Kultura.

[haggisdragon]

Has anyone dined at Kultura recently? How was it?

-----
Kultura
169 King St. E., Toronto, ON M5A 1J4, CA

[SMOG]

Went a little while ago for the first time. The restaurant is very nice and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Service was also excellent, both attentive and friendly. While the food was good, I was hugely disappointed with the size of the portions. I'm generally not one to complain about portion size, but these were terribly small. Worst of all, however, was the spicy tuna roll, which came with about 3 tiny pieces (3 pieces the size of a small thumb). From a taste perspective, I really enjoyed the samosas and the miso cod. But nothing that wowed me. The dessert was quite good. The cocktails also were good, but terribly overpriced at $15-18 each!

Overall, I would definitely not go back. The portion sizes would have to almost double or the prices would have to come down by almost half (for both food and drinks) for it to make it worthwhile. I would suggest going down the street to Colborne Lane, which is about the same price, but leaves you far more satisfied.

-----
Colborne Lane
45 Colborne Street, Toronto, ON M5E 1P8, CA

[itsvince]

I second SMOG's review of Kultura. I was there in May and had the same experience and thoughts. Nothing more to add, except that planning a McDonald's run after going to Kultura makes a lot of sense.

-----
Kultura
169 King St. E., Toronto, ON M5A 1J4, CA

[SMOG]

Yeah, seriously. They suggested 5-6 dishes. Maybe it was what we ordered, but I'd say 7-8 is more appropriate. Problem is, then you're looking at about $200 of food alone. And it's simply not worth it.

[tygrr_lily]

i had the exact same experience. went with a gf in july and we shared about 5 dishes and a bottle of wine. the food was tasty, but we were literally trying to split things that was already bite sized. we both left still hungry and for what we paid, that seems kind of ridiculous

good vibe/service, but not somewhere i'd return either unless they did something about their portion sizes

[syoung]

Wow, $200 for 7-8 dishes of food alone!? That's about $25 per dish and a lot more expensive than when I was there probably at least a couple of years ago. Prices must have gone way up since because I remember paying about $8-$15 at most per plate and they were like tapas style portions. I remember the food was OK (not great by any stretch) and you go there for the "hip" ambiance but prices were reasonable. I guess I won't be going back anytime soon at these prices!

[1sweetpea]

The dinner menu lists prices ranging from $6 (naan or edamame) to $25 (black quinoa crusted lamb loin). with most dishes in mid-teens range. While perhaps $200 for 7 or 8 dishes is an exaggeration, if dishes are only 3 or 4 bites each, filling two bellies would certainly be an expensive proposition. The description of the dishes makes my mouth water, but I'd hate to feel like I have to order a repeat of each dish to feel satisfied that I've had my fill or else have to make a post-dinner snack run before heading home.

[SMOG]

You're right, I was thinking inclusive of tax+tip. You'd probably order 2 at the $20-25 level and the rest at the average $15-ish level.

[Nelson]

How sad . . . used to love Kultura--Roger Mooking's cross-cultural take on flavour combos was inspired. In the early days, it was possible to eat a decent meal for $60/pp with wine. But sensed a change at foot last time almost a year ago with the absence of manager Kevin (gone to Spice Route) and sommelier extraordinaire Kim (gone to Nyood) . . . and Roger now clearly stretching himself thin between Kultura and Nyood. Too bad! Another one bites the price/value dust . . .

-----
Kultura
169 King St. E., Toronto, ON M5A 1J4, CA

Nyood
1096 Queen West, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9, CA

Spice Route
499 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4, CA

[SMOG]

That may be the case, but I still don't understand why those factors would cause any change to portion size/price. So many people share this view, surely the restaurant is aware, and surely it's not difficult to change?