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Annona Resturant
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
Park Hyatt Hotel4 Avenue Rd
Toronto, ON M5R 2E8
Neighbourhoods: The Annex, Discovery District, University of Toronto, Downtown Core
(416) 324-1567
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Annona Resturant
13 reviews in English
-
Review from Maria L.
North York, ON
2/15/2012
My friend and I went here for Winterlicious (lunch) and the food was very good! We both had boston clam chowder to start and it was the best chowder I've had so far. It was not heavy like most chowders because there was barely any cream in it, it was more like a puree with veggies and clam chunks. My friend ordered the salmon with vegetables and risotto and I had the steak with a deep friend mac and cheese triangle. Both entrees were very good, but I could've done without the mac and cheese. For dessert I had the red velvet cake and my friend had a mini waffle with caramel ice cream.
This restaurant is fancy but provides a nice comfy atmosphere. I was a bit worried by other reviews because some said service here was awful, especially if you weren't dressed up, but it was entirely the opposite. We came in jeans and still received excellent service. Overall, this restaurant provides excellent service and serves really good food! Would definitely come here again! -
Review from Alana C.
3/24/2012
My friend and I decided to have an impromptu high tea today. First, we went to the Four Seasons and unfortunately they were full. We walked over to the Park Hyatt and saw a lot of availability in the restaurant. This is where things get thumbs down.
The hostess asked us for our reservation and we informed her we had no reservations to which she replied: "WELL, for next time you always need a reservation! This time I will do it for you." Then we walk into the seating area - it is NEARLY EMPTY. How gracious of you to help us out by seating us in your empty restaurant!
The tea was delish but the pots leaked all over the place. We weren't given pots that matched the pattern (Royal Albert) but the other tables were.
The sandwiches were delicious and unique. The deserts were pretty good - I enjoyed the selection of jams and mini-scones. They also brought out more hot water for our tea, which was nice.
BAD: they don't give you a new plate or cutlery for the dessert portion. So some of my sweet treats tasted like beef carpaccio, not cool. And the service was very slow. When we finished it felt like an eternity before we could get our bill.
Next time, we're going elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, we were thankful for the last minute seating on a Saturday afternoon but will know better for next time. -
Review from Steph L.
12/11/2011
Annona for high tea, a-no-thanks.
I busted out my fancy hat for high tea at Annona. I was with a large group and we had reservations for 2:30 in the afternoon.
Don't get me wrong, the service was courteous and attentive as expected
But enough small hiccups became frustrating.
They didn't have our table ready.
It's the afternoon and not busy at all, but we had to wait outside while they scrambled to get set-up for about 10 minutes.
Once we were seated, we were presented with the afternoon tea menu.
The high tea here is amongst the cheapest in the city but you're also not in a tearoom. ($26 regular tea service, sparkling tea service is $35 with Prosecco)
The menu has a selection of teas: Earl Grey, BC inspired piney teas, Jasmine and Green teas, I opted for the White Tip Darjeeling which they describe as the "champagne of black teas".
About 40 minutes after ordering, half of the group's tea arrived.
My tea was one of the last to arrive even though I ordered first.
Tea Attempt #1:
I poured my tea through the filter and it was full of tiny little bits too small for the filter. I asked for the pot to be replaced.
The two people sitting around me ordered the same tea at the same time and had no problem.
Tea Attempt #2
About 10 minutes later my teapot came back.
The lid still had tiny tea bits on it. Obviously the same unwashed pot.
I poured it through the filter, same problem! I don't think they changed the tea at all.
I called the manager over. He apologized and took the teapot away again.
Tea Attempt #3
The manager brings over a new teapot with tea.
I lift the lid and it's clean. I peer in at the leaves and they are the right size. He says the reason my other pot was bad was that the water was too cold (That's a horrible reason).
I think they just used the end of the package.
He started to pour my tea, it poured fine. I told him to stop pouring so the tea could steep.
How long does it take to get a cup of tea? An hour.
Food
====
The food arrived.
There aren't side tables, which is a nice-to-have for more space.
