Truly a shame this didn't work out. As a previous employee who worked here from the open to close, I must say it was disappointing it never worked out. But i made some good friends, had a great time, and learned a lot. Thanks to those who supported us, worked with us and had kind words to those of us who really did care! See ya at the Dunny for some quality penguin time.
1. The Cap'n's Review :: January 22, 2010 The Cap'n's Rating: 4 Stars |
Another one bites the dust. Hope the next one works, this location seems to be cursed.
Futures was good, never went to Habitat or Vdaraa but it seemed a little too slick for Queen st.
I remember getting a free soup last winter out front while waiting for the streetcar, they were giving them away, but never went in. Soup was good though...
2. Billy J's Review :: January 08, 2010 Billy J's Rating: Stars |
and I believe they closed, as the notice from the Bailiff posted in the window said, due to failure to pay rent...
Happy New Year to all and thank you to those who know they deserve it :) we cannot undo the past but the future is ours to create.
M.B.
3. MB's Review :: December 31, 2009 MB's Rating: Stars |
thanks jammila. if you actually read any of the customers reviews and 'every' bonafide newspaper review while I was 'there' the food was not the issue...
And they were open for a whole year... well almost.
4. MB's Review :: December 31, 2009 MB's Rating: Stars |
Epic fail.
5. Tom Kelly's Review :: December 08, 2009 Tom Kelly's Rating: 1 Stars |
Now closed. RIP.
6. Jackomclanternhead's Review :: December 06, 2009 Jackomclanternhead's Rating: 1 Stars |
I love Vdara. Its a great place overall.
7. Lauren's Review :: November 09, 2009 Lauren's Rating: 4 Stars |
and thanks Amir, hope your summer went well... by the way i have not posted any comments(other than the past two) or had anyone do it for me, I was relieved not to be involved with vdara anymore.
8. Mb's Review :: September 09, 2009 Mb's Rating: Stars |
lol... nice. you still dont have the balls to use your real name when you slander someone. you only prove my point further. weak. I almost feel sorry for you.
i read a review that was out on the 17 of august(dine T.O i think) where my name is mentioned throughout, however I had not been involved with the restaurant vdara for months. if people would like to know more please read the Joanne Kates Globe and Mail review for a quality unbiased opinion... thank you.
best of luck to vdara
9. Mb's Review :: September 09, 2009 Mb's Rating: Stars |
Good to see the former chef Mani Binelli distancing himslef from this sinking ship. Although one wonders if perhaps things would have been different if said chef had not spent thousands of dollars on useless equipment and product. Perhaps if the chef had done his job instead of spending nights in office watching t.v shows. Yeah I don't know too many chefs that buy drugs off their kitchen staff, hit on staff, steal booz and food and consider themselves to be doing a good job. Perhaps chef Mani next time you go posting disclaimers you should make sure your not at fault for the failure of the restaurant.
10. Former Chef's Review :: September 06, 2009 Former Chef's Rating: Stars |
Love Vdara! It was a great place for my boyfriend and I to get drinks, eat great food and have fun.
11. Cameal's Review :: September 03, 2009 Cameal's Rating: 4 Stars |
Love the place! Food is great and drinks are just as good.
12. Alvin's Review :: August 29, 2009 Alvin's Rating: 4 Stars |
Wow, seems like after the former chef left all these random negative comments came rushing in. It was either just a pissed off and jealous chef or just a coincidence
13. W.T.'s Review :: August 29, 2009 W.T.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
I knew you had left and I would too, the lack of management and stupid decisions made by staff and dumb owners would make me jump ship too. Hope you have a great summer.
14. Amir's Review :: August 24, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
I was the previous Chef of vdara and would like to say i have not been involved with these 'people' since the end of april 09.
15. Mani Binelli's Review :: August 24, 2009 Mani Binelli's Rating: Stars |
Wonderful! Love the place. Food was superb! :) I'm not sure if the people below me went to the same restaurant or not, but it was truly great
16. Levingtson's Review :: August 08, 2009 Levingtson's Rating: 4 Stars |
MARK MY WORDS VDARA WILL BE CLOSED BY OCTOBER IF YOU HAVE NOT GONE IN FOR A HORRIBLE MEAL AND REALLY REALLY BAD SERVICE, PLEASE LINE UP BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN.
17. Amir's Review :: July 27, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
This has to be one of my favorite restaurants of late. I'm sorry to say that I've only been here once, though. I want to return quite badly. Instead of ordering the highly recommended experimental dishes, I ordered beef ribs. They were absolutely delicious. Shall be back.
