Found this corner stop for a quick lunch and we were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved it!!! I ordered the grilled calamari and the warm spinach salad. The grilled calamari was properly cooked and was a nice addition to my meal. The warm spinach salad was PERFECT. Beneath the plentiful Parmesan cheese is an incredible amount of cooked mushrooms. The bacon provides the ideal crunch and saltiness for the salad too. I can't stress enough how much I loved this salad!!! My friend ordered the Gorgonzola and pear salad - also loved it and finished the whole plate happily! It included what seemed like an entire pear. read more

Barista & Chef - Grilled calamari - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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When I was in Toronto this past week, my uncle and aunt took my sister and me to lunch to Barista and Chef for something different. We didn't know what to expect, though we were instantly welcomed and shown to a comfortable table and chairs with plenty of room for my uncle's walker, and a server brought us menus and drinks. We enjoyed plenty of tasty food, great service, nice ambiance, and some surprises over the lunch. I was not aware initially that Barista and Chef is a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant. I guess I should have put two and two together when bread came out with hummus instead of butter. My sister ordered a Village Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, peppers, Kalamata olives, baby arugula, and feta. My aunt ordered an Omelette, where she chose toppings between onions, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese along with a green salad. My uncle and I both ordered Pastrami Sandwiches with pastrami, gouda, dijon, and pickles. I chose a side salad as my side while my uncle chose potato wedges as his. All of the food showed up as very large dishes and very tasty! There are also dinner dishes including both Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean dishes alike. They also learned it was my actual birthday that day, and before we left, they brought us a plate with chocolate dusted ice cream (chocolate and vanilla), chocolate cake, and pears. It was unexpected and a perfect end to the meal. The owner stopped by the table to say hello and check on us, and we received a lot of personalized attention from the server. According to Barista & Chef, they "do not cook, [they] create your emotions!" Their motto is to "introduce to our wonderful customers the Mediterranean flavours of good quality food and great service. We want that everyone to get the full restaurant experience. Barista & Chef is the hot spot where family and friends get together and have great time." You can go to their website (https://baristandchef.ca) and see their menus, make a reservation, see testimonials, and learn more about the restaurant. We look forward to coming back again in the future on another visit. read more

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Great food portions and Service! He was very helpful with describing the different options, as there are many to choose from. The food was delicious and appetizing! I would recommend going for brunch or lunch. The ambience was also nice! It was relaxing and quiet. read more

Delicious food. Great ambiance and service. we went for a dinner party. 5 of us. We had a lovely time. Soft background music so you can actually have a conversation. I also went for lunch once. The food was excellent. read more

With all the glowing reviews, I was expecting a lot more. My wife and I came here for dinner, and the place was nice (cozy/homey/comfy) and service was great (friendly and quick). But we're mostly here for the food, and that was just ok for us. We had: - Eggplant parmigiana: Pretty standard taste, good serving size. - Arugula salad with peaches, walnuts and gorgonzola: Pretty standard taste. Loved that there were huge slices of pear, though would have liked more gorgonzola (just a tiny cube). - Sea bass with puttanesca tomatoes, capers and salted brocolli (special for the night): The fish was ok (decent size, fresh enough). The star of the dish though was the tomatoes, which were soaked through with the puttanesca flavour. - Creme brulee: Nice and smooth, though bordering on too runny. Barista and Chef was perfectly ok. I guess I was just hoping for more. read more

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We came here for a snack as I was shopping in the area. Both of us ordered the fries. After receiving our drinks we received a plate of fresh, warn bread & homemade hummus. Delicious! Then our fries came after & it was dressed with sprinklings of green onion & feta cheese with a side of a creamy sauce. I wasn't expecting this & since I'm lactose intolerant I scraped the cheese off the fries & gave them to hubby even though they offered to make a plate without dairy. Long story short the fries were hand cut & obviously homemade. They were scrumptious. We would eat here again when we're next in the area. The decor is modern & classy yet casual. The owner told us they just opened a few months ago. read more

