Eclectic Cuisine

The Scene

Murrieta's classic, inviting mood makes the perfect setting for a relaxing evening meal. Vaulted ceilings, soft lighting and rich hard wood floors give this Whyte Avenue gem a stylish, elegant vibe. Light earth-toned walls adorned with framed black and white photos offers a look that is tastefully modern and simple. Black furnishings, crisp white table linens and unembellished place settings further enhance the dining room's contemporary feel. Add to this a colourful splash of blue from the large-tiled fireplace for a clever in fusion of vibrancy and warmth. The music, like the décor, is mellow but stirring, featuring smooth jazz standards from Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé.

Our Take

Murrieta's menu reveals one secret of their success. While the style of cooking is definitely eclectic, combining European, Canadian and Asian sensibilities, the selection is limited to a few signature dishes, including the pan-seared duck breast and the grilled Ahi tuna. The chefs concentrate on doing fewer dishes well rather than spreading them selves thin with extensive menu items.

Appetizers are mostly seafood dishes, although there are items for those with earthier tastes. The goat cheese appetizer includes a mild and creamy spread to be eaten with flatbread crackers. The cheese has just the right blend of seasoned herbs and comes with delicious apricot chutney that complements it beautifully, further enhancing its already-pleasant flavour.

Entrées and main dishes are comprised mostly of pasta, meat and seafood dishes, with some thing to suit just about any taste. The paella, which comes in a very generous portion, is rich and flavourful but not too spicy, with a distinctly fresh tomato rice base. The mussels are juicy, tender and full of fresh flavour, while the shrimp is delicious and cooked right to perfection.

The rack of lamb, which comes highly recommended by staff and patrons alike, is tender and juicy. Its mouth-watering taste and perfect texture, combined with the Cabernet sauce, make it absolutely divine. While the menu includes only very carefully chosen plates, the wine list is more than robust. World vintages are featured in order of lightest to most full-bodied, which makes choosing the right flavour effortless.

Although the meal at Murrieta's is beyond satisfying, the desserts are far too tempting and tasty to pass up. Choices like seasonal crème brulée, baked Alaska and warm, rich chocolate cake provide the perfect end to the perfect meal.

Superior Service

Murrieta's knows a thing or two about balance. The service is efficient and unobtrusive. While the staff is undeniably attentive and friendly, they're very good at gauging whether or not you require their presence, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal in peace. And with such delicious food and such a fabulous atmosphere, your dining experience is guaranteed to be just that.

Great Plates

Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska
Layers of sponge cake, mango and coconut ice cream topped with meringue and served in a pool of caramelized banana sauce.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Asparagus Truffle Cream
Vegetable stuffed pasta in a creamy sauce with balsamic glaze. This simple summer pasta dish is the perfect pick for the vegetarians in the crowd.

Grilled Ahi Tuna
Served with a choice of maple ginger dressing, mango wasabi butter, or artichoke shitake mushroom tomato relish.