18. Trish J.'s Review :: July 26, 2009 Trish J.'s Rating: 3 Stars |
Truly awful. If Habitat and Satori couldn't survive in this space (Habitat was an excellent place, I had a few meals there that were top notch, never ate there when it was Satori), there is no way that this lackluster place will survive. As with Jon K's comment, the staff seem to congregate at the back, I saw what looked the owner playing imaginary baseball with a loaf of french stick while we waited and waited for our food. It seems to be staffed with a bunch of kids who have no concept of service, but that is entirely the owner's fault. I'll give this place 6 months to fold.
19. K.L.'s Review :: July 15, 2009 K.L.'s Rating: 1 Stars |
What's so great about the patio? Just a bunch of generic tables in the shade with a bunch of perverted hobos from across the street harassing customers.
20. Jenn 's Review :: July 02, 2009 Jenn 's Rating: 2 Stars |
Love the Patio! it makes te experience i had at vadara even better
21. Darryl's Review :: June 26, 2009 Darryl's Rating: 4 Stars |
hahahahahaha just read the previous reviews and there must be a taste coincidence with people named john and last names starting with k! kudos to you brother! lol... and to the owners, i could deal with subpar food if the service was better, booze is booze hard to mess that up. maybe you should serve pub grub who wants to drink and eat rubber calamri and mushey gnocchi(sounded good but was NASTY!)
p.s. i probably wouldnt have been so harsh if not ignored, reviewers remorse i guess... woulda kept how much it sucked to myself.
22. John K's Review :: June 25, 2009 John K's Rating: Stars |
Seriously dont waste your time or money! Lame! Lame! Lame! go across the street to terroni or Czehoski, even the Dogs Bullocks has better food and service! and there are much better patios with privacy in the area that you dont have people begging for money every ten min! will never go back to this place! we stood at the door for more than five minutes to be seated in an empty place while staff seemed to be 'chatting' in the back, we could see them ignoring us as we were about to leave someone came running up to us and acted like we were inconveniencing them... I wont even get into the food and table service! people beware!
23. John K's Review :: June 25, 2009 John K's Rating: 1 Stars |
Look if you are going to put a burger on your menu the least you can do is serve it with the basic garnishes. No pickles no red onion, no lettuce i mean come on the meat is plain jane so you might as well try to mask it with some garnishes and that aged cheddar is not aged. It is monday june 22 our waiter is wonderful he made me a terrific margarita kudos to him but my bfs salmon was so so dry. You need to get someone new on your grill and maybe change the meat you use for your burger, maybe a flank and brisket something with some flavor.
I really do enjoy your patio and drinks but the kitchen needs to step up because your patio wont keep you alive in the winter.
amir
see you soon
24. Amir's Review :: June 22, 2009 Amir's Rating: 2 Stars |
It's an alright place, give it time.
25. V. L.'s Review :: June 18, 2009 V. L.'s Rating: 3 Stars |
Went over a few nights ago. It was pretty empty but i liked the food. Service was good.
26. K. Brown's Review :: June 18, 2009 K. Brown's Rating: Stars |
Forgettable at best. Raving reviews written here really make me question who the author might be - my wife and I regrettably chose Vdara for dinner and drinks last week and it was a lackluster experience.
My martini was diluted to all hell. The place lacks ambiance, which could probably be attributed to the lack of bodies in the room and the unfinished walls.
Service was sloppy and beyond relaxed, but to top it all off, my meal was over cooked and arrived warm. I'm not sure why, the place was dead.
Save yourselves the disappointment.
27. Jonathan K.'s Review :: June 15, 2009 Jonathan K.'s Rating: 1 Stars |
I had the pleasure of stopping by Vdara last night with my husband...completely spontaneous and unplanned. We wandered in out of the drizzle and had our pick of the place as there weren't many folks dining. All I can say is...what a shame. Vdara must be the best kept secret in T.O.! They offered up a brand new menu and everything we ordered was equisite. We started with a carmelized apple and goat cheese salad...to die for. Even my husband who is not a "salad" guy, couldn't get enough of it. My hubby had the rib eye and I had the tilapia. Bother were truly memorable. His rib eye was cooked to perfection and my tilapia went beyond description. It was paired with a lentil puree and grilled asparagus...all done to perfection. We finished our meal with a creme brule that was incredibly well prepared. Our waiter was attentive and hospitable but didn't crowd us which I appreciate when I'm getting some quality time with the love of my life. I will be back....with friends in tow. I've already recommended this place to two groups of friends and it hasn't even been 24 hours since I was there. Best meal I've had in years!!
28. Sherry Colbourne's Review :: June 12, 2009 Sherry Colbourne's Rating: 4 Stars |
what a pity - nice locale, good-looking space, yet Vdara was by far the worst dining experience I can recall - and I used to live in the UK, so I know about bad grub.
