And that they did. Upon opening, Banu instantly received a good jolt of global buzz: Alex Kapranos - lead singer with Franz Ferdinand – visited Banu (after failing to get sufficient fare from Done Right Inn) and was properly fed (Shashlik Lamb wrapped in lawash bread). And he’s a food reviewer too! Mr. Take Me Out was impressed enough to cover Banu (for The Guardian).
Franz Ferdinand or not, a resto like this stands or falls on the quality of the kitchen and thankfully, little Amir is up to the task. His kitchen demonstrates its range with traditional dishes: a salad of diced tomato, onion and cucumber enhanced with olive oil, or a main Kabob course of organic beef tenderloin teamed with Persian taftoon flat bread.
The sight of kabobs being scurried to various tables and eagerly devoured creates a chain reaction. Much of the menu is devoted to these skewers. With the Joujeh, chicken wings have been marinated in saffron sauce and then grilled over an open fire. Fun! More restrained, but still delicious, the Maygoo is generous with jumbo prawns grilled to perfection with flossy green basil and grilled tomato.
Some dishes can be adventurous, though. Donbalaan is a Kabob that features Persian Lamb Testicles that have been marinated in vodka and grilled with tarragon and grilled tomato. Mmmmm.
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 AT A GLANCE
Banu
777 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
416-777-2268
Middle Eastern
Queen West
Venue:
Restaurant, Lounge
Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 3:00pm 5:00pm – 1:00am
Price Range:
$$$ (within reach)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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54 Reader Reviews | the staff, the food, the vodka... wonderful! it is a refreshing menu, light and fresh with a twist. that staff are fantastic - professional yet friendly and good humored. my partner and i are huge fans of this gem of a restaurant.
1. D And D's Review :: November 04, 2008 D And D's Rating: 4 Stars |
The food at Banu was spectacular and the service was great. Being a server nearby, I know how annoying certain customers can be. I found that 'some' customers were intolerably demanding and rude from where I was sitting. Remember, people are serving you as a job and most enjoy the exchange, but when you behave rudely and speak rudely, you will be treated as such in establishments that is not a large corporation. Ask nicely and people will 9 times out of 10 respond nicely. The 905 comment above seems VERY FAMILIAR on a general note. Entitled and bratty because of the service at Kelsey's and Boston Pizza where you can verbally assault them and they HAVE to take it. You can be gracious regardless of what you are used to and where you have lived. Don't get pissed off when someone calls you on your degrading behaviour towards them. Small establishments retain the same workers longer because neighborhood relationships can be fostered and assholes can be put in their place.
I can see why my dining neighbours at the restaurant were unhappy. They didn't feel like princesses on a grand caravan down from thornhill. Get a therapist.
2. A Downtown Server's Review's Review :: November 02, 2008 A Downtown Server's Review's Rating: Stars |
I was at banu last night for my birthday with 6 of my girlfriends and had an amazing time. I mean the food was so so tasty never had meat that succulent in my life and the staff were great. I felt like I was at my friends place for my birthday. If you do venture out to banu make sure to try any of the martinis which are extremely refreshing especially the one with grated cucumber and the torsh kabob which was marinated in pomegranate and walnut it just melts in your mouth. Want to say thank you so much to the staff who made my 40th one to remember and to the kitchen for the beautiful food, thanks banu
3. Amir's Review :: October 19, 2008 Amir's Rating: 4 Stars |
The only good thing about this place is their food, other wise it has the absolutely worst customer service in the world. The staff are unbelievably rude. I went there with a large group, they were short on food, and then shisha. We also had to wait almost 45 minutes for the food and when we complained, not only they weren't apologetic, but they were extremely rude about it. I'm persian and have been to many many persian places before and I just do not understand how these people are getting away with their crapy customer service. I guess the people that go there , haven't seen other places.
4. Sarah's Review :: October 19, 2008 Sarah's Rating: 2 Stars |
The only good thing about this place is their food, other wise it has the absolutely worst customer service in the world. The staff are unbelievably rude. I went there with a large group, they were short on food, and then shisha. We also had to wait almost 45 minutes for the food and when we complained, not only they weren't apologetic, but they were extremely rude about it. I'm persian and have been to many many persian places before and I just do not understand how these people are getting away with their crapy customer service. I guess the people that go there , haven't seen other places.
