Splendido, Toronto

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  • Splendido, Toronto

    Richard Trapunski | Last Updated: July 28,2009 4:13:45 pm
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    SSplendidoplendido consistently ranks among the top five restaurants in Canada, but it's always had the feel of an old relic of the Toronto restaurant scene. Started in the '80s, Splendido has always staked its reputation on consistency of cuisine and quality service, never on trends or fads. It's never been considered a "hot" restaurant or an "It Spot" and it's never graced the front page of martiniboys.com, but it's never needed to. Splendido is the type of destination spot you go to only on special occasions, the type of place where you know you'll get a quality meal, but not the type of place to go any night of the week.

    At least it was. For the first time in its multi-decade lifespan, Splendido has been given a major renovation and concept revision. It all started in 2008 when former proprietor Yannick Bigourdan and Executive Chef David Lee opened Nota Bene on Queen Street. As the restaurant earned accolades left and right the phones started ringing off the hook and the two decided to sell Splendido to focus on their new spot. Rather than finding a new suitor, Lee and Bigourdan kept it within the family, selling the well-worn restaurant to long-time General Manager Carlo Cattalo and Chef de Cuisine Victor Barry.

    But that doesn't mean Splendido has stayed the same. Not by a longshot. After a month of renovations, the Harbord Street fixture has officially re-opened with a new design, a new price point, and a new attitude. Forget the rigid formality of the past; the new Splendido is welcoming, affordable, and accessible. These may not be adjectives you'd ever expect to hear in conjunction with Splendido, but now's the time to put aside your preconceptions.

    The renovations, undertaken by Giannone Petricone ( Terroni, Bar Italia, Bar One), has brightened the room with a sky blue colour motif, emphasized the bar area (turning the volume down on the "dining room" concept), and removed the blinds, and opened the space up to Harbord Street. You may even feel compelled to walk in without a reservation, something previously unheard of.

    "We wanted to make an immediate impact and give Splendido a new identity," says Carlo Cattalo. "Splendido used to be a destination for people once or twice a year. I'd like Splendido to be a destination once or twice a month." This may sound familiar to anyone following the Toronto dining scene, but Carlo assures us he's not just trying to fit in. "Restaurants are getting more casual. That's an undeniable trend," he says. "But this is less a reaction to any sort of social force than it is a reaction to how Victor and I are as people. We're still a fine dining restaurant, not a trattoria or a bistro. That much hasn't changed."

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    AT A GLANCE
    Splendido
    88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON
    416-929-7788
    Mediterranean
    Harbord
    Venue:
    Restaurant, Lounge
    Hours:
    Tue. to Sun.: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
    Price Range:
    $$$ (Within Reach)
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa, American Express
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    10 Reader Reviews

    Service was flawless, but overall the food was inconsistent. The pasta apps (ravioli, farfale) were likely aiming for simplicity and elegance, but the result was restrained flavour hitting one note.
    The suckling pig was well-cooked and tender, but underseasoned; the pancetta did not bring any flavour to the otherwise ordinary elk striploin; the lobster and marscapone risotto main gained all its flavour from the heavy-handed addition of butter. The sticky toffee pudding, however, was cleverly spiced and had a perfect consistency.


    1. Annie's Review :: January 07, 2010
    Annie's Rating: 2 Stars
    First time since the makeover.
    Admittedly, for the price the food is very good. But that means nothing when the service is horrific (not just horrible).
    The server began by ignoring us for a good half an hour as we sat at the table waiting for menus or even water... When he finally decided to show up, he insulted us numerous times, became aggressive when we asked for more time, then kept telling us we should order cocktails, after we'd declined three times.
    It the most brutal, awkward and disgusting service I've ever encountered. Although the food was good, the service left a terrible taste in our mouths. We walked out without tipping, then ran into our server on the way out. When asked 'would you like to know why we think the service is terrible?' he responded 'I'd rather not'.

    Needless to say, that's the last time I go to the new Splendido. Unfortunate that the new owner doesn't have control of his staff. I honestly couldn't see this happening with Lee or Bigourdan at the helm...

    2. JP's Review :: September 12, 2009
    JP's Rating: 1 Stars
    Just returned from dinner at Splendido, we were with 6. This place is grossly over rated. Only the main course was visible, for any of the other courses you need binoculars to see what is on your plate. The main course was the only plate with a decent portion and very good quality. Yes the atmosphere is ok, the service mediocre and the prices in the stratosphere. This place is not worth the money and make sure not to go hungry!
    I can certainly think of many better places in our great city.


