Of the joy-buzzer jolts summoned by The Rosebud, the biggest may come in its overall impact. Its chic-ness may come a tiny, wood-framed package, but the restaurant’s boisterously dark milieu gives way to a poignancy you don't expect from Queen Street. In its funky way, The Rosebud is as hot as the In Spots on the College strip, and the culinary power that pulls the masses to King West. And what a sweet conceit to call it The Rosebud (look for the symbolic sled on the menu). It’s an ebullient fantasy. - A.J.
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 AT A GLANCE
The Rosebud
669 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
416-703-8810
Bistro Fare
Queen West
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Mon. to Sat.: 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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33 Reader Reviews | Prepare to pay $35 for an 8.oz steak with 4 oz. of fat. Meh.
1. Sven Jacobson's Review :: September 28, 2008 Sven Jacobson's Rating: 1 Stars |
You can't eat out in Toronto and not experience the Rosebud. Everytime we go to the Rosebud, the food never disappoints. It's consistently amazing & the service staff are so prompt and friendly that you'd like them to pull up a chair.
It doesn't matter if we go to the Rosebud for a romantic meal or with friends. The experience is the same. We laugh harder, feel inspired & eat the best food in the city.
2. Anonymous's Review :: August 31, 2007 |
You can't eat out in Toronto and not experience the Rosebud. Everytime we go to the Rosebud, the food never disappoints. It's consistently amazing & the service staff are so prompt and friendly that you'd like them to pull up a chair.
It doesn't matter if we go to the Rosebud for a romantic meal or with friends. The experience is the same. We laugh harder, feel inspired & eat the best food in the city.
3. Lee Saunders's Review :: August 31, 2007 Lee Saunders's Rating: 4 Stars |
I had a great time here. The Rosebud offers good value if you like to design your own meals, a la carte, and if you like to linger over dinner.
The crowd was funky, and the atmosphere was not to pretentious.
4. Anonymous's Review :: June 14, 2007 |
I had a great time here. The Rosebud offers good value if you like to design your own meals, a la carte, and if you like to linger over dinner.
The crowd was funky, and the atmosphere was not to pretentious.
5. Joanna Bukiejko's Review :: June 14, 2007 Joanna Bukiejko's Rating: 4 Stars |
Because there was no site online to check out, I have to say overall, I was quite disappointed with the appearance of Rosebud when I arrived. Although quaint, it felt like an cottage diner in a small town. While those who are from the city may find this cute and endearing, I was a little let down with the bland atmosphere. And the food was good-but that was about it. It seemed more like comfort food than anything else. And although the price's for the mains were acceptable, this is not the type of restaurant that should be charging extra for their side dishes.
The service was great and that was probably the best part, but that didn't make up for what it was lacking.
I wouldn't rate this restaurant as anything more than acceptable, as there was nothing wrong with the food, but there was absolutely nothing that stuck out, especially not the bland atmosphere.
6. Mel's Review :: February 12, 2007 Mel's Rating: 3 Stars |
By far the best value for an upscale venue in this city period.
spectacular food....very simple but the most solid flavours i have yet to taste in this city to date. My boyfriend (who is a chef)and i had the most romantic evening in the coziest room since pimblets on gerrard closed. Smart and sexy service , the music was not so much to my liking but there are worse things in the world, and not everyone loves Babs.
Great energy.Great feel. We've finally found our new favourite spot... a shame it took us so long to find. itd a bit of a trek from the village but queen west, "they" say is where its at.And the chef as much as a cute bear as he is we think he could be on our team or at least easily converted.Love the spot,it's better than Cats.
7. Mark's Review :: December 16, 2006 Mark's Rating: 4 Stars |
The appetizers were excellent. Salmon was probably the best I have EVER had. The desserts delicious.
This place is on my list for best food and value in Toronto.
8. Tom's Review :: October 12, 2006 Tom's Rating: 4 Stars |
Nothing short of excellent. Amazing food, atmosphere and magnificent wines! My new favourite spot.
9. Ron's Review :: June 11, 2006 Ron's Rating: 4 Stars |
i loved the rosebud...everything was fantastic from the hello at the door to the delicious food to the wonderful service...will be back next time i am in toronto
10. Emily's Review :: April 01, 2006 Emily's Rating: 4 Stars |
I had a wonderful time with my husband at this restaurant. The food was excellent from start to finish as was the wine choice. I will say, however, that this beautiful gem is beginning to attract a bit of an intolerably snooty element (just check out some of the pouty, privileged sounding reviews above ). But I suppose that comes with a glowing review in Toronto Life. (Somehow, I'm not surprised that the moody, navel-gazing 80s soundtrack--some variety, maybe?--pleases so many).