5. Sarah's Review :: October 19, 2008 Sarah's Rating: 2 Stars |
Domina !||um!na+! reckon neither coke(TM), that sicknin juice to which such banal acronyms as ADD&ADHD owe their ridalin, nor the cheap distillate that numbed the phallic accumulation of enriched radioisotopes, both served by presumably licensed 'tenders under a banner of that wretched cheeky pimpette as good for us horrid, us lucid, us shameless, free-living, shape-shifting, cold-blooded, by definition unwelcomed for virtue of origine, creatures of nostra terra. Suck on this Rothenchild.
6. Fructus Espiritus's Review :: October 16, 2008 Fructus Espiritus's Rating: Stars |
Domina !||um!na+! reckon neither coke(TM), that sicknin juice to which such banal acronyms as ADD&ADHD owe their ridalin, nor the cheap distillate that numbed the phallic accumulation of enriched radioisotopes, both served by presumably licensed 'tenders under a banner of that wretched cheeky pimpette as good for us horrid, us lucid, us shameless, free-living, shape-shifting, cold-blooded, by definition unwelcomed for virtue of origine, creatures of nostra terra. Suck on this Rothenchild.
7. Fructus Espiritus's Review :: October 16, 2008 Fructus Espiritus's Rating: Stars |
I had dinner there with 5 of my friends, and I usually don't write reviews, but I had to say something ! Banu is the most amazing Iranian establishment I have ever been to. The food and drinks were truely great, tasty and creative . The space is gorgeous, yet the atmosphere is still very warm and inviting. I am absolutely in love with this place, not just I, but everyone else I was with was truely impressed. I can not wait to return, to a place I feel proud to be a part of.
BTW make sure you try their sekanjebeen martini...IT is out of this world !
8. Kaveh's Review :: October 06, 2008 Kaveh's Rating: 4 Stars |
Ohh.. then my note to the management..
You should def. delete your posts..
I mean, usually if i see a bad review, i think to myself.. maybe they just had a bad experience.. i should go test it out (understandably, not everyone has a great experience at a restaurant, so I would have wanted to check it out myself)
Knowing, and proclaiming yourselves as arrogant owners def. crushes it all for me..
Definately staying away.
9. Carla's Review :: October 04, 2008 Carla's Rating: 1 Stars |
Definately wanted to go..
Read a few posts.. found it so childish that the Management/Owners and Chef in the kitchen had nothing to do but defend the integrity of their establishment online..
It reminds me of that picture that used to circulate.. "Fighting over the internet is like winning gold in the special olympics.." if you catch my drift..
Seems like they should take that time and go work on their people skills/conflict management skills/business management skills...
Thanks to the people that instigated the fighting, straight up..saved me much time & money it seems!
10. Carla's Review :: October 04, 2008 Carla's Rating: 1 Stars |
A fab place ! We went to Toronto for the long weekend, and read about Banu in the New York Times. Being Iranian I was excited to have a place written about in the New York Times. We ordered the nan o paneer, Kashkeh Bademjan, and the Laboo Salad to start. For our main we ordered the Chenjeh, Koobideh, and the Murg. Every dish was amazing ! To drink we started we a couple shots of Vodka with sides of Pomegranate, and sour cherry juice. We later moved to their Martini's. We had their Safka and the Sekanjebeen Martini's. They were like nothing else we've ever had. I was stuck on the Sekanjebeen (they add cucumber)it was so refreshing. I highly recommend Banu to everyone, Iranian or not, you'll love it!
11. Farhad's Review :: September 03, 2008 Farhad's Rating: 4 Stars |
Let's say I never been called 'White Trash' after requesting our second bottle of Goose be delivered to the table(yes it's basically the cheapest vodka we could get, and yes, we did negotiate 2 bottles down from 175 a bottle to 2 at 125)
Although after two hours, the ten of us hadn't yet got to the main courses, the appetizers and juice was good.
It's unfortunate, given the excellent space for a small group diner party upstairs that the Manger is... well, a pretentious racist (yes we can all agree on the evils of rice, FYI a staple in many countries, and the merits of real juice), that ruined my buddy's Birthday.
