When The Gaslight Toronto, my favorite neighborhood bar, closed its doors, I felt a quiet sense of loss. That intimate space had grounded me during my time in the city—its absence, still noticeable. But the story didn’t end there.

While working on a recent Fodor’s travel assignment, Jesse and I made a point to visit The Starlight Stratford, the new venture from the Gaslight team. Located in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, Starlight has already earned a spot on Air Canada’s Top 10 new restaurants in 2024, and for good reason.

With live music, ambient lighting, and thoughtful design, The Starlight offers more than just food—it’s a space meant to be felt and remembered.

A Tasting Snapshot: The Essentials Menu

We stopped in on a Sunday evening and sampled their rotating Essentials Menu, a casual but highly intentional spread that included:

• Dip & Crudités
  
• Crispy panisse fries made from French chickpea flour
  
• Their signature Starlight pickled egg
  
• A vibrant kale cashew Caesar—fresh, textural, and deeply satisfying
  

Jesse ordered a non-caffeinated espresso martini by Civil Pours, smooth and rich without being heavy. I chose the Staycation—a bright, layered cocktail made with tequila, mezcal, kaffir lime, lemongrass, pineapple, and basil salt. Bold and refreshing with unexpected depth.

A Space with Soul

Midway through the evening, it hit me: this was the continuation of Gaslight’s spirit. Not a replica, but an evolution. A new town, a new energy, but the same creative soul. Starlight isn’t just a new restaurant—it’s a love letter to what made the old one special.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Stratford, The Starlight should be on your radar—not just for the food and cocktails, but for its ability to create a sense of place. It’s one of Stratford’s best new restaurants, effortlessly blending atmosphere, intention, and memory.

Thank you to the team at Starlight for carrying the legacy forward with such grace and originality. We’ll absolutely return for the full dinner menu.