The service was slack and staff seemed baffled, bar area where I sat with my friend was very untidy and had newspaper supplements strewn all over. When we asked if they provided nuts at the bar, the waiter replied yes, then disappeared into the void for at least half an hour. The wait for food was at least 45 mins, when it arrived it made us wish we'd gone to Burger King - scorched meat and odd-smelling veggies, and the mashed potato was as insipid as the ambience. I hope something better takes over - sooner rather than later.
29. Artemis's Review :: June 10, 2009 Artemis's Rating: 1 Stars |
Hands down the worst dining experience in recent memory. Went in for dinner with my friend, restaurant was empty except for us and a table of 8 or so. Service was unskilled and slow, burger was burnt and charred black, when we sent it back the hostess asked "what's wrong with it is it undercooked?". The other plate gave off a funny smell, we narrowed it down to either the beans or the garlic used on the beans. There is a definite lack of skill or passion in the kitchen, maybe both. This place will not last the year, I've been walking by since it was open, I never see anyone inside, now I know why.
30. Kelly's Review :: June 05, 2009 Kelly's Rating: 1 Stars |
I just wanted to commend vdara on the patio they have set up. I appreciate them opening the patio during the day, the past restaurants before vdara never bothered to care about the patio.
Thanks vdara keep up the good work
31. Amir's Review :: April 19, 2009 Amir's Rating: 4 Stars |
I might go there tonight!
32. M.'s Review :: April 13, 2009 M.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Great place, I gave it a 3 star because I don't live close by :(
33. Linda's Review :: April 12, 2009 Linda's Rating: 3 Stars |
I like it.
34. Morgan's Review :: April 06, 2009 Morgan's Rating: 4 Stars |
Love the place, they have definately improved since the last time i visited.
BTW - whats with Amir and Steve arguing? You're supposed to review this restaurant, not wage war!
35. Dwyane M.'s Review :: April 04, 2009 Dwyane M.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Look steve considering I know what fancies you I would not be talking about dirty hands. First off your review from a long time ago about the drinks being the best means you dont know shit from shoe polish. Face it my friend some people have higher standards than your uneducated palette. Iam sure your favorite drink is a boiler maker and that explains it all.
Thank you
36. Amir's Review :: April 04, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
I enjoyed eating at Vdara. I wanna go back, I live in Hamilton, so it's too much of a long distance for me, but i wanna atleast come once a month, this place is worth it.
37. Lorenz Washington's Review :: April 03, 2009 Lorenz Washington's Rating: 4 Stars |
WOW~ Amir, I bet I know more about the restaurant buisness then you, so please, stop acting like you know it like the back of your filthy hand.
38. Steve Q's Review :: April 03, 2009 Steve Q's Rating: 4 Stars |
Great place!
39. Tino T.'s Review :: April 02, 2009 Tino T.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Nice stuff Vdara! Keep up the good work!
40. Jerred's Review :: April 02, 2009 Jerred's Rating: 4 Stars |
I give it 2 thumgs up!
41. William J. B.'s Review :: April 02, 2009 William J. B.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
I give it 2 thumgs up!
42. William J. B.'s Review :: April 02, 2009 William J. B.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Well seems we have struck a nerve with steven q. Look steven you have your opinion and I have mine, all im saying is you have a different standard of expectation. When a restaurant really pushes fresh baked croissants on premises you do expect to have a fresh croissant.
please keep your blood pressure down steven q
signing off
43. Amir's Review :: April 02, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
Went there the other day after reading a few reciews. Awesome place. This is my new fav. restaurant.! :)
44. Loraine K. Foxworthy.'s Review :: April 01, 2009 Loraine K. Foxworthy.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Amir, this is my opinion on the restaurant, it does not define my knowledge of the buisness. So please, stop running your god damned mouth.
45. Steve Q's Review :: April 01, 2009 Steve Q's Rating: 4 Stars |
Well steven my friend some people know what to look for and expect and some people are useto eating at swiss chalet. I believe you dont really understand the business and maybe you should just stick to the basics, swiss chalet, hero burger, czehoski and so on.
Thank you
46. Amir's Review :: April 01, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
They have been stepping up their game, but i jave found nothing wrong woth them to begin with.
47. Steve Q's Review :: March 31, 2009 Steve Q's Rating: 4 Stars |
It is not a change of heart steve q iam only pointing out that things have improved and i commend vdara for it. They still have a whole lot to learn and we will see if they can last through the year.
48. Amir's Review :: March 30, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
I've been back here a few times for dinner with co-workers, and gone with the less-crazy options. Everything was spot-on in how it was prepared, but I don't really remember any of it, except that it was consistently good.
49. Craig Hillis's Review :: March 29, 2009 Craig Hillis's Rating: 3 Stars |
Drinks were great.