BTW, when you tell a customer to 'Fuck Off' and never come back, yes generally the whole dinner party will leave, and yes calling the Police to get your 200 bucks back that you regret not collecting is being... well trashy. If your concerned about money, I would be more concerned with the 1000+ we did not end up spending, and how the mostly Persian dinner party, has not a positive thing to say about Banu.
Anyway, I'm sure the food would have been great... and thanks for an interesting first visit.
12. Jason G's Review :: May 26, 2008 Jason G's Rating: 1 Stars |
I had booked a party of ten for two friends having birthdays on the same night, which at the last minute turned into a party of six, and we were late. I did call to let the restaurant know we would be late and they said no problem and held our table for us. Our server was gracious about the last minute reduction in diners and was lovely and friendly throughout the evening. The food was absolutely delicious, the drinks and wine were very good, and we will all return. We ate upstairs on the mezzanine and I recommend it for private parties. Great restaurant.
13. Anonymous's Review :: March 31, 2008 |
I had booked a party of ten for two friends having birthdays on the same night, which at the last minute turned into a party of six, and we were late. I did call to let the restaurant know we would be late and they said no problem and held our table for us. Our server was gracious about the last minute reduction in diners and was lovely and friendly throughout the evening. The food was absolutely delicious, the drinks and wine were very good, and we will all return. We ate upstairs on the mezzanine and I recommend it for private parties. Great restaurant.
14. Shelley's Review :: March 31, 2008 Shelley's Rating: 4 Stars |
I went there last night and had to write a review. I was so suprised...the atmosphere was amazing. The attention paid to details was what I noticed first. I noticed it with their drinks, and their food. The quality of food was like nothing I had had before. Their Kashke bademjan, their nan o paneer...was the best I have had anywhere around the world ( I travel alot, and make it a point to eat at Iranian places). Their kabob's were delicious! We ended up ordering another Kabob Torsh, not cause we were hunry, but because it was so good. The hospitality was truly Iranian, I felt like I had walked into someone's home. This experience was nothing like anyother Iranian restaurant. I highly recommend Banu to everyone. It was a truly unexpected delight to be part of it all, even it was just for one night.
15. Fariba's Review :: March 09, 2008 Fariba's Rating: 4 Stars |
I had no intention of writing this second item here but when a friend told me that there’s all this brouhaha on Martini Boys over Sepand’s and my comments, I decided to check it out. I agree with M.Bani’s point that there’s no need for personal attacks and therefore I won’t even respond to the owner’s comments since they are not worthy of such action. However unlike M.Bani, I don’t think writing reviews on websites like Martini Boys is particularly silly. After all, these avenues are designed so that people with opposing opinions can engage in a healthy “Review” process. Nothing silly about that. This will be my last post as I’ve spent enough time already on this issue. I’d like to respond directly to D.Cardenas by saying that you don’t know anything about me including information on where I live, what I do and which places I dine at so do not allow yourself to assume things about me. I’ve lived in the “416” downtown core for the past 6 years and I’ve dined at almost every restaurant that matters in Toronto including the occasional stop at McDonald's where I actually am always greeted by a smile and politeness so let’s get those out of the way. Secondly as someone who has lived in the “suburbs” as you very nicely mentioned, I am deeply offended that you degrade an entire population of citizens and accuse them of not knowing about service or restaurants based on their neighborhood affiliation. That assertion is obnoxious and offensive and you and the folks who share these thoughts with you should be ashamed of yourselves. I suggest you go out and try other restaurants including the ones in the 905 area to experience other types of service. I’m sure you love Banu and Banu loves you in return and I hope this love affair lasts a long time; just don’t insult other people who don’t share your views in the process.
Best of luck to Banu and its patrons.
