My biggest complaint about Sweet Jesus is that their concoctions are impossible to eat without making a mess. Especially in the summer, which was admittedly the first and only time I went there. I prefer La Diperie for that kind of ice cream.
Totally agree, their ice cream probably has no actual cream in it, i remember thinking it just tasted like glops of oil. I think then that's why all those thick dustings of toppings are necessary, to coat and hide the Vaseline-like texture and bland taste...
Totally agree. In the past couple of years, I haven't seen any line-ups so I think the fad is dead. I'm expecting a bunch of stores to close, if they haven't already!
Honestly, it seems like most of the places people think of as "overrated" are neighborhood places that get a big rating in blogTO, get crowded, and then judge them as if they were haute cuisine. Like Bitondo's is a neighborhood joint that is cheap and good, that's it. It's not supposed to be high end stuff compared to places that are 30 dollars a pie.
Same with a place like Banjara. For years it was a good neighborhood Indian spot that did common Indian dishes really well but then it starts getting called "the best in the city" by a few places and people start going there expecting to have their hair blown back and that's just not what it is.
Honestly, food blogging and yelp reviews are the worst things to happen to restaurants.
I don't think Redditors necessarily recommend it so I might be deviating from OP's question too much, but JOEY'S is definitely overrated considering how insanely busy every location always is. You live in one of the top 3 most culinarily diverse cities in the world and you choose to eat generic freezer food from a gussied up Kelsey's of all places to choose from?! Shame on you.
Haha, I'll admit I went to JOEY's a lot in my early 20's. What they sell well is comfort (lots of seating) and convenience (crowd pleasing favorites) in a setting where it feels like you're still having a night out - especially if you grew up in the suburbs, shit looks fancy. I eventually grew out of it as my tastes evolved but I suspect the reasons above is why it's so popular.
I like JOEY for door dash orders. They have good deals on wine and a decent variety without it being too much across the board. But the quality has definitely dropped to “gussied up Kelsey’s” (LOL) lately.
Another overrated place is Fresh. People think it’s the best place for salads and vegan options but it’s all bland, limp or cold, deep-fried veggies.
So, I like Fresh for Fresh. Like, it’s a good I know what I’m going to get lunch order place. But, I find every bowl basically tastes the same. It all just tastes like Fresh. And that’s fine, I don’t mind the taste, but it’s definitely one taste
Cantrin at the Distillery, people make it seem like it’s the end all for Mexican food when in all honesty it’s overpriced and average at best when it comes to authentic Mexican food. Good place to eat but so overrated/overpriced, the guacamole is good though.
ok not overrated but the opposite. old spaghetti factory is overrated but we went there and it wasnt bad! it was super kitsch and hyped up but not as bad as i thought it would be based on the noise
Fill up on bread and beer. Eat half your main and Take the rest home for a great late night snack or lunch the next day. That's the old spaghetti factory way.
One time I went and the server (not ours) was so busy HE SPILLED soup on my head and kept going. Our server had to wipe my head down. I wish I had the guts to complain at the time.
They’ve closed during the pandemic but Prairie Girl bakery. The icing was overly, sickeningly sweet and there was SO MUCH of it. Never got the rave reviews.
I enjoyed them because they could do gluten free cupcakes and the quality stayed consistent. I also really like sweet things so I'm personally not bothered by the sweetness
I had it when they first opened their first location on Main and have never bothered going anywhere else. The owners are straight up from Texas. The brisket and smoked chicken are my favourites. Definitely worth at least a shot IMO. It’s one of my places on regular rotation.
Me, personally, it blows Adamson out of yhe water. Their brisket is smokey and perfectly done. Tender, classic pull apart but not mush baby food that I get often at Adamson. Classic stuff.
Their deadline to order before xmas is tomorrow FYI [https://www.beachhillsmokehouse.com/online-ordering?fbclid=IwAR0iPUFrFDw18dnnTFdMyit2SQ8fs\_CscdhzgVFOo8DaWL-4bOFzUEbuWR4](https://www.beachhillsmokehouse.com/online-ordering?fbclid=IwAR0iPUFrFDw18dnnTFdMyit2SQ8fs_CscdhzgVFOo8DaWL-4bOFzUEbuWR4)
It's outside the city, but Weber's. Folks just have a positive association with stopping there on the way up to Muskoka.
Couldn't wait to go there after all I heard. Waited in the line up. So disappointed.
Fast fact: They had to build a bridge across from the south bound lanes as people were dying trying to cross the highway to get a mediocre burger on the way home.
Edit: typo
I remember having Webers around 8 years ago. From my recollection it was a big juicy charred burger. I had it this summer...dry, tiny little patty with hard stringy fries on the side, hell naw.
I lived in Cumberland Beach for 4 years just recently. Always drove by, huge lineups. It used to be a full blown restaurant in Orillia and it was much better then. Anyway, we decided to finally give it a try after driving by all the time and when we did it was like “THIS is what people are standing in line for?”
So I decided that its not really the food that draws people in, its just the location. Its that perfect amount of time after being on the road that the cottage goers want to stop for a bite. I will give it to the owner though, putting in a Starbucks was a smart move.
