Don Ellis | Last Updated: April 28,2009 11:55:18 am
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 ar Niente Restaurant has re-opened its doors to reveal a sleek new look, a dynamic staff and a new menu based on the food philosophies of Toronto chef, Gordon Mackie. The changes were inspired by a journey by the Far Niente team to research dining trends both in Canada and abroad. The changes to the menu, décor and service are the result of a great deal of travel and research. Much attention to detail has also been lavished upon the new décor, with its clean lines and modern fixtures contributing to an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet inviting. The approachable staff at Far Niente also contributes to the welcoming environment.
Far Niente’s new menu is the result of hours of research both in and out of the kitchen. Chef Mackie, who has studied under such chefs as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Anton Mosimann, uses his new menu to bring to life his philosophy of taking fresh ingredients and cooking them naturally, without complicated sauces or fuss, to show off their flavours. Traditional favourites are given new life including Lobster Corn Dogs as part of an hors d’oeuvres shared platter during dinner, and a sinfully delicious plate of S’mores offered for dessert. - D.E.
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 AT A GLANCE
Far Niente
187 Bay St, Toronto, ON, Canada
416-214-9922
Continental
Financial District
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am – 2:30pm Dinner: Monday – Friday: 5:00pm –10:30pm Saturday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
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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11 Reader Reviews | I went for Winterlicious and I was let down. The hostess was rude and stuck up and thought she was better than everyone. Which is odd, because her job entitles her to be friendly. And because she couldnt find our reseveration she asked if we were at the right restaurant. When she finally found it she didnt even appolgize, that is not customer service. The food was not as good as it was hyped up to be. regardless of the food, I would never go back simply for their bad customer service.
1. Anonymous's Review :: March 20, 2009 Anonymous's Rating: 1 Stars |
The food here is first class. Superb. One of the top restaurants in the city. The service is adequate, but could improve. Nice atmosphere. Highly recommend this restaurant for a sample of canadian cuisine.
2. Michele Shephard's Review :: November 01, 2008 Michele Shephard's Rating: 4 Stars |
If you have an expense account, then by all means go here. However, if you're spending your own money, then it is not worth the money you will spend here.
$60 lunch for two.
The décor is nice, food is average at best and server was poor (we waited 30mins for our order to arrive). Portions are quite small. Salad portions are ridiculously small (but to make you feel better, the salad is decorated nicely).
Just because the restaurant name is Italian and some of its dishes are italian does not mean it's any good.
I will never go here again.
Go to an Indian restaurant or something for more value for your dollar (Bay St. crowd should know this better)!
3. Austin Roberts's Review :: April 08, 2008 Austin Roberts's Rating: 1 Stars |
I am pleased to announce that, since my previous experience with Maro the management have been very involved with me to ensure our comments were heard and our concerns taken to heart. I pointed them in the direction of this review site and I know they are working diligently to "raise their game". This alone is a success for them as acknowledging a weakness is the biggest step in addressing it.
On my initial visit I was impressed with the food & decor but not with the culture and service. Now that they have gone the extra mile to speak with me and correct the latter, I am compelled to raise my ratings back up again. Maro has the right framework to provide a good night on the town.
4. Anonymous's Review :: February 06, 2007 |
I went to this restaurant during winterlicsioud feb 3/07. the food was not great. spent $130 on a meal not worth that amount. the server that picked up plates smelled of BO( body odour) when dessert was served no coffee or tea was offered until after we were done, group of 8 automatic 18% gratuity so i guess the server thought service amount was being paid no matter what service we received. the restauranr nicely decorated, but the food sucks in my opinion, i will never come to this place or suggest anyone else to try it.
5. Anonymous's Review :: February 06, 2007 |
I went to this restaurant during winterlicsioud feb 3/07. the food was not great. spent $130 on a meal not worth that amount. the server that picked up plates smelled of BO( body odour) when dessert was served no coffee or tea was offered until after we were done, group of 8 automatic 18% gratuity so i guess the server thought service amount was being paid no matter what service we received. the restauranr nicely decorated, but the food sucks in my opinion, i will never come to this place or suggest anyone else to try it.