16. Anonymous's Review :: March 03, 2008 |
I had no intention of writing this second item here but when a friend told me that there’s all this brouhaha on Martini Boys over Sepand’s and my comments, I decided to check it out. I agree with M.Bani’s point that there’s no need for personal attacks and therefore I won’t even respond to the owner’s comments since they are not worthy of such action. However unlike M.Bani, I don’t think writing reviews on websites like Martini Boys is particularly silly. After all, these avenues are designed so that people with opposing opinions can engage in a healthy “Review” process. Nothing silly about that. This will be my last post as I’ve spent enough time already on this issue. I’d like to respond directly to D.Cardenas by saying that you don’t know anything about me including information on where I live, what I do and which places I dine at so do not allow yourself to assume things about me. I’ve lived in the “416” downtown core for the past 6 years and I’ve dined at almost every restaurant that matters in Toronto including the occasional stop at McDonald's where I actually am always greeted by a smile and politeness so let’s get those out of the way. Secondly as someone who has lived in the “suburbs” as you very nicely mentioned, I am deeply offended that you degrade an entire population of citizens and accuse them of not knowing about service or restaurants based on their neighborhood affiliation. That assertion is obnoxious and offensive and you and the folks who share these thoughts with you should be ashamed of yourselves. I suggest you go out and try other restaurants including the ones in the 905 area to experience other types of service. I’m sure you love Banu and Banu loves you in return and I hope this love affair lasts a long time; just don’t insult other people who don’t share your views in the process.
Best of luck to Banu and its patrons.
17. Ali's Review :: March 03, 2008 Ali's Rating: 2 Stars |
I don't understand all this commotion. Usually, when a customer writes a review about a negative product or service, the owner/manager/rep which provided that product/service writes a response (if at all) politely answering the negative terms directed towards them. But here... well, go read for yourself.
Say, even if our friends were rude, which I don't think they were (let's not forget, customers can and do get frustrated from time to time) the staff of a good restaurant will not suddenly forget their manners. That's all I have to say.
If the previous review seemed personal, I must admit it was written in anger. I had no intention of making it a personal attack, and I will contact martiniboys to see if they can edit some parts of the review. But I just reported what happened as it happened.
And to the person who was talking about suburbs... nice, nice. Your argument was well structured and empirically sound. You must be practicing law, are you not? Well done.
18. Sepand's Review :: March 03, 2008 Sepand's Rating: 1 Stars |
The two owners obviously dont know how to run a business. As far as i'm concerned you will never find the owner of a restaurant segregating their costumers. This form of behavior is pretty scarce amongst any restaurants in North America. The only place that i could imagine finding this form of attitude is probably at fast food places (well actually, not even).
Its a shame that a service like this exists in probably the best part of town. However, its only a matter of time when they have to close it down and let an actually "well served" business to take over.
cheers!
19. Sterling's Review :: March 03, 2008 Sterling's Rating: 1 Stars |
I went to Banu with 2 friends last week just because we were walking by and were hungry. Talk about overpriced!
The food wasn't very good and the service was.. well.. barely even there. It's a shame that such an establishment is in the middle of such a fun neighborhood.
20. Vero's Review :: March 02, 2008 Vero's Rating: 1 Stars |
I’ve never seen an owner of a restaurant come on a simple website for dining and try to defend herself and to make it worse write: “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE”. This is just shameful and degrading. Imagine if the Cohen Brothers went around and tried defending No Country for Old Men everytime it got a bad review. Hah, this is just silly and retarded.
I’ve been to Banu myself, it’s an ok place with overpriced food and below average service. But the owners seem to have forgotten the type of business that they are involved in. This is a restaurant and people come in for your food and hospitality. This is not your own house or a little gathering that you throw everynight. Why don’t the owners instead of wasting time and making themselves look childish just listen to the different views and stop engaging themselves in pointless and rude arguments with their clients. Without clients you won’t have any business to go on and you guys seem to have forgotten that.
Grow up
21. P-Man's Review :: March 02, 2008 P-Man's Rating: 1 Stars |
Oh come on...! Every 1 or 2 days "someone" writes a glowing review of Banu! Hey owners or staff - you should at least make the reviews look different - every time it's almost the same few lines with the exact same writing style and the exact same talking points. The negative ones are the ones with the most sense of truth. Ken Ivens
22. Anonymous's Review :: March 01, 2008 |
i love you mina and everyone for your support including ali and sepand
23. Amir The Chef's Review :: March 01, 2008 Amir The Chef's Rating: 4 Stars |
why has this become a place for personal attacks and senseless bantering? i work at banu and i find it really annoying that people are reducing themselves to trying to determine if the reviews are written by staff or if ali and sepand are from the suburbs. i once lived in a suburb also, and i assure you i understand the value of service and quality, and as a server/tender at banu, i always strive to show behaviour that is reflective of that.
please stop this,
it's silly
mina.
