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Butler's Pantry
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants Indian Asian Fusion, Indian [Edit]
371 Roncesvalles AvenueToronto, ON M6R 2M8
Neighbourhoods: High Park, Roncesvalles
(416) 537-7750
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 1 am
Sun 10 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Butler's Pantry
Review Highlights
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"...favourite dish is the Marocain chicken bastilla pie." In 2 reviews -
"...the house dressing is divine, Bastille Pie, Beef Burgundy." In 2 reviews -
"She got the spinach nut casserole and it was amazing." In 4 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Debbie M.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2011
My husband and I love this place - it's our home cooking solution! We find ourselves going here at least 1x every two weeks. The salads are amazing! And the menu is mom-made fusion. I've enjoyed everything I've tried!
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Review from Angela L.
1/19/2012
"There's always the Butler's Pantry" says a lot about the unassuming, but dependable restaurant. It's probably not your first choice, but it'll always be there if the restaurant of your choice is too busy or closed that day. The "homestyle" dishes are affordable and comforting. The decor is homey and relaxed.
We stopped in for a quick bite during the early dinner hour. While my dinner dates (who both grew up in the Roncey neighbourhood) both opted for the tried and true sheppards pie, I made the rookie mistake of going with the crab salad sandwich and hated it. The bland melted cheddar atop of the generous blob of chopped previously frozen imitation pollock stick doused in mayo was bad.
The home-style unsweetened iced tea as well as the service was great though. I'll be sure to go back to gather a more thorough sampling of the Butler's offerings. -
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011
Great perogies!
Seriously, Butler's Pantry offers a $5 for 3 perogies that is a delicious daily special you should take advantage of if you're down Roncy way. They're a bit... odd, but tasty nonetheless: spinach and feta filled, with a side of thick sour cream and a small pile of caramelized onions with a touch of cumin. I was incredulous, but damned if I wasn't pleasantly surprised.
Unfortunately, my sandwich was a bit subpar -- the bread was toasted and had a 40 grit sandpapery "I will destroy the roof of your mouth" texture to it that just isn't cool. I'm sure most readers are familiar with what I'm describing here. Regardless, it kinda hurt to eat. The fillings -- veggies all -- were nice enough, but a bit mushy and sparse.
The rest of the menu was confusing. As others have noted, they have what can kindly be called an "eclectic" menu; some might refer to it as "unfocused", "scattershot", or "hit and miss". It struck me as though the house put together a list of things they enjoyed eating and/or cooking and figured it would be great.
I'm sure some of the dishes are good. I'm equally sure some aren't, and judging by the very mixed reviews here I sincerely think they need to do some revision. I hope they do, 'cuz those perogies are fiiiiiine. There's some skill in that there kitchen, it just needs a bit more focus.
Outside of the food, I found the service good, very friendly and helpful, though a bit overwhelmed (one girl for the whole place); layout is your typical diner, though split into two rooms, which makes the poor server's job that much tougher. She does admirably all things considered.
Final note: it apparently has poor airflow (judging by a conversation overheard between server and regular patron). That's why it was very cold there while I ate. They had a door open. If they close the door, it's very hot. Diners should bear this in mind.
Let's say 4 star for the perogies and service, 2 for the sandwich and chill, for an average score of 3. I'm sure I'll return, though I won't be in a rush unless I'm craving the perogies!Listed in: 30 in 30? Quantity & Quality!
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Review from Rian D.
Montréal, QC
8/31/2011
Came here as a backup plan when our original lunch spot didn't pan out.
The place itself is a tad unassuming and the decor, to be honest, isn't all too memorable, a pretty basic set up... nothing too swanky.
We sat in the back area and the "hostess", who also works the till and doubles as the server, gave the two of us at a four seater table which was nice. I hate being forced to sit at a cramped two-seater when a restaurant clearly isn't busy.
The menu had great selections for meateaters, vegetarian and vegans alike. There is a heavy east Indian influence on the choices and flavours of the meals.
They also offer a brunch menu that runs until 2pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. Based on what I ordered off of it brunch is not their specialty, however.
Don't get the eggs benny. The yolks were cooked as solid as a hard boiled egg and the hollandaise sauce had a sour after taste.
Their entrees off of the regular menu however, one of which my friend ordered, are delicious. She got the spinach nut casserole and it was amazing... obviously I stole a bite (maybe two). Based on that bite I would definitely go back to try some other entree dishes.
The service was efficient, the server-slash-hostess was friendly and their salad dressing was badass good. It was a bit inconvenient that thy only accept cash or credit and no debit. With no forewarning or little signage I didn't find this out until after we ate, so have money on hand if you go.