In a nutshell: Prepare for shining service and superb cuisine--just don't let overheard tipsy pinings for the days of McInerney, Easton Ellis and the Brat Pack ruin it all.
11. J's Review :: March 21, 2006 J's Rating: 3 Stars |
Had dinner at the Rosebud last weekend. Food was wonderful as usual although the there was a longish wait between our appetizers and main courses. Found out that Jason the owner was no longer involved with the restaurant which is really too bad. Myself and my SO were very disappointed. He along with Mike(?) were two of the most congenial hosts I've come across in Toronto and we eat out a LOT! I'll be back for the food although reluctantly because the service doesn't seem the same, quite rushed as well.
12. Jordan's Review :: March 09, 2006 Jordan's Rating: 2 Stars |
Went in for dinner last night with my SO, (his idea). We have been there twice before and the food was great as usual. They have changed the menu slightly, the Caesar Salad is no longer there and price points seem to have gone up a bit as well. We haven't been by there of late because they've been so busy what with all the reviews mentioned above. Staff seems to have changed as well and the service while stiff and forced was adequate but not as warm and much more hurried than in the past as I recall. I sure hope all these reviews haven't gone to their heads. Still a great place to dine if only for the atmosphere and if you can get a booth in the back.
13. Michel's Review :: February 22, 2006 Michel's Rating: 3 Stars |
My husband and I were at the Rosebud last Saturday night. I've been there before many times with girlfriends of mine, but this was my first time taking my husband. I know one of the owners (our kids go to the same school) and was expecting a romantic evening with delicious food. The food and service were both good, but something was off. Jason, the owner, was missing due to an injury, and the chef was often in the dining room, schmoozing. He was out there so long I overheard another table wonder who was cooking their food. He was wearing a dirty shirt and I hate to say it, but I think his presence really affected the atmosphere...and not for the better.
I am looking forward to returning of course, although I certainly hope Jason gets better soon!
14. Laura And Stan's Review :: February 22, 2006 Laura And Stan's Rating: 3 Stars |
We eat at the Rosebud often, and are getting very worried at all the attention it's been getting lately. We hate waiting! We were away over the holidays and when we returned to our favourite neighbourhood bistro....the menu had changed! It's a seasonal thing.
A couple of our favourites were gone, but everything new was delicious!! I hate saying this, because now it will be even harder to get a table, but you have to make this your favourite restaurant in 2006!
15. Keith And Alex's Review :: January 14, 2006 Keith And Alex's Rating: 4 Stars |
New Year's Eve 2005. We made the mistake of being early for our 9pm reservation. The place was packed! We were quickly served drinks while we waited for our table to be ready...and it was worth the wait! Food was incredible and a GREAT deal! Service was ace, even with the crowds. We closed the place and all agreed to return next New Year's Eve, if not MUCH SOONER!
16. Loren And Michel's Review :: January 04, 2006 Loren And Michel's Rating: 4 Stars |
After reading all the reviews (Eye, Toronto Star and NOW) I was worried that my expectations would be too high. We went on a Tuesday night and everything was....perfect. The food was really good, and the service was the BEST IN THE CITY!! The Rosebud is our new favourite restaurant.
17. David's Review :: December 16, 2005 David's Rating: 4 Stars |
I went there in mid october, My girlfriend and I both had the salmon and it was amazing, the chef even served us little mini tasters while we were waiting. The staff was very attentive and yet were never annoying. Its location and outside appearance can be a bit deceiving but over all the atmosphere inside was exactly what i was looking for!! Best restaurant in Toronto
18. Tom's Review :: December 07, 2005 Tom's Rating: 4 Stars |
WOW!
Thanks for a delicious evening!
We will definitely return SOON!
19. Teensie's Review :: December 04, 2005 Teensie's Rating: 4 Stars |
Checked out the Rosebud on a Thursday night-Happening!!
Had the best time. Delicious food. Great atmosphere. Romantic and hip at the same time. The owner was cool and the chef was a star.
Will book our office Christmas party here, I hope!
20. Danielle's Review :: November 22, 2005 Danielle's Rating: 3 Stars |
Loved it all. Great feel & food.