24. M.bani's Review :: March 01, 2008 M.bani's Rating: 4 Stars |
Oh come on...! Every 1 or 2 days "someone" writes a glowing review of Banu! Hey owners or staff - you should at least make the reviews look different - every time it's almost the same few lines with the exact same writing style and the exact same talking points. The negative ones are the ones with the most sense of truth. Ken Ivens
25. Ken Ivens's Review :: March 01, 2008 Ken Ivens's Rating: 1 Stars |
In response to ALI and Sepand's review, I have been to Banu since it's opening about 2 years now and to be honest, I love the service from the 2 sisters even the little chef in the kitchen. The waitress/owner who explained that diet coke is not good for you, is a way of being friendly with customers. Clearly ALI and Sepand, you have never eaten at a restaurant such as Banu. Maybe your used to McDonalds with their "Smiles are free" motto however at anytime I step foot into Banu, I am always greeted with proper attitudes and the feeling that Banu is a warm environment for me to eat in.
I suggest ALI and Sepand, you get out of your 905 suburbia boundaries more often at eat a restaurants like Banu in Toronto to understand attitudes like this.
I love Banu and Banu loves me, hate coming to this website seeing comments like this. Absolutley upsets me.
26. D Cardenas's Review :: March 01, 2008 D Cardenas's Rating: 4 Stars |
THIS IS NOT A REVIEW
I am responding to the two insipid individuals who claim to have eaten at my establishment ALI and SEPAND et al.
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I will not re-enact the events that took place but only to say that yes we were out of diet coke and that their response to such an unbelievable predicament was rude and intolerable. Yes, they were asked to leave the premises and i reserve the right to do so. Just because you have a few dollars in your pocket does not entitle you to behave in a manner which stains and tarnishes my establishment...the quality of my service, food, and ambiance speaks for itself and in earnest, I am relieved, glad even, that people who are so base and starved for attention would find banu not welcoming. YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!
warmest regards,
audacious arrogant owner.
27. Anonymous's Review :: February 29, 2008 |
I am a cigar smoker and every cigar smoker has a "go to cigar" which always does the job of providing the solid, reliable taste you expect from a premium hand made cigar.
My "go to cigar" is a Cuban Cohiba Robusto and my "go to restaurant" is Banu.
The food never fails to impress. No doubt Banu makes the best and the finest Iranian dishes in decades. Neither in Iran nor in Toronto (North York folks) or any other city in US, any restaurant offers this quality of premium food.
First because its all organic (reason for paying more for premium food) and second their excellent marinating just does the job. As an Iranian I am proud to take anyone (Iranian or none-Iranian) to Banu to present the true Iranian food and traditional way of serving. But for some reason everyone I take there falls in love the first time and become a regular customer like me.
WOW...that just reminded me, haven’t been there for 6 days. Will go tonight for a nice vodka and kebab and then to top it off with a Cuban Cohiba Robusto.
28. Ashkan's Review :: February 29, 2008 Ashkan's Rating: 4 Stars |
Uhmmm. The owner writes in to defend herself. Then, magically, later the same day, a glowing review appears. Come on Banu owners... have you no shame? I have been to the place, and, as a restaurant, it's completely ignorable.
29. Carlos Prentice's Review :: February 29, 2008 Carlos Prentice's Rating: 2 Stars |
Not only is this the absolute best grill in the city, it is the owners/staff that really make it an experience I can't get enough of. The first time I went there, after a last minute change of heart (intended to have sushi), I simply fell in love with it, and decided to bring 50 people there for my birthday. They made room for DJ's, and threw in some freebies to make sure the party was a real blast. From the safka to the torsh to the hookahs to the great selection of fine vodkas, it's probably a good thing that this place is off the beaten tourist agenda.
