On November 8 2025, our party of four -- celebrating my lawyer brother's 68th birthday -- had what…read moreshould have been a pleasant evening at SOLE Restaurant in Waterloo. It turned into an embarrassing and disappointing experience. I am a retired Air Force Captain, a veteran of the Gulf War, and that evening I was joined by my brother and our spouses, we all choose to drink red wine. After enjoying dinner and ordering our second bottle of wine, a female manager approached our table to ask how we were getting home. I explained that my wife and I were staying at the Delta Hotel across the street and walked here and were walking back, while my brother mentioned that his daughter would be picking them up. Later, when we ordered a fourth bottle of wine to enjoy with dessert, the same manager returned and refused to serve us, claiming that it would amount to "one bottle per person" and could "put us over the limit." In all my 64 years, I have never been refused service ever -- especially while being responsible, polite, and transparent about our arrangements. Feeling insulted and unwelcome, we decided to take our business to the Delta Hotel, where we were treated with courtesy and common sense. Needless to say, SOLE will never see my face again, and I will make sure others are aware of how this restaurant treats paying, respectful customers celebrating a special occasion. Sincerely, Capt. (Ret'd) Martin Mattes Canadian Air Force Veteran

Very solid restaurant with great food! Place is classy but cozy. We ordered the seasonal soup which…read morewas a hearty beef and vegetable orzo soup, pear & blue pizza, and the roasted squash & duck fiorelli. Soup was perfect for the cold weather, and enough for two of us to share. Pizza had good chew to the crust and the combination of blue cheese and pears and honey was delicious. A little greasy. Pasta was delicious and cooked perfectly, the duck confit was so tender and flavourful, squash was also perfectly tender. They were also nice enough to bring a little birthday dessert for us! Only thing I'll say is that this might be the only restaurant I've felt like I'm doing something wrong... not that the servers were mean but the vibes are just something I've never felt before. Total bill for us before tax & tip was $67. Great pricing for great food. Highly recommend!

My party of four visited during Taste of Oakville, and in hindsight, the evening foreshadowed…read moreitself early -- the restaurant's website was down with a 404 error, and we kept finding two different addresses (one apparently their old location). We eventually found it. Upon arrival, the door swung open and struck a seated guest -- a sign of just how small the space is. The restaurant was full except for one four-top (clearly ours), and we stood awkwardly in the entrance -- which is essentially inside the dining room -- waiting to be acknowledged. When greeted, we were asked if we had a reservation. We said yes. "Table for eight?" we were asked, which felt impossible given the size of the room. We clarified four, and were pointed to the only open table. No name was requested; we realistically could have just walked in and taken it. The space is starkly lit with aggressive bright white lighting that feels more clinical than cozy. The artwork is interesting and gives a gallery-like feel -- it seems the restaurant is aiming for a downtown Toronto wine bar aesthetic, but it doesn't quite land. Our table was missing water glasses, and the stemware was mismatched -- not in an intentional, charming way, but more in a "we ran out" way. Once seated, we weren't acknowledged or offered water for nearly 20 minutes. Not rushing guests is one thing; leaving them feeling forgotten is another. When our server finally arrived, the service set the tone for the evening. One glass of water was poured before he realized another was missing. He disappeared, returned with a glass, inspected it mid-pour, then walked away again (dirty glass). After several more trips and long gaps, everyone eventually received water -- about 15 minutes later. He was polite and friendly, just clearly untrained. He shared that the owner is also the sommelier, cook, and server, and that he liked working there because he wasn't expected to know much about wine -- an interesting admission for a wine bar. The owner greeted us warmly but asked only one guest about wine preferences -- ironically the only non-wine drinker at the table. The concept appeared to be sommelier-led, though this was never explained. If that is the intention, engaging the entire table is essential. That said, the wines themselves were enjoyable; the service surrounding them was not. The Taste of Oakville menu promised three curated 3-oz pours paired with a charcuterie board for two. The pours arrived unevenly and slowly, with little explanation of the pairings. The charcuterie boards were plain and inconsistent between tables despite containing similar items -- basic fruit, crostini, simple cured meats, small portions of brie, and two slices of truffle cheese. No crackers, spreads, or thoughtful touches elevated the experience, and presentation varied noticeably. Our second wine pour didn't arrive until our mains, and service moved so slowly we requested a wine list to order a bottle. We were told there is no wine list -- "we're not that kind of restaurant." Instead, all reds are $80 and all whites $70, and the owner selects the bottle for you after asking only red or white. The concept might work if explained upfront; without context, it was confusing. At one point, noticing my empty glass, our server poured me a random red -- which turned out to be the same wine as our first pour -- and then left without serving anyone else. We had to remind staff we were still waiting for our second curated pour. Nothing about the experience felt curated. The most surprising moment of the night came when our mains arrived. As we lifted our appetizer plates -- still holding olive pits, fruit rinds, and crumbs -- the servers told us not to worry about clearing them and proceeded to place our main dishes directly on top of the used plates. I'm still shocked. I wouldn't do that at home, let alone expect it at a Lakeshore, or quite frankly, any restaurant. Two of us ordered the tagliatelle, which was tasty but contained only two small pieces of short rib -- and was difficult to enjoy while staring at discarded rinds beneath the plate. The other two ordered brisket sliders: two sliders, no sides. They tasted good but left diners hungry. One guest joked they kept thinking the fruit rinds were fries -- unfortunately accurate. We tried to make the best of the evening, but it never delivered the cozy wine-and-charcuterie experience we had anticipated -- dim lighting, thoughtful pairings, something special. After finishing our meal, we requested our bills and reminded staff we were still waiting for the third curated pour. We were told "five minutes." Those five minutes never came. Eventually, wanting simply to leave, we paid a single combined bill and sorted it out ourselves. Dinner for four totaled $460. This was not the boutique Lakeshore dining experience we expected, and ultimately, it was deeply disappointing.

