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Cafe California Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Mediterranean Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Mediterranean, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
538 Church StToronto, ON M4Y 2E1
Neighbourhoods: Church-Wellesley Village, Downtown Core
(416) 960-6161
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
11 reviews for Cafe California Restaurant
11 reviews in English
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Review from Kathy H.
Mississauga, ON
4/23/2012
Well! I booked a table for 2 at 6pm for Winterlicious very very last-minute. Luckily, we were the 2nd last table, I didn't think I'd be able to book one for such a popular time too. On the night of, we were late and I had to push the time to 6:30. She very politely allowed that.
So... I usually have alright things to say about Winterlicious restaurants. Food is alright, portions alright, service alright. If the restaurant is terrible, I don't even write a review for them.
But oh here! We were well taken care of. It was a bit cramped though, I didn't like being so close to the other tables. The food wasn't too small, the steak was wonderful, and the desserts were really great too.
I also had a Freezie Martini $7.95 (Raspberry Sour Puss, Banana Liqueur, 7-UP) and it's my favourite now. The restaurant is dimly lit, with romantic by-the-window tables, and many group-size tables. There's lots of energy around you... usually just the friendly waiters making their guests laugh.
Our waiter was so awesome. My boyfriend ordered the same dessert as me, and the waiter jokingly said, "Don't you want something different to share?" and then looked to me, "Gotta watch them straight boys." HAHAHAHA!!!! -
Review from Cynthia G.
Toronto, ON
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here about a dozen times in the last year.
I love the brunch, and really like the patio in the summer and all in all it's a great place on the street.
Today had lunch with two friends; Tony & Andre;
Tony had the Steak and Eggs - he said it was fantastic and he must of been very hungry cause he ate every spec.
Andre and I both had the California Club, it was on a toasted cranberry & seed bun with a wonderfully moist chicken breast, with red onion, avocado & brie. It was just wonderful ! The cheese melted perfectly on the chicken and all the flavors were perfectly balanced. I had the side salad and Andre the fries.
The only thing I've never liked here is the coffee - it's week and just tastes kind of blah ! Wish I could bring my own coffee in.
The servers are always attentive and very friendly, but the service from the kitchen is always a little slow, but once you get your food it is worth the wait.Listed in: YELP Shops Locally
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Review from Sandy M.
4/20/2012
I recently had a trip to Toronto. I got out my computer to do a search on gay owned/friendly restaurants near my hotel. I did not even know until then that my hotel was just 6 block from The Village. I quickly looked through the reviews on the restaurants and decided on Cafe California. It was just a short walk from the hotel. I was promptly greeted by a most gracious lady. She set me at the front window at a table for 4 even though I was by myself. I ordered the Pork Tenderloin dinner. It was amazing. The waiter was great. Did not get his name. After dinner I ordered Tiramisu. They make it in the restaurant and it was probably the best Tiramisu I have ever had. Would definitely go back. And wod definitely get the Tiramisu again.
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Review from Rob M.
Toronto, ON
6/23/2011 7 Check-ins Here
It seems that on Church Street, you either get really high-end fare (such as at Byzantium or Fusion), or low-end, such as at O'Grady's or The Churchmouse & Firkin, or worse, the new burger places springing up everywhere. But Cafe California serves the right combination of good food in a nice setting for a decent price. And with a fabulous patio, too.
There are new specials every day, but the items on offer on the regular menu are also very appealing. For example, for those who like basics, there is a lovely steak and frites served with jus in its own little bowl on the side. Then there is the best-seller, the Chicken Malibu - chicken breast stuff with cheese, prosciutto & artichoke with a nice breaded coating. And the meat dishes are always cooked perfectly. For example, the filet mignon is delightful and the lamb chops (when available) are always fabulous. Brunch here is lovely, with some good classics and some creatively done items, such as the West Coast Club Sandwich.
The staff here are very warm and personable, too, and provide excellent service. Leticia, the hostess and one of the owners, is a real darling who will make sure your evening is perfect. She is certainly the best hostess on Church Street. I think this is the kind of place where if you go repeatedly you will make friends with the owners, staff and the regulars. Oh yes, about the regulars, it really says something special about a place when there are regulars there. It means they get decent food at a good price and are treated very well. Who could ask for anything more? No wonder they keep going back. -
Review from Laura T.