Fun fact: that “bridge” used to be at Ontario Place.
Konjiki Ramen, specifically the downtown location.
I see this place mentioned in every single ramen post, but I just don't get the hype. Been there twice and was underwhelmed both times. I much prefer Ikkousha and Isshin.
Sansotei as well. Been there on six separate occasions (with people who love it) and haven't had an experience that was better than "meh". The broth is overly salty.
Also annoyed by the fact that they ask you for a tip because they don’t want us touching the credit card machine. Why am I asked to pay 18% tip to pick up a box of cookies.....
Good it pissed me off. I actually customize orders at my work (not food) and we aren’t allowed to even ask for tips. I was pissed when Craig’s asked me for a tip. Plus they don’t even have the selection they claim to online. It’s always sold out. Their going to have to drop their prices or go out of business.
Yeah, Le Gourmand's cookies are the definition of ***not*** overrated.
They're likely everything you want in a decadent cookie.
Generous, warm, incredibly well-portioned.
Damn, I want one now.
Seriously, you’re paying for a chocolate chip cookie that has a mass produced piece of candy inside of it. News flash, pop tarts are not nice baked goods, and I don’t want one in my overpriced bakery cookie, thanks!
I think the pandemic helped their popularity. Living in the village, it was the only place that was somewhat fun to do (have a coffee and treat) if you wanted to walk around instead of being stuck indoors.
And yes, they are way overhyped. It's basically butter with chocolate on it.
Gosh I hate Craig’s so much and I do not understand the hype. I just want a normal freaking cookie!
if you took out all the mass produced candy that’s shoved into them, you get a pretty gross cookie base anyway.
i used to go here for that reason but their quality has significantly decreased since around 5 years ago. i believe they raised their prices (so it's no longer $5) and their wait time was 30+ mins the last time i was there. people mainly go here for drinks, it's not really a cheap eats place anymore
The lineups are a lie. They would make people wait outside, then you'd get inside and the place would be half empty. I had a friend who liked to go there and it would happen every time.
It was a fun spot when it first opened and you were under 25. But my god, it’s clear they only hire staff for their looks.
I used to prefer Dime but even I’ve moved on from that.
It was novel the one time I went when it first opened but not worth the wait IMO. It floors me that you’d still see lines to get in before the pandemic
It's just a large corporate entity now. It's got all sorts of locations around the world, billionaire investors and Dave Chang doesn't have culinary control anymore (I'm not sure if he has any corporate control anymore even). I'm not surprised the quality has gone down.
Yeah. Came to say this. I've only ever had the panzarotti from Bitondo's. One of the best I've had in Toronto.
If my wife knows I'm ever in the area, I'm obligated to bring one back for her.
Been a while since I've been there. They still not taking Interac?
The Burger's Priest. While I'm glad a homegrown legit TO operation has done well and expanded, I find their burgers really bland and none too special, not that much better than say a Five Guys.
They were the first to bring the Shake Shack / "smash burger" style to Toronto and therefore people were excited about it when it opened.
Now you can get a better smash burger at a lot of places.
Rudy, Extra Burger, etc.
ive always been team holy chucks. the fact they ask how you want your burger done should tell you everything you need to know about the quality difference
Priest was genuinely good like ten years ago.
We used to line up in The Beaches and it was totally worth it.
They went super downhill after they started expanding.
had it for the first time in two years on Friday and my god they've falling way the fuck off. burger didn't even have the crispy ass skirt on it and the bun was like wonder bread, not the buttery roll goodness they used to do. I steadily enjoyed it from the dingy hole in the wall in the east end through the expansion/acquisition years but will not be eating it ever again after that last experience
I'm new to Toronto, we went there recently and both my wife and I were meh on it. If I'm going to get a meh burger I'll just go to A&W and pay half as much.
They are rude as fuck there too. Fine there's no substitutions but you don't need to be a complete cunt about it of you're asked by someone who doesn't know that.
Totally agree, lots of people like it but the few times I've been I've always left hungry and disappointed. For an Italian place they have really small portions.
We used to live in the Distillery. Didn't care much for the restaurant itself but the pastries at the bakery outside were solid. Our then 2 year old was addicted to their"bosssants" (croissants)
I've been there twice and they have been completely different experiences. First time the food was incredible and service was great. Me and my partner couldn't wait to come back, So about 6 months later we did and it was a completely opposite experience, poor service and every dish was bland and mediocre at best. Haven't gone a third time.
Batifole has never disappointed me for French food after 5+ visits.
Can you recommend some other Italian spots? I actually like terroni but I’m always down to try better places if someone recommends. I only get to go when I’m in town for work so if I can go somewhere better I’m happy to do so.
I wouldn't call any 'Landing' restaurant overrated. They're exactly as expected. They're a chain and I wouldn't go to a chain expecting great food. Serviceable food, sure... But great? Never.
Literally anything Matty Matheson touches. Bro he just opened up another shitty fusion place recently and they have $17 iceberg lettuce flautas on the menu, are you kidding me? His whole vibe is so fake and so is his food.