As an Oenophile, I was excited to check out The Wine Bar in my neighbourhood. The door was open, In…read morewalked in at 4:55 to be "Greeted" by the Owner, "We don't open till 5 o'clock".......Attitude from the get go. I looked at the menu, interesting but very pricey for the offering. I looked at a row of wine bottle partially open and simply corked, no nitrogen or air extraction.....no telling how long the wine had been "Breathing"....Days? I am puzzled by the discrepancy 5 Star vs 1 Star reviews. I have no confidence in the 5 star reviews....Friends?...Self reviewed? No serious wine enthusiast would visit this establishment...bad attitude, poor value, insufficient wine care and presentation.

We came here on a date night and thank goodness we thought of reservations! As it came out to be,…read moreDon Julio's was hosting a Dia de los Muertos celebration. It was extremely busy but despite this everything was kept clean, the servers were fantastic, and the food was muy delicioso. Honestly best tacos I have had maybe ever? Mucho recommend! Bonus points: wheelchair accessible bathrooms AND gender neutral bathrooms on top of separate male and female bathrooms.

Great tacos and service…read more Chicken taco was incredible and fresh made corn tortillas was a nice touch, Colleague had a chicken bowl with green rice and said it was excellent.

Last night we had an amazing girls night with outstanding service given to us by Sadie! Sadie knew…read morewhich wines to recommend and did a fantastic job especially since she had to run upstairs to bring the food and drink. She was attentive and knew what to recommend to each of us. We had a private room for our girls night which was great for a good visit! The shape of the table allowed us to talk to each other comfortably and to hear each other easily. We also loved the live music from a distance. The food was very good for an evening out. I had the special and saw my friends eat the salmon, steak salad and tuna. Thank you for a great evening out!

Excellent food and service. Beautiful place. The only issue we had was they were understaffed, so…read moreit took a long time for the food.

A cozy and very romantic lifestyle Tapas and wine little restaurant. It's operated by a lovely…read morecouple and the business first opened in the beginning of pandemic. Most of the very pretty and cozy decorations are made by the owner. He is also the chef. The wifey Robyn is the nicest host giving us a friendly, comfortable and welcoming service. We ordered various favours of gin and tonic. They are good with very nice presentation. We ordered the Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus, Mushroom Medley on Toasts and Lamb Sliders. They are all cooked with passion. I highly recommend this place when you are in Fergus!!

First review of 2026! And our first dine out as well. And there would not have not been any better…read moreplace to be! What a luxury experience. We opted for a weekday lunch of discovery menu, where they accommodated me for a vegetarian menu to meet my dietary needs! Bravo! All the seven courses were unique and delicious, and made you full. The drive and location is beautiful. We sat by the window on a snowy day, it was beautiful and romantic. The server introduced himself and was very attentive. The place is good for an intimate conversation or for a group meeting. Has both big round tables as well as cozy seating. Starting from Amuse bushe - which was a dried leaves with some jelly, it was unique and pretty delicious for leaves without any salt or spices, served on the upside down glass. The mushroom was delicious, pretty balanced. My mains had 3 different flavours on roots vegetables with puree of cauliflower, curry spice and carrots. Every bite tasted different. We got a complimentary miniature dessert plate, which was as good as our main dessert! I am going there back for another special celebrations.

We spent two nights at Langdon Hall, and the dining experience was the highlight of the stay by a…read morewide margin. The restaurant strikes an ideal balance between fine-dining formality and genuine warmth, helped by live piano music and a calm, elegant room. Food: Dinner began with two appetizers: the Lobster (autumn-spiced lobster, winter squash, Armagnac velouté) and the Ricotta Gnudi with winter truffle. Both were beautifully prepared and set a strong tone for the evening. Between courses, we were served a white truffle risotto, which became one of the standout dishes of the trip -- aromatic, silky, and rich without being heavy. For mains, we ordered the black cod and the venison, each cooked with precision and very well balanced. The meal ended with a maple-forward dessert that fit the season and the setting perfectly. Vibe: The dining room feels intimate and refined without being stiff. The combination of soft piano, candlelight, and the heritage property setting creates a memorable atmosphere. Service: Service was excellent across the board. Staff were knowledgeable, attentive, and thoughtful, and this extended beyond the restaurant -- every person we interacted with on the property carried the same sense of care and professionalism. Overall: Langdon Hall offers one of the best fine-dining experiences in Ontario. The quality of the food, the warmth of the service, and the overall atmosphere make it well worth the trip, whether for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a destination meal.

