I have eaten here several times the location is wonderful but the quality of the food has become very disappointing. Today we had the brisket burger for lunch. We told the waiter that it was burnt and dry. The waiter said he would tell the kitchen. We received no feedback. Come here for a drink but eat elswhere. read more

What a lovely island experience! The Rectory cafe is a lovely contribution to the authenticity, beauty, and relaxing environment that is already inevitable on the island. They have a large shady patio with a great vibe and the food is amazing! I ordered the buffalo mozzarella salad with chicken- the presentation was beautiful and the taste even better. The service was also very lovely and speedy! read more

This is one of the most enjoyable meals I've ever had. Everything was incredibly fresh, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere was perfect. We ate outside with a beautiful view of the lake. My wife has celiac, and the staff was knowledgeable about what she could have. Plenty of options. Would highly recommend. read more

It's a nice place, but I didn't get very good service coming alone. I was told I could only sit in the corner on the patio on one of the tables that's not really a table and has something in the middle of it. The waitress said to wait right there and she'd come back and clean off the table and the chair for me and she never ever did. So I stood there for a while feeling stupid while people looked at me. Finally one of the male servers asked me what I was doing and I told him what happened. He seemed surprised and just expected me to sit down anyway with the fluff all over the table and chair. I mean I know it's everywhere, but I'd still like to have a clean surface to eat on. I had the avocado flat bread and the California poke bowl with no meat/fish. It wasn't bad, just wasn't very warm and pretty basic. But there wasn't too many options on the island for vegetarian food so at least it was something. The patio outside is nice aside from all the fluff from the cottonwood trees and it's nice to check out this area of the island. read more

it's probably no surprise that you can get better food on the mainland, but the offerings at rectory café aren't bad either. i think, however, one has to choose carefully. the menu is a bit hit-and-miss imho. the grilled calamari is great. the taco salad is not. the burger is decent. value is reasonable. service is friendly, a touch slow though. all that being said, it's the patio that's breathtaking - like an oasis within an oasis. the most idyllic place for a beer after a bike ride or to pass the afternoon with a book and some tea. read more

Another great meal! We come here at least once a summer. Food and service are excellent and the view is great too. The new pico app was particularly awesome. Great classic martinis. Our server felt like an old friend by the end of the meal. read more

What a great find! I was tipped off by one of the locals I met at a Blue Jays game. The food, location, and service cannot be beat anywhere on the island, and was the highlight of my trip to Toronto. I recommend renting a bike when you get to Ward's or Centre Island and riding over to The Rectory. Sit on the back patio and enjoy the woods and view of Lake Ontario. read more

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Summer wouldn't be complete without a few visits to the Rectory, an oasis of calm and serenity. Friendly, relaxed and the food is always good. Recently had their 'compressed watermelon salad' and would definitely recommend it. And their desserts....you won't be disappointed with any that you choose. Very fortunate that this café is just a short ferry ride from my home. Whether you are a local or a tourist, put this on your 'to do' list. read more

Was there this past Saturday. Service slow, food mediocre. Bus girl set the table for us and handled the forks by the tines and the knife by the blade as she set the cutlery on the table. Yuck!!!! Made a polite comment to the manager about this when we left,in hopes that the bus girl would learn from this and our comment was completely disregarded to the point that the manager was rude. Feed back about basic sanitary issues being ignored by the manager is a real concern. Wonder what goes on behind in the kitchen!!!! read more

Rectory Cafe is often forgiven for bad food and service because it is considered a tourist spot. The Islands are not a tourist spot. Yes tourists visit but so do people who live here. The CN Tower is a tourist spot, the Toronto Islands are part of our city and regardless, shouldn't we be putting our best foot forward to those visiting us? Rant over. The RC has one of the best patios in the GTA, absolutely beautiful under a tree canopy with views of the water..........and they know it. The result: * indifferent and, sometimes, very rude service * average and, sometimes, very bland food We have had: Their grazing plate (good) Their omelette (terrible) Their chicken and brie sandwich (boring) Their pulled pork sandwich (yawn) Their soup (pass the salt and pepper please) Skip the food, don't be in a rush to be acknowledged by anyone and enjoy the view and being surrounded by beautiful old trees while near the heart of the city. read more

We went specifically to try the jalapeño corn dip, which they didn't have. We got the 5 cheese spinach dip, which was fine. Not much spinach, but still tasty. The peach cider was the highlight. read more

This is a delightful and casual restaurant on Ward's Island. Food and desserts are delicious! Don't be fooled, you can take the ferry to Ward's Island to eat at the Rectory! Sandra Pate read more

Great natural outdoor atmosphere just for cocktails. The food is terrible and expensive. Don't eat here.