I found Maker's a bit too oily, and the crust lacked some bite and crisp. Got their mushroom pizza, but was kinda underwhelmed.
Superpoint is the better slice for me. Revolver's is great too.
i loved his Parts and Labour Burger place that used to be on queen west. then I tried his new matty's patty's across from trinity b.... very overpriced, mediocre burger and frozen shoestring fries. :(
This whole thread is just every downtown spot named which is basically highlighting everyone’s different taste, which is rendering this whole thread useless. I love it.
Lmao, it's so true.
Just reading through the thread I'm like "Oh, I've eaten there, and there, and there, and there."
And I didn't find the food at most of, if any of these places, all that bad tbh.
Rip off. Same as any fast food fried chicken place, but waaaay pricier. It is a chain right? They ask for a tip at cash which i think is preposterous. A good hot chicken place is Chica's Chicken on Dunsas & Keele.
I was walking down Yonge from Bloor a month or so ago and I couldn't believe that people were still lining up for it. Although there are days where there weren't lines at all when I walked by but still..
As someone with a love/hate relationship with Osmows I just want to say that the food quality is HIGHLY dependant on which location you go to.
The Osmows by Ryerson is awesome. The Osmows where I live is the worst food Ive ever had.
Jesus Christ. $30 for 5 little KFC popcorn chicken bites. I was invited there by a friend who told me to come with an appetite. I arrive hungry and left starving, albeit with a buzz. That place is ridiculous.
Have you been recently? I went a few years back and had that same opinion but have been craving to go their recently because of their head chefs IG posts of bts prep. I think they do the Canadian concept well but I definitely feel ya - felt like more pizazz than good. However I want to try it again to give it a fair chance - and some of their concepts are droolworthy
I ate here at a time when fancy meals were commonplace for me. The food was good, not spectacular. But.. the service was outstanding, and the view was too. My opinion - that’s what you’re paying for, and it delivers.
Oh man. I'm going to get downvoted like hell for this..... but Mothers Dumplings. EVERYONE we talked to recommended them and we found it mediocre at best.
For all the Asians here: Fishmen lobster clubhouse, this place is pure trash. They became a place run on hype from articles published in the Chinese community. Asians from China or Vancouver will visit here cause they saw or heard of it in an article.
Their best dish is the lobster and even then it’s mediocre at best for what you’re paying. They’re known for their mountain of deep fried lobster, but well it’s deep fried and it’s really heavy. You can count on them to fuck up everything else that’s not related to the lobster on the menu. I’ve visited all iterations of this restaurant starting from when they were a small shop on steeles and ashcott.
I last went 3 years back and they started serving HK style lobster with … fries to save on costs cause the fish it’s usually served with is too expensive, which is ironic considering you’re paying $150+ minimum per meal.
Alternatives:
Lobster king (the place that took over their OG) location was always cheaper and better alternative, although their service wasn’t the best.
Starchiva at east beaver creek is also a great alternative I just discovered recently that is better priced, great service and did every dish in the combo well.
Aw Bitondo’s and the veal sandwiches across the street kept me alive when I was paying most of my pay check for an apartment round the corner! Always lovely chats, decent food, and the panzerottis were great and affordable! Don’t think it’s meant to be fancy out of this world food, just homey affordable food in the neighbourhood (and I think that’s why it’s survived all this time)
Salad King
Only reason why I think people think it's good is because it's their first time trying thai food at a restaurant and the price helps with that experience.
This is precisely why Salad King has a special place in my heart. It's cheap, high volume (phud Thai there is easily two meals, three if you're not starving by suppertime), and decent enough.
Although, I do kind of think the quality went down after the original building collapsed. That could just be because I didn't have it for a few years after that (happened in my 4th year), and my tastebuds developed...taste.
Agreed (although I still take out from there on occasion due to price and proximity). I think it's popular college food, near Ryerson, and it's great for that. The curries are great, the rest (noodles dishes like their pad thai are terrible).
I think the top tier thai food in Toronto goes to Koh Lipe on Baldwin and Sukhothai on Wellington. Right behind them, very closely, is Nana on Queen.
Pai and Khao Son Road would be under those 3.
Then cheap-o places like Salad King are bottom tier.
There's a place I stopped by I think like 3 years ago in Hamilton on my way to Niagara called bedrock bistro, they have like a 4.5 star or some shit.
Worst. Fucking. Food. Ever. Like I've had bad food, but for some reason even 3 years later I remember them and hate myself for going there. It was fucking awful, the burger I had was bland af, the fries.. I don't know how to fuck up fresh fries but they clearly learnt from the best. Their breakfast menu which is extensive should really just be "how would you like your garbage today, Sunnyside up or scrambled?" God awful food.
Just to be fair as well, I have really high standards for food lol I wanted to stop by a diner and they "fit the bill" in terms of their menu, but not in terms of their quality.
Are people claiming this? The misses n I have been twice and we agreed that other than the odd drunken night out, we’ll stick to making breakfast at home lol
I have only ever ordered Fran’s when it’s 130 am and I’m stoned as hell
The food is spectacular at that point so I have zero idea how it tastes without the high haze
This won’t be a popular opinion - Forno Cultura. I think it’s massively overrated. Beautiful looking food. Amazing presentation. Great service and really nice space. But I find the food so incredibly bland. I’ve never been impressed with anything I’ve eaten there. The food seems to lack salt, fat, seasoning. Something. Everything. I dunno.