If I had to get picky I guess I would say I didn't need to see their less than fancy kitchen area through swing doors that were kept open and the back door that was propped open to the alleyway and garbage bins beyond that... but hey, I personally didn't care much about it.
If you aren't keen in the flavours often found in Indian foods this place may not
be the spot for your tummy but otherwise I recommend giving it a gander. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Personally, The Butler's Pantry (chain) used to be one of my favourite places to pass by on a lazy Saturday/Sunday Brunch or Lunch. In fact, one of my favourite dishes use to be the Tandoori Chicken Penne.
However the food for the most part has fallen in quality over the last 5 years or so and it is no longer the delight that it once was.
Now this location, unlike the one in the Annex has a bit more charm in the interior decour, although this really only extends to the first section when you come in as the back look a bit like the back of a Coffee shop. So in other words, an after thought, mostly meant to squeeze in more customers.
Now as far as the drinks, they are reasonably priced, specially the cheapish wine so on paper this is a great little place to squander a few hours. In practice however, I used to live in the area many years ago and I only bothered to visit this place twice, and just for limited drinks. Since if you are looking for a better overall dinner experience, or a fun night out, Butler's here is outmatched by places like Gate 403, or The Local and even All That Jazz Cafe, all just a few doors away.
Unfortunately, this location, thanks to its lack of a patio, feels more like a glorified cafe than an eatery. Only go there when you are dressed in your pijamas and are not too picky about having pre-heated food.
It only gets an extra star above two due to the nice, friendly waitress and my subjectively fond memories. -
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/11/2011
The Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
The Butler's Pantry is a cafe that happens to serve food. It's a great location on Roncesvalles to sit and have a chat with a friend or read a book. I wouldn't recommend the food, though. I had the grilled veggie wrap twice, and each time it was a completely taste and experience. That worries me.
So: coffee and snacks, yes. Meal, no.
2 stars -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
11/6/2010 2 photos
Inside I sat myself of course next to the Cake Fridge as I notice the single server working away. A Daughter/Mother team did the same while the waitress walked to the back. Another group walked in and went to the back, that's how I figured out the back has seating too. When the waitress got back, we got Menus and took our order/drink. She was very Friendly I found, but she had her hands full even at 50% resto capacity on this Weeknight.
Chicken Bastilla Pie($11.95) served simply, no razzle dazzle. As the person next time me noted, "Family Style" meal. It was Comfort Food with a TWIST because this dish in particular brings Moroccan flavours noticed within the Spices used. You can see the Pie as if you're at home passing it around and each taking a slice.
Cinnamon/Almond/Egg mixture was in an obvious layer that brings a sweetness/crunchiness which tops the Chicken/Mushroom provides the COMFORT side much like a Chicken Pot Pie however it wasn't with Gravy but a Sauce that I couldn't distinguish however noticed a bit of Yellow(Turmeric?). The Phyllo was done up well like how most Greek Phyllo Pastries are but this one was definitely Buttery Crust.
I'm not wow'd but at the same time it did serve it's purpose of a good nutritional meal if you don't over-analyze it. It's not a Dinner Date you plan in advance, it's more like last-second decision you walk inside with your Pajamas and eat your home cooked meal(cooked by others) that gives a bit of difference than your Campbell's Chunky.
BP shows me Moroccan dishes aren't just Tagines and Cous Cous. Thank you.Listed in: Middle East Scoops
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Review from Goose K.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2011
Butlers pantry is one of those places where I find myself stumbling through the door while still deciding on what to eat. The variety of ethnic comfort food will deliver a hearty satisfaction to nearly any craving. A pleasant atmosphere, decent size portions, reasonable prices and tasty selections make this a semi-regular destination for me.
The Bul go gi is a signature dish but I find the consistency to be lacking. The sauce can be a little sweet at times and the meat appears to be of a lesser grade from past experiences. Most dishes have already been prepared and are simply reheated when served. Still, the Lamb Moussaka and Moroccan style Chicken Bastilla Pie are among my favourites. The latter of which can make a guest envious when you begin to salivate over the layers of buttery filo pastry. *drool* All the main dishes are served with a fresh garden salad with a side of zesty home made dressing.
It's a charming place with a friendly staff who serve with a subdued casualness. This could be the X factor in terms of service on busy day but a perfect remedy for a quiet afternoon. -
Review from Greg C.
Toronto, ON
8/14/2009
Can someone explain what the big deal is? The service was nice but the back room might be the most depressing environ since the bar scene from Magnolia with William H Macy. Seriously, all I could think of when eating my bland quiche was "I need braces!"
Maybe I'm missing something? -
Review from Pearl C.
Toronto, ON
6/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
The food here is decent. It's more like ethnic-fusion comfort food than anything elaborate.
I really like the zucchini pancakes.