Barista & Chef - Inside the cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I call this place place The little gem on St. Clair! Very intimate setting with great music selection. The waitstaff are superb & very attentive. The food is fantastic - lots of options for vegetarians too. I highly recommend the Pear & Gorgonzola salad and the Eggplant Parmesan. So happy I found this place! A must visit! read more

Barista & Chef - Eggplant Parmesan & Scalloped Potatoes - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We happened upon this gem while going to another restaurant in the neighbourhood. The other restaurant we planned to visit was unavailable for dining in, so we opted for this one. We don't live in the area. It was a pleasant surprise after reading the reviews. I can see that this is an area with many Spanish/Latinos, and the restaurant had the South American flare. We ordered the mussels as appetizer. It came in a good portion and was fresh and delicious. I decided to get the whole sea bass as my main course as I missed having one since I was in Europe last year. It truly gave me the feeling of dining in Europe. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was classy and quaint. They have lots of regular customers who knew the owner by name which just shows that this place is popular in the neighbourhood. It's just a lovely experience. read more

Came here again for brunch with the Hubster and his parents. We ordered the chef's omelette, egg and sausage breakfast, eggs Benedict and trout sandwich. I actually had my eye on the duck prosciutto sandwich, but was told that without the dairy, it would be a bit dry and bland. I took the recommendation and was handsomely rewarded with a perfectly cooked trout with grilled vegetables on a crusty bun. I struggled to finish it and had to leave most of the bread behind. Everyone else enjoyed their meals very much. My MIL couldn't finish the omelette and my FIL raved about the beef cheeks in the eggs Benedict, which he had never had before. The Hubster told me that the sausage was amazing, AFTER he finished all of it. The great thing about this spot is that it was mysteriously deserted at Saturday at noon. The brunch was fantastic for its value (nothing over $15), service was great and the space is very comfortable. I would definitely visit again for brunch, a meal that I usually avoid because I hate the Toronto brunch crowds. read more

It's taken me years to finally make it to this place (thanks, COVID) but I've been twice in the last 2 months and nothing but good to say. Small, quaint charming place with tasty, high-quality food and a nice wine selection at reasonable prices. My husband loved the steak (the feta scalloped potato side is so good we ordered 2 more to take home for the next day). I love the crespelle (with spinach in a rose sauce) and both of us adored the fried feta appy. Service is efficient and friendly-a local gem for sure. read more

So, we attended on a Sunday July evening and it was new to us, in a friendly neighborhood. We were comfortable and seated soon after arrival. The restaurant was popular with casually dressed older couples eating outside, and the music inside was not overwhelming for holding a conversation. Inside we could sit at a window, away from other tables, so we were at home. There was complimentary bread, a variety of food on the menu - they describe their menu as eclectic Mediterranean. The beet salad was well made by and the pasta was excellent. The fish was beautifully plated but not as fresh as expected. I would like to go back and sample the menu some more. We paid about 50 per person plus tip and shared a lot of dishes, which was enabled with extra plates without hassle by the waiter. read more

A hidden gem of a restaurant. Some of the freshest and visually appealing dishes I've seen in a while. Their seafood dishes worth travelling for. Seared tuna w pistachio and above all their pear salad with candied walnuts...worth every penny. Above all, great atmosphere...soft music and lighting accompanies the meal in a clean and warmly furnished restaurant with wood , cream and neutral colours. I know where I will be hosting my next bday party! read more

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Last Saturday my friend and I found this little restaurant by coincidence trying to find a place to get warm and we loved it. We ordered dessert and a coffee Americano and everything was good. The staff was incredible helpful very attentive and professional even though we didn't order food we couldn't help ourselves to notice that the food being served to other customers looked so appetizing that we decided to give it a try next time. read more

Barista & Chef - a view of the bar and dining area - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Amazing food and a nice outdoor area to sit as well. Would definitely come back again