6. Angel's Review :: February 06, 2007 Angel's Rating: 1 Stars |
I dined at Far Niente last night with a friend of mine to enjoy some Winterlicious festivity. We were quite pleased with the atmosphere the restaurant exuded - right from the entrance, we were greeted by our hostess who quickly seated us (we had 7:15pm reservations and were worried we might have to wait considering the earlier reservations were all booked up). Prior to be seated, she offered to take our coats then showed us to our table. The place offers an aura of romanticism but in an upscale setting - dimly lit, comfortable booth seating, dark interior and high ceilings. Our waiter showed up shortly after to take our drink order (the Winterlicious house red was very nice - smooth and not too dry). We both ordered the Far Niente salad to start - I thought it was a little heavy on the pommery mustard vinaigrette but overall very fresh and zesty. My friend ordered the Roasted Double Chicken Breast (moist, tender and well cooked, the truffled macaroni side had a tad too much pepper but nothing to diminish the overall taste of the dish). I ordered the Yukon Potato Gnocchi (soft and very tasty, the mushroom complement was delicious and well seasoned - they almost melted in my mouth)! Again it was a split with the dessert - pecan butter tart and the golden pineapple and coconut cream meringue - wonderful way to end a meal. Overall the service was very good - from hostess to waiter who never left us waiting too long in between meals and checked in with us regularly, I would definately recommend this restaurant and definately go back.
Rating: 4
7. Anonymous's Review :: February 04, 2007 |
I dined at Far Niente last night with a friend of mine to enjoy some Winterlicious festivity. We were quite pleased with the atmosphere the restaurant exuded - right from the entrance, we were greeted by our hostess who quickly seated us (we had 7:15pm reservations and were worried we might have to wait considering the earlier reservations were all booked up). Prior to be seated, she offered to take our coats then showed us to our table. The place offers an aura of romanticism but in an upscale setting - dimly lit, comfortable booth seating, dark interior and high ceilings. Our waiter showed up shortly after to take our drink order (the Winterlicious house red was very nice - smooth and not too dry). We both ordered the Far Niente salad to start - I thought it was a little heavy on the pommery mustard vinaigrette but overall very fresh and zesty. My friend ordered the Roasted Double Chicken Breast (moist, tender and well cooked, the truffled macaroni side had a tad too much pepper but nothing to diminish the overall taste of the dish). I ordered the Yukon Potato Gnocchi (soft and very tasty, the mushroom complement was delicious and well seasoned - they almost melted in my mouth)! Again it was a split with the dessert - pecan butter tart and the golden pineapple and coconut cream meringue - wonderful way to end a meal. Overall the service was very good - from hostess to waiter who never left us waiting too long in between meals and checked in with us regularly, I would definately recommend this restaurant and definately go back.
8. Stefanie P's Review :: February 02, 2007 Stefanie P's Rating: 4 Stars |
Great Decor! Warm and endearing service & comfortable food! Will definitely return and look forward to biting into another lobster pot pie!
9. Judy's Review :: February 23, 2006 Judy's Rating: 4 Stars |
Great food. My friend and I went their on a weekday for lunch...part of the Winterlicious thing. We loved it. Great atmosphere and the food and service were overall quite good. Would go back for sure!
10. Karo's Review :: February 17, 2006 Karo's Rating: 4 Stars |
We attended Far Niente as part of the Winterlicious crowd. I must say, we were very disappointed, especially after reading such good reviews of this restaurant.
We were greeted at the entrance of the restaurant with a friendly smile. Our server was very nice initially but we felt that once we made it known we were interested in the Winterlicious menu, we were not considered a priority.
We arrived for an early dinner at 5:30pm. Our entire meal was finished by 6:20pm--I didn't realize I was in a fast food restaurant. Much of our food arrived luke warm and not once did our server ever ask us how things were. We would barely take our last bite of each course before the dishes were taken from our table. To top it all off, the food was very average at best. If their goal through Winterlicious is to gain new customers, their strategy failed dearly with us. We will never go back.
11. Janet Adair's Review :: February 08, 2006 Janet Adair's Rating: 2 Stars |
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187 Bay St, Toronto, ON, Canada |
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