Having since befriended the owners, I must say about the two bad reviews below that if these guys were thrown out, they had to have deserved it. The owners have such a great sense of community, that throwing these guys out was analogous to removing a zit, in order to keep the face of this place ever fresh, tasty, sexy, and a good time.
30. Alex's Review :: February 29, 2008 Alex's Rating: 4 Stars |
THIS IS NOT A REVIEW
I am responding to the two insipid individuals who claim to have eaten at my establishment ALI and SEPAND et al.
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I will not re-enact the events that took place but only to say that yes we were out of diet coke and that their response to such an unbelievable predicament was rude and intolerable. Yes, they were asked to leave the premises and i reserve the right to do so. Just because you have a few dollars in your pocket does not entitle you to behave in a manner which stains and tarnishes my establishment...the quality of my service, food, and ambiance speaks for itself and in earnest, I am relieved, glad even, that people who are so base and starved for attention would find banu not welcoming. YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!
warmest regards,
audacious arrogant owner.
31. Samira Mohyeddin's Review :: February 28, 2008 Samira Mohyeddin's Rating: 4 Stars |
I can't make this stuff up. Sadly, it's true, and probably one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had.
A bunch of us went to Banu. We knew the food is ridiculously expensive, but we thought it would be worthwhile. Oh how wrong were we! A friend of mine asked for a diet coke with his order. The coke didn't arrive, and after 20 minutes my friend asked the waitress what happened to the coke. Another 5 minutes passed only for the waitress to come back and say that they're out of diet coke. My friend, very politely but firmly, then said why it took them so long to tell him they don't have diet coke? And in minutes, the 2nd waitress came to the table, pulled a chair and sat down, with a regular coke in her hands and looked at my friend and told him that diet coke is bad for him, why would he want diet coke? After some complaining by us, the waitress lost it and said this is not a restaurant in china town, she can kick all of us out if she wants to!!! What the hell???
To make it worse, I think those waitresses are the owners (the two sisters)!!! Unbelievable. One of them is just horrid and plain arrogant.
Service aside, the food isn't anything special... but prices are waaaaaaay too high, just because it's a "trendy" place.
Horrible experience. Avoid the place and save yourself some stress.
32. Anonymous's Review :: February 23, 2008 |
banu was AWFUL! the meat smelled (and tasted) like farts, no joke! the owners (salome and her horrid sister) are mean, rude little witches who don't understand the meaning of service or how to run a restaurant.. i will never go there again and i certainly encourage everyone to avoid this place at all costs!
33. Anonymous's Review :: February 23, 2008 |
I went to Banu with a group of friends last night and it was my first and last time there. We didn't even have a chance to drink the tea that we ordered since the Owner/Manager which I don't know her name was extremely rude and impolite to us, after one of us complained why is it taking them 30 minutes to bring a diet coke. She then came and sat at our table and insulted my friends and also told us she will "Kick your Ass out of my restaurant". Exact words. She also told us that she will take another minutes to bring us what we want if she wishes. By that time we left the place as I did not want to spend another minute in it. We also left money for them on the table so they'll be happy. What the owner doesn't know and will find out soon is that she lost alot of potential business from her unacceptable behaviour. I mean Wow, this level of customer service and etiquette was beyond despicable. I Highly recommend that you don't waste your time and money at this place!!
34. ALI's Review :: February 23, 2008 ALI's Rating: 1 Stars |
I can't make this stuff up. Sadly, it's true, and probably one of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had.
A bunch of us went to Banu. We knew the food is ridiculously expensive, but we thought it would be worthwhile. Oh how wrong were we! A friend of mine asked for a diet coke with his order. The coke didn't arrive, and after 20 minutes my friend asked the waitress what happened to the coke. Another 5 minutes passed only for the waitress to come back and say that they're out of diet coke. My friend, very politely but firmly, then said why it took them so long to tell him they don't have diet coke? And in minutes, the 2nd waitress came to the table, pulled a chair and sat down, with a regular coke in her hands and looked at my friend and told him that diet coke is bad for him, why would he want diet coke? After some complaining by us, the waitress lost it and said this is not a restaurant in china town, she can kick all of us out if she wants to!!! What the hell???