This place was really good! Came here on a Friday night and had a reservation although it wasn't really necessary; there were maybe only 2 other tables seated. The restaurant is really pretty and quaint, it's a nice place for a date! The food is also great! This restaurant, hidden among one of the many places on St. Clair, is a hidden gem. The interior is really lovely, warm and inviting. It's quite a small place so I'd be hesitant to bring large groups, but it's nice for a small family/friends gathering or a date. It's dimly lit and quite romantic. Once we sat down, we had our drink orders taken and were brought some bread. The drinks and bread came out quickly but it was about 10-15 minutes before the waiter came back to take our orders which was a bit long but we weren't in a rush so it wasn't a big deal. They have a nice selection of wine, a glass will run around $10-11. The bread they bring out is delicious, I'm seeing here that it's a bean-type dip but the waitress said it was hummus, regardless, it was garlicky and delicious, we got a second helping of that. I ordered the b&c pasta which is a cheesy, creamy pasta with duck prosciutto and pears. We also got the eggplant Parmesan and the Gorgonzola and pear salad to start. Both were above average and the plating was really beautiful. Again, the food does take a while to come out so I wouldn't come here if I was in a rush. I also tried a bit of the ragu pasta which was also very good. Portion sizes are generous and the food was served hot and tasted fresh. My pasta was really rich but it had some sweetness from the pears which was nice and unique. The restaurant is supposed to be Mediterranean but I found it to be closer to an Italian restaurant, although the dishes had some creative spins to them. I'm not sure what the focus or theme is but, because of the variety, I think that everyone could probably find something suitable on the small menu. The service was decently good, I think there were some moments that could have been improved upon. When we walked in, we were kind of just stared at. The server seemed kind of indifferent when we showed up. Also when I was placing my order I noticed he was looking away from me at one point and it seemed like he wasn't paying attention to what I was saying which was strange. There were really no issues with the service other than those tiny things, I might be nit-picking but it caught me off guard in such a nice restaurant. I actually think the server might have been the owner, he seemed to be making sure everything was running smoothly. Prices are mid-range. I think they're fair given the location and quality of the food. The pastas are around $14-20 and then the meat dishes were $20+. Nothing too crazy but probably not a budget dinner. I would definitely be back to try other menu items as I had a nice time here and left very satisfied! read more

What a truly wonderful place! In the middle of one of the hottest areas of Toronto, this is definitely one of the best restaurants anywhere. The eggplant parmigiana appetizer had a great flavor with a bit of kick to it. The clams were very tender, not chewy like many other places. The branzino and the trout were clearly very fresh and delicious. The Barista half of the owner duo, Hednor, made sure we were attended to with great grace and care. At the end of the meal he surprised us with two amazing tartufo ice creams. Altogether a memorable experience. We'll definitely be back next time we're in Toronto! read more

It is a wonderful experience to visit this restaurant. The service is outstanding and personal. Truly a gem! read more

If you are looking for a laid-back upscale environment and no massive crowd for Sunday Brunch, this is the place to go!! It's really new, so that's probably why no line. Amazing service, incredible food and great prices! Last Sunday we were looking for brunch in our neighbourhood (St Clair and Dufferin) and the regular brunch spots all had 20-25 minute wait times for a table for 3. I remember seeing this place while on the streetcar home and we ended up walking in and immediately being greeted by our awesome server and getting a table with no wait. Service was quick and food was amazing. I had 2 eggs, over medium with potatoes and homemade breakfast sausage. All was great! Husband had Eggs Benny with beef cheeks over potato pancakes and an espresso. He couldn't stop raving about the meal and how tender the meat was. His cousin, visiting from Holland, had the vegetarian omelet with salad and he was definitely happy. We also had a plate of fries with garlic aioli to share and they have feta cheese on them!!! OMG it was soooo good! I'd come back just to have those again. Then for dessert, we tried the flourless chocolate cake which, as someone with a gluten allergy, I can tell you is just ridiculous. It's so dense, so intensely chocolatey and definitely needs to be shared. I don't think I've had a better flourless chocolate cake in Toronto. We left satisfied and pretty much had to roll us out of there. Will definitely be back for brunch and to check out the dinner menu! Give these guys a try. New but worth it! read more

