Matignon Restaurant, Toronto

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  • Matignon Restaurant

    Review by Amy Chung
    Matignon’s owner Mustapha Amrani is just short of kissing your hand at the door, says Joanne Kates from The Globe and Mail. When I went for myself, I found Mr. Amrani to be just that. Charming and warm, he quickly greets patrons with a smile and guides them through one of the most authentic French dishes they will ever encounter. It has been a while since I’ve gone to Matignon but I still remember my poulet blanketed with thick, creamy garlic sauce and onion pearls on a bed of rice. Quaint, romantic and small for a nice intimate dinner, Matignon brings back the classics in French cuisine. – A.C

    9 Reader Reviews

    1. JML's Review :: July 16, 2008
    I also had a very bad experience at Matignon. Our server (who also claims to be the owner) was exceptionally rude. Based on the other reviews it seems he might be a schizophrenic. He told a member of our party that he would have "leave and go outside" if he he didn't order an entre because "I am the owner and that is what I say!" He obviously didn't care about the dining experience of other patrons because he said at a deafening decibel. We ended up leaving but before we could he charged us $9.50 for a glass of house wine and tacked on a 16% gratuity... ummm hello! Does he know what gratuity is for? It's most defiantly not for VERY BAD SERVICE!

    JML's Rating: 1 Stars
    2. JML's Review :: July 16, 2008
    I also had a very bad experience at Matignon. Our server (who also claims to be the owner) was exceptionally rude. Based on the other reviews it seems he might be a schizophrenic. He told a member of our party that he would have "leave and go outside" if he he didn't order an entre because "I am the owner and that is what I say!" He obviously didn't care about the dining experience of other patrons because he said at a deafening decibel. We ended up leaving but before we could he charged us $9.50 for a glass of house wine and tacked on a 16% gratuity... ummm hello! Does he know what gratuity is for? It's most defiantly not for VERY BAD SERVICE!

    JML's Rating: 1 Stars
    3. Justin Jones's Review :: July 14, 2008
    We had booked our table in for Summerlicious well over a week in advance. Granted, we were a large group, but that did not in any way excuse the way we were treated. The waiter very rudely interrupted our conversations at the beginning of the evening, demanding that we order, even though some of our party was still poring over the menu. When a friend of ours and his partner arrived late (again, granted we were into the second course of our meal by the time they arrived, but his plane had been delayed), they were greeted by the waiter ignoring them, sighing exasperatedly when they asked for a menu, throwing it down on the table in front of them, and telling them that he needed the table in a half an hour, and that it was a three course meal, so they would not be able to eat. My friend took it in stride, asking if he could sit with us until we were done our meal and then move to another table, to which the waiter again sighed exasperatedly and agreed. After a short time, and our dessert, the waiter informed us that the table that was coming in after us had cancelled, so we could stick around a bit longer. My friend then attempted to order, but since his partner was not hungry, he simply wanted one meal. After YET ANOTHER exasperated sigh, the waiter walked out. About 5 minutes later, the owner /maitre 'd came up to our table and informed my friend that he was not able to order only one meal between the two of them, and if they shared, they would be charged for 2. My friend then asked if he could get the regular menu instead of the Summerlicious menu, to which he was told no. After an incredibly rude exchange, we decided that enough was enough, and decided to go elsewhere. The owner told us that it would be better if we never returned, and belittled all of us, who had been patient, excellent customers up to that point, in front of the entire dining room. Adding insult to injury, they charged us a 16% gratuity after taxes.

    The food was, in my opinion, quite good. The smoked trout was excellent, the pork tenderloin was a bit overcooked, but served with an excellent blueberry sauce, and the cherry clafoutis was well prepared and a suiting way to end a simple meal. It's too bad that the service left such a sour taste in my mouth. I will NEVER return, and would recommend others to avoid this place at all costs.

    Justin Jones's Rating: 1 Stars
    4. Delighted!'s Review :: November 28, 2007
    I went to this restaurant for a school trip, and absolutely enjoyed myself. We all delighted in the wonderful food, and gracious service. I believe quite a few of my friends were all but infatuated with our waitor. We were even gifted with a gift certificate upon leaving! It was a pleasant environment, in an utterly charming room. I have no clue what the previous, negative reviewers were talking about-I have nothing but praise for the restaurant, and will return to it again.

    Delighted!'s Rating: 4 Stars
    5. Eddie's Review :: November 26, 2007
    I really don't know what this previous reviewer is talking about. I absolutely had a great time, and Mustapha was very charming! This was my first time at the restaurant and it was, without a doubt, the most enjoyable evening I've had in years! Perhaps one should look to oneself and the way (s)he treats others before judging. I will definitely be back for more fun and exceptional cuisine! :-) If there was only one complaint, it would be to reduce the heat emanating from the fireplace; however, my table was right next to it.

    Eddie's Rating: 4 Stars
    6. An Unsatisfied And Insulted Ex-patron's Review :: September 10, 2007
    If I could give this restaurant a minus rating, I would. Mustapha Amrani is the worst restaurant owner I have ever been acquanted with. He is arrogant, opinionated, defensive, beligerant, phony, threatening, cheap, a whiner and complainer. The only reason he's still in business is because he's usually a good actor and fools people into thinking he's warm and gracious. Don't get on his bad side!

    An Unsatisfied And Insulted Ex-patron's Rating: 1 Stars
    7. Elaine C. Crossland's Review :: June 2, 2007
    Mustapha was his usual ebullient self, greeting and seating my sister-in-law and me.We had a light luncheon. From the delicately balanced vichysoisse through to a trio of full flavoured sorbets it was a thoroughly enjoyable meal. We look forward to our return for dinner to take full advantage of the wonderfully diverse French menu. If memory serves me correctly,from Mustapha's days in Barrie,it's French cuisine to perfection. Elaine C.Crossland.

    Elaine C. Crossland's Rating: 4 Stars
    8. Just Awful's Review :: February 1, 2007
    The worst Maitre'd in all of Toronto. I have never encountered someone so rude in any restaurant I have ever frequented. You are in the service industry, perhaps you might want to make the customer happy. Unfortunately sometimes stereotypes are right...

    Just Awful's Rating: 1 Stars
    9. Eric's Review :: December 30, 2005
    Exceptional place. A truly hidden gem! The "Martini Boys" needs to check out this place.

    Eric's Rating: 4 Stars
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    Restaurant

    Matignon Restaurant

    Address

    51 St. Nicholas Street, Toronto, ON

    Phone

    416-921-9226

    Area

    Yorkville

    Cuisine

    French

    Venue

    Restaurant

    Hours

    Lunch: Mon. to Fri.: 11:30am - 2:30pm
    Dinner: Mon. to Thu.: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
    Fri. & Sat.: 5:00pm - 11:00pm

    Price

    $$$ (within reach)

    Payment

    Master Card
    Visa
    American Express
    Diners Club

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