 ocated in the theatre district, Urban has been serving up an eclectic menu full of international bites. From the Indonesian shrimp to the New Brunswick scallops, Urban fuses different cuisines to something that is all their own. Sleek but casual, the restaurant has a crackling fire that is located at the back bar for the winter months and a nice patio for warmer days. – A.C.
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 AT A GLANCE
Urban Restaurant
303 King Street West, Toronto, ON
416-598-5656
Contemporary
Downtown
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Sun. to Tue.: 11:30am - 11:00pm Wed. & Thu.: 11:30am - 11:30pm Fri. & Sat.: 11:30am - 12:30am
Price Range:
$$ (affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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21 Reader Reviews | They didnt have the item on thier fixed menu that my friend wanted to order. There werent very many options for vegetarians. My friend and I both got violently sick after eating here. It was not worth it. The food was so so and not worth the trip to the hospital after.
1. Kat's Review :: November 17, 2008 Kat's Rating: 1 Stars |
I had the worst experience dining at the restaurant. The food tasted awful ( and all I ordered was a simple pasta dish !). The price they charge for the food was outrageously expensive. Servicewise, I got the shabbiest service possible from a human being. The waitress was rude, slow to bring the food, and just neglectful as a whole (she got a zero dollar tip from me).
2. Anonymous's Review :: November 03, 2008 Anonymous's Rating: 1 Stars |
Myself and two girlfriends went to Urban on Saturday evening before a play. We made an early dinner reservation, but when we got there we were seated at a table where a dirty, stained glass divider separated us from the kitchen and kitchen alleyway. We asked to be moved and seated at one of the 15 tables at the front of the restaurant looking out on to the street, but we were told that they were reserved for reservations later in the evening or they didn't want to join two tables of two to allow for our table of three. Reluctantly we stayed and ate. Food was fine and our server tired to make the best out of the situation. When we left, many of the tables at the front still sat empty. I am not sure why I bothered to make a reservation to have such an awful seat. Will never go back!
3. Anonymous's Review :: September 17, 2008 Anonymous's Rating: 1 Stars |
My partner and I just returned from an mid-afternoon dinner at Urban. Basically, I couldn't wait to return home to write a scathing review of this King St. restaurant. The ambience and seating were the only highlight of this place...as a resident diner in Toronto for 10 years, Urban is awarded the star of dishonour-the first and only place I have cared to write a review of!!
The waiter was indifferent, bored or underpaid, and clearly knew how to serve well but was mailing this one in. No offers of water, 'how is your meal' or support / clarification on menu selections. Stood beside our table the entire meal to 'check out the scenery'.
We ordered the prix fixe ($20 a piece) and my partner's arugala and stilton salad came with three tiny morsels of stilton, no arugala and a head full of iceberg lettuce! My beef tartare was weak but had fresh garnishings, so i'll pass further critique on that. The bread we received was stale and worse, tasteless.
The mains we ordered included ribs for my partner and bouillabaise for me. If the bouillabaise wasn't so horrifically bad I would provide some context on the ribs. But the seafood soup almost had me gagging with the smell and taste. The broth was tasteless and aside from 2 or 3 tiny tomatoes, there were no garnishings or other potential sides to this meal.
The desserts ordered were a panacotta and a lemon poundcake with apparently a chocolate mousse topping. Hardly! While the desserts were acceptable, the mousse topping was raspberry and not chocolate (contrary to the waiter's insistence) and the 'fresh' fruits accompanying the desserts were past their due date.
All in all a visit for the ages that I would never want to replicate.
4. Anonymous's Review :: August 04, 2008 |
My partner and I just returned from an mid-afternoon dinner at Urban. Basically, I couldn't wait to return home to write a scathing review of this King St. restaurant. The ambience and seating were the only highlight of this place...as a resident diner in Toronto for 10 years, Urban is awarded the star of dishonour-the first and only place I have cared to write a review of!!
The waiter was indifferent, bored or underpaid, and clearly knew how to serve well but was mailing this one in. No offers of water, 'how is your meal' or support / clarification on menu selections. Stood beside our table the entire meal to 'check out the scenery'.