To make it worse, I think those waitresses are the owners (the two sisters)!!! Unbelievable. One of them is just horrid and plain arrogant.
Service aside, the food isn't anything special... but prices are waaaaaaay too high, just because it's a "trendy" place.
Horrible experience. Avoid the place and save yourself some stress.
35. Sepand's Review :: February 23, 2008 Sepand's Rating: 1 Stars |
banu was AWFUL! the meat smelled (and tasted) like farts, no joke! the owners (salome and her horrid sister) are mean, rude little witches who don't understand the meaning of service or how to run a restaurant.. i will never go there again and i certainly encourage everyone to avoid this place at all costs!
36. Jessica Protoy's Review :: February 23, 2008 Jessica Protoy's Rating: 1 Stars |
I went with a friend with the intent of smoking some shisha but we also ordered some platters. The food was yummmmmmy, the staff was AMAZING and so was the atmosphere. The shisha, though, was subpar.
Over all, i had a fantastic night at Banu. Banu delivered more than it promised--definitely reccomended.
37. Anonymous's Review :: June 02, 2007 |
I went with a friend with the intent of smoking some shisha but we also ordered some platters. The food was yummmmmmy, the staff was AMAZING and so was the atmosphere. The shisha, though, was subpar.
Over all, i had a fantastic night at Banu. Banu delivered more than it promised--definitely reccomended.
38. Ahmed's Review :: June 02, 2007 Ahmed's Rating: 4 Stars |
Just wanted to say I had a fabolous time at your place.(Siblings)
The kabob torsh is incredible. Great decor
39. Anonymous's Review :: March 18, 2007 |
Just wanted to say I had a fabolous time at your place.(Siblings)
The kabob torsh is incredible. Great decor
40. Arash's Review :: March 17, 2007 Arash's Rating: 4 Stars |
I was also at the party on March 11 and have to say that i was really embarassed to be there with the rest of the party because the other members of our party were so rude and inconsiderate of the fact that we were supposed to be 22 people and turned out to be only 12, i would say the management at banu was very nice...they gave us their whole second floor on a weekend night and did not even charge us for the space, which i think the other members of our party really did not understand. Also, they were very rude to the owners and i distinctly remember that there was food comped, and that when it was, one of our party members said to the server: "are you trying to make me feel guilty asshole" - then one of the owners, a woman, came upstairs and when she became flustered by the the bombardment of asinine comments and complaints by some of the mebers of our party she actually offered to comp all the food...to which one of our party members replied " I HAVE A LOT OF MONEY ".
If the owners of Banu ever read this: PLEASE DO NOT ASSOCIATE ME WITH THESE PEOPLE!!!
41. Anonymous's Review :: March 15, 2007 |
I was also at the party on March 11 and have to say that i was really embarassed to be there with the rest of the party because the other members of our party were so rude and inconsiderate of the fact that we were supposed to be 22 people and turned out to be only 12, i would say the management at banu was very nice...they gave us their whole second floor on a weekend night and did not even charge us for the space, which i think the other members of our party really did not understand. Also, they were very rude to the owners and i distinctly remember that there was food comped, and that when it was, one of our party members said to the server: "are you trying to make me feel guilty asshole" - then one of the owners, a woman, came upstairs and when she became flustered by the the bombardment of asinine comments and complaints by some of the mebers of our party she actually offered to comp all the food...to which one of our party members replied " I HAVE A LOT OF MONEY ".
If the owners of Banu ever read this: PLEASE DO NOT ASSOCIATE ME WITH THESE PEOPLE!!!
42. Andrea's Review :: March 15, 2007 Andrea's Rating: 3 Stars |
Went to Banu for a friend's birthday. Although there were staggered entrances from other parties for our function, we waited over 2 hours for food - that's right, OVER 2 HOURS! When we conveyed our sheer displeasure with the "management" we were hit back with complete attitude and was told nothing would be done to accommodate us although we had WAITED 2 HOURS for dinner, then we were greeted by mediocre, semi-cold food. Not only did I eat at 11:00 PM but I also got slapped with the entire bill - not one item was comped to make up for the delays / sloppy service we experienced. The owners need to realize that the customer is always right, whether it be a customer in their restaurant or even when THEY are the customer elsewhere. I'm sure they wouldn't put up with waiting over 2 hours for dinner and therefore should extend the same courtesy to the patrons of their restaurant.