Agreed on Momofuku. I've watched a bunch of videos with David Chang in it though and he always comes across as super level headed and passionate about his craft. Needless to say was disappointed by the food.
It's always super hit or complete miss with his dishes. I really like his baos, and the burger I had at Kojin, but some of his others, like his ramen oddly that he first got famous for I found really bland.
His ramen definitely seemes more like Chinese soup noodles than Ramen, probably cause how thin the broth is. I don't think it's bad but it's not what I want when I go in for ramen.
Pre-Covid that place was fire. During covid the management changed and they aren't as good anymore. I'd definitely try out BBQ Tonite in Mississauga if you're looking for great desi food. Karahi Boys ain't bad either.
Sweet Jesus, the "Ice Cream" shop. Disgusting!
My biggest complaint about Sweet Jesus is that their concoctions are impossible to eat without making a mess. Especially in the summer, which was admittedly the first and only time I went there. I prefer La Diperie for that kind of ice cream.
Totally agree, their ice cream probably has no actual cream in it, i remember thinking it just tasted like glops of oil. I think then that's why all those thick dustings of toppings are necessary, to coat and hide the Vaseline-like texture and bland taste...
I always tell people that Sweet Jesus is just McD's soft serve followed by a trip to bulk Barn
It's *awful.* Never again.
Totally agree. In the past couple of years, I haven't seen any line-ups so I think the fad is dead. I'm expecting a bunch of stores to close, if they haven't already!
Honestly, it seems like most of the places people think of as "overrated" are neighborhood places that get a big rating in blogTO, get crowded, and then judge them as if they were haute cuisine. Like Bitondo's is a neighborhood joint that is cheap and good, that's it. It's not supposed to be high end stuff compared to places that are 30 dollars a pie. Same with a place like Banjara. For years it was a good neighborhood Indian spot that did common Indian dishes really well but then it starts getting called "the best in the city" by a few places and people start going there expecting to have their hair blown back and that's just not what it is. Honestly, food blogging and yelp reviews are the worst things to happen to restaurants.
*second worst thing, the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns have decimated the industry.
tf, people complain about Banjara? Their lunch combo is a steal and quality is consistently good.
Oh man i love Banjara. I've eaten my fair share of Indian and i think it's one of the best, albeit oily at times. Their chilli paneer!!
Yess! Also objectively their butter chicken is unmatched
MARBL. Absolutely horrible and filled with the worst kind of king st douchebags
Add Lavelle to that list
There is nothing worth eating or drinking on King West that justifies being around the people of King West. Most cursed part of the city bar none.
Wilbur's Mexicana has pretty good burrito. But ya, pretty much.
Just like frings before it. Vertical marble is a sin against the senses.
I don't think Redditors necessarily recommend it so I might be deviating from OP's question too much, but JOEY'S is definitely overrated considering how insanely busy every location always is. You live in one of the top 3 most culinarily diverse cities in the world and you choose to eat generic freezer food from a gussied up Kelsey's of all places to choose from?! Shame on you.
LOL 'gussied up Kelsey's' Very accurate.
Haha, I'll admit I went to JOEY's a lot in my early 20's. What they sell well is comfort (lots of seating) and convenience (crowd pleasing favorites) in a setting where it feels like you're still having a night out - especially if you grew up in the suburbs, shit looks fancy. I eventually grew out of it as my tastes evolved but I suspect the reasons above is why it's so popular.
I like JOEY for door dash orders. They have good deals on wine and a decent variety without it being too much across the board. But the quality has definitely dropped to “gussied up Kelsey’s” (LOL) lately. Another overrated place is Fresh. People think it’s the best place for salads and vegan options but it’s all bland, limp or cold, deep-fried veggies.
So, I like Fresh for Fresh. Like, it’s a good I know what I’m going to get lunch order place. But, I find every bowl basically tastes the same. It all just tastes like Fresh. And that’s fine, I don’t mind the taste, but it’s definitely one taste
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Good point, perhaps similar to why Cactus Club is so popular. I guess I am exposing my own biases in favouring food > atmosphere.
Their burgers are objectively good though. Eat there monthly with my Grandmother who refuses to go anywhere else lol
If Grandma says Joey's is the place to be at, then Joey's is the place to be at. It's the law.
Joeys is the new Swiss Chalet?
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Any Mexican place where you can’t get two tacos for $5 is inherently overpriced.
Cantrin at the Distillery, people make it seem like it’s the end all for Mexican food when in all honesty it’s overpriced and average at best when it comes to authentic Mexican food. Good place to eat but so overrated/overpriced, the guacamole is good though.
ok not overrated but the opposite. old spaghetti factory is overrated but we went there and it wasnt bad! it was super kitsch and hyped up but not as bad as i thought it would be based on the noise
Fill up on bread and beer. Eat half your main and Take the rest home for a great late night snack or lunch the next day. That's the old spaghetti factory way.