The service was great today. The setting is so beautiful . We had drinks and a yummy chocolate cake. Prices are pretty good considering the island location and the fact everything has to transported. Will definitely be returning. read more

Nice terrace dining and upscale food We walked around the Toronto Islands and ended up on Wards. We googled eateries and found the Rectory Cafe which is tucked behind a snack bar so you might have to be on the alert to find it. They have indoor and terrace dining and we sat on the terrace with a water view. We had the Chili Verde, a Feta Omelet, Ginger Beer, a 1/2 Blond Lager and a Toffee Blondie to share for dessert. All were quite good. The bill came to $57 CAN before tip. Other reviewers say the service can be spotty but it was adequate to our needs. We would definitely go again. read more

Had a light lunch here the other day while visiting the Island. Great location, right near Ward's Island ferry. The back patio looks out onto the lake and Leslie Street Spit. I had two apps and a beer, with tip came to just over $30, so is a little pricey for what you get. The sun-dried tomato hummus with olives, and the curried vegetable with goat cheese soup were excellent. Service was a little slow but not bad. Overall, if you are on the island and want something more than hot dogs and with great location check this place out. read more

The calamari is served with a drizzle of garlic yogurt, the lamb burger is to die for. Add the location and this is a true 10 restaurant. Stop by if you are ever on the Island read more

OK this is the spot when you are visiting the Island. Don't bother with all the other places, choose a time (Mid afternoon) on a warm day. Sit out the back on the patio, enjoy a selection of wine or beer. Then hit the menu. Such a great setting, great food and really is the gem on the island. read more

Was starving when I got to Toronto Island so I chose to forgo The Island Cafe that's right by where the ferry drops you off since it seemed pretty busy and I've always been curious about The Rectory Cafe. We were seated promptly and given menus however we sat there for at least 30 minutes watching patrons who arrived later than us getting served and getting their food before our orders were even taken. My boyfriend and I were starting to get impatient and were trying to think of polite ways to wave somebody down. The staff made eye contact with him but did not approach us. Finally someone walked past us and we advised them we were ready to order. The hostess seemed annoyed and said our server will be with us shortly. Minutes go by, nobody. A server helping some customers that came after us noticed we seemed ready, smiled at us and said someone will be right with us. Again, minutes later and still nobody. My boyfriend remarked that there were several staff members hovering over one particular lady at her table. Then I overheard the same hostess that sat us down earlier tell some people that were walking in that the kitchen was closed. So was I just going to wait almost an hour just only to be told that I can't have the food that I came to the restaurant for? Some of the worst, most disorganized and careless service I've ever received. Frustrated, my boyfriend and I walked out and headed to The Island Cafe. Boy were we glad we went there! It was a cute little place, very warm relaxed atmosphere - we were sat, served and fed all within 15 minutes! They even had vegan options, much to my delight. In a way, I'm glad I had this experience here. The food seemed overpriced and judging by a lot of reviews, it is definitely not worth the high price tag. Also, we got to experience the loveliness of The Island Cafe! It's sad to see that this restaurant doesn't care to lose thousands of dollars (based on what has been said here on Yelp). I don't understand why, but that seems to be the way they want to operate. Oh well, I'm never going back so hopefully I'll never have to relive that awful afternoon. read more

Perfect spot for a relaxing dinner and walk. Came here with partner and dog. Dog friendly patio made this the perfect choice. The special appetizer were shrimp tacos which were so good we ended up ordering another. Service is a bit slow but it had an island feel which for us was perfect. When our waiter was there, he was charming and great to talk with around food choices and recommendations on the island. Wine selection more limited but some good choices. Not cheap but reasonable for what you get and the environment. Perfect beginning to a quiet evening walk in the island park. read more

Everything that is wrong with restaurants is wrong with this one. Yesterday, the first nice day of spring, the owner closes the place at 5PM and has customers LINED OUT THE DOOR. Unbelievable - it was thousands of dollars turned away. The food is overpriced, the wait staff is beyond horrid. Not even worth getting drinks there for the contempt the owners show their customers. read more

