meh

[prima]

fishbar
woodlot
marben's brunch
brassaii
caren's cheese platters + brunch dishes ( not to say caren's menu is entirely meh- I like caren's stilton burger + wine list)
mildred's temple kitchen

[petek]

I'd like to add QM pizza to this list...meh

[Charles Yu]

Libretto too!
Stockyard for its over-rated fried chicken! ( got a feeling I'm the ONLY one?!! )

[iMarilyn]

You want the smoked whole chicken. Charles.

[estufarian]

You're NOT alone!

[canadianbeaver]

Yes, Libretto! And to wait in line for "meh" is the worst sin.

[JennaBean]

QM Pizza - Me too soooo meh!

[PoppiYYZ]

Me so no meh.

[Davwud]

While we're on pizza, I'll add Panago.

DT

-----
Panago
44 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4, CA

[lamaranthe]

La Vecchia, 2405 Yonge. $10 for a Caprese Salad is ridiculous. The last time I was there I had the Gnocchi quattro formaggi. Terrible. The waitress did not even ask why I left my plate virtually untouched. Could not care less, as long as I paid the bill. And - unless things changed - the place is not A/C.

-----
La Vecchia
2405A Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P2E7, CA

[acd123]

Oh, you mean La Blechia. Yeah, one of the worse restaurants around. I ordered the veal parm there once (i was forced to go) and the piece of veal was half the size of my blackberry. I told the manager and he told me in not so many words to go f myself. Plus, the tiny piece of veal I did get was super chewy and tasteless.

[letrell]

Swish by Han on Wellington Street. Greasy, Salty. Meh. Double Meh.

-----
Swish by Han
38 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON , CA

[fleurdesal]

I didn't find the food greasy or salty, but I think the less than helpful service made it an especially meh experience given the ok food. Except it shouldn't just taste ok given it's supposed to be elevated Korean cuisine. I like to give a restaurant a second chance, and I think I will at some point, but I'm just not rushing back.

-----
Swish by Han
38 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON , CA

[TorontoJo]

I'll add every Italian joint on Yonge between Lawrence and York Mills. I do like Trio, but that's probably because I've been going there long enough that it feels like a comfy neighbourhood joint to me.

[prima]

To which I will add Hazel's and the burger served at the Abbot, also located between Lawrence & YM.

[petek]

"I'll add every Italian joint on Yonge between Lawrence and York Mills"

I'll add to that every Italian joint between Eglinton and Lawrence....meh

I know I'll receive an ass kicking for this,but I'll add Caplansky's to my list

[jamesm]

Doubtful. It's definitely more dangerous to say you like Caplanskys around here.

-----
Caplansky's
356 College Street, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

[petek]

I'm not sayin it's bad,but...meh

[Vinnie Vidimangi]

What a difference a day makes.

I am. Past meh, way past- yuck!
Went three times , 1x Monarch, 2x College.
Wildly inconsistent, but all within the part of the continuum labled "bad". Everything. Everything. Overpriced too. And an insult to the culture to which it alludes.

And now a second location? What gives here?

[lamaranthe]

Petek, what do you think of Alizé ?

[tjr]

It's worse than a simple "meh."

[petek]

Petek, what do you think of Alizé ?

I'd rather eat at Good Bite,the greasy spoon next door..

[acd123]

Alize is almost as bad as La Blechia (see post above)

-----
Alize Restaurant
2459 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4P 2H6, CA

[Coolthang]

So true, WORST for restaurants in this area!

[hal2010]

Amaya Express

-----
Amaya Express
1168 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M, CA

[TorontoJo]

Aw, heck, let's just put ALL restaurants on Yonge between Lawrence and York Mills. Seriously. I eat in the area regularly because it's convenient, but there is nothing there that stands out as great. The closest exception for me is probably the appetizer menu at Milagro.

[Charles Yu]

Your posting reminds me of one of my favourite restaurant ' Herbs ' at Yonge and Lawrence. Great food at good price. Is Herb's ex-chef still working at the Granite Club?! Together with JOV Bistro, two of my 'most missed' restaurants!

[TorontoJo]

Is Herbs still there? Isn't that where Steak Frites or Milagro is now?

I went to the original location (where Soho Bistro is now) years ago and though "meh". But I haven't been there since they moved across the street. But I thought they closed.

-----
Soho Bistro
3202 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N2L1, CA

[Charles Yu]

Herb's long gone!

[elasticwaistband]

I miss Herbs too. The last that I heard Tony Nuth (the excellent original owner/chef of Herbs) is at the Granite Club golf course in Stouffville.

[flyinggonzo]

I think Amaya Express serves terrible food, and found Amaya to be meh. I don't understand how Amaya is opening so many restaurants in the GTA.