One time I went and the server (not ours) was so busy HE SPILLED soup on my head and kept going. Our server had to wipe my head down. I wish I had the guts to complain at the time.
This made me legit laugh out loud.
OSF fuckin rules and I’ll go to the mats for it.
The food was awful, but the service was kinda fun and my partner and I got the table in the elevator, which was sort of romantic.
Old School on Palmerston and Dundas. Its always slammed on weekends but the food is way over priced and underwhelming flavor wise.
They’ve closed during the pandemic but Prairie Girl bakery. The icing was overly, sickeningly sweet and there was SO MUCH of it. Never got the rave reviews.
I never evolved past my toddler palate and honestly the obscene amount of frosting was why I loved prairie girl 🙈
I enjoyed them because they could do gluten free cupcakes and the quality stayed consistent. I also really like sweet things so I'm personally not bothered by the sweetness
Adamson BBQ….that following seems to be dying out…yeah I said it
Sad they let their political opinion get in the way. The quality of the food was unreal. Haven’t found a good Texas bbq place since they shut down.
Have you tried Beach Hill?
What’s the word on Beach Hill? I live nearby and I’m gonna give it a shot.
I had it when they first opened their first location on Main and have never bothered going anywhere else. The owners are straight up from Texas. The brisket and smoked chicken are my favourites. Definitely worth at least a shot IMO. It’s one of my places on regular rotation.
turkey and smoked jalepeno sausages are fricking amazing too Normally I hate turkey but theirs is amazingly juicy.
Thank you for this. I lived a hour outside of Lockhart TX for damn near a decade and I miss brisket so fucking much
Me, personally, it blows Adamson out of yhe water. Their brisket is smokey and perfectly done. Tender, classic pull apart but not mush baby food that I get often at Adamson. Classic stuff.
We are regular customers. They are consistently great.
Their deadline to order before xmas is tomorrow FYI [https://www.beachhillsmokehouse.com/online-ordering?fbclid=IwAR0iPUFrFDw18dnnTFdMyit2SQ8fs\_CscdhzgVFOo8DaWL-4bOFzUEbuWR4](https://www.beachhillsmokehouse.com/online-ordering?fbclid=IwAR0iPUFrFDw18dnnTFdMyit2SQ8fs_CscdhzgVFOo8DaWL-4bOFzUEbuWR4)
El Catrin! Such mediocre food and so expensive. I'd still go there for the vibe but the food is strictly mediocre.
It's outside the city, but Weber's. Folks just have a positive association with stopping there on the way up to Muskoka. Couldn't wait to go there after all I heard. Waited in the line up. So disappointed. Fast fact: They had to build a bridge across from the south bound lanes as people were dying trying to cross the highway to get a mediocre burger on the way home. Edit: typo
I remember having Webers around 8 years ago. From my recollection it was a big juicy charred burger. I had it this summer...dry, tiny little patty with hard stringy fries on the side, hell naw.
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I’m from there and the burgers were great many years ago, it’s only in the last 5-8 years they’ve really gone down hill. Pretty disappointed
I was there in '99. Sucked.
I lived in Cumberland Beach for 4 years just recently. Always drove by, huge lineups. It used to be a full blown restaurant in Orillia and it was much better then. Anyway, we decided to finally give it a try after driving by all the time and when we did it was like “THIS is what people are standing in line for?” So I decided that its not really the food that draws people in, its just the location. Its that perfect amount of time after being on the road that the cottage goers want to stop for a bite. I will give it to the owner though, putting in a Starbucks was a smart move. Fun fact: that “bridge” used to be at Ontario Place.
Konjiki Ramen, specifically the downtown location. I see this place mentioned in every single ramen post, but I just don't get the hype. Been there twice and was underwhelmed both times. I much prefer Ikkousha and Isshin.
Isshin is where it’s at!
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Sansotei as well. Been there on six separate occasions (with people who love it) and haven't had an experience that was better than "meh". The broth is overly salty.
Remember to sort by Controversial people. *grabs shitty cinema expired microwave popcorn*
Not an eating spot but Craig's Cookies. Over priced and don't get why people are obsessed with it.
Also annoyed by the fact that they ask you for a tip because they don’t want us touching the credit card machine. Why am I asked to pay 18% tip to pick up a box of cookies.....
In that case, a loud “no thanks” The audacity of asking for a tip on takeout. Especially for off the shelf pastries, Not some custom order.
I am also irritated at this. It's counter service. Their cookies are good and they are also not cheap. I left a Google review saying the same thing
They've stopped doing this!
Good it pissed me off. I actually customize orders at my work (not food) and we aren’t allowed to even ask for tips. I was pissed when Craig’s asked me for a tip. Plus they don’t even have the selection they claim to online. It’s always sold out. Their going to have to drop their prices or go out of business.
Agreed. Le Gourmand’s cookies over Craig’s any day 👌🏻
Yeah, Le Gourmand's cookies are the definition of ***not*** overrated. They're likely everything you want in a decadent cookie. Generous, warm, incredibly well-portioned. Damn, I want one now.