    3. Eric's Review :: July 03, 2008
    Eric's Rating: 2 Stars
    The expression less is more is what David Lee (owner, Spendido) lives by. We ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairing and would not recommend the restaurant based on the total lack of value. The food is sparse or almost non existent. The flavors are bland and indistinguishable. But the food was presented beautifully. For the hefty $700 price tag, you can find much better or add $500 and jet to NYC for a more memorable, favorful meal.

    4. Anonymous's Review :: March 17, 2008
    The expression less is more is what David Lee (owner, Spendido) lives by. We ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairing and would not recommend the restaurant based on the total lack of value. The food is sparse or almost non existent. The flavors are bland and indistinguishable. But the food was presented beautifully. For the hefty $700 price tag, you can find much better or add $500 and jet to NYC for a more memorable, favorful meal.

    5. Doug's Review :: March 17, 2008
    Doug's Rating: 3 Stars
    We went to Splendido to celebrate someone's birthday. We were a group of 9 people.
    In most restaurants that I have been to, a big group like ours don't always receive the best service. I have to say, Splendido impressed me and then some.
    Our waiter was excellent. He was beyond enthusiastic which made our dining experience pleasant.
    The food was wonderful. I started off with the Pied de Cochon as the first course followed by the BC Shrimp and then the Nova Scotia Lobster. We finished off with a selection of their desserts - Chocolate Souffle being the best one. Oh my goodness...so delicious!
    The bill at the end of the night was a bit high but we had no problems paying it.
    Side note...valet parket...so easy!

    6. Anonymous's Review :: May 17, 2007
    We went to Splendido to celebrate someone's birthday. We were a group of 9 people.
    In most restaurants that I have been to, a big group like ours don't always receive the best service. I have to say, Splendido impressed me and then some.
    Our waiter was excellent. He was beyond enthusiastic which made our dining experience pleasant.
    The food was wonderful. I started off with the Pied de Cochon as the first course followed by the BC Shrimp and then the Nova Scotia Lobster. We finished off with a selection of their desserts - Chocolate Souffle being the best one. Oh my goodness...so delicious!
    The bill at the end of the night was a bit high but we had no problems paying it.
    Side note...valet parket...so easy!


    7. LK's Review :: May 17, 2007
    LK's Rating: 4 Stars
    Just finished a wonderful meal at Splendido. Although the experience was very pricey ($340.00 incl. tax & tip) for two the food was delicious and the service impeccable. We started off with the complimentary canapes which were melt-in-your mouth which we washed down with a fine Argentinian red Melbec at $16.00 a glass. Then for the first course I had the very delicious lobster appetizer while my partner had the Yukon potato soup. The lobster dish won that round. Then we went to the second course where I had the escargot in a green risotto sauce which was actually incredible, while my partner had the egg tagliatelle which I believe was satisfactory but not incredible. Then we moved to the mains where I tried the lamb and unfortunately was not completely impressed with, but was passable. To me it wasn't tender enough and very gamey tasting. I should have had what my partner had and that was the salmon which she very much enjoyed. One last thing to note; I assumed I could pay for the meal with my debit card since many restaurants allow you to do this, however they are not set up for debit yet. All in all it was a wonderful occasion and very satisfactory and we would definitely return again.

    8. Anonymous's Review :: March 24, 2007
    Just finished a wonderful meal at Splendido. Although the experience was very pricey ($340.00 incl. tax & tip) for two the food was delicious and the service impeccable. We started off with the complimentary canapes which were melt-in-your mouth which we washed down with a fine Argentinian red Melbec at $16.00 a glass. Then for the first course I had the very delicious lobster appetizer while my partner had the Yukon potato soup. The lobster dish won that round. Then we went to the second course where I had the escargot in a green risotto sauce which was actually incredible, while my partner had the egg tagliatelle which I believe was satisfactory but not incredible. Then we moved to the mains where I tried the lamb and unfortunately was not completely impressed with, but was passable. To me it wasn't tender enough and very gamey tasting. I should have had what my partner had and that was the salmon which she very much enjoyed. One last thing to note; I assumed I could pay for the meal with my debit card since many restaurants allow you to do this, however they are not set up for debit yet. All in all it was a wonderful occasion and very satisfactory and we would definitely return again.

    9. Robert Shipman's Review :: March 24, 2007
    Robert Shipman's Rating: 4 Stars
    David Lee is the king of lamb!

    10. Antonio Arch's Review :: October 21, 2006
    Antonio Arch's Rating: 4 Stars

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