-----
Amaya
1574 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G3B7, CA

Amaya Express
1168 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M, CA

[Georgia65]

Totally agree about Mildred's Temple Kitchen. We've now been three times. I wanted so bad to really like it but it's just...meh.

-----
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
85 Hanna Avenue, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3, CA

[CocoaChanel]

Toca
Canoe
BeerBistro - the last few times have been "meh", which I am so sorry about because i quite liked the food there (specifically the tacos and the quesadilla which was being made with crab for a brief period, but I think it is back to lobster now)

-----
Toca
181 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5, CA

[AngelSanctuary]

I second the Beerbistro.

[ingloriouseater]

Mercatto
Terroni
School
Mildreds Temple Kitchen
Anything Susur does now
The Drake
Fuzion
Caren's
Fat Cat Bistro
Canteen

To be continued...

-----
Susur
601 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1M5, CA

Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

Fuzion
580 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2E8, CA

Fat Cat
126 Atlantic Ave, Toronto, ON M6K1X9, CA

[piccola]

I disagree about Marben and Woodlot, but hey, more room for me.

I was underhwelmed by Terroni.

-----
Marben
488 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E5, CA

[CocoaChanel]

Terroni - totally meh!

[JennaBean]

Indeed! I'm a Libretto fan but I know that ppl either tend to love it or hate it!

[TexSquared]

any burger place that isn't Five Guys
the entire SLM
any BBQ place that isn't Camp 31 or Buster Rhino's
any Japanese place which has more than 10 California roll variants on the menu but the real sushi is an afterthought hidden in the back pages
Whole Foods/Carrot Common
any "thin crust gourmet pizza" place (I prefer Chicago or NY style, not that CPK crap)

[wontonfm]

Five Guys is solidly MEH for me.

P.S. this thread is cracking me up.

WON
http://whatsonmyplate.net

[jamesm]

Agree about 5 guys. Actually forgot we stopped there on the way to visit my parents. It wasn't even worth commenting on. Burger's Priest destroys them. Nothing wrong with them just a solid 'big deal'. Better than BK, Harveys etc...but so what?

[Atahualpa]

5 Guys was completely meh. Not bad; but, so far from being actually good. What a dissapointment!

[petek]

Yo Tex. What's SLM?

[Davwud]

St. Lawrence Market.

DT

-----
St. Lawrence Market
92 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E, CA

[Davwud]

Have you been to Burgers Priest yet??

DT

[prima]

re: SLM
Carousel's World Famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich

[scarberian]

I second Carousel's for lifetime meh award for their "peameal" sandwich. I usually go to Paddingtons.

[Davwud]

Yet I prefer Carousel. Good thing both have them then.

DT

[Atahualpa]

Paddington's has toppings if you want them (I don't). Carousel has better buns and (if fresh/busy) better peameal (less dry anyways).

-----
Paddington's
18 Ontario N, Grand Bend, ON N0M1T0, CA

[scarberian]

Actually I found Carousel meh for their pea meal sammies. I prefer Paddington's. I found the opposite that Carousel had the drier pea meal and Paddington's seemed to be moist with crisp fatty edges.

[Googs]

There hasn't been a decent peameal sandwich in the area since Zoulpy's Deli closed. This is why, if I must eat at SLM, I have the bifana (pork cutlet) sandwich at Churrasco. Made fresh when you order it, it's much jucier than anything else in the building.

-----
Zoulpy's Deli Restaurant
244 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A1K1, CA

[scarberian]

Hey Googs are you talking about Churrasco across from Paddintons? If so my wife loves the chicken sandwiches there because they are made to order. None of that dark/white meat mixture. She's strictly a dark meat kind of gal and the owner happily makes the roast chicken sandwich for her with just dark meat.

[Googs]

Yessir, one and the same. Go to the Churrasco counter to the south end of their space to order it since that seems to be where you place slow orders as opposed to the prepacked sammy orders. Ask for it with "the works" which is (though I may not remember all so please just ask for it with everything) on a bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled peppers, and piri piri sauce. So, soooo good.

[scarberian]

Next time we're there I will definitely try the bifana. I never even knew about it, I thought it was just all chicken at that place. Thanks for the heads up Googs!

[julesrules]

Not restaurants (I don't get out much for dinner), but certain chowhound favourites I've sought out:

the chocolate chip/walnut cookie at Le Gourmand

Flaky Tart's butter tart

Buddha Dog hot dog... I know these aren't an undisputed fave, but I think people generally think the dog is good, if expensive. I did not enjoy the hot dog, the bun or the special toppings of the day, as recommended to me and served by the owner, at ALL. Apparently I like low brow hot dogs! As for poutine, I also prefer the blue chip truck, or even Harvey's, to any of the higher end versions I have tried. Well excluding Jamie Kennedy's perhaps. I guess these are comfort food item for me. When it comes to baking I do insist on good quality, which the above items are, just not to my personal taste

[prima]

Agree re: Le Gourmand's chocolate chip cookie.

