Let's start with the good... ambience is nice. There's a low light and regular lighting seating…read morearea. Food overall is average - nothing stood out for us. Issue was with portion size - ridiculously small. Main dishes are appetizer servings size - I know we're going through rough times - but don't rip your guests off... we stopped by McDonalds afterwards :( Underwhelmed - underserved.

Returned! To celebrate my daughter's birthday. I have been thinking of taking her here, knowing…read morethat she would enjoy their cocktails. I am glad that we chose this place! Each dish has elevated twist, and the price is so reasonable and even generous for the quality. Cocktails are excellent (lots of line-ups). They also serve nice choices of local craft beers on tap. We ordered: (Food) #Cast Iron Baked Brie fresh baked brie with house-made wild berry compote, candied pecans, prosciutto, garlic crostini $17 : This served as perfect appetizer for 3 of us. Enjoyable. Variety of ways to enjoy the baked brie. #Canadian Striploin 7oz striploin, garlic herb mashed potatoes, grilled seasonal vegetables: We tried different & great steak dish here before, and this one is also EXCELLENT - the on-point seasonings, perfectly med-rare. Roasted veggies and mashed potato leave its own flavour and texture with right amount of seasonings. #Stuffed Mushroom Ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, tossed in a beurre blanc sauce, topped with fresh Parmesan: I wished the ravioli itself had more mushroom-forward flavor, and the wrapper had more delicacy (in terms of thickness and texture). However, I loved the beurre Blanc sauce - it was foamy - making the butter-ly and creamy sauce feel light in the mouth. Nice hint of tangy-ness. #Herb Crusted Salmonwith garlic herb mashed potatoes, grilled seasonal vegetables, and beurre blanc sauce: The same sauce as ravioli, that matched with salmon well. (Cocktails) #Fig Fizz: With Durham distillery Gin, Raspberry Liqueur, fig jam, lemon juice, honey syrup, soda # Lavender cosmopolitan # Passion Prosecco Martini # Spicy Hibiscus Margarita All the cocktails were presented beautifully. Today's highlight was Spicy Hibiscus Margarita. (Dessert) Chocolate Espresso Martini Cake rich vanilla cake, mascarpone, house-made chocolate espresso mousse $10: Essentially, tiramisu. lol. Nicely presented. This place is versatile for us. Just for snack, just for cocktails, just for local beer, and elevated food experiences. Promising satisfying experience in each occasion. So blessed to have this place in my neighbourhood.

good food and good service. wehave been there at least 5 times and have never been disappointedread more

Not a lot of great options in the Pickering area yet for foods, but we stumbled across The Social…read moreBar & Lounge. For those who are familiar, this is very similar to Smash Kitchen vibes. Menu is a tad over priced, but I can't deny it tastes good. Not overly salty or oily as bar food often is, and I actually really enjoyed their pasta. It's definitely a great place to go for a bit of a splurgy night with friends where you're prepared to pay $20-40 per person. I like it for a date night to have some heavier foods that I wouldn't want to try cooking at home. The short rib pappardelle was the best. I love the flavour and it's not too crazy heavy, even though it looks really creamy. It has very beef stew type vibes. The chicken wings were well cooked and still moist. I think it was too much flavour going on though. You LOVE the first and even second wing. But by the third one, I felt like it was getting too heavy. I know though that a lot of people love that and can't get enough of it. I personally don't like too much of any one thing. The brussel sprouts I felt the same. It's really yum for the first few bites but it gets really heavy after a while. I think it's really fun to have the appetizers and share a main with someone. The foods are a bit heavier, more of a flavour bomb, but everything is executed well and the staff are really nice! We've even done take out and the portions were very much the same.

Super cool vibe as soon as you walk in with clean and modern decor. Very friendly staff who came by…read moreto check on us often. Menu was okay, but prices for iced drinks was too expensive (more than alcoholic drinks). Everything else was great and try the calamari!

The drink specials at Diyako are great, but the show the bartenders put on when making cocktails…read morereminds me of the flair bartending in Vegas - awesome! They have smoking cocktails, blended, over-pours, can make multiple drinks/shots at once, its really a spectacle, and the best part is the drinks actually taste great as well! Whether its a pineapple cocktail, margarita, shot or even a smoky old-fashioned, Diyako makes for a great drinks/bar spot right in Richmond Hill. We didn't try alot of their food items, but the burgers were great, as were the wings and fries. Hoping to try more of their menu next time!

Truly a gem of a restaurant in bowmanville. We stumbled on it a couple of months ago and fell in…read morelove with the place, the staff and the owner or the person running the place. The food is exquisite and I'm glad cause this way we don't need to head to Toronto to satisfy our cravings. From the porchetta to their bread pudding, you will not regret it. Things to try during their dinner menu: Roasted porchetta Braised short rib Braised lamb shank Roasted fingerling potatoes Bread pudding with ice cream I'm sure the rest is amazing but these are the highlights. I also went for lunch but didn't think it was as amazing as the dinner menu.