50. Lisa K.'s Review :: March 28, 2009 Lisa K.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
What is with the change of heart Amir? N E Ways, i do agree with most people, it is a great place to go and chill too. I had a great time there and the vibe seemed cool.
51. Steve Q's Review :: March 28, 2009 Steve Q's Rating: 4 Stars |
Alright place. Good service, better food.
Best part was the drinks!
52. Vince's Review :: March 28, 2009 Vince's Rating: Stars |
Nice place overall. I would loce to go out there in Summer time. I heard they will have an open patio, that seems really cool.
53. Jack N's Review :: March 28, 2009 Jack N's Rating: 4 Stars |
Went for dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Wasn't busy at all. Service was very friendly and upbeat. Food was mixed. I liked what I had, but the other three at the table said they wouldn't go back. Not that bad, just not good enough for a return visit.
54. Shelley's Review :: March 26, 2009 Shelley's Rating: 2 Stars |
I am here to say give it a chance everyone, it seems jennifer just went on a bad day or two but it seems jennifer lacks knowledge of food and service because she mentions to go to czehoski apparentl never dissapoints. So i think we should disregard her review based on her alternative. czehoski sucks sucks sucks for the past 2 years it has sucked. Food and service are horrible nothing is creative its alomst a watering hole of suburbanites trying to be hip. The food is second to drink here and service is just lost aloof waiter I mean get it together.
signing see u soon vdara
55. Amir's Review :: March 26, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
Have been twice, once for dinner after reading some positive reviews, and once for a brunch (planned by friends who had never been) Both occasions were extremely disappointing, food was terrible, lacking in flavour and poor quality. Decor is oddly mismatched, staff seem out of place, would not recommend to anyone, save you money and eat at a decent place, try Chehoski's across the street - it never disappoints!
56. Jennifer's Review :: March 24, 2009 Jennifer's Rating: 1 Stars |
It is I writing again, just wanted to let everyone know I went to vdara for lunch and it was great. Food took a while but thats alright and I see that they are prepping the patio for summer, which is a wonderful idea. I do hope that they have the brains to open the patio early in the summertime. Still the vibe in this place is odd very odd, music, the guy in the ugly leather jacket constantly pacing back and forth dressed like a schlpp who I believe is the manager really needs to look around his restaurant and realize he is not fitting in and needs to do something about it.
see you soon vdara
keep up the good work
57. AMIR's Review :: March 21, 2009 AMIR's Rating: Stars |
Buisness seems slow now at Vdara but I guess you can blame the economy. W/e the situation is I know once summer comes buisness will pick up.
58. Darryl T's Review :: March 19, 2009 Darryl T's Rating: 3 Stars |
Alright place, i give it a thumbs up
59. Jeff J's Review :: March 19, 2009 Jeff J's Rating: 4 Stars |
I agree with Amir - it looks like the staff is making all those posts.
They have nothing else to do - fair enough! I do not think somebody will go to this place twice. No way! One time is more that enough!
60. Sonata's Review :: March 19, 2009 Sonata's Rating: 1 Stars |
Staff seems new, but they arent doing a bad job. Food is good. By summertime i know it's gonna be big.
61. S. K.'s Review :: March 19, 2009 S. K.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
This place deserves a 5 star ranking, love the place. Food is good. The Staff seems fun and hip. Everything seems just right!
62. Rodney J. Louis's Review :: March 19, 2009 Rodney J. Louis's Rating: 4 Stars |
I am dying to go there again! Great place.
63. Dereck H. Anderson's Review :: March 19, 2009 Dereck H. Anderson's Rating: 4 Stars |
Nice place to eat and have fun with my freinds.
64. Bill J's Review :: March 19, 2009 Bill J's Rating: 4 Stars |
10/10
65. Michael T.'s Review :: March 17, 2009 Michael T.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Like the place, came here a few days ago with a couple of freinds. Nice food, great drinks, awesome service.
- Henry Zheng -
66. Henry Zheng's Review :: March 17, 2009 Henry Zheng's Rating: 4 Stars |
Nice place overall. It's a good place for me and my freinds to hang out, and drinks and food were freat.
Coming back for sure!
67. Brendon's Review :: March 17, 2009 Brendon's Rating: 4 Stars |
Great place, i went a few weeks ago, everything was great. I really had a great time.
68. Alex's Review :: March 17, 2009 Alex's Rating: 4 Stars |
Actually Amir, i didnt go on Sunday, but just b/c i wrote a review on Sunday it doesnt mean i went on sunday, please, have some common sense. Also, don't you have anything better to do? You constantly come here and talk trash, are you jealous. Like seriously, i post a comment everytime i go to the restaurant and i always see ur comments. Please smarten up, you'll not only do yourself some good but others as well :)
69. Steve's Review :: March 17, 2009 Steve's Rating: 4 Stars |
Place is well situated, beautifully decorated and well laid out.