I hear ya re: liking lowbrow hot dogs more than high brow hot dogs.

I like the Wendy's Jr Burger and Harvey's Original Burger more than most of the higher brow burgers I've tried in TO.

Scaramouche's Coconut Cream Pie. I know many Chowhounds love it- more for them. Have found the other desserts I've tried at Scaramouche much tastier and much more interesting that the CCP.

[sumashi]

third Le Gourmand cookies chocolate chip and choco/walnut cookie.

[juno]

A most entertaining topic that has obviously touched a nerve, given the plethora of posts within a short time frame.

But the number of meh eating nominations shouldn't surprise anyone because MOST restos in Toronto are meh, which to me means drearily average at best and eye-glazingly mediocre at worst. In my experience, the number of meh restos in Toronto is about two-thirds, namely 66 percent, with the other 34 percent equally divided between damn good and horrifyingly bad - with the washouts soon to be replaced by other washouts, which will then also be replaced by others just much duds, ad infinitum. I'm sure it's the same in other communities. The only thing keeping the meh restos alive is that we can't all agree on which ones are totally meh and which just partly meh (and, therefore, worthy of continued visits because they're close at hand and something about it appeals).

But enough philosophy. In the meh sweepstakes, I nominate:

Most burger joints. You can do them better at home.

Most Italian restos in Toronto. Indeed, there are altogether too many lifelessly boring Italian spots in Toronto. Time to weed them out.

Most sushi joints. Like Italian, there are too many of them. Another weeding is necessary.

Almost all steakhouses. Rarely worth the price. Indeed, so inflated are steak house prices than even decent steakhouses become meh when the bill is presented.

Gotta disagree about Caplansky's meh nomination. Caplansky's is distinctive to Toronto, though agreed its nosh is occasionally meh. But almost always satisfying in my experience.
But Katz's Deli, now THAT is definitely meh.

[prima]

Agree with what you're saying, Juno, although my meh ratio seems to be higher in the 'burbs (the best Chinese options in Richmond Hill and Markham are surrounded by plenty of meh), London, ON and KW (less competition and more chains lower most diners' expectations, increasing my chances of meh, as far as I can tell), even higher in Regina and touristic destinations like Niagara, NOTL and Stratford (where both meh and yuck seem more likely than in TO). Nationally, I'd give Montreal my lowest meh ratio, and would expect Toronto to have my second lowest meh ratio (maybe because I eat here so often, and read this Board way too often, enabling me to avoid some meh), followed by Vancouver (where I dine less frequently, so tourist meh happens). That being said, I've been very careful with my meal planning to avoid meh during my short visits to Montreal. I know plenty exists there, as well.

Also agree with your nominations.

By the way, I also continue to like Caplansky's. Not meh for me.

-----
Caplansky's
356 College Street, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

[lamaranthe]

I am getting a bit confused. Is it about meh or restaurants and meals you liked?

I agree about Katz's Deli. Terrible factory style. Never again.

Caplansky? I am a Centre Deli fan, so no Caplansky for me.

Sushi? I posted a note quite a while ago about the profileration of sushi spots. To me, right now, believe it or not, the only one I really like is Hockey Sushi in Thornhill. Their $12.00 (tip incl.) lunch special is great. May be I am not sophisticated but I like Rainbow Sushi on Bathurst but I don't seem to be the only one to like the place. AUCE $12 at lunch time is great.

Steak Houses? Barberian's, I suppose. Depends if you are looking for a thick slab of rib steak with gravy and puff pastry, a good skirt steak with shallots, or an elaborate rib-eye steak with all the trimmings.

Good Italian? Zucca 2150 Yonge. Better than that I would say you go to Italy or you get advice from your Nonna.

They have great chefs in Montreal who should move to Toron

-----
Barberian's
7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G1H1, CA

Zucca
2150 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4S 2A8, CA

Caplansky's
356 College Street, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

Hockey Sushi
1102 Centre St, Thornhill, ON L4J3M8, CA

[juno]

I thought I was clear. As I said above, I believe most burger joints, steak houses, Italian restos and sushi places in Toronto are meh. Note the word "most". The long-running Zucca, which you've mentioned, has been an Italian gem for years - it's definitely not meh. Nor is Barbarian's steak house, which has also stood the test of time, and remains fairly priced (for a steak house). If there's a good-value sushi joint in town, I haven't found it yet - but maybe it's just that sushi itself is, to me, utter meh. You like Centre Street Deli? So do I, when I'm uptown and can find a parking spot in the jammed plaza lot. But when I'm downtown, I'll do Caplansky's. To me, it has never been meh. It's a good, solid, satisfying spot which, like most restos, has occasional lapses into meh.

