Newly opened at 1588 Dupont Street, Dotty’s is a convivial, sunlit spot offering simple, seasonal plates of inviting food. The team behind it? The same duo who garnered acclaim for the much-loved (desperately missed) Dandylion Restaurant. Now, co-owners Jay Carter and Susan Beckett (head chef and sommelier, respectively), are bringing their familiar aesthetic and devotion to casual, approachable, supremely delicious fare to a new venture. An eatery destined to help ease the sting of Dandylion's closure, Dotty's is the type of inviting, neighbourhood restaurant we all dream of having next door.
Opened in 2014, in a cozy, warm, brick-covered space, Dandylion built its reputation on a trifecta of hospitality achievements: technically flawless plates of unfussy fare, expert service and a succinct, singular wine list populated by delicious, local bottles. Despite its popularity — even among industry heavyweights — the restaurant closed in August, 2021, after six and a half years.
A year later, almost to the day, Carter and Beckett announced the opening of Dotty’s, their newest project, on Instagram. “HELLO!,” read the post. “We have a new spot called Dotty’s! And we are open!” Named for Beckett’s mother, Dotty’s aligns with the team’s vision of hospitality in a way bound to remind diners of Dandylion. The menu is seasonal, with a focus on uncomplicated dishes that demand attention. “Dotty’s is a relaxed neighbourhood spot where you can snack on pimento cheese dip with Ritz crackers. There are snacks, sides, main plates and desserts,” explains the post.
Alongside, Beckett delves into her area of expertise with intriguing wines offered by the bottle and by the glass. Local beer and cocktails are also available.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, Dotty’s is currently first come, first served. The team plans to launch a website and Instagram page soon, and — to save us all from spending our evenings lining up along Dupont — will hopefully also accept reservations in the near future.