The service might have been a fresh hire, but he knew his stuff and was very courteous.
The food was fantastic and I appreciated that fact that it was a CDN oriented dish, meaning the produce and ingredients in it were locally purchased.
It got a little noisy towards the end of the night, but that is due to a huge birthday party right behind us, and, to be honest, they looked like they were having a great time, so I can't really complain about that :)
Would go back for sure.
70. BN's Review :: March 16, 2009 BN's Rating: 3 Stars |
Wow I was just thinking that you have such a loyal customer base that everyone rushed home to write reviews about vdara on a sunday night. How special lol, truth is i am sure there was not much to do at vdara on sunday night so lets get the staff together around the lap top you sit in front of day and night at the restaurant and crank out glowing reviews. Next time think about the date you are posting 8 beautiful stunning reviews. ITS HARD TO BE OBJECTIVE WHEN YOU'RE REVIEWING YOURSELF.
SEE U SOON
71. Amir's Review :: March 16, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
WOW VDARA SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE CAME TO YOUR PLACE ON THE 15TH AND WROTE MAGICAL REVIEWS LOL.
GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE OR YOU WONT BE THERE LONG.
BEST OF LUCK
72. Amir's Review :: March 16, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
Beautiful, truly Beautiful.
I cant believe some of these reviews. You are talking trash about them b/c you have to wait like 10 min.? If you want something fast and quick, go to McDonalds. But incase you forgot, this is a restaurant, it takes time, just like any other restaurant. Also, use this time to talk with your friends/family, that's what it's all about! I will be returning again, others should to!
73. Wendy's Review :: March 15, 2009 Wendy's Rating: 4 Stars |
I met the chef himself, and he's a really nice guy, his attitude and personality are as great as his cooking ( His cooking as great BTW)
Staff - They were all fun people, and they were really cool, these people.
Food - Came here the other night and it's true, food was unbelievable. I read a few other reviews and they're 100% right, Vdara serves nothing but great food.
Overall - Great place. This place doesn't make you feel like a customer, but more like a friend.
74. Shamir Jckson's Review :: March 15, 2009 Shamir Jckson's Rating: 4 Stars |
Words can not describe this expeirience, it was amazing, im speechless!
75. Michael West's Review :: March 15, 2009 Michael West's Rating: 4 Stars |
Fun place with a great vibe, and to top it off, the food was like nothing I've ever tried, it was sooooooooooooo good! I now know why a few people have been giving some negative reviews, they don't want others to know how good it is, I dont blame 'em, this place is one of the best restaurants i have ever been to, go and see yourself, you won't be dissappointed, it is the best!
76. Rilley Giberson's Review :: March 15, 2009 Rilley Giberson's Rating: 4 Stars |
perfect!
77. Steve's Review :: March 15, 2009 Steve's Rating: 4 Stars |
food and drinks were great, and they we're all at low, affordable prices. I kinda dont want to tell anyone about this place, I WANT IT ALL FOR MYSELF. LOL, but seriously, great place.
78. Evelynn Hui's Review :: March 15, 2009 Evelynn Hui's Rating: 4 Stars |
Food- 5/5
Staff - 5/5
Vibe - 5/5
I couldn't find anything wrong with the place, I will be coming back for sure!
79. A. Mootoo's Review :: March 15, 2009 A. Mootoo's Rating: 4 Stars |
WOW! Great plcae, it's gonna be a hit in the summer time. We better start reserving now!
80. Remi's Review :: March 15, 2009 Remi's Rating: 4 Stars |
Went there the other night, and it was great expeirience! Food was amazing, i dont know what these other people are talking about, because everything tasted perfect, food wasnt too hot, or too cold, and it had a great vibe to it,overall this place deserves 11 out of 10 stars, IT'S THAT GREAT!
81. Chris Brovlowski's Review :: March 15, 2009 Chris Brovlowski's Rating: 4 Stars |
First of all the restaurant -every restaurant - is about FOOD.
There is NO food in this place! All their dishes taste like from No Frills frozen section, even worse. Honestly! And they are not cheap at all.
Save your money - go to another place!
82. Marina's Review :: March 11, 2009 Marina's Rating: 1 Stars |
Well to start the "mixologist" was not in, I should not be waiting 25 mins for a cocktail when there is no one in the restaurant. I am now ready to order mmmmmm everything sounds great until the waiter tells me after 30mins sitting down that "today we are doing something new we dont have lunch we have brunch" I dont want brunch on a monday afternoon especially when i wanted a steak. These people whoever they are do not know a damn thing about this industry. Oh and bytw the burger sucks ass I would rather a have a cold dry whopper. Order it everyone see if i am lying.