[sloweater]

If you haven't tried Mikado on Laird, you should give it a shot. The quality of the fish and the portions are a good deal in my opinion.

[petek]

"I am getting a bit confused. Is it about meh or restaurants and meals you liked"

It's about "meh". Meh,to me,is it's ok,not bad not great just meh,what's all the hype about?

[julesrules]

Oh... I did enjoy the Hoof Cafe (pretty much the only hot spot I've made it to in like forever!) for brunch. But found the bone marrow donuts totally meh.

[JennaBean]

For me Mildred's is beyond meh and just bad. Ick.

[ibraineater]

The new La Palette - biggest meh.
Batifole meh.
Queen & Beaver - very large meh for the food and a bigger one for the service.

-----
Batifole
744 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M1Y3, CA

Queen & Beaver
35 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G, CA

La Palette
492 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA

[prima]

Le Paradis was meh for me. Adequate and friendly, but ordinary. But it's my friend's favourite restaurant in the GTA, and she'll drive 40 km to dine there, so it clearly is not meh for her!

Nachos in TO. Have a group of friends who always want to go out for nachos. After trying over a dozen different versions over the last 2 years, (still haven't gotten around to trying the version at Mitzi's Sister) I've found most nachos in TO are meh. Utopia seems to be the best of the meh.

-----
Le Paradis
166 Bedford Road, Toronto, ON M5R 2K9, CA

[ibraineater]

I hate to say it but Sneaky Dee's nachos are pretty damn good. Of course I'm usually having them after enjoying several adult beverages so I might be biased...

-----
Sneaky Dee's
431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T1T1, CA

[jamesm]

My girlfriend loves nachos and I've eaten countless versions in Toronto, Chicago, New York, Watertown, Buffalo, San Fran among other places and it's not just TO. Basically meh. The only time I've ever loved nachos was Kings Crowns at Sneaky Dees at 2 a.m.

-----
Sneaky Dee's
431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T1T1, CA

[JennaBean]

For whatever reason there much be drinks first. Many many drinks and then those nachos truly hit the spot!

[prima]

Wow, sounds like you're chow alchemists- you know the secret of turning meh into wow, by simply adding a few drinks! ;-)

If I can convince my nacho lovin' friends to try Sneaky Dee's after a few drinks (they tend to order more Diet Coke with nachos than drinks, so that might be part of the problem), we'll give that King's Crown a try.

-----
Sneaky Dee's
431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T1T1, CA

[iMarilyn]

Sober, they're nothing special.

[abigllama]

For me the King's Crown nachos to be a bit Meh. First few are good but once the pile starts to go down it turns into a gloppy mess. But am a big fan of the basic nachos and usually add a couple of extras to it. Basic has just red red sauce and cheese, usually add beans and a vegetable. They spread the chips out on a pizza pan so there's fairly even distribution of stuff. No glop or soggy chips. But I guess it just comes down to how you prefer your nachos but those are my fave in the city!

[justsayn]

which are your fave in the city? where do you get them?

[jamesm]

Sneaky Dees. College and Bathurst.

-----
Sneaky Dee's
431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T1T1, CA

[TheGloaming]

I cosign that (as the kids used to say 5 yrs ago)! Kings Crown nachos late, late at night.

[JennaBean]

Second La Palette but I will up that to BAD. Very very bad not just meh.

-----
La Palette
492 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA

[KitchenVoodoo]

Q&B - huge MEH for the stone cold Scotch Egg. A sin.

[Charles Yu]

If you think your Scotch egg was bad, you should give the one at the 'King Henry' on Yonge and 16th Avenue a try!! Its bad enough to make a Scotsman weep! Bigger than the size of a huge grapefruit, it was super greasy and totally bland. It takes a real genius to make 'really bland' sausage meat'!!!!!

[KitchenVoodoo]

Loved your "huge grapefruit" analogy - I suppose the only saving grace of the Q&B scotch egg is that it's only slightly larger than the egg itself!

[Finnegan]

Agree with the new La Palette. Big, bright and noisy (as opposed to the chaming little Kensington Market boite it used to be). The food quality is generally good, but when I was there a few weeks ago, the service was extremely slow (3 hours for a meal) , the bread was burnt and the place was full of smoke from the open kitchen (time to upgrade the exhaust system). For what they charge, I expect much better. Will never return

[scarberian]

3 hours for a meal? That must have been some meal! I would have left after an hour and a half tops and complained to the manager.

[sloweater]

George... Overpriced, ordinary food with service in lockstep with the food.

[skylineR33]

What are some of the fine-dining restaurant you enjoy in Toronto ?