43. Anonymous's Review :: March 12, 2007 |
Went to Banu for a friend's birthday. Although there were staggered entrances from other parties for our function, we waited over 2 hours for food - that's right, OVER 2 HOURS! When we conveyed our sheer displeasure with the "management" we were hit back with complete attitude and was told nothing would be done to accommodate us although we had WAITED 2 HOURS for dinner, then we were greeted by mediocre, semi-cold food. Not only did I eat at 11:00 PM but I also got slapped with the entire bill - not one item was comped to make up for the delays / sloppy service we experienced. The owners need to realize that the customer is always right, whether it be a customer in their restaurant or even when THEY are the customer elsewhere. I'm sure they wouldn't put up with waiting over 2 hours for dinner and therefore should extend the same courtesy to the patrons of their restaurant.
44. AG's Review :: March 11, 2007 AG's Rating: 1 Stars |
I am recommending Banu to everyone I know. I ate at Banu twice this fall, once in October, with a group of colleagues, and once in December, with my husband.
The food is excellent. The spinach dip, served with warm flatbread, is hard to stop eating. My husband ordered the lamb and raved that it was the best lamb he has EVER had (he is a good cook himself, and tends to be very picky about food, so this is saying a lot). I had the beef Kabab e torsh which was tasty and tender. The pomegranate sorbet was surprisingly great finish to the dinner.
The service is very accommodating. Without any advance notice, the kitchen whipped up several platters for our group, and the price was very reasonable.
Banu's concept is unique, the food is great, and I hope it stays around for a long time!
45. Stephanie's Review :: January 02, 2007 Stephanie's Rating: 3 Stars |
I had a FABULOUS time at Banu. The food and drinks were delicious and unique and the service was remarkable.
46. Amerie's Review :: June 06, 2006 Amerie's Rating: 4 Stars |
great place to go for a date my boyfriend and I had a wonderful evening and my god the tenderloin just melts in ur mouth. MMMMMMMM thank u banu
47. Roberta's Review :: June 05, 2006 Roberta's Rating: 3 Stars |
The atmosphere of Banu is...delightful. I have eaten at many restaurants and nothing can compare to Banu. Ususally, when you order from the menu at a Persian restaurant, they provide rice with their meat (or at the ones I have eaten at), however for Banu having the lawash flatbread with my lamb was absolutley delicious.
The drinks that they serve are fabulous, the serving staff is absolutley amazing and friendly, which most restaurants (ahem terroni's) tend to forget in the service industry. Overall, I have decided to give Banu 4 stars overall.
*Please note: I have eaten at some of the restaurants that have been listed on this website and only felt that Banu was worth a review.
48. Sean's Review :: May 31, 2006 Sean's Rating: 4 Stars |
We went there last night with some friends and had a great time. Food was declicious, service was excellent and hospitality was great.
Wishing the owners success.
49. Ferry's Review :: May 22, 2006 Ferry's Rating: 4 Stars |
wow i have never tasted meat so tender and juicy, great addition to queen west we really needed it. Fantastic service from the wait staff who i believe are sisters I think it is a family run business anyway great job everyone at banu and keep up the good work see u soon
50. Abe's Review :: May 17, 2006 Abe's Rating: 4 Stars |
there are no lingual or cultural ties to our lamb testicles
merci
management
banu
51. Samira Mohyeddin's Review :: May 03, 2006 Samira Mohyeddin's Rating: 4 Stars |
I had a #@$% GREAT time ! I'd like to recommend this place to everyone. you all owe me one after.
52. A Grandpayeh's Review :: May 02, 2006 A Grandpayeh's Rating: 4 Stars |
food was amazing i really loved the down to earth vibe of the staff and the space, excellent job in the kitchen kudos to the people who put banu together
53. Andrea's Review :: April 30, 2006 Andrea's Rating: 4 Stars |
i love everything about it especially the people!
54. Andrea Henao's Review :: April 28, 2006 Andrea Henao's Rating: 4 Stars |
| Click here to view all 44 reviews |
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 777 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