The food at this place is really hit and miss. Sometimes it's great sometimes it's really…read moreunderwhelming. The cocktails are always good though.

Sometimes you walk into a place and you instantly fall in love…read more Lonely Diner is just such a place. It's got this '70s rec-room basement vibe that I personally find completely irresistible. If I had a house, I'd want at least one room that looks exactly like what Lonely Diner's got going on. And fortunately, the drinks and food live up to the incredible atmosphere. I started out with the Haw Yeah ("Rum blend, amaro meletti, pernod, hawflakes, high octane black sugar falernum, mulberry grenadine, lime"), which is a delicious spin on a typical tiki drink. I've ordered it twice now, and it's satisfied me completely on both occasions. Another favorite for me is the Lucky Numb-er 8 ("Gin, pomello & lemongrass gentian, cocchi americano, dry vermouth, sichuan peppercorn tincture"), which is their spin on a white Negroni. It's so damn good. It's packed with flavor and definitely reminds me of a Negroni, but like better than any Negroni I've ever had. If that wasn't impressive enough, the food is terrific too. I tried one of their specials, the Wasabi Fried Chicken Sandwich ("Sichuan peppercorn battered fried chicken with a wasabi spiced caesar dressing and anchovies on a brioche bun"), on my latest visit and it's so, so good. The perfectly cooked and impressively juicy chicken is accompanied by an incredibly flavorful assortment of accouterments. I inhaled it, pretty much. The servers at Lonely Diner are super friendly and helpful, too. I love Lonely Diner. I hope it sticks around for a long, long time.

Unlike the name, its actually not lonely at all here. It was a full house when i visited…read more Interesting cocktail menu to choose from. Durian based cocktail was so intrigued. But dont expect full blown durian. Its very subtle. Food was very delicious as i dont expect much from bar food. But this was worth trying!

Cocktail bar is a super sleek bar on a popular street in Toronto. Servers are awesome and make some…read moremean cocktails. The space is also extremely clean and well managed. They've got some theme and take aways with their cocktails that add a little fun and flair. Great space!

Cool place with THE CLEANEST bar bathrooms I have ever seen. There is even an extra chair by the…read moretoilet for... Drinks good, although not cheap, very cool vibe and music. Sadly, NO RED BULL! Recommend.

Flora Lounge is an absolute gem…read more Recommended by a friend so I decided to come check this place out for happy hour. Great cocktail specials for just $10 during happy hour. The aesthetic of this place is phenomenal. To no surprise since this lounge is connected to the 1 hotel, and casa madera. Service was great as well. The server was very polite and always got down to the seating level to ensure we were heard. Will definitely come back for a relaxing time after a long day work.

The ambiance is great. Service is professional and timely. The lounge is located in an upscale…read morehotel and has beautiful decor

If you told me I was dining at a upscale restaurant in California, I'd believe you. Surf Kitchen…read morehas mastered the art of transporting you -- the decor, the energy, the whole vibe just hits differently. It doesn't feel like Whitby. It feels like a getaway. The food is consistent, which honestly matters more than people give credit for. You know what you're getting and it delivers every time. The street corn with chips is legendary -- I've had people travel from the west end just to experience it, and it never disappoints. The roasted Brussels sprouts with dip are equally addictive. The birria tacos and fish tacos are solid, the drinks are great, and the staff are genuinely kind every single visit. This is one of my favourite spots I bring people when I want to impress without explaining myself. Highly recommend.

Good cocktails! Whitby has needed a place like this…read more I was here on Friday night for a bite and some drinks. I heard a good reputations among locals. I had: Food - Jackfruit Tacos Drinks - Heat wave & Golden I have never had jackfruit before, so I do not know what the taste/texture is supposed to be like. I think this dish was created as a part of their "vegetarian friendly" efforts. The jackfruit had a good spicy kick. Overall, pleasant flavor but the texture was kind of monotone, not extracting the unique character of the ingredients. I found the soft taco was a bit bland and the texture was not as smooth. The drinks were great. They use a lot of interesting tropical fruits/plants' liquor and syrup. Each cocktail was loaded with sufficient booze. This place is definitely worth coming back for cocktails and other drinks. They have a interesting beer selection as well, mostly from local small breweries. They seem to be using a lot of local artist's work in their decorations as well, which makes me want to support them more. A new oasis right in the center of the town. Welcome!