[sloweater]

I knew this would be controversial, but my last experience there was sub-par, particularly for a restaurant of this calibre. 4 out of 5 pairings were late to the table. We waited 45 minutes for our second course of the tasting menu. As for the food, it was nothing memorable. There was a sweetbread and seared foie gras course; both were overcooked and the dish was heavy with little variation in the flavour profile. The bison rib eye was undercooked and was cut unevenly. Overall, it was a disappointment for the $550 we spent.

I enjoy Kaji, Chiado, both iterations of Splendido, Didier, Canoe, Lai Wah Heen and Gallery Grill among others. Sadly, I feel like Toronto fine dining does average very well. It's been a while since I was last blown away by a meal in Toronto. For $200 more, I ate at Eleven Madison Park in NYC and it blew away George in every facet of the dining experience.

-----
Lai Wah Heen
108 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON M5G 1R3, CA

Splendido
88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, CA

Gallery Grill
7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S, CA

Chiado
864 College Street West, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3, CA

[skylineR33]

I agree the wait time can be long between courses at George, they also need to control the pace of the meal better as well as the portion . I do have service issue with EMP too, but yeah, it is hard to find anything in Toronto to match up if you are talking about EMP, it is like comparing dim sum and its service at Lai Wah Heen to some good one in Hong Kong.

[Charles Yu]

I don't think it is fair to compare EMP with any Toronto restaurants! Period!
Its like comparing Toronto Dim Sum with Hong Kong Dim Sum!!

[sloweater]

Who should we compare Toronto's "top" restaurants to in that case? Peterborough?

[Charles Yu]

Similar calibre restaurant that has not receive accolades such as 'James Beard Most Outstanding Restaurant ' or 'SP World's Top 50 restaurants'! In the latter, EMP was rated higher than the Michelin 3* Maison Troigros or Alain Ducasse in Paris!! Toronto does not even have a single restaurant that is in the top 100!
Closest Canadian establishment is Langdon Hall and that is not located in Peterborough!

[shekamoo]

have to agree with sloweater here based on recent visit to George. the food was just meh. maybe my bad timing was part of it because it was close to my dinner at Auberge de l'Ill. not that I am comparing the two in any way. Just that George simply doesnt deliver fine dining on a level beyond 'meh'

[justpete]

Funny. I was coming in to this thread to post the very same thing. I was "meh" about George too - and I was disappointed because the kitchen brigade there is huge! Perhaps I was too excited about it? Don't get me wrong, the food was good - but not great, nor exceptional - and quite pricey too, comparatively. It left me with the thought that there's much better food for significantly less in TO (ie, Splendido, Enotoca, Cava, etc.). I would also say that the dishes were among the most complex I've had in TO - but that doesn't matter much if the flavours aren't there (I enjoyed Colborne Lane's new 15 course tasting menu much more, and it offers the same complexity, relatively).

I might mention that the Sommelier (he had started recently when we went - and that was about 2 months ago) was quite personable. His wine knowledge and personality was perhaps the high-lite of the evening.

"Danger Will Robinson, Danger!"

He was hilariously funny.

[skylineR33]

I will pick George over Cava in a heartbeat, Cava is so meh to me. The forty-eight hour beef cheek is lack in taste and dry, steamed clam with chorizo is overpriced and ordinary. The octopus is too chewy and too over-powered...

However, I am not going to compare George, or even put it together with michelin establishments (I mean those good ones) I had in NYC, Tokyo or Paris...

[justpete]

I didn't have any of the dishes you mentioned, but others instead - the eggplant, 4 minute flank steak, and the bruschetta among others. These three dishes were nothing short of excellent.

I would describe my experience at George as "mostly bland". I will give them another try soon, as every restaurant has an off night - but I was very disappointed, given the hype.

[skylineR33]

I have also tried eggplant, 4 minutes flank steak, and the bruschetta. Bruschetta is pretty good, others, I think ok, not much memory.

[justpete]

Yeah - I don't remember a single dish from George either - and we had somewhere between 9 and 12 of them.

[skylineR33]

I had 20 of them one time with their 10 course tasting menu at George and I can remember around 10, which is not too bad. Splendido, maybe 3 out of 6 from the tasting menu. However, most of them which I remember of Cava are bad.

[justpete]

Yeah, George only offered bland on bland on bland. Hardly memorable.

[skylineR33]

But at least you said "the food was good - but not great", ha. Much better than bad food with bad memory.

[justpete]

"Good" isn't "good" enough for a $400-$500 bill.

Food is much better at Cava, and George isn't even in the same league as Splendido. Not even close.

-----
Splendido
88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, CA

Cava
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 2S9, CA

[skylineR33]

I found Cava overpriced for what it offers, much worst than George. And George and Splendido are the same calibre, best in Toronto, which is not even close to what I call great in my personal dining experience. And I have tried all 3 (George, Splendido and Cava) multiple times.