* The bread for the salmon and pumpernickel had been re-toasted and was cold and stale.
* The shrimp and cucumber bite was the best savory item
* There were a few other sandwich bites that weren't anything really exciting
Desserts
=======
They didn't change our plates. That really annoyed me.
The best part of the dessert was the clotted cream.
The desserts were served on a small 3-tier tower which was cute.
There are a few types of mini scones: Currant, orange, plain.
They were dry and had been sitting for a while. We ran out of jam.
They didn't check to see if we needed more and we had to ask.
The best tea pastry was the fruit custard tartlet.
There was a bite of carrot cake, chocolate cake.
The chocolate cake was very dry and made me sad.
Unfortunately, high tea here fell very short of my expectations.
I might be back for a regular meal, but definitely not for tea. -
Review from Ken S.
Mississauga, ON
7/14/2011
Ok, so we took the kids out for High Tea at the Park Hyatt in Yorkville again and this time I took pictures. Not of the tea segment but of the food. We have had dinner at Annona before and the Dover Sole was to die for. Anyway that's not why I am writing this. I find Annona to be extreme high end dining to the point of almost having an uncomfortable air. The food however is so good that we return a few times during the year prepared to deal with the...pretension?
High tea at Annona is one of the most affordable in the city and you can enjoy it everyday between 3pm and 5pm. Annona gets their tea from Vancouver company simply called "T." I enjoyed the EROS blend which was sweet and creamy. After tea I enjoyed an orange mimosa with prosecco and made using their hand squeezed orange, tangerine and I think mandarin oranges.
We had a Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich made with lobster, aged white cheddar, brioche and purée of roasted tomato soup. This was one of the best grill cheeses I have ever bought but I could also say that about the ones I make at home when I have had a few. High end grill cheese to me is not something I would repeat as I see it as unnecessary. I had this same feeling when eating Kobe Beef Har-Gau dim sum at Lai Wah Heen. It was good but high end dim sum did not translate for me. The roasted tomato soup was creamy, sweet and tart. A perfect dipping vessel.
Their duck confit was laden with flavour, served with perfectly soft gnocchi and brussel sprouts. They then had the audacity to cover the dish with the richest, most flavourful reduction that I would only expect from a hotel restaurant. Rich, buttery and complex. You know that feeling where you are not sure what is in your mouth but you like it? That kinda good. -
Review from Frank L.
Toronto, ON
7/25/2011 1 photo
I have been to this restaurant a few times. It has maintained its standard all along. With the Summerlicious going in, even we book a table but we arrive early at 5:30pm. We order freshly squeezed orange juice. It is very good though a bit expensive at $9 a glass. We talk a while before the waiter comes to take our orders.
The appetizer Baby Lobster grilled cheese is exceptionally good. I am not a cheese eater but still has to give it a Kudo. The Rib eye steak is perfect medium rare. The texture is tender and juicy. The Sea bass is good, grilled on one side and moist on the other. If I have to chose between these two, I would recommend for the steak. We are given 2 choices for the dessert. Seldom is such offer being given. The best is the Chocolate lava cafe. It is delicious and once you cut it, the chocolate lava just melt and flowing out like lava. I like the meringue part of the Lemon meringue pie. The Sorbet seems like to be pear.
The service is good. After we have our drinks, bread is forgotten to be served. The waiter is smart to note that we look around at other tables which all are just served with bread. He immediately go and get us a basket. For other restaurants at Summerlicious, I have experience rush rush rush. But here our treatment is as if we are served in a normal manner in a high class restaurant. This restaurant is highly recommended. -
Review from Ares X.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2012
After reading Ken S's review, and seeing that there is high tea at this location, I decided to try it out.
We ended up ordering a la cart, and it was nice! I ordered the Eros tea which was probably the best tea I've ever had, went well with our scones and tea biscuits.
The little tea biscuits were a little smaller than I thought they would be (If ordering a la cart, they give you 4 of the tea biscuits and 4 of the scones). But all of it tasted really well. Also came with 4 condiments (honey, raspberry jam, strawberry jam, and a mandarin one I believe).