Last time I was there I had the Bulgogi dish. The sauce on the beef was WAY too sweet for one sitting, however it was good as leftovers blended in with lots of extra rice and veggies to dilute the sauce.
It's a very chill place so service might be a bit slow at times. -
Review from Joanna L.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2009
The Butler's Pantry has a certain quaint charm to it.
I actually enjoy going to the Roncesvalles location either alone for a quiet lunch or bringing my Mom or a friend along.
The food is hearty and tasty, not to mention diverse and not too pricey either.
My absolute favourite dish is the Marocain chicken bastilla pie. Yumyum! -
Review from Stephan J.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 12/18/2009
** Shortly after sending an email to the owner and writing this review I received an email apologizing for the situation with an offer for a gift certificate for our troubles. Great customer service Butler's! We'll definitely give you another chance.**
Unfortunately my wife and I had a horrible experience last night at Butler's. It was my wife's birthday so we decided to go for dinner. The restaurant was relatively busy and there was only one server. We waited 10 minutes just to be acknowledged. Then we had to ask for our table to be wiped as it was dirty. After waiting another 10 minutes we had to flag the server to ask for drinks. She basically refused and said there were other tables ahead of us that hadn't been served and complained how busy she was. After another 15 minutes with not even a drink order we left.
We've been going to Butler's for over 10 years and have never received such bad service. Given the state of things on Roncesvalles with construction and businesses closing you'd think the Butler's management would be happy to have a busy establishment and perhaps add another server for the dinner rush?
Hopefully this was an isolated incident as it is hard to find good food these days.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2009
A great hole in the wall, well kept secret. The food is consistent and well priced for the portions.… Read more »
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Review from obscure b.
Toronto, ON
7/24/2011
I have tried every single item on their daily menu -because I'm in denial since they have nice touches to the food, a cozy sitting area and friendly service-.
The main dishes, salad and soup are average. Their morrocon, egyptian, indian and greek dishes were average or at times below average.
Their perogies -but not enough to go back to them- and cakes are great but they I go for the chocolateria next door so they lose on that account -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2008
This place was a find from ages ago and they have since grown. However, the original still feels like the first place. Tucked away on Roncesvalles in the long line of eateries that stretch up to Bloor, this feels like the original.
Back in the day, the place used to be dry. Now, it's licensed and you can get beer that is local and in some cases organic. I'll level with you. I can't speak for the menu save one dish. I've only had Bul Go Gi. It was the first place I've ever had it and I can't not order it whenever I go there. It's a fantastic signature dish that keeps me coming back. Consistently.
I will bet the Jumbalaya, the Khowsway, and the Beef Burgundy are great. But I don't know. I probably never will. It's hard to deter from the existing path. -
Review from Michelle L.
Richmond Hill, ON
5/9/2011
I usually enjoy getting the vegetable and chicken pie... you can never go wrong with that. I also love the dressing that comes with their salads.
I tried my friend's bulgogi, but we found it to be way too sweet. You'd be better off going for the real thing at the surrounding Korean restaurants. -
Review from D P.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2010
This place is a real inspiration. Now even I feel I could open a restaurant. The food is ok actually, with a good mix of things for all taste buds. And quick... don't tell me you ever had quicker. Seriously, you order... 2 minutes later... you hear a "beeep" then you know they are taking the dish out of the 'other 'ucking microwave and onto your plate. Thankfully the salads aren't frozen and the smoothie special makes up for it... a little. Laugh or cry... the choice is yours.
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Review from Lana L.
Toronto, ON
10/28/2010 1 photo
Excellent service! Great, delicious food hearty and wonderful for Autumn. Food came quickly and staff was open and welcoming to kids. We recommend: Any salad as the house dressing is divine, Bastille Pie, Beef Burgundy.
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Review from Lin H.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2011
My first time there with a party of 3 we just went for hot drinks on a cold day. My hot cocoa came lukewarm, but I didn't feel like making a big deal of it. Halfway through someone else mentioned his coffee came lukewarm and the 3rd said her coffee was as well. Very disappointing. One star.
This weekend we walked down Roncy looking for a late lunch. Most places were closed by 3 pm, so we stopped into Butler's as a last choice option. This time the cappuccino came piping hot. I got the egyptian dish, which was both tasty and very filling. Partner got the Jambalaya, which he thought was just ok. We both agreed the house dressing was fantastic. This was a 3 star experience.
