I've live in the neighbourhood for just over a year now and have walked by this place several times. I always thought it was just catering and didn't realize they had fresh prepared meals to go until someone posted about it on FB. I was going to suggest Google to add "Takeout" as a Service Option, but I couldn't figure out how. Anyway, my partner came here to grab lunch for us. It was $11 for a meat and a side. I ordered the sole and the quinoa and kale salad with red peppers. He ordered the chicken parm with mac and cheese. We both really enjoyed our dishes! I would come back here again for sure. I'm glad we finally tried it out. My only complaint would be that I wish they had a few more options, but perhaps it's not cost effective for them. Either way, a hidden gem that I'm glad we found read more

I have to be honest and say I really did not enjoy the food we took home from the shop that day. The food was overly salty/bland/oily and we felt like we wasted $20. Loved the idea of the store front with freshly prepared meals (ready to go or frozen), jams, jellies, home decor, and other food stuffs. But the food really missed the mark for us. Sorry but we won't be back. read more

I'm not sure why no one in the neighbourhood is talking about this, when I ask them about hidden gems. I can only comment on the take-out prepared foods, and not the catering, but this place is truly a hidden gem! They have an amazing selection of prepared items such as: salmon, crusted tilapia, sole, jerk chicken, mac & cheese, lasagna, an array of salads (beet, pasta etc.), fried chicken, coq au vin, meatballs..and the list goes on. The few items I've tried from them so far have been a hit! They also have frozen items like beef brisket, shepherds pie & ratatouille as well as soups & I think I even saw some desserts. The retail items they have like the jams & pasta sauces look tasty and I'll definitely give them a try soon. This is the perfect place in the neighbourhood to grab a quick, fresh, healthy & tasty lunch! The staff were also great at explaining how everything works as far as combining items for combos. read more

I went here after going to a spin class and the food was not very good. It's deli style so I ordered a pasta dish with broccoli salad on the side. I asked if they'd heat the pasta up for me which the staff didn't look too pleased about. When I received the pasta, it looked like it would be pretty tasty but unfortunately it was still cold, pretty bland, and tasted like something I'd buy in a box at the grocery store. It was also oily. Just overall, I wasn't impressed. The salad was drenched in dressing and overly lemony. The service at this place was quite rude and certainly not enough to make me want to return. read more

Absolutely horrible catering company. I'm not sure what was worse their "high quality food" that was extremely over cooked or their attitude. The chef cannot take criticism to save his company. I am extremely appalled by the lack of professionalism that they obtain. They wanted to get personal about my abilities to do my job when they really need to look at themselves before accusing others. I HIGHLY RECCOMENED NOT USING THIS COMPANY. Check out Hearty catering or En Route catering if you want actual HIGH QUAILITY FOOD. I wish I could rate them a 0, worst catering I've ever experienced. I tried to give them more than enough chances to fix their mistakes, which they did for two weeks then served my crew absolute mush. They have the flavors needed, just don't have the skill to be a catering company. Paul has an attitude problem that has lost him business. read more

My wedding was supposed to be next year, but got moved up because we found out we will be starting a family in the fall. We planned our backyard wedding in less than 2 months, and were stuck between catering ourselves or hiring a caterer for the event. We ended up with a 100 person guestlist, and figured it would be much easier and less stressful on everyone if we catered. Our wedding planner found UF and the quote was easily the cheapest we looked at between 5 potential caterers. What was also wonderful, was that even though it was the lowest-priced quote, it still included: serving trays, dip bowls, side plates, cocktail napkins, wine glasses, highball glasses, water goblets, ice bin, ice, ice bucket, ice scoop, bar towels, clearing trays, PLUS 4 servers, a bartender, a cook, and supervisor. However, price wasn't the only thing I considered in this 4-star rating. They arrived on time, and the service was EXCEPTIONAL. Someone in the wedding party was sick that day, and though the servers and staff weren't scheduled to start for another half hour, the entire staff was constantly thinking up miracle cures and putting snacks and drinks aside for him so the ceremony could start. Our flower girl also was starving before the ceremony could get started, so they made up a plate of something or other to tie her over. To be honest, I didn't get a chance to eat quite as much as I wanted to, but I felt like the guests were really impressed with the quality of food, as well as the friendliness and professionalism from the staff. The mini fish tacos were to die for, just as a side note. As I did not eat enough to be able to personally comment on the food as a whole, I give them 4 stars instead of 5. They also allowed us to have our own desserts, as we wanted a bit of cultural flare from my side of the family. We also had an entire roast pig brought in (another staple at weddings on my side) . The staff didn't have a problem with it at all; in fact, they set up our dessert table and had someone in charge of serving the pig -- even though they weren't obligated to as it wasn't supplied by them! The clean-up was also spectacular. They even cleaned serving dishes that were ours, and when they left, you couldn't even tell they had been there in the first place. SUCH a pleasant experience with Urban Fare, and will probably be hiring them again for the baby shower. read more