[justpete]

Not even close. George is insanely priced for what the food amounts to. Cava offers excellent food at modest prices. I've been to Splendido more times than I can count, Cava multiple times, and luckily for me, George only once. And yes, I've had exquisite dinners in Europe and all over as well - but George is a far cry from any of them.

-----
Splendido
88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, CA

Cava
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 2S9, CA

[skylineR33]

I think many people on this board had exquisite dinners in Europe and all over "the world" as well. To me and I am not the only one (believe me), in fact it is the majority (if you look at the voting best restaurant result thread on this board a few months ago), who think George and Splendido are on the same level of dining, too bad you have different experience based on your only visit to George. I guess everyone's dining experience is not the same, that's the beauty of Chowhound.

[justpete]

Agreed - so I don't understand why you feel it necessary to dismiss my opinion and insist on having the last word.

In the spirit of this thread, George has been the single biggest "meh" experience for me in all my dining in Toronto.

[skylineR33]

No, I am just saying Cava is much worst than George from my experience and I have been to them for multiple times. Sure you can say George has been the single biggest "meh" experience for you in all your dining in Toronto.

[justpete]

And to me, George is much, much, worse than Cava from my experience (and my SO's, I might add). Sure you can say Cava is "meh" in your experience.

-----
Cava
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 2S9, CA

[skylineR33]

Actually regarding Cava, it is more than meh to me, I will not go there if I am the one who pick the restaurant. It just does not worth it.

Back to this topic, I think the biggest meh for me is Kaiseki Sakura.

[justpete]

Yeah, I'm going to give George one more chance.... but the $400-500 for two w/ wine parings is easily the most over-priced dinner in the city.

[skylineR33]

You already said you will revisit it later, but before that, you don't know if the meal is overpriced or not. You may like it.

[justpete]

My expectations are much lower than previous - so there's a chance I'll enjoy it more.

[tjr]

Agree with Kaiseki Sakura, though they do have a pretty nice sake selection and some dishes are okay.

[piccola]

Really? I loved Kaiseki Sakura. But that was two years ago, might have changed.

[1sweetpea]

I think Cava's strength is with offal and meaty dishes. I really enjoyed my 48-hour beef cheek, tripe and chickpeas, chickpeas with morcilla sausage, sweetbreads and foie gras crostini. I found the salads and vegetable dishes less memorable, the fish nicely done but not spectacular and the seafood options forgettable.

-----
Cava
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 2S9, CA

[JennaBean]

AHHHH nooooo! ;-) That's my fav fine dinning in the city. It pains my heart to read meh!

[Pincus]

Mistura.

[iMarilyn]

Guu. Ugh, more like.

-----
Guu
398 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, CA

[burlgurl]

Terroni for me tonight...we had the seafood pasta, pear/gorgonzola and mushroom/cheese pizza and was disappointed....kinda regret the indian craving I had earlier...it was very....meh...

[The Chowhound Team]

Folks, we've removed a lot of discussion about the word 'meh' from the thread. If you don't like the concept of the thread, it's okay to just pass it by and not post on it. But expressing your dislike of the thread in the thread isn't okay.

So, if you've got a restaurant to nominate as 'meh' or you want to defend one of the nominated 'mehs', go ahead, but if you just want to discuss whether it's appropriate to even have a 'meh' thread, please just move to the next thread instead.

Thanks.

[lamaranthe]

Big Meh for Golden Griddle 180 Eglinton East. Soooo unclean, sooo sloppy... I won't even go into details about that place.

[JennaBean]

Big thumbs down! Far more down than just meh!!! ICk!!

[dessertgal]

Stonegrill. It's overpriced, and food is simply MEH.

[cynalan]

Verona on King West. Absolutely the worst service and meal I've ever had. Waiter got both the app and the main wrong, when delivered - both were MEH! and nothing done by the house to address the issue. Not even a comp on the glass of wine. Never again!

[erly]

Congee Queen
The place is always busy
Some must love it.
Have eaten there possibly a dozen times due to Grandkids wanting Cantonese Chow Mein, and not wanting to travel far.
We now do takeout for them
Everything tastes reheated, refried, etc. and full of MSG
Large :Portions reasonable prices, but worse the meh to us.

-----
Congee Queen
895 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C3L2, CA

[juno]

Gosh, I rather like Congee Queen. Agreed, some dishes are better than others. I'd put it overall a couple of cuts above meh. Not the best in town, surely, but quite tasty - many of the dishes listed in the menu under "gourmet dish and side order" are flavorful. If you go again with your pushy grandkids, simply refuse to order Cantonese chow mein. - try K43 (fried chili turnip patties) and/or K19 (braised bean curd and minced pork with spicy sauce). Should they insist on the chow mein, then demand that THEY have to pay the bill, no matter what their age and financial abilities - that'll teach 'em. I go often with someone ultra-sensitive to MSG, and she has no problem with the cuisine. Been going for years. Note: I don't have grandkids, so don't truly know the pressures you operate under.