5/30/2011
Where is a half star when you need it? Cafe Cali deserves 4 1/2 stars - great service, delicious food, quaint patio, excellent people watching.
The specials are always written on a chalkboard facing the street for easy perusal as you walk by. With a packed menu and lots of tasty treats, there really is something for everyone on this menu - ranging from steak frites for around $28, to a burger for $12, appetizers in the $7-$11 range and a range of great salads. All salads are available in large ($12ish) or small ($8ish) portions, and the option to add chicken, shrimp, etc. for $7.
There were definitely more exotic things on the menu, I may have seen a gazpacho and some seafood dishes, but my picky-eater eyes glazed over at that point...
We ordered an array of appetizers (and maybe a few strawberry...and lime daiquiris) including a caesar salad that was fresh and light, not too much dressing, croutons and parmesan cheese - a caprese salad served with greens and lovely oil & vinegar - goat cheese on bread with greens and red peppers - bruschetta that was DELISH - and also enjoyed the complementary bread basket.
The service really was great as well, we had three attentive servers that were quick and friendly.
Best part? Baskin Robbins right next door... if you sit on the patio (that also offers a smoking and non smoking section), you can enjoy the smell of fresh waffle cones wafting over! -
Review from Kevin F.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2009
Cafe California is a pretty decent restaurant. Its the type of restaurant you go to when you want to sit at a patio during the summer but don't want the typical pub grub that's available on Church Street.
The martinis were excellent. They cost around $8-$10 and were definitely not stingee on the alcohol. For an appetizer we got bruschetta and for my meal I ordered chicken Caesar salad. The bruschetta was great but I couldn't say so much for my main. The chicken was coated in fried Parmesan cheese, which was too overpowering. It honestly felt like I was eating a brick of Parmesan cheese at times. By the third martini I was half in the bag so I couldn't make room for dessert.
The food, service and atmosphere were good but I found that it's a tad expensive for what it was. They were charging $5-$10 more for a dish you could find at any other 3 star restaurant. Still, it's a nice restaurant if you're looking for a patio'd restaurant on Church Street that doesn't serve just hamburgers and BLT's. -
Review from James Y.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2011
I echo the other positive reviews here - quality food, genuine service, decent menu and prices, and comfortable atmosphere. Since Trattoria Al Forno closed a few years ago, this is really the only nice place left on Church Street, in my opinion. It's the place I recommend in the village for visitors. I love the servers - they're always funny and charming, and really make dining there a pleasure.
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Review from Bryant M.
7/1/2010
French Toast!
Yep, the french toast brought my friends and me to Cafe California every weekend for the month we were working near Toronto. We loved sitting on the patio, drinking a pitcher of sangria, watching the cute servers, and eating the most amazing french toast in the world! And I really mean the world - I've tried it in about 6 countries!
We're already planning a trip back to Toronto soon - primarily for the french toast! -
Review from Shan C.
6/28/2009
We ate here after a long day at Pride and considering the large crowds on the street we got a great outside seat in 5 minutes. It was a great night with a great view. I actually enjoyed my Madras Fettuccini allot, it was light with a multitude of veggies. The rest of my party really enjoyed the simple light dishes they ordered as well.
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
9/5/2008
I don't completely understand the urge to name your restaurant after a state, while I will agree that California is the coolest of all the states, I don't think it would be my first choice of name for my restaurant. Obviously the owners at Café California have a different opinion which is fine with me, I think that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I went to Café California for lunch and was not impressed, I like places that know their place in the world and Café California does not. It's not that it's a bad restaurant , but neither is it very good and yet it still manages to be over priced. I went with the veggie burger, now the veggie burger has come a long way in its history: from shockingly awful, to barely palatable to acceptable to not bad. Café California has evidently not learned of the innovations because it was a bad veggie burger, the French fries which accompanied the meal were crisp and tasty but not nearly good enough to cancel out the travesty on a bun I ate. I wouldn't wholeheartedly recommend Café California, but if for some reason you are dead set on eating there I would recommend going for dinner and expecting to pay 20+ for mains and perhaps you will be more pleased than I was.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from John G.
East York, ON
5/2/2009
Sorry that the previous reviewer is hung up with the name. This is my favourite on Church Street. Waiters in the main are cute, service excellent, and I find the menu quite adequate, plus nearly always additional specials. One of the owners are usially on duty to greet you personally and make you feel ay home. Summer patio to watch the action on the street during the wamer weather.