Great food, great music and great people. Their homemade burger is the best in Toronto! Ciabatta bun is so fresh. I was so full at the end of this dish and can't wait to try again. read more

Barista & Chef - Homemade burger - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Warm, cozy, inviting. Simple eggs and handmade sausages; I didn't know they could be so simple yet so delicious. Going back. Bring your friends. This place deserves a line up outside. Thanks for the great service and simply delicious food! read more

Luv luv luv this place! The people were so welcoming and friendly. I had the TAGLIATELLE RAGU and CAPPUCCINO and while I was waiting warm fresh bread and the best hummus I've ever had! Absolutely amazing food, atmosphere and service! The best restaurant in Toronto! read more

Barista & Chef - TAGLIATELLE RAGU and CAPPUCCINO the best ever! - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

It was a miserable night and for a period of time we were the only ones in. We had the beet salad, mushroom risotto and the sea bass special. All were fantastic all made to perfection. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and just attentive enough. It has a very broad menu that could suit any group no matter what the occasion. Has a real upscale feel without the prices to go with it. I hope to be back again. I would feel quite comfortable coming in for a coffee or just a drink. Would love to try lunch. read more

This was a nice find. We came here in the late afternoon for lunch. We were kind of skeptical at first because the restaurant was empty but we decided to give it a shot. And we are glad we did. We had the duck prosciutto sandwich and a pasta. Both of the dishes were top notch. Full of flavour, nicely balanced and well portioned. Service was great as the waiter was attentive without being all up in your face. read more

What a nice experience to discover this great place The food was excellent. The ambiance warm and inviting, the service was perfect A nice place to enjoy a nice relaxing evening as a couple or with friends I had the grilled peppers with feta and didnt leave a crumb behind:) I had the three cheese pasta which i loved The seafood plate was to die for too Im looking forward to going back read more

What a terrific place! My wife and I came here for her birthday and we were very pleasantly surprised. The service was terrific, we had the Mediterranean platter for the appetizer, I had the tagliatelle with shrimp and my wife had the crepes. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. I had a nice glass of Black Label Shiraz that complemented my entrée nicely. The only negative is the decor is not up to the quality of the food and the service. Not a dealbreaker at all but ambience counts for a lot - so four stars. read more

Honestly my boyfriend and I come here every week and we just love it here. They've got really good food and the presentation. I strongly recommend the lamp and the crème brûlée, which is surely the BEST in the city. Trust me I have tried so many deserts in so many places. The decor here also gives off a relaxing and refined vibe and atmosphere that makes you wanna linger. The service is great and the owner is nice. Anyway awesome dinning experience I have every time read more

Barista & Chef - Amazing experience we had in there! Become a regular already - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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A really nice neighborhood spot with good food and good pricing. In the summer they have a nice patio and if you're there early, it's all young families (so I don't feel bad when my 3 y.o gets cranky.) They have no problem accommodating my gluten issues either....we usually get the antipasto and I go for the grilled calamari. I hear the pasta is good but can't vouch for it. It's definitely a better spot than some of the other noisier, pricier, more mediocre spots on St Clair read more

We have come here for quite a few Sunday afternoon brunches and love the service (attentive) music (chill and low) and the food (amazing). They may have the best omelette in the city. Everything else on the menu is also wonderful and we can't praise it high enough. A wonderful addition to an exciting and very interesting neighbourhood. read more

My home close to home,my kitchen with a chef, my hangout.I love it here. Always great food and comfortable atmosphere. Summer patio.Friendly and engaging staff. Great brunch also. read more