[erly]

Hey Juno, usually agree with your reviews, and enjoyed your retort.
BTW Grandkids rule!
I am so turned off that I would never return, but this is what this thread is about.
We always ordered the fried chili turnip thinking that this is one of their better dishes.
On our last visit it had been reheated so many times that the little cubes were squashed the egg was tough and stringy and it was overly greasy.
It is always busy, but I am often in the minority.
My MEH is other peoples favorite???

[Idas]

Erly,

perhaps a try at Congee Star on Don Mills near the Swiss Chalet ( equally close to you?) might spare you a little of the kiddie override pain. We have young kids and often bail to Congee restos to avoid "dying of hunger".

Sometimes they can all be quite MEH.

As for Congee Star, I have found their sauce bases and techniques on par or better than other Congee places. So far my SO has not had any MSG migraines nor MSG tongue.

Since it is close to Congee Queen, you might want to check them out.
Oh and Congee Star is NEVER crazy busy like Congee Wong or Congee Queen, those lineups are so MEH!! :)

-----
Congee Queen
895 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C3L2, CA

Congee Star
900 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, ON M3C1V6, CA

[foodyDudey]

Allens

meheheheh

[shekamoo]

and the service not even meh

[KitchenVoodoo]

Terrible waste of a nice room and patio. Owners and management infuse a place with their attitude - and pass on that energy to the wait staff and cooks. In this case it seems Allens is a graveyard for food but the barflies must be paying the rent.

[akhorasanee]

Lucien - it was just about ok for me, didnt get the hype

[justpete]

There's Lucien 'hype'!?! I think there was some hype 2-3 years ago but haven't seen anyone 'hyping' Lucien in a long time.

[akhorasanee]

It was pretty highly ranked in the Toronto Life eating and drinking guide 2011 restaurant edition (released November 2010)- I'm on a mission to visit most of them by the end of 2011. I really didnt find this worthy of the # of stars it received

[justpete]

Ah. Well, if you like the molecular gastronomy type thing (which I enjoy immensely), pay a visit to Colborne lane - they recently revamped their menu (their old menu had become stagnant), and it's great.

[tjr]

If you've ever had a decent molecular gastronomy meal elsewhere, you won't be impressed with CL. If you haven't, it's a good place to start.

[justpete]

Have you been recently, or is your opinion based on your experience from three years ago? Which ones have you been to?

And I have been to several, including "Ze Kitchen" in Paris.

[tjr]

I haven't tried it since the last time I ate there; it was a huge, depressing letdown. Unless they've become a much better restaurant (my friends who have recently dined there say not quite), I won't return.

I think CL is probably a great introduction to MG for those who've never experienced it, and is probably the best restaurant in Toronto for MG (if not really the only one). For me, though, it's a rehashing of other restaurants' greatest hits, executed poorly. I don't personally see any reason why I should return.

[akhorasanee]

Thanks! I've been to colborne and absolutely love it:)

[justpete]

Cheers to that - you may want to return soon as the recent changes they've made have garnered some amazing dishes - I will post some pics shortly. The most fascinating dish was the cured salmon - it was the best salmon dish I've ever had, and the texture was absolutely astonishing. I tried to steal my SO's salmon - but she wouldn't let me as she felt the same way. ha.

[callitasicit]

I am going to get killed but I have to say meh to Pizzeria Libretto.

-----
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

[justsayn]

No killing from me. Pizzeria Libretto meh right there with you!

-----
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

[petek]

I found Pizzeria Libretto was better than QM Pizza,but still not mind blowing..

[KitchenVoodoo]

No killing from me either - can't see what all the fuss is about.

[DUH CAR]

Libretto meh as well. And the wine is over-priced too! Fabricca and Queen Margherita are both waay better!

[ingloriouseater]

i am really getting tired of people throwing out the line about overpriced wine. $8-$12 is perfectly reasonable.

If you can't afford it or don't want to afford it, don't order it or don't go out, but the days of $5 glasses of wine are behind us. Libretto's bottles are mostly around $35-$40. Buy your fuzion and order pizza pizza....

[Googs]

I wouldn't clean my kitchen sink with Fuzion nor use Pizza Pizza as a shim, but when I see restaurants charging by-the-glass what I know it costs for the entire bottle at the LCBO, you better bet I'll complain. Whether I'm drinking an $8 or a $20 glass, I want value.

[jamesm]

Awhile back we actually had a half-bottle of something the server recommended and I can't recall the details but is was perfect with the pizza, may have been a rioja? When we got the bill I remember being impressed by how good it was for the price we were charged and how well it went with the meal.