Good luck vdara
83. Amir's Review :: March 09, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
So we just had dinner at Vdara and I must say... yucky.
We are not in love with the place by any means.
Three problems:
Food - dull( some par of the same dish was barely warm, another - too hot) You should buy new microwave, guys!
Stuff - very lousy
Space - empty and cold
84. Linda's Review :: March 09, 2009 Linda's Rating: 1 Stars |
I was planning a birthday party here (20 ppl) and I was stressed out of my mind but Vdara made it very relaxed. The staff was very accommodating and friendly and the food was delicious! The service was a bit slow but I didn't really mind... it worked for the situation. They even gave me a cake! It was some kind of blueberry white chocolate deliciousness.
85. Teri's Review :: March 08, 2009 Teri's Rating: Stars |
Amir....! Just. Relax. Can't you give us just a hint as to what the problem was?
86. Ted Gerry's Review :: March 08, 2009 Ted Gerry's Rating: 3 Stars |
TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE, THE FOOD, STAFF, LACK OF VIBE ALL MAKES THIS A TERRIBLE PLACE TO BE. NEVER WILL I GO BACK
87. Amir's Review :: March 08, 2009 Amir's Rating: Stars |
We went there with my boyfriend . I agree with previous reviews - Words can not describe!!!!!... how mediocre the place is. Not fresh food, slow service, empty and cold place. It is total waste of money and time. I am wondering why do they call themselves a restaurant???? it is eatery 100% with restaurant prices. Actually they should not have a kitchen - a microwave is more that enough for their frozen meals. Actually one star is too much for the level of their food and service.
88. Alice's Review :: March 05, 2009 Alice's Rating: Stars |
Words cant describe the great experience I had here at Vdara. It truly was V'mazing
89. Tiffany Amber's Review :: February 28, 2009 Tiffany Amber's Rating: 4 Stars |
Came here from Miami for Valentines day, to meet up with some of my old friends, and i was SURPRISED! I've been to plenty restaurants down in Miami and plent on a world - wide scale, but this has to be number one in my list. Food - Great. The Crew - Friendly Drinks - To DIE for! Experience - Once in a lifetime!
I advise you to come out here.
90. Lorenz Wilson's Review :: February 28, 2009 Lorenz Wilson's Rating: 4 Stars |
Came here for dinner the other night, and dinner was amazing. Everything was so fresh and delicious and i respect the fact that their food is bought locally, helping out small buisnesses. I came with my friends and we had a great time. Not only did we have enough food to fill us up, but we also had some of the most delicious drinks i have ever tried, and surprisingly, the total bill came under about a hundred dollars ( there were 7 of us BTW) I dont know what Beladonna wat talking about, the food was fresh, and i doubt they even have a microwave in their restaurant. I advise you to come to the restaurant soon before this place truly gets discovered. Come summertime, im sure i'll have to reserve.
91. Steve Q.'s Review :: February 28, 2009 Steve Q.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Very romantic atmosphere.The food was great the Lamb shank melted in your mouth. My friend had the steak in was very tender. Service was ok we were not in a real hurry we were enjoying each others company. The best part was the desserts I had the creme brulee which was amazing but my friend had the chocolate molten cake which was to die for. We will definitely go again
92. Rita's Review :: February 27, 2009 Rita's Rating: 4 Stars |
Our family went in there for a dinner. It looks that the owner does not have any idea how to run a restaurant. The restaurant was empty ( now I know why!) We shared two appetizers. For dinner we had duck, salmon and stew. All food was previously frozen and was reheated in microwave! It is a big no-no for the restaurant to reheat the dishes( very unprofessional). All food does not have a lot of taste, I guess because it was made some time ago.
The service was OK but Very slow. Overall - Extremely disappointing experience!
93. Beladonna's Review :: February 25, 2009 Beladonna's Rating: 1 Stars |
This place really sucks. Went there for lunch ordered my food ten mins later the waiter says"sorry you can only order from the brunch menu" lol. I think the owners thought it would be really cool to open a place and it seems they have forgotten the basic essentials of how to run an establishment. The food is the only thing that could save them, and bytw dont try to order a cocktail from the martini list unless you have all day to spare waiting for it.
94. John Wilson's Review :: February 21, 2009 John Wilson's Rating: 1 Stars |
Mediocre at best, rude owner. In any other town it would probably get 3 stars but there are just so many better places to choose from. We have been there a few times but finally decided the lack of warmth from staff and particularly the owner wasn't worth it especially for undistinguished food.
95. Gordon Kent's Review :: February 21, 2009 Gordon Kent's Rating: 2 Stars |
Rating: 2+
Bad: Portions were too big. Wine selection was all Italy and New World, no France except for one lone Alsatian Pinot Noir. For the type of food they are serving there should really be some representation from Rhone or at least start doing BYO.