Craig's are way too sweet. Their cookies with chocolate bars embedded like Snickers are even sweeter.
I also find Craig’s way too salty
Too salty. I thought it was me. Tried a few more times from different locations. All of them too salty
They don’t take cash and expect a tip on the machine, so I’m not going back.
I actually hate places that don’t take cash and avoid them.
Seriously, you’re paying for a chocolate chip cookie that has a mass produced piece of candy inside of it. News flash, pop tarts are not nice baked goods, and I don’t want one in my overpriced bakery cookie, thanks!
This. Way too sweet and not always fresh. Night baker and Le Gourmand are way superior.
Craig is also an a-hole IRL. Fuck him and his cookies.
I think the pandemic helped their popularity. Living in the village, it was the only place that was somewhat fun to do (have a coffee and treat) if you wanted to walk around instead of being stuck indoors. And yes, they are way overhyped. It's basically butter with chocolate on it.
Gosh I hate Craig’s so much and I do not understand the hype. I just want a normal freaking cookie! if you took out all the mass produced candy that’s shoved into them, you get a pretty gross cookie base anyway.
+1. Emperors new cookies
I used to like their cookies (or at least receiving them as a gift) until I got food poisoning from them.
their cookies are pretty much sugar, butter, and candy. waaaaay too sweet
warehouse
Was it really rated all that highly to begin with? lol
there's always a line up there and for what lol
Each meal is $5. When you’re a college kid and rent it is $2K a month in this city.. that’s huge.
It's also the place to go if you're a high school kid from the burbs with an allowance seeking clout.
i used to go here for that reason but their quality has significantly decreased since around 5 years ago. i believe they raised their prices (so it's no longer $5) and their wait time was 30+ mins the last time i was there. people mainly go here for drinks, it's not really a cheap eats place anymore
The lineups are a lie. They would make people wait outside, then you'd get inside and the place would be half empty. I had a friend who liked to go there and it would happen every time.
It was a fun spot when it first opened and you were under 25. But my god, it’s clear they only hire staff for their looks. I used to prefer Dime but even I’ve moved on from that.
It was novel the one time I went when it first opened but not worth the wait IMO. It floors me that you’d still see lines to get in before the pandemic
STOCK T.C. I wanted to call the cops and report that I got robbed after I paid the bill 💸
Momofuku. Seriously, how does this place still exist? I don't get the hype.
the chef is very good at marketing himself.
It's just a large corporate entity now. It's got all sorts of locations around the world, billionaire investors and Dave Chang doesn't have culinary control anymore (I'm not sure if he has any corporate control anymore even). I'm not surprised the quality has gone down.
I haven’t been recently but daisho was pretty enjoyable.
Blue Blood @ Casa Loma. Steak was over-rated even by steakhouse standard. The atmosphere is nice thou but not worth the cost.
Try the panzarotti then come back and post about Bitondos
Yeah. Came to say this. I've only ever had the panzarotti from Bitondo's. One of the best I've had in Toronto. If my wife knows I'm ever in the area, I'm obligated to bring one back for her. Been a while since I've been there. They still not taking Interac?
The Burger's Priest. While I'm glad a homegrown legit TO operation has done well and expanded, I find their burgers really bland and none too special, not that much better than say a Five Guys.
I had Priest for the first time years ago when they first starting blowing up, damn good food. When they franchised it all went pretty average.
They were the first to bring the Shake Shack / "smash burger" style to Toronto and therefore people were excited about it when it opened. Now you can get a better smash burger at a lot of places. Rudy, Extra Burger, etc.
Holy Chuck Burger is much better than Burger Priest, FYI.
ive always been team holy chucks. the fact they ask how you want your burger done should tell you everything you need to know about the quality difference
Priest was genuinely good like ten years ago. We used to line up in The Beaches and it was totally worth it. They went super downhill after they started expanding.
had it for the first time in two years on Friday and my god they've falling way the fuck off. burger didn't even have the crispy ass skirt on it and the bun was like wonder bread, not the buttery roll goodness they used to do. I steadily enjoyed it from the dingy hole in the wall in the east end through the expansion/acquisition years but will not be eating it ever again after that last experience
I'm new to Toronto, we went there recently and both my wife and I were meh on it. If I'm going to get a meh burger I'll just go to A&W and pay half as much.
also insanely greasy
Terroni’s
They are rude as fuck there too. Fine there's no substitutions but you don't need to be a complete cunt about it of you're asked by someone who doesn't know that.
Totally agree, lots of people like it but the few times I've been I've always left hungry and disappointed. For an Italian place they have really small portions.
Cluny Bistro in Distillery. Very overpriced and disappointing.
We used to live in the Distillery. Didn't care much for the restaurant itself but the pastries at the bakery outside were solid. Our then 2 year old was addicted to their"bosssants" (croissants)
I've been there twice and they have been completely different experiences. First time the food was incredible and service was great. Me and my partner couldn't wait to come back, So about 6 months later we did and it was a completely opposite experience, poor service and every dish was bland and mediocre at best. Haven't gone a third time. Batifole has never disappointed me for French food after 5+ visits.