I love the speakeasy vibe of Secrette --the interior strikes the perfect balance between cozy and…read moreclassy. The whimsical rabbit motif on the wall adds such a charming touch. I visited during their Aperitif Hour (5-7 pm), which is a fantastic way to sample their menu at a discounted price. I tried the La Deese (Empress 1908 Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, cold-pressed raspberry, and white wine). It was light and beautifully balanced between sweet and sour, with the egg white giving it a silky, frothy texture. The bartender was professional, courteous, and clearly skilled at their craft. I can't wait to return to explore more of their cocktails--and hopefully enjoy some snacks prepared by George

don't expect good service if girls are seated at bar. had to chase for service to order more food…read moreand drinks. get service staff that focus on customers

My party of four visited during Taste of Oakville, and in hindsight, the evening foreshadowed…read moreitself early -- the restaurant's website was down with a 404 error, and we kept finding two different addresses (one apparently their old location). We eventually found it. Upon arrival, the door swung open and struck a seated guest -- a sign of just how small the space is. The restaurant was full except for one four-top (clearly ours), and we stood awkwardly in the entrance -- which is essentially inside the dining room -- waiting to be acknowledged. When greeted, we were asked if we had a reservation. We said yes. "Table for eight?" we were asked, which felt impossible given the size of the room. We clarified four, and were pointed to the only open table. No name was requested; we realistically could have just walked in and taken it. The space is starkly lit with aggressive bright white lighting that feels more clinical than cozy. The artwork is interesting and gives a gallery-like feel -- it seems the restaurant is aiming for a downtown Toronto wine bar aesthetic, but it doesn't quite land. Our table was missing water glasses, and the stemware was mismatched -- not in an intentional, charming way, but more in a "we ran out" way. Once seated, we weren't acknowledged or offered water for nearly 20 minutes. Not rushing guests is one thing; leaving them feeling forgotten is another. When our server finally arrived, the service set the tone for the evening. One glass of water was poured before he realized another was missing. He disappeared, returned with a glass, inspected it mid-pour, then walked away again (dirty glass). After several more trips and long gaps, everyone eventually received water -- about 15 minutes later. He was polite and friendly, just clearly untrained. He shared that the owner is also the sommelier, cook, and server, and that he liked working there because he wasn't expected to know much about wine -- an interesting admission for a wine bar. The owner greeted us warmly but asked only one guest about wine preferences -- ironically the only non-wine drinker at the table. The concept appeared to be sommelier-led, though this was never explained. If that is the intention, engaging the entire table is essential. That said, the wines themselves were enjoyable; the service surrounding them was not. The Taste of Oakville menu promised three curated 3-oz pours paired with a charcuterie board for two. The pours arrived unevenly and slowly, with little explanation of the pairings. The charcuterie boards were plain and inconsistent between tables despite containing similar items -- basic fruit, crostini, simple cured meats, small portions of brie, and two slices of truffle cheese. No crackers, spreads, or thoughtful touches elevated the experience, and presentation varied noticeably. Our second wine pour didn't arrive until our mains, and service moved so slowly we requested a wine list to order a bottle. We were told there is no wine list -- "we're not that kind of restaurant." Instead, all reds are $80 and all whites $70, and the owner selects the bottle for you after asking only red or white. The concept might work if explained upfront; without context, it was confusing. At one point, noticing my empty glass, our server poured me a random red -- which turned out to be the same wine as our first pour -- and then left without serving anyone else. We had to remind staff we were still waiting for our second curated pour. Nothing about the experience felt curated. The most surprising moment of the night came when our mains arrived. As we lifted our appetizer plates -- still holding olive pits, fruit rinds, and crumbs -- the servers told us not to worry about clearing them and proceeded to place our main dishes directly on top of the used plates. I'm still shocked. I wouldn't do that at home, let alone expect it at a Lakeshore, or quite frankly, any restaurant. Two of us ordered the tagliatelle, which was tasty but contained only two small pieces of short rib -- and was difficult to enjoy while staring at discarded rinds beneath the plate. The other two ordered brisket sliders: two sliders, no sides. They tasted good but left diners hungry. One guest joked they kept thinking the fruit rinds were fries -- unfortunately accurate. We tried to make the best of the evening, but it never delivered the cozy wine-and-charcuterie experience we had anticipated -- dim lighting, thoughtful pairings, something special. After finishing our meal, we requested our bills and reminded staff we were still waiting for the third curated pour. We were told "five minutes." Those five minutes never came. Eventually, wanting simply to leave, we paid a single combined bill and sorted it out ourselves. Dinner for four totaled $460. This was not the boutique Lakeshore dining experience we expected, and ultimately, it was deeply disappointing.

As an Oenophile, I was excited to check out The Wine Bar in my neighbourhood. The door was open, In…read morewalked in at 4:55 to be "Greeted" by the Owner, "We don't open till 5 o'clock".......Attitude from the get go. I looked at the menu, interesting but very pricey for the offering. I looked at a row of wine bottle partially open and simply corked, no nitrogen or air extraction.....no telling how long the wine had been "Breathing"....Days? I am puzzled by the discrepancy 5 Star vs 1 Star reviews. I have no confidence in the 5 star reviews....Friends?...Self reviewed? No serious wine enthusiast would visit this establishment...bad attitude, poor value, insufficient wine care and presentation.