Good: quality was good but could be great if they reduced the size of the portions and focused more on the quality. The prosciutto starter was sub-par, the braised lamb shank was good. The stew was okay but I think my dinner partner liked it more than me.
Also good was the service. Our server was relatively green but was attentive and made a great effort to make sure we were happy.
Great: Value. All mains
96. Vijay K's Review :: February 16, 2009 Vijay K's Rating: 2 Stars |
Definitely one of the best dining experiences we've had in Toronto. I'd recommend it for foodies, even though it is in a location I typically would steer away from. The service was friendly and attentive without being imposing. How refreshing in contrast to its snotty hipster cohorts along the Queen West strip. The food itself was fantastic with great pairing of flavors and tastes. The best part was the value - exceptionally reasonable pricing, with generous portions. Everything tasted so fresh. The ingredients were not compromised for price. No entree over $20! Just amazing. The wine list was just as reasonable, with low markup. We did not find that the food took too long to come out. Only suggestion for improvement would be more selection on the dessert menu. Aside from that, I think this restaurant is going to blow up from word of mouth. Go try it while you can still make a reservation.
97. J And S's Review :: February 03, 2009 J And S's Rating: 4 Stars |
Sunday brunch was delicious!
We arrived around 11 without a reservation and they sat us all(7) quite comfortably right away! It's a great place because there is lots of room and light and there was something on the menu for all of us. I had the french toast with vanilla and jack whipped cream and maple syrup(yum) The eggs benny and florentine were a hit with the in house smoked bacon. My brother had the open faced pulled pork brioche and loved it.
Service was really good, friendly. The music could be a little more current(meaning less trance thumping)
Vdara is my new weekend brunch spot! I love brunch!
98. Lin's Review :: February 03, 2009 Lin's Rating: 4 Stars |
Good point....my martini seemed soo fresh too. That was good. Thanks for the article
99. J's Review :: January 24, 2009 J's Rating: 3 Stars |
t wasn't love at first bite but, Vdara definitely has my attention. An interesting menu and drinks lineup all entice. Some of the plates were quite spectacular... Other dishes showed potential but overall, the food fell a little flat. Hopefully with some time, Vdara will show some staying power. Although, it's charm alone would bring anyone back for a cocktail or two.
100. Jamie T.'s Review :: January 20, 2009 Jamie T.'s Rating: 2 Stars |
I had a perfect fresh martini, although the glass stem was a little sticky and no one noticed my need for a wet napkin to wipe it down.... so I'll take my rating down a star to 3 out of 4...for what this place is presenting itself to be..... One in my crew stated he LOVED the wine list and enjoyed very much the Malbec he ordered. Liked that wine by the glass is poured from the bottle at the table! Lovely, can't wait to return! I don't know how crowded it can become....I might not like the atmosphere as much.
101. Terri Faar's Review :: January 17, 2009 Terri Faar's Rating: 3 Stars |
We love this place. We often go just for drinks - they have a great, reasonably priced wine list and really friendly (in a good way) staff. The meals we've have had have been fantastic as well. Local ingredients is their mandate, which I appreciate. They treat customers really well. It is out favorite place in the neighbourhood.
102. Daryn's Review :: January 17, 2009 Daryn's Rating: 4 Stars |
Terrific, personalized service. The food was made and served with obvious attention to quality and value. Our jaws dropped (in a good way) when we got the bill. What a great surprise for a new TO restaurant hotspot. Congratulations to the Vdara team.
103. Jessica's Review :: January 13, 2009 Jessica's Rating: 4 Stars |
Having just celebrated my father's birthday with my parents at Vdara, I must tell you, it was Vmazing. Yes that was a dumb pun. but you see i'm the kinda person who appreciates silly things for the sake of them being silly.
Take for example the menu titles: "Duck U Chicken Triangles, sour cherry compote"
With a name like that, I want to order it. I want to order it because of the crazy name attached. It suggests to me that the executive chef is someone who likes to do things his way, which is good. It also suggests that the dish might not be what you expect, and to a food critic; also good.
Sitting in the elegantly redecorated dining room, you feel comfortable and relaxed. The background music was a mix of deep house, with a punch of ambient trance softening the mood every so often.
What actually made the night exceptional ( esspecially after a disaterous encounter at Terroni, an encounter the kind of which I WILL NEVER RETURN TO THAT pretentious shack AGAIN!!!) was the unbelievable service from our young female server (whose name I unfortunately didn't catch! sorry!) and the Executive chef Mani Binelli were on hand to help educate us, the uninitiated, how best to decipher the menu.