[Googs]

Exactly! When I want to drink cheaply while out, I order Rioja. You can buy a perfectly drinkable bottle at the LCBO for $15-$20. You can usually find it for about $9/glass.

[juno]

Agreed, the best way to complain about a resto's wine prices is not to order any wine. But if DUH CAR feels a joint's wine prices are a ripoff, I'm interested in hearing his/her complaint, and wouldn't dismiss it out of hand. It's well known that wine markups are often three and four times the LCBO price, and, I suspect, even higher for private imports in which we don't know the price the resto has bought it at. Whether you think that's a fair markup for a product that's often merely trucked in, badly stored and uncorked upon it being ordered, is a judgment call. But I get twitchy when I see $10 bottles going for $40 and more at meh-type restos, and make a mental note never to return.

Note: I actually found a $5 glass recently, at an otherwise pretty good Middle East resto on Steeles Ave. W., called Best Grill. Some Canadian white thing. Drinkable, but not much more than that. About Libretto's wine list, I knoweth not. Can never find a place to park when I'm down that way. Would be intrigued to hear of any other $5 glasses available in the GTA, though I think the $6 glass is now the rock-bottom around town.

[justpete]

Have you tried the Duck Confit and pear pizza? Seems like Libretto is either love or hate, but I think that is one delicious pizza - oh, and if you order take-out, you have to eat it right away, else it's just not the same.

[icey]

Funny thing about Libretto for me is that i have had really meh pizza there and I have had really awesome pizza there....
I find the inconsistency to be totally MEH!

[justsayn]

Wish I had been lucky just once at Libretto. Just a pizza.....

[Underdog Rally]

Agreed, I've had pizza that was fantastic, and pizza that made me wonder if they'd secretly slipped out the back and brought in takeout from a chain. Same with QMP. I really love this style of pizza, so I wish I could find somewhere that will give me a quality pie with every visit!

[PoppiYYZ]

My biggest complaint with QMP is the wait staff. When that pizza comes out of the blast furnace and hits the plate, it must be served immediately. Too many times I've watched a pie sit there for minute after minute and hoped it wasn't mine.

I've suggested having one dedicated food runner who stays with Romolo. A method that I think more restaurants should employ.

That being said, QMP makes one wickedly good pizza.

[justpete]

Here were some of my more favourite dishes; I apologize for the quality of the photos, as we were at the Chef's table (low light), and I only had my iPhone with me (inability to compensate for lack of proper lighting).

1) cured wild salmon, yuzu vinaigrette, black sesame
2) Isemolt leaf, dehydrated root vegetables, yoghurt, regular root vegetables (hidden)
3) Steak tartare, truffle smoked foam, smoked tomato, 62 degree egg.
4) Halibut, jerusalem artichoke, cherry tomatoes

[jennjen18]

Wvrst. and Yuzu. and Fishbar.

-----
Yuzu
236 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H1W7, CA

Wvrst
609 King St W, Toronto, ON , CA

[Charles Yu]

Intersting jennjen18! I was just told by a friend that the sausages'hotdogs served by the hot dog stand outside of Finch subway station tasted better than those in Wvrst!!! Ha!!

-----
Wvrst
609 King St W, Toronto, ON , CA

[hal2010]

Yeah, it's the Wvrst restaurant ever.

[jennjen18]

It's overrated... we were underwhelmed... literally meh.

[Googs]

I like to call this trend Toronto-restaurateurs-discover-they-can-charge-a-whole-lot-for-filler.

[justsayn]

Sorry. I was staying out of the hate-Wvrst string but it is getting unfair IMO.

Wvrst is a dumb place as they showed poor judgement with their opening concept. I have always been of the mind that I hope they clue in and fix it. There is nothing terrible about the place at all...its just isn't needed.

The sausages are excellent and they are not all filler. They happen to taste great to many, many people I know. I have been just once and we had fantastic fries and great sausages. The beer selection is exciting to many and great to others. The prices, save the concept concerns, are not high at all. They would be entitled to those prices in a heartbeat if the overall concept wasn't so weak.

So if you want to rip on Wvrst go for it, I agree they have it coming. But I also believe yiou could be way more constructive because they are serving excellent food and beer at normal prices.

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Wvrst
609 King St W, Toronto, ON , CA

[prima]

.

-----
Yuzu
236 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H1W7, CA

[prima]

Agree re: Fishbar. The food was meh, but the service we received was somewhere between blech and meh.

I like the food at Yuzu. While I wouldn't consider Yuzu to serve food that wows, it's closer to good than meh (for me), and a safe bet for the Entertainment District.

-----
Yuzu
236 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H1W7, CA

[Arcadiaseeker]

Origin
Splendido
Harbord Room
Libretto
Banjara

[dlw88]

Campagnolo
Bloke and 4th
Acadia