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Richard Trapunski | Last Updated: July 28,2009 4:13:45 pm
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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
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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11 Reader Reviews | The food at this restaurant is excellent but grossly overpriced.
That being said, the service is the reason that you should not eat at this restaurant.
In my one experience at Splendido, the server managed to forget to fulfill my drink order after he took it, and failed to even take the drink order of my companion before hurrying away from our table to serve someone else. The server was gone for a good 20 minutes. When the server came back to take my table's dinner orders before I had to stop him to insist that my drink order be fulfilled and that my companion's drink order be taken and fulfilled before he took the table's dinner orders.
When the server was bringing out the entrees, he ignored my gnocchi order. I asked the server where my gnocchi was, and started flipping through is pad of orders and asked "you wanted it on the side, right?" I told him I just wanted the gnocchi that I ordered. He then informed me that that the kitchen had run out of gnocchi. I asked the server why it mattered whether the gnocchi was to come on the side or not. He said "it was his oversight", which was never in question in the first place - of course it was his oversight that I didn't get my gnocchi. My companion's entree-sized gnocchi was a very small portion. It seemed as if the server was trying to act like I did not order gnocchi in the first place to cover up the fact that the kitchen had run out.
The server never did anything to keep me from having a terrible experience at Splendido.
I advised the managers and chefs of my terrible experience with the server and they made no acknowledgment.
If you attend Splendido, you are asking to pay too much, get poor service and have your needs ignored.
1. John G's Review :: February 23, 2010 John G's Rating: 1 Stars |
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.
2. 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...
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Robert Shipman's Review :: March 24, 2007 Robert Shipman's Rating: 4 Stars |
David Lee is the king of lamb!
11. Antonio Arch's Review :: October 21, 2006 Antonio Arch's Rating: 4 Stars |
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88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
