Hospitality icon and celebrity investors announce new fine-dining destination in downtown Toronto’s iconic Union Station
Canada’s hospitality leader, Nick Di Donato, CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group in partnership with investors, Canadian financial guru and media personality, Kevin O’Leary and Canadian professional ice hockey right winger of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner, are pleased to jointly announce the grand opening of Toronto’s newest fine-dining destination in the city’s historic Union Station. Located at the intersection of business, sport and entertainment at Front and Bay Streets in the downtown core, Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House riffs on the classic fine steakhouse offerings as seen in its internationally lauded property, BlueBlood Steakhouse in Casa Loma, but with a twist – introducing a stunning, fresh daily seafood and ultra premium sushi program helmed by an award-winning sushi master, and one of the few steakhouses to carry the certified seal of Japanese Kobe. Reservations are available now online for dinner service commencing February 20th, with a lunch service added as of February 26th.
Done in “a deal over dinner” … the dream team triumvirate are bringing the worlds of luxe hospitality, ne plus ultra design, fine dining, bespoke cocktails and wines of the world together with the titans of Canadian business, the elites in the world of sports and entertainment, and more, to collide in an exciting new venture for Toronto. Located at the northeast corner of the building, Blue Bovine patrons will delight in striking city views seven days a week from the expansive windows on the world. There, a dramatic, bespoke bronze bull weighing 1,500 pounds proudly stands its ground at the entrance of its new home.
“Our majestic sculpture is poised to become an enduring symbol, not only for our Bay Street establishment, but also for Toronto’s iconic Union Station and the community,” said Nick Di Donato, president and CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. “Serving as Toronto’s own rendition of Manhattan’s famed Wall Street bull, our hand-carved masterpiece represents Liberty Group’s ongoing mission to bring world-class restaurants and unequaled hospitality to our city, and onto the global stage. We are grateful to our friends, partners and investors, Kevin O’Leary and Mitch Marner, for sharing our vision, and we all look forward to an exciting venture.”
Meet me at The Bull: history & heritage reborn
Sexy and modern in design, the large, windowed venue juxtaposes the iconic history of the original train station’s heritage building with a contemporary design. The elegantly comfortable venue seats two hundred guests for lunch through dinner seatings from 11 AM – 2 AM, as well as offering a premium bar experience, and clubby, private dining spaces for special events. Honouring the integrity of local and natural elements, the restaurant’s ethos is expressed through the commitment to local menu ingredients on the plate, and local and natural material honesty in the design.
Rustic steakhouse meets Japanese chic: a distinctive difference
Typical to Liberty Group venues, the open kitchen design allows executive chef Sean Blomeley and his team to showcase their skills, creativity, and knowledge. The steak and sushi kitchen combines the best of both worlds, offering a diverse range of premium grade meats and seafood, expertly grilled. The ultra premium beef inventory is on display in a salt-rock aging room. A variety of traditional and innovative sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri from the highest-quality seafood created under sushi chef, Yi-Joo Na’s watchful eye, is on offer. The Omakase sushi bar and table offer traditional Japanese dining, entrusting Chef Na to serve a series of sushi and sashimi, based on the freshest and best ingredients available daily. The emphasis of both steak and sushi menus is on quality ingredients, expert preparation, and a fusion of flavors to create a unique dining experience.
“We have created Blue Bovine to compliment the lifestyle of Toronto,” continued Mr. Di Donato. “Here, we’re bringing many worlds together, and welcome all including the corporate world for lunches and meetings, the after-work crowd ready to unwind, travelers coming in and out of the city, and pre- and post-game and show fans and their teams’ heroes, to join us to celebrate.”
Visionary creative and timeless design
Distinguished with the prestigious design-et-al’s International Hotel and Property Awards, Liberty Group’s VP and creative director, Nadia Di Donato has again unleashed her celebrated creative juices in the destination’s modern décor. Her vision is a fusion of inspirations, blending sleek modernism with classic industrial design elements — testament to the unique narrative within Union Station’s Beaux-Arts landmark architectural fabric. The symmetrical design of the bold sculptural detailing on the ceiling panels, the marble-clad grand entrance, classical crown moulding, rich woods, and natural stone all create an atmosphere that resonate with character and distinction.
The destination décor is the journey itself
Mirroring the restaurant’s culinary narrative, Ms. Di Donato incorporates rich browns and blues complemented by a striking red accent, evoking the timeless ambiance of a traditional steakhouse, with vibrant Japanese chic influences. A tactile symphony of textiles unfolds with cotton tweed reminiscent of Bay Street attire, distressed leather, soft wool bouclé, and natural cowhide, reminiscent of rustic steakhouse charm. The marriage of natural walnut wood with traditional oak grain infuses a sense of modernity and warmth. Stone columns adorned with intricately carved bovine motifs inspired by Indigenous art serve as both structural supports and artistic expressions. Furniture boasts sleek, modern lines to create a captivating juxtaposition against ornately treated ceilings, walls, and bar areas, adding depth and intrigue to the destination’s overall ambiance.
Sexy streetstyle meets bustling Bay St. at The Bull
Blue Bovine’s curated art pieces bring a funky street-style to the space. Commissioned works by Mr Brainwash, Mr Pinkbrush, Peter Tunney, and local artist, Peter Triantos all add colour and character to the monochromatic space and reflect modern culture and vibrancy of the restaurant’s downtown neighborhood. The signature bull sculpture becomes the city’s reference point for all things Toronto — history, industry, entertainment, sports, art and culture — to ultimately define the destination.
“Blue Bovine’s design subtly weaves a story of the history of the building, the journey of the cuisine, and a narrative of the city, adding depth and intrigue to the unparalleled dining experience,” said Ms. Di Donato. “Our goal is always to create a space that is memorable, immersive, and reflective of each restaurant’s unique identity and vision.”
A mission to Michelin
Liberty Group most recently opened fine-dining destination, DaNico on College Street last year, already garnering international awards, following the opening of Michelin-starred Don Alfonso Toronto in the Westin Harbour Castle. Their properties have been lauded with multiple honours including Best Italian Restaurant in the World 2024 by the 50 Top Italy, Best New Restaurant in the World & Tre Forchette (3 Forks) – Gambero Rosso, Best Italian Restaurant in Canada & Top Ten of All Restaurants in Canada – La Liste, International Hotel and Property Awards – Restaurant Design Global, Distinguished Restaurants of North America – DiRoNA, Top 100 Restaurants in Canada – OpenTable, Best of Award of Excellence – Wine Spectator, and Best Restaurants in Canada – Canada’s 100 Best, among others.
About Liberty Entertainment Group
For over three decades the Liberty Entertainment Group — led by Nick Di Donato — has redefined Toronto’s restaurant, nightlife and special event experience. As developers and operators of numerous landmark establishments, the company is recognized as one of the most successful and innovative in the industry. It continues to achieve success for its impressive roster of venues including Toronto’s premier special event facilities, Casa Loma and Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. Liberty Entertainment Group is also responsible for the development of Toronto’s most prolific restaurants including BlueBlood Steakhouse, Don Alfonso 1890, DaNico, three Cibo Wine Bar locations (King West, Yonge St and Yorkville) and Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House at Union Station. With over 500,000 square feet of hospitality space, the company caters to a diverse clientele of upwards of 1.75 million people per year including A-list celebrities, sports personalities and industry leaders. Visit www.libertygroup.com and on social media @libertygroup #libertygroup.