We ordered the prix fixe ($20 a piece) and my partner's arugala and stilton salad came with three tiny morsels of stilton, no arugala and a head full of iceberg lettuce! My beef tartare was weak but had fresh garnishings, so i'll pass further critique on that. The bread we received was stale and worse, tasteless.
The mains we ordered included ribs for my partner and bouillabaise for me. If the bouillabaise wasn't so horrifically bad I would provide some context on the ribs. But the seafood soup almost had me gagging with the smell and taste. The broth was tasteless and aside from 2 or 3 tiny tomatoes, there were no garnishings or other potential sides to this meal.
The desserts ordered were a panacotta and a lemon poundcake with apparently a chocolate mousse topping. Hardly! While the desserts were acceptable, the mousse topping was raspberry and not chocolate (contrary to the waiter's insistence) and the 'fresh' fruits accompanying the desserts were past their due date.
All in all a visit for the ages that I would never want to replicate.
5. Mark's Review :: August 04, 2008 Mark's Rating: 1 Stars |
I came in with some friends on a hot sunny afternoon. The room was not as nice as the front room but it had air conditioning and that's what we needed. The waiter was very attentive, and he even helped the bartender figure out a drink that my friend ordered. He was quick and funny, and was basically the highlight of the meal.
Now for the downsides: the tables wobbled and our chairs had rips in them. My friend's chair actually broke when she sat down and the waiter had to try three different chairs until he found one that wasn't broken. Then the food came. The chicken was burnt and the rice was terrible. My friend's fish and chips were way too greasy, and the pork sandwich was way too salty. When dessert came, the melon for the fondue was crunchy and not ripe, and the cake was cold. Overall, even for only 20 dollars the food was terrible. The bread they served us was also hard and stale, and when the waiter replaced it he replaced it with these terrible buns.
Overall, I wouldn't wish this place on anyone and I hope the waiter finds a better place because he won't be getting customers for long with food like that.
6. Diana's Review :: July 24, 2008 Diana's Rating: 1 Stars |
we ended up @ urban because we were looking for a patio for dinner after sweltering week we've been having. we would have settled for a street level patio but there was seating on the rooftop - excellent. not too crowded and had a nice airy open feeling to it. i had my toddler and two waiters/servers went on a hunt for a highchair with out me even having to ask - one even offered to get padding so she would be comfortable. they weren't too pushy, but knew when to attend to us as well. the food was excellent and so were the drinks, but to me the most important thing in a dining experience is the service service service. it was amazing - and that's why i left a 50 dollar tip on a hundred dollar meal.
only two things:
one - if you have to see a show let them know because 2 couples were rushed trying to get to an 8oclock because the staff weren't aware.
two - the dining room seemed a bit dark - it could be that my eyes hadn't adjusted to the indoor light after the rooftop, but still a bit dim.
7. Danielle's Review :: June 12, 2008 Danielle's Rating: 4 Stars |
Had I read the review below, I probably wouldn't have gone to Urban, which would have been a shame because I had a wonderful time. I had lunch there with a friend on the weekend and the food was amazing. I had calamari and rainbow trout (if you're a seafood fan, I highly recommend it, delicious) and my friend had the pre-fix lunch which was a great deal, 3 courses for 20 bucks. We sat on the roof patio, which was busy but not noisy, and the service was friendly and professional. I will definitely be back.
8. Laura's Review :: April 22, 2008 Laura's Rating: 4 Stars |
I definitely will not be going back to Urban. Here's why.
The kitchen is in the middle of the dining area. The chefs were unbelievably foul-mouthed. Having to hear "f---ing" "f--- this" and so on spoiled my dinner. I had to ask the waiter to tell the kitchen crew to watch their language. Don't they realize that they are in public service?
Manager strutted around a lot but did not come over to greet me--and I was the only customer in the restaurant for about an hour.
The worst experience I've ever had in a restaurant.
9. Anonymous's Review :: March 25, 2008 |
I definitely will not be going back to Urban. Here's why.