Because of the great tea, great service and great food, I would definitely like to come back here and try it out for dinner/lunch -
Review from Alison C.
2/2/2011
During a business trip to Toronto, our Canadian-based clients had suggested that we catch up on some business matters over breakfast at one of their local favorites. My manager, however, wound up rerouting us to Annona, the restaurant in his hotel...perfectly convenient for his early morning commute down in the elevator, of course!
When I finally managed to arrive across town at that early hour, I found myself in the gorgeous Park Hyatt Hotel with its gracious valet staff and elegantly appointed lobby. The restaurant was decorated like any other upscale hotel eatery in that it managed to be both fancy, yet under-stated at the same time. The staff was extremely friendly and efficient, constantly refilling our beverages, checking on our meal satisfaction, and so on.
My egg white omelet was fluffy and perfectly cooked. The side of fresh berries included plump, ripe blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The freshly-squeezed orange juice and bold coffee were also enjoyable.
Annona provided the perfect mix of casualness and refinement that was necessary for our business meal. In the end, I guess that the destination was actually worth the trip and my manager's satisfaction! -
Review from Tyler G.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2011
Excellent place for a business lunch. There are always people in the restaurant, but the tables are spaced really well so you feel like you can have a personal conversation and still have a bit of chatter in the background.
Service is attentive and accommodating.
The food is consistent and tasty. The prairie club is a favourite. The lobster grilled cheese is fun, but could use a little more lobster to make it feel worth it. -
Review from Edwin A.
1/30/2011 8 photos
Annona is a quaint naturally lit restaurant and makes a perfect breakfast or brunch spot. This restaurant is in the beautiful appointed hotel of Park Hyatt of Toronto.
My fiancee and went here on the weekend to enjoy a Winterlicious lunch.
Service was very good, with the servers only a beckons call a way. I like that they are not overtly hovering the table or trying to aggressively upsell you on other items.
To start , for our appetizers
-Shrimp, Squash & Manchego Empanada
Avocado Lime Dipping Sauce
-Spinach, Ciel des Charlesvoix & chilli maple roasted walnuts
Warm Bacon, Cranberry Vinaigrette (vegetarian)
Our mains:
-Rice Paper Wrapped Halibut
Curried Broth, Braised Green Lentils, Thin Cut Vegetables
-Horseradish Glazed Beef Brisket
Crunchy Mustard & Dill Pickle Gravy, Root Vegetable Mash
Desserts:
-Walnut Butter Tart
Dark Chocolate Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream
-Apple Buttercream Roll
Crisp Apple, Caramel Sauce, Crème Anglaise
Your taste experience depends entirely on what you order but overall everything is prepared quite well. The ambiance lives up to our expectations of gourmet dining.
The verdict on the food as I mentioned your tastes depends on entirely what you order. For what I've ordered, I didn't like the preparation of the beef. It tasted marinated in vinegar and cured like a ham. The butter apple roll tasted dry. However the spinach salad I ordered tasted quite good. The bacon topped spinach and cheese and walnuts on the side made for a unique flavorful salad.
For my fiancee's meal, the empanada's were delicious, crisp and the avocado dressing went perfectly with the seafood filling inside. The halibut was a little bit dry other than that the light curried broth with the rice paper wrapped halibut was a unique combination that turned out well. The sharply pointed triangled shaped butter tart was a perfect way to end the meal not being overly sweet especially since it was topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Annona is a good restaurant. We love the ambiance, preparation and locale. The food however did not shine in all aspects. There were some highlights and low lights to the food. Maybe we'll give it another try but the first time around it was average. 3 stars. -
Review from nikki c.
Toronto, ON
8/15/2010
This was the best dinner I've ever had in my life for three reasons: unbelievably delicious food, amazing service...and somebody else picked up the tab. If you read my review of the Park Hyatt, you'll see I was lucky enough to attend an all-expenses paid conference at the hotel for work; we kicked off the meetings with dinner at Annona.