Fine Dining... casually!…read more When a restaurant delivers the best meals, with top shelf service in an intimate setting, you call that Michelin Star or at least recommended. When you do it effortlessly, you call that Buvette, a new standard in Casual Fine Dining. I had the most wonderful evening at Buvette in Burlington. Yes ... Burlington. Far away but worth the drive. Step in and friendly salutations are offered, along with overheard lively conversations of happy patrons that have been looking forward to a night out. It's been a long few years, and Buvette has spent their time setting up and after only opening 8 months ago, they are shaking up the dining scene. The home reimagined and constructed into Buvette is gorgeous. The passthrough fireplace, with Buvette proudly emblazoned on it, plays the center piece. The sunken sunroom dining area, the intimate bar, stairs to the second floor dining area all pass by warmth of the fire. And of course, opposite to the fireplace is the glass encased small collection of fine wines. Though Buvette is a Winebar, let's not forget their handcrafted cocktails. The owner was cheeky and named them after businesses around the historic Village Square of Downtown Burlington. From carpaccio to cauliflower bites, burrata to pastas, steaks to lobster, the names may be standard, but the food here is elevated to a whole new level. My fav? Obvisouly The Buvette Signature Share Platter! A mouthwatering board featuring steak, lobster, shrimps, lamb, and all the fixings. Whether you are here for vibes and drinks, spend some quality time with family, or a special someone, you really came to the right place. My night was amazing, however, take a gander at the menu before heading out. The place is casual but don't forget, it is Fine Dining. Bring your card made of metal... or someone you know that is!!! Downtown Burlington continues to impress me as a place for upscale living, and I think Buvette has given me another reason to perhaps make a move? Hmmm... CHEERS!!!

Food and service tops! Beet salad was delicious and as a…read moreappetizer huge BB bits and hamburger both are worth every bite. But not for the handicapped as washrooms are up stairs!

One of the BEST dining experiences of the year!…read more I came for the first time last October. Our table of two had a reservation -- which is highly recommended. The place filled up fast! The cosy restaurant has lots of small tables, and some bar seating as well. Our server, Arbra (sp?), took such GREAT care of us. When she came to tell us about the menu, she paused to listen to my particular dietary restrictions and then went to check with the chefs in the kitchen. When she returned, she presented me with the menu showing mark-ups to indicate dishes that are no-go AND which dishes could be adapted just for me. There were still tons of options for me! I've never seen this type of service and flexibility before! I got to enjoy the meal completely worry-free. What we ordered: Cocktails -- Brooklyn, and Dark & Stormy Pig Head Terrine with zucchini relish, toast Salmon Tiradito with sweet corn, aji amarilo, cilantro Cold Roast Lamb with eggplant caponata, mint Hanger Steak with new potato, watercress salad Chocolate & Beet Torte with red wine poached plums and sorbet Everything was absolutely delicious. Every dish was beautifully plated and wonderfully balanced flavours. Whether hot or cold dish, every one was a surprise and journey. Especially loved the cold plates! Absolutely delightful. Can't wait to return!

We stopped by for lunch since dinner reservations were impossible to get. Everything we ordered was…read moretop notch. Service was impeccable as well. I love that they have a rotating menu based on what is in season. Definitely a must visit when in Stratford.

The food here is exceptional. We love the service and the ambience. Our favorites and cocktails are…read morealso out of this world.

Wow. What a fantastic evening at Grace! Kudos to Alex our…read moreserver who was so animated and knowledgeable and also makes the most delicious fortified wine. Your port was fantastic and reminded me of my father's homemade pear brandy. You made the evening incredibly enjoyable! Thank you also to the sommelier who suggested the perfect Austrian red wine for our mains of lamb and sirloin and to the chef and her staff who created a perfectly balanced menu with tantalizing dishes sure to excite your tastebuds. The soup was so light yet had such deep potato flavour, and the crisp on the side with crème fraiche and chives was a welcome burst of brightness. The second appetizer of frisée, pea tendrils, slightly chared pumpkin, house made cheese and candied walnuts with just the right amount of chili oil left me speechless. Then on to the final appetizer and you won't be disappointed! I expected sweetness from the apple fritter, but it was incredibly savoury with this amazing mournay sauce! The entire meal was just incredible. I was also impressed with the lively, yet chill atmosphere, and such a beautifully decorated space with comfortable seating. I can't wait to return!

This cafe is located in uptown Waterloo .. truly a hidden gem. I have ordered a cappuccino and a…read morelemon coconut bar.. both were amazing. So was the overall customer service here. The cafe is quaint and very beautiful inside. You will find a plants corner on one side and a book shelf on the other. So it's definitely where you can go read a book or even work or just enjoy having a company along

I love this cafe, the interior is decorated beautifully and it has such a great and welcoming…read moreatmosphere. We got a matcha latte and chai tea latte, and both tasted great and were made quickly.