The kitchen is in the middle of the dining area. The chefs were unbelievably foul-mouthed. Having to hear "f---ing" "f--- this" and so on spoiled my dinner. I had to ask the waiter to tell the kitchen crew to watch their language. Don't they realize that they are in public service?
Manager strutted around a lot but did not come over to greet me--and I was the only customer in the restaurant for about an hour.
The worst experience I've ever had in a restaurant.
10. Tony's Review :: March 25, 2008 Tony's Rating: 1 Stars |
The ambiance was very nice RE Urban. My friend booked this place after researching on line as we are from out of town and had not heard anything about it. He wanted us to have a nice place to eat with great eats. The food was GREAT - I had steak and my friend had the duck BUT - the service left a lot to be desired. We are very easy to please people but we felt like a thorn in the waiter's day. He did not make us feel welcome or appreciated. We will not be going back but maybe someone else will have a better experience. The service needs to be overhauled! The prices are what you would expect from a fine dining establishment.
11. Jan's Review :: April 30, 2007 Jan's Rating: 3 Stars |
My friend and I had dinner on Friday night at Urban Restaurant and we were thrilled with the experience. The server was really knowledgeable about wine and suggested some great vintages to compliment our meals. We started with the ceasar salad and then I had the Ahi tuna and my friend had the steak, both of which were perfectly done and accompanied by tasty and understated sauces. For dessert we had the most incredible sticky toffee pudding. The ambiance is nice and the tables setings are really elegant, but we were seated right near the front window and were a little chilly. Next time, I'll ask to be seated by their cozy fireplace in the back. All in all, two thumbs way up for Urban. I'll be going back soon :)
Rating: 4
12. Anonymous's Review :: February 12, 2007 |
Myself and 5 colleagues were out for dinner recently and were very impressed with our evening at Urban. We were seated down by the cozy fireplace and all enjoyed a leasurely meal. The prix fixe menu was a great introduction to what Urban has to offer and we all really enjoyed the meal. The risotto was devine and the stickey toffee pudding was to die for!
Rating: 4
13. Anonymous's Review :: February 12, 2007 |
My friend and I had dinner on Friday night at Urban Restaurant and we were thrilled with the experience. The server was really knowledgeable about wine and suggested some great vintages to compliment our meals. We started with the ceasar salad and then I had the Ahi tuna and my friend had the steak, both of which were perfectly done and accompanied by tasty and understated sauces. For dessert we had the most incredible sticky toffee pudding. The ambiance is nice and the tables setings are really elegant, but we were seated right near the front window and were a little chilly. Next time, I'll ask to be seated by their cozy fireplace in the back. All in all, two thumbs way up for Urban. I'll be going back soon :)
14. Olivia's Review :: February 10, 2007 Olivia's Rating: 4 Stars |
Myself and 5 colleagues were out for dinner recently and were very impressed with our evening at Urban. We were seated down by the cozy fireplace and all enjoyed a leasurely meal. The prix fixe menu was a great introduction to what Urban has to offer and we all really enjoyed the meal. The risotto was devine and the stickey toffee pudding was to die for!
15. Mike's Review :: February 10, 2007 Mike's Rating: 4 Stars |
My friend and I went to Urban on a Thursday night at about 5:30 pm. The
moment we were seated, we were told that they would need the table back
at 8 pm. I have never had this happen to me, and would have likely left
then if my friend had not specifically wanted to go there. The place was
totally empty, but we figured that they must be all booked for later
on. At 7:30 pm, when the restaurant was still largely empty, we thought
it would be fine to stay longer, since 90% of the tables were still available. But at 8 pm, the waiter came over again to tell us that it was now 8 pm and we would have to leave, since they needed that row of tables. If they knew this when we got there, why didn't they just seat us somewhere else from the beginning? Or offer to place us at another table at 8 pm? This really ruined our evening and came in addition to an unfriendly waitress, who hovered at our table until we paid the bill. We wont be going back.
