There’s something quietly electric about stepping into Soluna on Queen West these days. With its freshly reimagined interior — flooded in terracotta hues, wrapped in lush greenery, and layered with Moroccan-inspired texture — the space now feels more like an intimate sanctuary than your typical dinner-lounge hybrid. Under new culinary direction by Executive Chef Daniel Ken, Soluna’s menu has been fully reinvented and leaning into a bold Nikkei-driven tasting experience where Japanese precision meets Latin soul.
A Design That Whispers, Not Shouts
The newly refreshed interior sets the stage perfectly: warm terracotta, thick textiles, and soft lighting that makes every corner feel like a hidden world. Sound is part of the architecture here — Soluna isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a place to feel. Their website promises “flavor, sound, and connection” moving in harmony, and that’s exactly what unfolds during dinner.
The Menu: A Shared, Coastal-Soul Journey
We were lucky enough to experience a tasting menu, under Chef Ken’s stewardship, curated for sharing — every dish is meant for the table, meant to be tasted, discussed, savoured. Drawing from his Japanese-Brazilian heritage and global experience, Ken brings a refreshing freedom to Soluna’s new identity.
Here are some highlights:
- Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice: A playful opener — crisp rice gives way to a lush, spicy tuna topping, bridging umami and heat in a single bite.
- Asian Slaw & Mushroom Dumplings: The slaw is bright and crunchy, a sharp contrast to the delicate, savory dumplings that melt on the tongue.
- Hamachi Jalapeño: Fresh hamachi is elevated with a subtle heat, the kind that lingers just long enough to demand a second bite.
- Wagyu Tostadas: Luxurious wagyu meets crunchy tostada in a dish that’s both indulgent and shareable.
- Japanese Risotto: Creamy medium-grain rice mingles with mushrooms, yuzu truffle butter, and pickles — a deeply comforting dish that surprises with its sophistication.
- Miso Black Cod: Time-marinated cod, with a rich, slightly sweet miso glaze, served alongside tender bok choy — a classic reimagined.
- Spicy Chipotle Lamb Chop: Bold and smoky, the lamb carries a Latin fire tempered by Japanese finesse (plus a shiso tzatziki that grounds the flavors).
- Patatas Bravas & Surf & Turf: For shared decadence — crispy potatoes and a surf & turf that marries wagyu and shrimp with spicy mayo and soy glaze.
- Spicy Salmon: Tempura bits, yuzu mayo, chili salsa — this roll has the kind of clean heat that makes you pause.
- Dessert Platter: Coconut cheesecake, tres leches, molten lava cake, and ice cream — a silky, indulgent finish that satisfies the sweet tooth without overwhelming.
Performance on the Plate
Each dish feels like a conversation: the crispy rice is the flirt; the lamb chop is the bold statement; the risotto, a whisper. Chef Ken’s cooking is precise yet emotionally generous. The menu’s Nikkei undercurrent means you sense technique, but there’s a clear heart — Latin emotion meets Japanese restraint in every mouthful.
The Vibe: Dinner That Becomes a Memory
Even on a regular Wednesday, Soluna doesn’t feel like your typical restaurant. The design invites closeness, the music pulses softly, and by the time dessert arrives, the mood has subtly shifted from shared dining to celebration. Regular Latin Wednesday programming continues, with dance lessons and performances, while the Friday “Soluna After Dark” sees DJs and international artists.
Guests on review platforms echo this: OpenTable an Yelp users give high marks to ambiance (4.8/5) and service (4.7/5) — clearly, the emotional journey is resonating.
Final Verdict
Soluna’s next chapter is one of transformation: not just a menu revamp or a decor tweak, but a reimagining of its entire soul. The tasting menu begs to be shared, tasted, and talked about. The space feels like a memory in the making — rich, warm, and just a little wild. Whether you’re there for dinner, dance lessons, or late-night rhythms, Soluna 2025 is more than a restaurant; it’s an escape.
If you’re looking for a sensory night out — where flavour, design, and sound move in harmony — Soluna’s reimagined experience is well worth the journey.
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