Averaging the 2 experiences together would only be 2 stars, but the 2nd time was good enough to make us think we'd still give it another try. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
12/16/2008
the best thing about this place was the service. the waitress we had was very attentive from start to finish. this place has a mixture of a whole bunch of cooking styles. therell be a little indian, a little american, a little burmese (which i had), some quiches, etc.
the variety is great. the appearance and reality of healthier options is great. the actuality is mediocre.
i had a mediocre caesar salad. i have decided that i will not order caesar in any restaurant from now on unless im told from word of mouth that its great. otherwise, i can make the same thing BETTER at home. i have had awesome caesar salads and none of them were in restaurants, some vegetarian, some not (in traditional, theres anchovies in the dressing.).
the main i ordered was called the khowsway. that was the most exciting thing about it. its name. it was a curry coconut milk pasta with fresh cucumber, tomato and chicken. sounds good, but it was a bit bland. i could have made it better, and i did - at home, as a leftover; in fact, im eating right now.
(he takes a bite)
i had a heineken, (the only beer on tap was steam whistle. boring.) so if i had to choose, i wouldnt come back here. it was good in terms of price, and for a healthier or close to healthy option. -
Review from Matthew B.
Vancouver, BC
7/25/2009
The Butler's Pantry at 371 Roncesvalles Avenue is a well kept secret on a street full of inexpensive home cooking. It is a ten minute walk south from Dundas West station, and also accessible by the 504 Streetcar.
There are tables at the front near the windows, or further at the back. We got a bright table by the windows with a good view of the street. Curious people occasionally look in the window at the restaurant and for those who have yet to enter I encourage you all to give it a try.
I would like to thank http://yelp.ca and also a gracious co-worker for recommending this restaurant.
Let's talk menu. (http://www.butlerspant...)
Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, and very pleasant. I was impressed by the great variety of exciting choices. At 10 am on a Saturday, you can order from breakfasts, lunches, dinners or desserts. They offer many exotic choices such as: Biryani ($7.95), Jambalaya ($9.25), and Vegetable Lasagna ($9.25) as mains. Main courses also include a nutritious salad. The brunch menu offers many kinds of eggs, bagels, scones and sandwiches based on things like smoked salmon, vegetarian, crab, and chutney.
There was truly something for everybody. Although the choices are a bit off the wall - for example, you won't find a Hamburger on their menu. The menu contains barely any processed food. The choices are made with fresh ingredients and are quite nutritious.
I chose the Jambalaya - (Butler's Pantry description) Our version of the classic Cajun dish. Spicy tomato rice with chicken, zucchini, carrots, leaks, mushrooms and onions....$9.25
Much of the Butler's Pantry menu contains healthy, balanced meals and the Jambalaya is not exception. It is a fantastic blend of nutrition and taste. It contains rice for carbohydrates and fibre. Tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, leeks, mushrooms and onions are the vegetables and fibre. Chicken for protein. The only major food group absent was dairy. However, the Jambalaya is low in fat, and a good choice. Even the name Jambalaya brought back memories of the "Soup Nazi" episode from Seinfeld. As I had never tried it before, this was a bold choice for me and may not please everyone.
The warning of spice, which turned out to be a warm mild taste, was a concern for me because I don't like hot, spicy foods.
I will admit the Jambalaya was a strange choice for the time of day I was there (10:30 am), but this is a testament to the versatility and quality of their menu.
Less than a month ago, I had brunch at Oddfellows on Queen Street West where they had a disappointingly tiny brunch menu with perhaps 10 items. The Butler's Pantry, in contrast, offers more than 30 items all day. Also, it was an excellent value when compared with other brunch locations nearby such as Oddfellows or Dr. Generosity (Bloor & Runnymede). Mains are under $10 plus they give free refills on coffee.
It was a cozy and clean place where you can relax for an hour or two, chat and listen to some tunes. Music was tasteful including Hendrix, Rush, Led Zeppelin and the Hip. The sound level of the music was perfect. Loud enough to hear but we were not deafened by it.
Finally be sure to check out their posting board for: community events, ads, and section of free newspapers. There was lots of cool information. For example, we picked up a pamphlet that was a full colour fold-out map of Roncesvalles/Parkdale showcasing restaurants and businesses in the area.
In summary, I highly recommend Butler's Pantry for lunch, or really anytime. I imagine it could have a very different vibe around dinner time on a weekend, when it could be quite full and noisy. I am inclined to go back to try some of the other myriad of exotic and original choices on their menu. It's impressively healthy, nutritious and tasty. The service was great, the atmosphere relaxing, and the prices are reasonable. -
Review from Wagner P.
Toronto, ON
7/3/2010
It is a very nice low-key restaurant.
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Review from Christine L.
Toronto, ON
4/6/2011
Their food is pretty darn good, the service is subpar... normally takes forever to get a waitress or get food to your table.. but the good news is that the food is fresh - soups and salads are amazing, spinach nut casserole is off the hook... love the food...
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Review from A K.
Mississauga, ON
1/17/2009
great place - greeat food and service - loove the spinach lasagna !!!