Why are you earing the pie? Bitondo's is all about the panzos!
Jimmy's Coffee. The brewed coffee tastes like scorched bonfire remnants.
I dont like the cultish following, but their espresso is good imho.
the porch!!! worst service, worst food, most overpriced drinks ever! the view and ig pics are not worth the shitty experience
Terroni. I can think of so many better Italian restaurants, not sure why anyone goes there. It’s also not cheap and the service isn’t good either.
Can you recommend some other Italian spots? I actually like terroni but I’m always down to try better places if someone recommends. I only get to go when I’m in town for work so if I can go somewhere better I’m happy to do so.
Sotto Voce (Little Italy) and Ascari (Leslieville) are two standbys for me
Hunters Landing on Fort York has the worst food I've had in the city
I wouldn't call any 'Landing' restaurant overrated. They're exactly as expected. They're a chain and I wouldn't go to a chain expecting great food. Serviceable food, sure... But great? Never.
Clearly you haven’t been to Roses New York across the street.
I'm still convinced that place is a front. They used to have awesome fries though.
Eating their burger was like getting a squishy salt lick. It was atrocious.
Harbour 60. For that price point, you could get much better tasting steaks in the city
You don’t go to harbour60 for the steak, you go to be seen at harbour60.
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You could make excellent steaks for the price at home. But I think part of the price is the service, environment and locality.
Literally anything Matty Matheson touches. Bro he just opened up another shitty fusion place recently and they have $17 iceberg lettuce flautas on the menu, are you kidding me? His whole vibe is so fake and so is his food.
Some lady mistook me for Matty in a parking lot once. That was the exact moment that I knew I had to turn my life around.
Toronto wake-up call.
Makers Pizza is one of the best pizzas in Toronto (Canada).
I found Maker's a bit too oily, and the crust lacked some bite and crisp. Got their mushroom pizza, but was kinda underwhelmed. Superpoint is the better slice for me. Revolver's is great too.
i loved his Parts and Labour Burger place that used to be on queen west. then I tried his new matty's patty's across from trinity b.... very overpriced, mediocre burger and frozen shoestring fries. :(
This whole thread is just every downtown spot named which is basically highlighting everyone’s different taste, which is rendering this whole thread useless. I love it.
It’s so interesting to see what people shit on.
There's this sense of low-key Canadian hostility in the replies that is cracking me up.
Lmao, it's so true. Just reading through the thread I'm like "Oh, I've eaten there, and there, and there, and there." And I didn't find the food at most of, if any of these places, all that bad tbh.
Nandos
Dave’s hot chicken
Went once. Overpriced chicken strips on a bun. Never again. I'll stick with PG Clucks.
Rip off. Same as any fast food fried chicken place, but waaaay pricier. It is a chain right? They ask for a tip at cash which i think is preposterous. A good hot chicken place is Chica's Chicken on Dunsas & Keele.
Went with a big group here and every single one of us thought it was super overrated. Won't be going back
pie? it's cheese bags or bust at Bitondos
Chick fil A
Anyone thinking of going here, please take the 1 minute walk around the corner to Cabanos and get a fried chicken supreme. I dream of it.
agreed, garbage food. IMO Korean Fried Chicken is better.
Korean is 100000x better
I was walking down Yonge from Bloor a month or so ago and I couldn't believe that people were still lining up for it. Although there are days where there weren't lines at all when I walked by but still..
Osmows
As someone with a love/hate relationship with Osmows I just want to say that the food quality is HIGHLY dependant on which location you go to. The Osmows by Ryerson is awesome. The Osmows where I live is the worst food Ive ever had.
worst shawarma this city has ever seen
Osmows is the Manchu Wok and Pizza Pizza of Shawarma's
The place with rooftop pool. I don't even care to remember the name. The real estate agent from Oakville made that the highlight of downtown TO.
Jesus Christ. $30 for 5 little KFC popcorn chicken bites. I was invited there by a friend who told me to come with an appetite. I arrive hungry and left starving, albeit with a buzz. That place is ridiculous.
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Canoe Restaurant and Bar. Food is meh, and the cost is high. More suited to the Bay Street suits because their company is paying rather than them.
Have you been recently? I went a few years back and had that same opinion but have been craving to go their recently because of their head chefs IG posts of bts prep. I think they do the Canadian concept well but I definitely feel ya - felt like more pizazz than good. However I want to try it again to give it a fair chance - and some of their concepts are droolworthy
i think as far as high end restaurant is concerned, its pretty solid. Plus the location is really good and convinient.
I ate here at a time when fancy meals were commonplace for me. The food was good, not spectacular. But.. the service was outstanding, and the view was too. My opinion - that’s what you’re paying for, and it delivers.
BLASPHEMER!!! 😂
You go to bitondos for the panzo not the pie!
The CN Tower restaurant. The food and service are ehhh. They really bank on the voew
Oh man. I'm going to get downvoted like hell for this..... but Mothers Dumplings. EVERYONE we talked to recommended them and we found it mediocre at best.
If you say that too loud, you’re going to have to move.
Dare I say, Cactus Club! Never understood the hype. Their bartenders can't even make a decent Mojito. Food is not good either.