I visited the Toronto islands with a group of friends and had lunch in the restaurant after a long walk. We called ahead halfway there to ask for a table in the shade and when we arrived, the table for nine was all set up. We were thankful for the shady patio on a hot day. The server, Jessica, was cheerful and responsive, making our visit a real pleasure. She anticipated some of our requests for hot water with lemon and had these ready before we even asked. We shared sandwiches and she anticipated our need for extra plates. We had calamari and the pulled pork sandwich. Both were very good. The pecan tart (almost big enough for four) was the best I'd tasted in a long time - not too sweet with lots of pecan. Overall, quality was very good but the service made it exceptional. I'd make it a destination next time I visit the islands. read more

The food was excellent and so was the outside atmosphere and the service was VG. Oh and the desserts..yummy. read more

This place used to THE place on the islands for food and drink, so I was sad when they supposedly closed permanently last fall. I'm happy they are back in business, but the new owners have work to do. We were seated on the front patio today, which seems to have been haphazardly added to get more business, without considering that the kitchen can't handle things when both patios are full. . There was a DJ on this patio playing rap / hip hop music which was totally out of place for what is a serene island setting. How about some Jimmy Buffett or Bob Marley instead? We ordered 2 sandwiches, and when they had not arrived in half an hour, we asked the server to check. She basically said "they're coming' without any apology orr explanation. After we settled the bill, she just walked away from the table without a word. They should eliminate the DJ and invest in more kitchen staff, and servers who at least pretend to care. Fortunately the food was fine once it arrived, hence 3 stars instead of 1 for this review read more

A serene little retreat a few minutes from the Wards Island ferry dock serving light meals and drinks on a lovely treed patio that makes you forget for a moment the overcrowded glass and concrete mess that Toronto has become. A tad pricey but that's to be expected in a seasonal place that has to bring everything in over water Quite busy on the sunny Sunday afternoon we were there but the welcome was cheery and the servers were pleasant and more or less kept up. Our Gazpacho had the right idea properly thickened with a little bread and therefore having the right slightly orange colour but was slightly overwhelmed by an overabundance of onion. Cool rather than cold. Not too bad though. Our pulled pork sandwiches on brioche buns were very good and served with a side salad of watermelon and feta instead of the potato chips usually offered ($3 extra). Refreshing. After a couple of draught beers each we shared a flatbread with salsa and avocado also good though a tad bland. Two more draughts and we were off. Six beers, two soups, two sandwiches with upgraded sides and a flatbread to share came to $106 including tax but not tip. Not cheap but not outrageous either and we very much enjoyed our afternoon. read more

Oh, dear. Went to a wedding there. Don't do it. Hell to get to. Line up for hours to get to Wards Island. Really expensive. I think that the food comes catered from mainland. Didn't see any actual cooking in kitchen. We had lamb and it was not fit for the cat. So tough it was inedible. The rest of the food wasn't any better. Soggy salad and overcooked veg. Awful. I felt sorry for the bride and groom having to pay for this farce. There was nothing to do for us young people. No dance floor and no real music. Geriatric hang out. The oldies just sat about drinking. Well, they couldn't eat the stuff. Wait staff have their noses in the air as if they are better than the customers. read more

As the first restaurant I ate at in Toronto, I am so impressed! Even though I did somewhat forget the name of my meal, it was penne with a spicy pomodoro sauce with grilled chorizo. It was surely delicious and enjoyable, maybe a tad too spicy, but it was delicious! The service was great, and the outdoor patio is so nice and enjoyable. Definitely go on a cool and perfect day to enjoy eating outside, it is surely beautiful! read more

You can't beat the location or ambience. The large patio, surrounded by trees and overlooking the lake, is perfect. The rest was a bit disappointing. Service was okay but made us feel like a bit of an inconvenience. The food is fine, but nothing to write home (or Yelp) about. Prices are higher than the food deserves. I was particularly disappointed with my $20 chickpea green chili dish, which came out as a tiny portion of chili on the side of an enormous pile of white rice. It's a chickpea and lentil dish, it costs you almost nothing, and you're charging high-end prices, so why are you skimping on the portions? The patio is nice enough that I might come back for drinks or coffee, but I wouldn't return for a meal. read more

