in the dark, your remaining senses are heightened to savour the smell and taste of food. Even everyday dishes like potatoes and yogurt take on a culinary flare.”
But O.NOIR does more than just stimulate the senses. After 1-2 hours in complete darkness (no flashlights, cell phones, matches, cigarette lighters, or luminous watches), customers gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be blind – just like the team of restaurant’s wait staff consisting entirely of the visually-impaired.
This socially conscious concept originated from Jorge Spielmann, a blind pastor in Zurich who would blindfold his dinner guests so they could share his eating experience. In 1999, Spielmann opened Blindekuh (German for “blind cow”), a project aimed at teaching the sighted about the sightless world, and providing jobs for the visually impaired. When O.NOIR Toronto opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2009, it instantaneously created a buzz in the food service sector in the city and beyond, due to its unique service model and commitment to a social cause.
O.NOIR offers everything you’d expect from a fine restaurant: great service, a delicious menu…, and on top of all this, a culinary experience like no other!
O.NOIR is also a dynamic and progressive restaurant, and continues to develop.
Since 2011, under a new ownership and management team, O.NOIR has been continuously transforming its facility and services to become even more unique, and to build a legacy that will last beyond our time. This vision is advocated by owner Dr. J. R. Feng, an entrepreneur and award-winning scientist known for his work in polymer chemistry and engineering. Dr. Feng aims to educate and improve people’s understanding and appreciation of others, through exploring and developing new business models, a modernized menu, and enhanced services. With this vision and the efforts, O.Noir Toronto has developed into the largest restaurant of this kind in the world.
During and following COVID-19 pandemic time, the management and staff have made O.NOIR a very safe place to dine. Staff follow Health and Safety policy, regarding health screening, wearing masks, washing hands, keeping distance, and cleaning all tools and surfaces. Guests are guided in a safe manner and seated at least 2m apart and separated with plastic barrier sheet between tables. Hand sanitizer and gloves are available for guests.
With the help of the dedicated and hard-working management and service staff at O.NOIR Toronto, and the attention and support of guests coming to the restaurant to explore this fun, romantic, and unique dining experience, Feng feels fully optimistic about O.NOIR’s vision and its evolution in the future.