The restaurant had a set menu for us. My appetizer was a mixed greens salad with beets in a light dressing. That may not sound like much, but Annona managed to take something fairly simple and make it extraordinary. For a main I ordered the Chilean sea bass, which was served over wild rice and a mixed-veggie salsa. I love seafood, and this was out-of-this-world fantastic. Another main offered was steak, which most of my colleagues ordered and which was raved about by said colleagues for most of the week. A word of warning -- Annona is truly the place to turn any diner into a major critic. Every restaurant we went to from then on was rated as "good...but not as good as Annona." And for dessert? A lovely platter of little cakes and goodies. Most people went for the chocolate lava cakes (which were also raved about for the next week), which was fine by me since I got more than my fair share of creamy hazelnut ice cream.
And the wine! I don't know what kind it was, but like the meal, it was hands down the best I've ever had. A fruity white wine, not too sweet, and went down so smoothly. My glass was constantly refilled by one of the servers, and that just made it even better. I'm no expert in wine, but one of my coworkers worked for a winery in the Okanogen Valley and agreed that it was fantastic.
If you're looking for a restaurant to go for a special meal, save your pennies and splurge at Annona. -
Review from Victoria M.
Toronto, ON
I usually go to Annona for breakfast but today I went in for dinner, and let me tell you it was the best dinner I've had in a while.
It's located in the Park Hyatt Hotel- when you walk into the lobby or are getting out of your car go to the right, and it's on your left you can't miss it.
Besides the service always being top notch the food was out of this world. I over indulged tonight but believe the those extra calories were worth it. They have their spring inspired menu and every plate sounded wonderful.
Tonight I started off the with smoked salmon, which could have easily been shared between two people. I find smoked salmon to be pretty standard wherever you go in hotels but it's the presentation which gets me. Annona had it right here- it comes with 3 large pieces of salmon, chopped purple onion, capers, and chopped eggs. For the entree I had the Grilled Seafood Mix which came with grilled shrimp, tuna, salmon and lobster ravioli. Everything was great and I've never had grilled tuna before so I was a bit reluctant to taste it but it was wonderful. The serving size of each fish was not overwhelming about 1-1.5oz each. The handmade lobster ravioli... let me tell you it was unbelievable. If I could I'd eat it everyday. I was with some family members and one of them had lobster mashed potatoes, and I don't think there are words that can describe them but really it was amazing. You'll defiantly need to try them. As for dessert we has a tasting menu and again, without fail, the presentation and taste was wonderful. Hands down one of the best dinner's I've had in a while.
If you haven't been here for dinner yet or are planning a special dinner you should really consider Annona.
They have also opened up a patio which is great for the days when we have nice weather. I also took a gander at their lunch menu and it is "no forks necessary," which I think is a great concept with the summertime practically here now.
If you're looking for parking, they do have valet, or if you prefer to park the car yourself there is Green P parking across the street next to the Four Seasons Hotel. You can enter it from Cumberland or from Yorkville.
Oh and if you have a ROM membership then you can get %10 off your bill when you do dine at Annona.
They also have a special going on right now where you choose any appetizer or starter, entree, and dessert for $49. Depending on your meal you know it's a great deal.
I recommend you check out their website to see their menu, hours, and of course to check their phone number so you can call to make reservations. Which by the way you will probably want to do to ensure you get a table- I know it can get quite busy in there for Sunday brunch and dinner time. -
Review from John G.
East York, ON
9/29/2009
This is the place to splurge a little and if you want to be pampered at the same time. Located on the Ground Floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel.
Can be a little expensive, but with careful ordering + drinking the price can be worth while for that special occasion. Check out some special $49 per person menu's on Fri/Sta/Sun evenings throughout November, and also Afternoon High Tea (3-5pm daily) a nice break after all that "window shopping" on Bloor Street, West of Bay. -
Review from Chloe P.
Ottawa, ON
9/26/2010
my favourite place to eat in toronto. i have been here for all occasions (breakfast, lunch and dinner) countless times. amazing staff. fabulous menu. come in anyways even if you're not a guest at the hyatt, it will be well worth it.