We waited at the front of the line for 20 minutes before a server even came around to find out how many we were, and then let us know that the entire restaurant was booked and we'd have to wait another half a hour. And we got off easy, another guy told the host that he was the guy whose name she'd been calling and she didn't believe him! Super amateur stuff at this place, get into a canoe and find something better on the other side of the island. read more

We visited the cafe today and unfortunately were underwhelmed with the lack of service by staff and quality of food for the price you pay. My nachos were cold and tasteless. My daughters tacos were tiny and oily. My margherita was brought to me only 3/4 full. Too many bugs to enjoy the out door setting. I would give this a miss next time I visit. read more

I visited this restaurant last night with my Mother-in-law and family, as a treat for her 82nd birthday and was unimpressed. Both my daughters ordered hamburgers, which were charred to the point my youngest daughter couldn't eat hers (she's 19, so she's not a kid - she'd just rather eat meat than charcoal). When I pointed this out to our server, she said she'd 'tell the kitchen'. She should have taken it off the bill. Also, I was charged for a refill on my ice tea. Is an extra $3 on a $250 dinner a big deal? No, but it shows a non-generous attitude and general spirit of gouging that I find distasteful - and rare among the many restaurants I frequent. I didn't make a big deal about these items because it would have embarrassed my Mother-in-law, but rest assured, I'll never be making the trip back. read more

Beautiful patio on Toronto Island. Brisket burger was really great. Had a salad as well. Ambiance the BEST!

The service was phenomenal and friendly. Nice healthy cafe food. It's the only restaurant open during the winter months on Ward's island so I'm glad it was good! We had the teriyaki quinoa bowl and the tofu scramble hash. Both were good. The portions are on the smallish side for the price but it was satisfying on a cold day in Toronto. read more

Went here last weekend. The menu is new and fresh. The food was amazing. Great vegetarian options and one of the best patios in TO. Make it a destination. read more

Taking a walk along the lake shore and stumbled on this place. Extremely nice wooded and shaded patio. Wasn't hungry but helped myself to a dark and stormy, decent cocktail I had not seen before. Recommend it for a nice way to break up the long walk along the island. read more

Very badly disorganized. Called Rectory today, confirmed what time they were closing. We Arrived today at 3:45pm knowing the kitchen closes in 45 minutes, first massively nice day at the island this year, we got in a line for a table. We were 8th person in line. Servers told us to be patient they were cleaning tables (plenty looked available). We waited 30 minutes in line before someone actually told the whole line that they were shutting the whole kitchen down at 4:30pm and basically they would only serve 4 more people at the front of the line, they literally didn't want to seat people who had waited in line for 30 minutes beside the fact the kitchen was open for a while.?!?! Why could no staff member have told us that while they say us waiting in line for so long? Eventually like 20 people were in line. shutting down early they turned away a ton of people. I go to Toronto Islands all time and have never ate at the Rectory but have heard such bad reviews of bad, slow service and ridiculously overpriced food and well...now I get it to. Won't bother trying to go back. read more

I have gone to the Rectory Café about three times this year. The food is decent. The location is great. But the service is horrible. There are many people working there in the summer - lots of very young people with clearly no experience - but most just stand around. We were just there on October 10 - our waitress was Danielle - she has very poor customer service skills. And doesn't understand waitressing. She brought our a pot of tea with her hands. Instead of putting it on a tray and bringing other things out. We waited for a long time and she just said blandly while I was paying "i apologize for the delay" - there was zero sincerity. Several patrons walked out before ordering out of frustration. I don't understand why more reviews don't address the poor service. Three times we've been there and three times it's been very poor. read more

Beautiful place on the Toronto Island. Food is tasty. Everything we ordered was good and came quickly.

I have been here several times, but this is my first review. First off, the best patio I have been to in the GTA. The menu seems to change each year, but the food seems consistently good. Highly recommended if visiting the islands. read more

WOW...what a find! If you are looking for an oasis to take a break from the urban Toronto experience...check this out! A short ferry ride from the terminal in downtown Toronto leads you to this quiet, relaxing island experience. We had heard that this was the best patio dining in the area and they were right! We spent a beautiful, relaxing evening sitting out in backyard cozily set amongst trees and flowers on the back shore of lake. The food was exquisite and the service friendly and superb. Excellent location for a laid back feast. Atmosphere can be casual to dress casual. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Toronto! read more