Barista & Chef - Newfie coffee!!! - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Came here Sunday September 3rd for a late lunch with the family. Beware this place will both blow your mind and knock your socks off! Once we walked in we got greeted with the warm aroma of good food, mediterranean music and our friendly waiter Hednor. The absolute attention to detail Hednor demonstrates to his patrons is inspiring. We started the meal off with drinks as well as in-house made hummus and warm bread. The hummus was both very fresh and full of flavour. I ordered the braised lamb shank, it was cooked to perfection, fall off the bone tender but not overcooked. The demi was so flavourful and the scalloped potatoes were the best I have ever had! I was already craving more the second I walked out the restaurant. This is definitely a hidden gem on St. Clair and will be returning very soon. The price is very affordable and the food prepared is for a price level two folds! I can't recommend this place enough and will be returning with friends to show them this hidden treasure. read more

In recent years, I've spent many wonderful evenings at Barista & Chef, indoors and on their patio. During the pandemic, we're still enjoying takeout meals of many of our favourites, including the crespelle (feta-filled crepes in a rosé sauce), mushroom risotto, and braised lamb shank. And I love the house bread and hummus! The food, the service and the ambience at Barista & Chef are all excellent. (The cosmos and house wines are dandy too.) read more

Best we have has in almost 2 weeks visiting Toronto. Pear and gargonzola salad was great. I had fried feta and grilled peppers appetizer for a main and hubby had mushrooms risotto- all excellent read more

It is not often that I encounter a restaurant that offers such a complete dining experience. Barista & Chef offers diners of the Oakwood and St. Clair area a dining experience that is executed so vibrantly and brilliantly that keeps his customers coming back for more! Barista & Chef feels to me like a communal dining experience, that supports and promotes a sense of community and growth for the Oakwood and St. Clair neighbourhood by inviting people to break bread together, experience good service and feel inspired to eat food that is delicious and artfully made. As a regular diner of Barista & Chef, I have had the opportunity to enjoy many of the dishes offered on the menu, always with a sense of adventure, as it if I was trying them for the first time. One week it may be the rainbow trout with a citrus salad and roasted potatoes. On my next visit, it may be the lamb shank served with scallop potatoes that are to die for. While on a more indulging mood, the homemade burger just hits the spot! And just went you thought you could not ask for more! a melody fills you as you take the first bite of your favorite dish and there it is Chet Baker in the background, it is music that captivates you, lets you take in the flavours and aromas so intensely that you can't help but feel that you have been transported to a very special place. At Barista & Chef you feel like a guest, as Hednor walks you to the door and thanks you for your visit. A smile always feels like the right way to end the evening, Barista and Chef are experts at making your dining experience superb! read more

Intimate place, warm ambiance, delicious food, polite service... I highly recommend it.

This is one of my favourite restaurants. Always have the Tagliatelle Ragu. It is simple but very flavourful and reasonably priced. Overall very good food and will be back! read more

Though immaculate and well presented this wonderful restaurant suffers from appearing relatively nondescript and I feel therefore doesn't get the attention it deserves. The service was excellent, the atmosphere incredibly comfortable and the food delicious. Very reasonably priced, this place is easy to walk past but definitely worth the visit, and return visit. read more

I come every other week so this review was long overdue. It's a very cozy place, nice music, outstanding service and of course delicious, delicious food. I've tried a few options and my favourite so far is the Rainbow Trout. I could eat this dish every single day. Also, they serve bread with hummus (at no charge) while you wait. This place is a MUST try. read more

Barista & Chef - Seared chicken breast with mushrooms, potatoes and roasted onions. One of my favourites at this place. - Mediterranean Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Have been twice....once for dinner and once for brunch. Fantastic brunch at very reasonable prices. Had the eggs Benedict with beef cheeks. Very good and nice to see a different take on a Benny breakfast. Great addition to the hood. read more

So, we just happened to stumble across this restaurant because the restaurant we actually wanted to go to a few doors down was closed. And I couldn't be more happy. Our experience was delightful. From the appetizers to the main meals, everything was delicious. Our server was amazing. So glad we found this place. Will definitely revisit and would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

My date (mom) and I shared the Mediterranean platter and a roast beet salad with goat cheese. Great service, very nice and well seasoned food. All in all a lovely experience. read more