To say that Binelli loves his work, is an understatement. This man, who was actually on his way out the door when we arrived, welcomed us in and stayed through out our meal (I later found out that this had been his day off). Binelli personally oversaw its entire execution, from kitchen to plate. having been in and out of restaurants as much as i have in the last ten years, it is a rare thing to see a chef show this level of dedication WITHOUT the expected snobbish attitude.
And I still haven't mentioned the food. And I still haven't touched the topic of taste. And I am still in shock.
From the beautiful amuse-bouche, through the in-house baked bread, to the most incredible shank of lamb I have ever put to my palet - I can't say enough good things, in fact, I'm almost afraid to let everyone know how good this restaurant is, if only to keep the secret to my friends and myself.
So, my point is simple. If you love the one you're with, you'll show them just how much by sharing a meal with them at Vdara.
Five stars for this restaurant just isn't enough. This secret will not be kept much longer.
This is not hyperbole. i honestly believe Vdara is about to blow up.
I highly doubt that there will be a table available next Saturday.
104. Red E's Review :: January 05, 2009 Red E's Rating: 4 Stars |
I went to Vdara again and they really cleanwed up their act, compared to the last time i visited. I suppose they were just opening and still trying to figure everything out, but they really did an wonderful job.
105. Amy Hunt's Review :: December 29, 2008 Amy Hunt's Rating: 4 Stars |
I came to Toronto for the holiday season, never been there before, I didnt really know what to expect. My freind took me out to Vdara and i was so pleased. This restaurant made me love Toronto.
106. Wilson Yee's Review :: December 29, 2008 Wilson Yee's Rating: 4 Stars |
AMAZING! If you havent gone yet you should go. Service was great and the food was even better.
107. Lois Silverman's Review :: December 29, 2008 Lois Silverman's Rating: 4 Stars |
Wasn't sure what to expect from Vdara. On one hand, the staff does well for some elaborate and creative pairings, on the other, this place has been receiving not so great verbal reviews.
M and I went to Vdara and I was a bit excited and very apprehensive. We had 2 dishes from the salty menu and 2 from the sweet along with 1 drink each. Soooo good. But the service was sub par.
We will certainly return, but there are indeed many kinks to iron out.
108. Randall Everest's Review :: December 25, 2008 Randall Everest's Rating: 2 Stars |
To a certain degree, Vdara did live up to all the hype, in my head and in the streets. I am not sure what it used to be, but I was definitely impressed with what it is today. Excellent service in a warm environment. The food is absolutely delicious and interesting/inspiring.
109. Trent Wilby's Review :: December 23, 2008 Trent Wilby's Rating: 3 Stars |
This place was pretty amazing. Innovative, delicious, classy presentation and wine pairings from beginning to end. It's a tad expensive but I'm glad that my ex paid for it.
110. Joyce Davidson's Review :: December 22, 2008 Joyce Davidson's Rating: 4 Stars |
Went there for dinner the other day and it was a great experience. Never seen such a great place before. The food was awsome and the service was just as great. I like the fact that they use most of their products from Ontario, which is nice to know. The staff were freindly as well, and at times it was like i was talking to my own freinds. I am planning to return soon. Oveerall, it was one of the best restaurants i have ever been to and just a great place to hang out!
111. Tanya Brown's Review :: December 20, 2008 Tanya Brown's Rating: 4 Stars |
Went for dinner last night. Food and service was great but overwhelming. Service is slow. Dinner was 3.5 hours long so make sure you set aside time.
112. Amy Hunt's Review :: December 20, 2008 Amy Hunt's Rating: 2 Stars |
Good stuff - all plates were tasty and fresh. The small plates at the start of the meal was certainly appreciated. However, a word to the wise - the service here is extremely leisurely. Expect to devote a solid couple of hours to the experience. Just zen out and let it happen, man.
113. Craig Oliver's Review :: December 19, 2008 Craig Oliver's Rating: 4 Stars |
My girlfriend and I went in there for dinner on a weeknight. They had just opened and it was only half full. The server was attentive and unpretentious. We shared an appetizer of duck triangles (Amazing Cherry Compote). For diner I had the Lamb Shank and she had a “No Noodle” Lasagna (The Lamb was excellent and the Lasagna was a great veggie option for those who are). The menu was fun and playful as was the wine list… But the amazing thing we had a BOTTLE of wine and the check was under a hundred bucks! I had the same experience and paid twice sometimes three times as much. Great Value! and unpretentios.
114. Andrew K's Review :: December 18, 2008 Andrew K's Rating: 4 Stars |
We went the other day for drinks and just shared an appetizer. Wind list looks great and is very reasonably priced. The appetizer we shared was fantastic - sorry I don't remember what it was called. The place looks great and has a really nice vibe to it. We're going to try it for dinner very soon (Christmas Eve, in fact.).
115. Jacqueline's Review :: December 17, 2008 Jacqueline's Rating: 4 Stars |
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