Utopia report (Toronto)

[xtal]

I had dinner at Utopia last night for the first time, other outings there have only been for drinks.

I had a grilled tuna 'burrito' with a side of fries. To be blunt, it was delicious. Large chunks of fish, asiago cheese, pesto, caramelized onions, and roasted peppers. The fries were crispy, and had a soft potato interior, perfect!

Great service, a bit of a crowded atmosphere, but still very comfortable, and fantastic food. I'll definitely be heading back. Too bad they don't take reservations, as it can get busy.

Utopia
586 College St
[phone]

[hungryabbey]

went to utopia tonight with 3 other people. First of all, we got there at about 5:30 and the only spot was in this kind of sun solarium room. The sun was shining in so bright it made us all really uncomfortable (my sister actually felt too sick to eat her meal from the heat), but thats not really the restaurants fault I guess.
The service was iffy I found, it took them an extremely long time just to bring out one of our apps (just a basket of chips with a bowl of guac) and then another 20 minutes to bring out our steak nachos. However, those nachos were among the best Ive ever had, for those of you who have never tried them, its a HUGE portion that lays on top of a fried flour tortilla so once you finish the chips and toppings, you can still break off pieces from the tortilla underneith.
For mains, two of us had the Goucho burrito, which I thought was good, though both of us thought the steak in it was pretty tough ( I couldnt bite through it)..
One had the steak sandwhich which was just "okay"
But the burger apparetnly was excellent but the fries were really.. just not worth the calories haha
The price was good, and although I am forgiving and said I would go for it again, my dining companions didnt feel the same and were just not happy walking out of there (again, my sister who had the burger didnt eat any of the burger because the sun made her feel sick, so they wrapped it up and she ate it on the way home).. So maybe I will return if in the neighborhood, but probably wouldnt come from the Danforth again for it.

[deelicious]

The fries used to be some of the best in the city. I ate there two weeks ago and found they were aweful - not worth eating. Very disappointing!

They were dried out - I thought maybe old. But as another poster mentioned, perhaps they switched to frozen!!!!! What a crime! They really used to be fantastic.

[magic]

Yeah I give it mixed reviews.

Love: Lamb burger and toppings, ambiance and decor, service, music played, patio, non-pretentious vibe especially considering the area.

Dislike: Chicken burger (blach), fries (frozen, forgettable), rice (really plain Jane), salad (but nice veggies at least, just completely a drab afterthought it seems)

The food can certainly be more than it is, so much potential, with a few changes. But I give them snaps for trying to offer interesting, casual bites.

[berbere]

we used to go to utopia just for the rosemary chicken ... it was the first item we tried and it was soooooo good, we never tried any other dish on the menu and now that our comfort food is gone, i haven't been back: i don't know why they took it off the menu: it was a huge half a chicken (i think, maybe a large quarter), with creamy mashed potatoes, and beautifully grilled veggies....when i was last there, and saw there was no rosemary chicken, i tried the eggplant salad dish and it just didn't satisfy the craving i had for rosemary chicken so never went back - in light of the above reviews, looks like i'll be heading back some time soon....

[redhead]

I LOOOOVE Utopia...most consistent food in Toronto as far as I am concerned (for this style of food anyway)..I love the fact that I can split fries and salad or salad and rice n' beans...the patio will be open with the nice weather - which is great. To get a seat, I usually go in the "off" times..maybe a late lunch, early dinner..then I can walk off the food during a stroll through little Italy (and laugh at the other diners paying way too much for not as tasty food!)

[tshames]

I just went for the first time recently with a group of friends from work for lunch during the week. The six of us got a table, no problem, although the place was pretty full. The service was fast and the food was amazing. The big hit around the table was the Crispy Veggie Chicken Burrito. Amazing!

[phoenikia]

Here's my dissent:
I tried Utopia for the first time on Sunday, and it didn't impress me much. The curried potato and chickpea burrito was tasty enough, but it was a lot more like a knish than a burrito. The sesame slaw had an overabundance of celery seeds, and the rice and peas were very average.

The mumahari dip (aka muhammara) was delicious, but the pita was your regular, not too fresh store bought variety.

The service was really friendly and portions are huge for College Street. I'll probably return next time I'm in the neighbourhood to try the fries/poutine.

[tochipotle]

you're right... should have mentioned...don't get the rice, it's not great. Half fries half salad combo is incredible.

[team_eater]

What's the ambience like? Is it more "hole-in-the-wall casual" or somewhat trendy? I'm intrigued by the glowing reviews.

[phoenikia]

It is casual in a slightly kitschy/artsy way, not glossy/trendy like many of the other establishments on College. I wouldn't call it a hole in the wall.

[tochipotle]

We're regulars at Utopia. I can't say enough about it. Good, quality inexpensive food. It really is fantastic - and they finally renovated their bathrooms... The only downside about Utopia is that the secret is out. Nothing better than the chicken and mushroom burrito with half fries half salad and a generous helping of hot sauce (on the table). For about $10, there's tonnes of food, the salad is fresh and great, and the fries are arguably the best around. Tuna burrito is also fantastic. Who am I kidding, it's all just so damn good. Local beer on tap and wine by the litre doesn't hurt either! Go hungry, I've never had enough room for dessert - it's definitely worth the wait in line!

[Delish]

I like the "kissing cousins" - lamb burger with goat cheese...

[Little T]

Recently went for the first time, i liked it. Had a snooty/slow waiter but food still good. Its crowded so had drinks at the bar while waiting for a back patio table. Tried the gourmet poutine: mushrooms gravy goat cheese mmm, a bit too much gravy but still really good. Tried my friend's Le Burger, toppings good and the burger itself huge but somewhat tasteless. I also got the mumahari hummus/dip, a little sour wouldn't order again. All in all i liked the place, looking forward to going back and trying all the other yummy sounding dishes.

[rafer madness]

I don't even know when a good time to go is anymore. IT IS ALWAYS PACKED! good for them i guess, but i have just bothered giving up trying to go there now

[hungryabbey]

how big is the place? do they take reservations?

[squeaks]

It's tiny (about 15-20 seats inside), but they also have a patio. They don't take reservations.

[hungryabbey]

hm I wonder if I went at like 5pm if it would be busy?

[n10sity]

What's the price range? I just heard another good review from a colleague so I may have to check it out!

[deelicious]

it is very affordable. lots of great stuff under 10.00. super fresh, super tasty and normally lots to eat.

[hungryabbey]

www.utopiacafe.ca/menu.html

[pinkbuddhacookie]

they were voted best nachos by Now Magazine for 2006... anyone tried the nachos there? I was going to the other nite, but it was too busy to get a table :(

[deelicious]

NEVER had a bad meal there. It is excellent quality always. Love the back deck too.

Chickpea burritto is a must. Every soup they make is great. Burger and fries! Great Fries.