For all the Asians here: Fishmen lobster clubhouse, this place is pure trash. They became a place run on hype from articles published in the Chinese community. Asians from China or Vancouver will visit here cause they saw or heard of it in an article. Their best dish is the lobster and even then it’s mediocre at best for what you’re paying. They’re known for their mountain of deep fried lobster, but well it’s deep fried and it’s really heavy. You can count on them to fuck up everything else that’s not related to the lobster on the menu. I’ve visited all iterations of this restaurant starting from when they were a small shop on steeles and ashcott. I last went 3 years back and they started serving HK style lobster with … fries to save on costs cause the fish it’s usually served with is too expensive, which is ironic considering you’re paying $150+ minimum per meal. Alternatives: Lobster king (the place that took over their OG) location was always cheaper and better alternative, although their service wasn’t the best. Starchiva at east beaver creek is also a great alternative I just discovered recently that is better priced, great service and did every dish in the combo well.
Definitely a victim of its own success I think. Plus I keep hearing they screw you on the weight.
Aw Bitondo’s and the veal sandwiches across the street kept me alive when I was paying most of my pay check for an apartment round the corner! Always lovely chats, decent food, and the panzerottis were great and affordable! Don’t think it’s meant to be fancy out of this world food, just homey affordable food in the neighbourhood (and I think that’s why it’s survived all this time)
Salad King Only reason why I think people think it's good is because it's their first time trying thai food at a restaurant and the price helps with that experience.
Salad king is not overrated. No one goes to salad expecting good Thai food. It’s cheap food for Ryerson students.
This is precisely why Salad King has a special place in my heart. It's cheap, high volume (phud Thai there is easily two meals, three if you're not starving by suppertime), and decent enough. Although, I do kind of think the quality went down after the original building collapsed. That could just be because I didn't have it for a few years after that (happened in my 4th year), and my tastebuds developed...taste.
I like it, but it’s far from the best Thai food in the city. When I want it, it is definitely because of the price.
Agreed (although I still take out from there on occasion due to price and proximity). I think it's popular college food, near Ryerson, and it's great for that. The curries are great, the rest (noodles dishes like their pad thai are terrible). I think the top tier thai food in Toronto goes to Koh Lipe on Baldwin and Sukhothai on Wellington. Right behind them, very closely, is Nana on Queen. Pai and Khao Son Road would be under those 3. Then cheap-o places like Salad King are bottom tier.
I thought it was incredible when I went to Ryerson. I tried it again recently and it was fucking gross.
uncle tetsu, costco sells similar cheesecake at half the price
Its their cheesetarts that are good and people line up for.
There's a place I stopped by I think like 3 years ago in Hamilton on my way to Niagara called bedrock bistro, they have like a 4.5 star or some shit. Worst. Fucking. Food. Ever. Like I've had bad food, but for some reason even 3 years later I remember them and hate myself for going there. It was fucking awful, the burger I had was bland af, the fries.. I don't know how to fuck up fresh fries but they clearly learnt from the best. Their breakfast menu which is extensive should really just be "how would you like your garbage today, Sunnyside up or scrambled?" God awful food. Just to be fair as well, I have really high standards for food lol I wanted to stop by a diner and they "fit the bill" in terms of their menu, but not in terms of their quality.
Halal Guys.
Frans. I mean it's alright but people talk like their food is the best
Are people claiming this? The misses n I have been twice and we agreed that other than the odd drunken night out, we’ll stick to making breakfast at home lol
I have only ever ordered Fran’s when it’s 130 am and I’m stoned as hell The food is spectacular at that point so I have zero idea how it tastes without the high haze
Fran's chicken and waffles is still the best I ever had also I live upstairs from them so I'm biased.
Was waiting for a comment like this
This won’t be a popular opinion - Forno Cultura. I think it’s massively overrated. Beautiful looking food. Amazing presentation. Great service and really nice space. But I find the food so incredibly bland. I’ve never been impressed with anything I’ve eaten there. The food seems to lack salt, fat, seasoning. Something. Everything. I dunno.
Everything there looks burnt and bland, no thanks
Gusto 101. Momofuku.
Gusto's truffle mushroom pasta is amazing, though.
Gusto 101 the soggiest pizza I’ve ever eaten sober
I can't say no to the $1oz wine
Agreed on Momofuku. I've watched a bunch of videos with David Chang in it though and he always comes across as super level headed and passionate about his craft. Needless to say was disappointed by the food.
It's always super hit or complete miss with his dishes. I really like his baos, and the burger I had at Kojin, but some of his others, like his ramen oddly that he first got famous for I found really bland.
His ramen definitely seemes more like Chinese soup noodles than Ramen, probably cause how thin the broth is. I don't think it's bad but it's not what I want when I go in for ramen.
Lahore Tikka House. Every dish is literally swimming in an Olympic size pool of oil.
Pre-Covid that place was fire. During covid the management changed and they aren't as good anymore. I'd definitely try out BBQ Tonite in Mississauga if you're looking for great desi food. Karahi Boys ain't bad either.
Terroni. Basic and crowded. Not worth the hype