16. Anonymous's Review :: February 05, 2007 |
Went there with a friend on a Thursday at 5:30 pm for an early dinner. The place was emplty, with only two other couples there. As soon as we were seated we were told that the table would be needed at 8:00 pm. Thinking that was plenty of time, we decided to stay. At 7:30 the place was still largely empty, so we didnt think it would be a problem if we stayed past 8, since there was PLENTY of other seating. At 8 on the dot, the head waiter came over to tell us that it was now 8 o'clock and that he needed that row of table. My friend and I were very upset that the place was so empty and we were being asked to leave!!! It was very poor planning on their part to seat us at that table in the first place, if they knew that they would be needing it later on. Their second mistake was in not asking us at 8 o'clock if we'd like to stay at another table. I put us off right from that start to be told when we had to leave by. It really ruined the whole mood and the entire evening. On top of it, the service is very poor. The waitress was not very friendly and hovered around our table until we paid the bill. Not a warm environment in which you can enjoy socializing in peace!
17. Anonymous's Review :: February 03, 2007 |
My friend and I went to Urban on a Thursday night at about 5:30 pm. The
moment we were seated, we were told that they would need the table back
at 8 pm. I have never had this happen to me, and would have likely left
then if my friend had not specifically wanted to go there. The place was
totally empty, but we figured that they must be all booked for later
on. At 7:30 pm, when the restaurant was still largely empty, we thought
it would be fine to stay longer, since 90% of the tables were still available. But at 8 pm, the waiter came over again to tell us that it was now 8 pm and we would have to leave, since they needed that row of tables. If they knew this when we got there, why didn't they just seat us somewhere else from the beginning? Or offer to place us at another table at 8 pm? This really ruined our evening and came in addition to an unfriendly waitress, who hovered at our table until we paid the bill. We wont be going back.
18. Mireille's Review :: February 02, 2007 Mireille's Rating: 1 Stars |
Went there with a friend on a Thursday at 5:30 pm for an early dinner. The place was emplty, with only two other couples there. As soon as we were seated we were told that the table would be needed at 8:00 pm. Thinking that was plenty of time, we decided to stay. At 7:30 the place was still largely empty, so we didnt think it would be a problem if we stayed past 8, since there was PLENTY of other seating. At 8 on the dot, the head waiter came over to tell us that it was now 8 o'clock and that he needed that row of table. My friend and I were very upset that the place was so empty and we were being asked to leave!!! It was very poor planning on their part to seat us at that table in the first place, if they knew that they would be needing it later on. Their second mistake was in not asking us at 8 o'clock if we'd like to stay at another table. I put us off right from that start to be told when we had to leave by. It really ruined the whole mood and the entire evening. On top of it, the service is very poor. The waitress was not very friendly and hovered around our table until we paid the bill. Not a warm environment in which you can enjoy socializing in peace!
19. Mary's Review :: February 01, 2007 Mary's Rating: 1 Stars |
what a mess!!!!!
everything is lousy,...don't have enough space to mention...
20. Laslo Magyar's Review :: December 23, 2006 Laslo Magyar's Rating: 1 Stars |
My friend and I decided to try the winterliscous menu. Even though theprice of 35$ for a 3 course meal was rather appealing, we were a bit dissapointed with the results. First, you guys at Urban HAVE to stop burning incense. It might be a good idea for a living room or a lounge...but not for a restaurant. We both decided to start with the heart of romaine salad. a big zero. There was virtually no dressing on it, 2 grape tomatoes were added for presentation and 2 paper thin slices of cheese garnished it. Then my friend had the steak and I took the salmon. Both were ok. The steak was well done but had a few hard spots. My salmon was perfect but more asparagus would have been better. Dessert was GREAT: green tea creme brulee. A nice twist on a popular item. With 2 martinis, 2 glasses of wine and tip, we ended up paying 125$ which in my opinon, is not a good value. If you go, go after a play and for a creme brulee and coffee. not worth a whole evening. dissapointing. very dissapointing.
21. Andre Clermont's Review :: February 04, 2006 Andre Clermont's Rating: 2 Stars |
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 303 King Street West, Toronto, ON |
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MBO Toronto :: Toronto Restaurants & Dining Guide