Super surprised by the bad reviews! I've been going to Urban Fare for over a decade and it's great! I normally buy from their prepared foods, but I have a friend who used them for her wedding reception and that was also good. They aren't cheap, but the food quality is always excellent - no skimping. The cooking is in a Bonnie Stern style, and they offer a combination of comfort food and health conscious dishes - there's something for everyone, salads, entrees, desserts. They also have clearly marked gluten free choices, and keep ingredients lists handy in case you have questions (for those who suffer from food sensitivities/food allergies). The store also always has a large selection of beautiful decorative home wares and take-away condiments - good for hostess gifts, etc. My favourite dishes include the salmon, healthy heart salad, edamame and kale salad, baby bokchoi, garlic rapini, asian eggplant, and the frittata (I really wish they made that more). a lot of people like the vegetarian pad thai, but I think it has sulphites in the sauce so I can't have it. My friend really likes the panko breaded chicken tenders, which are huge. Caveats: The staff are usually REALLY busy. they're generally always nice & polite, and they try to serve you as quickly as possible, but I don't expect them to be chipper - it's not that kind of place. In the past they've occasionally had some questionable part-time staff, but that's how it goes, good help is hard to find. The current staff are EXCELLENT. Not all the dishes are hits. None are bad, but I've had things that I don't order again. I've never been a fan of their meatloaf, it's REALLY dense (but I guess you get a lot of meat for your money?). read more

As you know I planned everything from Sarasota, FL for my father's celebration of life with over 100 guests. I am very happy my friend referred me to you ! I sincerely appreciate everything you personally did Alan to make my father's celebration a success ! Everything was perfect. Staff were great and the food was presented beautifully and tasted delicious. The Turkey sliders were just as my father would have loved them... and that was a really meaningful touch. Guests raved about how lovely things were. So thanks again. I hope to have an opportunity to work with you in the future. And I will be sure to recommend you. read more

Urban Fare catered our pre-Prom event. 150 hungry 17 and 18 year olds running around our backyard and house was something we were dreading. Urban Fare came through in spades! They completely removed all of the stress of the event from us and very professionally put together an amazing culinary experience for the kids. The food was excellent as was the service and the whole thing was completely seamless. Their footprint in the kitchen was small and organized and both setup and cleanup were fast. Garbage and rentals etc. were neatly packed up and they left the kitchen as if they had never been there. We devoured the few leftovers that remained, but they did not last very long. The staff were friendly and courteous and the compliments on the food keep rolling in! read more

I've eaten at Urban Fare catered events many, many times, and each time has been extremely poor to low-end mediocre. So unremarkable, in fact, that it's only after 15+ UF events that I feel compelled to write a review. Take a pass on UF and work with any of the other great caterers in the city. read more

Urban Fare's sauces are truly a gift. The dishes have a homemade feel which speaks to the fresh and carefully chosen ingredients. The menu varies, ensuring that there is something for every palate. So happy to support local businesses who still pride themselves on personal customer service. The charming seasonal gifts are an excellent touch; making this a truly one-stop shopping experience. read more

I am surprised by the poor reviews of Urban Fare, but unfortunately I think often the customers with the negative experiences are the most likely to post reviews. I discovered Urban Fare a couple months ago and often go on Tuesdays because we are in the neighbourhood and they have a great deal - a main course and two side dishes for $9.99. There is a large selection - always several chicken and fish dishes, a couple beef options, and varied sides, many of which are quite healthy and several labeled gluten free. How many places can you pick up a delicious, healthy meal to please each family member's taste in that price range? Sure, once in awhile something doesn't end up being a favourite- this happens now and then even in top restaurants - but for overall quality we love this place. The next time I need catering they will be at the top of my list. read more

I worked at this catering firm. I can attest that the owners are mean, nasty and treat staff like garbage. The foid is prepared days in advance, frozen and nuked before being shipped out. Their "sauces" are generic big box they re-bottle, label and charge a healthy mark up. An altogether awful place. I speak from experience. read more

I came down to visit a friend a little while ago and we ended up having lunch here. The food was really good. The meatballs here are delicious and taste home made. The service was really good too, like they're welcoming you home. Next time I'm in the area, I'll pay it another visit. read more

Have received some catered dinners from this establishment, and the food is generally quite disappointing. Poorly flavoured, salads too salty, and main dishes like salmon that taste better from Costco. Not worth the expense. read more

Urban Fare regularly caters the meals at my office, and I have to say that I have never been a big fan. The food is bland, soggy, and uninspired. I almost always have to find something else to eat after the "catered" events are over. Stay away from the grilled portabello wrap at all costs! read more

My company has been using Urban Fare as our go-to caterer for corporate functions for four years now. They are incredibly reliable, offer competitive pricing for great quality food, and their customer service is second to none. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for frequent use corporate catering. read more

I went to urban fare on a lunch date with a neighbour, and I've happily been back a few times. I found the food to be really simple and enjoyable. It seems like a very creative mix between sensible food and unique decor items for sale (great place to look for seasonal gifts!!). They have tons of really easy frozen food meals to take home which i thought was so convenient (lasagnas, meatballs, chicken dinners, Brie! Which was great to grab on the way home). The staff has been consistently nice and engaging which I thought was refreshing. I was confused by the negative comments I read here, because I was quickly enamoured with the food shop. It's on the smaller side, and there is not a lot of seating, so maybe that was off putting for some folks, but I find the service and space more enjoyable than a fast paced, big food shop. Hope to be back soon! read more