The newest luxury steakhouse to open its doors in the city invites Torontonians to get in touch with their primal side with its cozy interiors and spectacular menu.

Taking over previously hosted domain Hyde Hall, Animal Steak House and Cocktail Den follows in the footsteps of other hotspots, becoming the city’s newest must-visit upscale steakhouse. Jacobs & Co., Blue Cattle And BlueBlood. And it comes to us from INK Entertainment, the powerhouse group behind popular commercials like: Ultra, Cost And Bay.

But this will be a departure from the standard (and some might say tired) approach to steakhouses the city has become accustomed to.

“Animl represents a new era in the steakhouse experience,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK; a new era that moves away from the white gloves and loud logos of traditional steakhouses, occupying a secluded and comfortable space.

Designed by award-winning Toronto-based studio NIVEK REMAS, The restaurant will feature a number of distinct spaces, each characterized by distinctly unconventional décor such as leopard-print banquettes, geometric embroidered flooring, wood-paneled walls and mirrored ceilings.

The bar at Animl is a tribute to the opulence of the 70s.

Think of the 70’s disco venue at its most stylish.

We all know that a restaurant’s interior design is half as important as the food it serves, but it looks like Animl is quite likely to feature in that department too.

It is run by Executive Chef Marc Cheng, who previously worked at the iconic property. George Other important roles besides Queen patria And ClioThe kitchen will feature the usual suspects like premium dry-aged steaks, side dishes, and seafood dishes designed to, as INK puts it, “feed your wildest instincts.”

If the savage instincts in question include inducing self-inflicted gout after gorging on rare cuts of meat and fancy cocktails, then I’m sure they’re absolutely right.

The attention to detail continues even on Animl’s outdoor patio.

Accompanying Chef Cheng in the kitchen is Chef de Cuisine Michael Degrazia, after working in the kitchen for a while. AlobarThe restaurant is expected to complete its offerings with Michelin’s signature sparkle.

While Toronto certainly doesn’t need steakhouses, it could be argued that there’s always room for one more thanks to the format’s unwavering popularity – and I’m always glad to see one that breaks the form, too.

Animl will be located at 420 Wellington West and will open its doors on Friday, November 15.

It will be open between 17.30 – 22.00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays and 17.30 – 23.00 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.