21. Johnny Dee's Review :: November 04, 2005 Johnny Dee's Rating: 4 Stars |
Very good, creative food. Caesar salad was very interesting and awesome. Only downfall: EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE BOOTHS (seemed cheap, small and hard). My husband loved Rosebud, but hardly wants to go back on account of that aspect of the restaurant!
22. Laura's Review :: October 20, 2005 Laura's Rating: 3 Stars |
After reading the review on this website I was able to talk my friends into sampling the Rosebud over some other spots in the neighborhood. We had a short wait that was made neglible by the attentive staff as my friends and I chatted over a bottle of wine at the tight but very cosy bar area. It was well worth the wait, the food was amazing from start to finish, our waiters extremely affable and informed, I had initially thought about ordering the cornish hen but our waiter sold me on the amazing wild salmon from BC and was not disappointed. Mouth watering to look at and each delicate morsel practically melted in my mouth. All of us sampled each others dishes and it was quite frankly all consistent in quality. The room is intimate and small, I would love to be there when it's not so busy just to get a different sense of the ambience. I have a feeling it would be a great date room. As it was, the vibe while full was great, the energy positive and now that I've sampled some of the menu, I'm looking forward to more.
23. Marcia's Review :: October 17, 2005 Marcia's Rating: 4 Stars |
I loved the food and especially the atmosphere , quaint space , candlelight, and Morrisey for sound. I'm a thirtysomething and the rosebud is my ideal of FINE dining.
24. Nora's Review :: October 13, 2005 Nora's Rating: 4 Stars |
The food at The Rosebud is extremely good, but the overattentive service and odd choice of music (loud rap, and rock tunes}, really destroyed the atmosphere. I wouldn't come back, or recomend this to anyone who is looking for a romantic or charming dinner spot.
25. May's Review :: October 13, 2005 May's Rating: 2 Stars |
My boyfriend and I had dinner at the Rosebud this past week. It was a great space, with romantic lighting-perfect for getting Michael "in the mood". We sat in a very cool retro cream leather booth and drank the incredible wine that Jay (super cute owner) suggested. The food was delicious and very filling. We loved the 'amuse bouche' touch, and then enjoyed our starters--house smoked salmon on a potato rosti, and the Caesar salad. For our main courses, Michael chose the steak (he's so butch) and I had the gnocchi with oxtail (saw the rave reviews for that dish on this website). Both were heavenly. Michael said his steak was cooked perfectly...and that boy knows his meat! We declined dessert (watching our figures!) but wished we could take that Jay home for a late night snack. A wonderful evening and such fun! We'll be back with bells on!
26. Ryan And Michael's Review :: October 11, 2005 Ryan And Michael's Rating: 4 Stars |
The best fish stew I ever had, I loved the menu. i`ll be back.
27. Yuri's Review :: September 29, 2005 Yuri's Rating: 4 Stars |
Terrific food and great service in a cosy yet stylish atmosphere.
And stumbling distance from my house. Perfection!
28. Lou's Review :: September 28, 2005 Lou's Rating: 4 Stars |
This is how I would do it if I had a restaurant. Great service, fantastic food, cool atmosphere- and they don`t know how good they are. Small place so go now before everyone figures this place out.
29. Jamie's Review :: September 28, 2005 Jamie's Rating: 1 Stars |
If you want to replace mediocre sex, order the gnocchi with oxtail and experience the true meaning of around the world. If you want the boring garlic dressing on romaine don't order the Caesar salad because it is anything but boring and has a great surprise hit with the poached egg.
30. Ray's Review :: September 27, 2005 Ray's Rating: 4 Stars |
This unassuming treasure rightly named Rosebud, serves up some of Queen Street's most delicious meals. In a neighborhood that has become somewhat of a cliche, The Rosebud has something unique to offer: great service, an ambiance that redefines "cool" on Queen, and dishes to die for. A must for any seafood connoiseur or food fanatic! I highly recommend this experience.
31. Amica's Review :: September 26, 2005 Amica's Rating: 4 Stars |
Excellent food in a comfortable, romantic setting. One of the best evenings I've had in a long time. Servers were attentive and friendly. The gnocchi was to die for. The wine selection was great, and the deserts were heavenly.
32. Cheryl's Review :: September 25, 2005 Cheryl's Rating: 4 Stars |
Amazing! My new favourite restaurant! No more getting ripped-off at pretentious downtown restaurants any longer. It couldn't get any better.
33. Emilia's Review :: September 24, 2005 Emilia's Rating: 4 Stars |
| Click here to view all 31 reviews |
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 669 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
