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Foxley Bistro and Bar
Categories: Restaurants Vietnamese Restaurants Thai Vietnamese, Thai [Edit]
207 Ossington AvenueToronto, ON M6J 2Z8
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
(416) 534-8520
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
46 reviews for Foxley Bistro and Bar
Review Highlights
"Blue crab & avocado salad (if you enjoy spice, it's got a..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Standouts: Arctic Char ceviche and steamed black cod..."
(in 7 reviews)
"...bream cerviche with yuzu and shiso leaf- the best cerviche..."
(in 3 reviews)
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Wendy W.
Niagara, Toronto, ON
1/21/2012
My date and I were looking for someplace to eat on a Wednesday night that wasn't packed, because this place is probably the longest running restaurant on Ossington (besides the original vietnamese places), there was actually a table - amazing!
The menu is a single page listing about 30 small plates ranging from $9-$25. It's one of the first places that was doing asian fusion before it become a trend and hte chef expertly mixes up flavours for some seriously tasty dishes.
The server recommended 4-5 between the 2 of us and we ended up ordering 4:
Scallop Ceviche - wowowowow.....so good, we got about 6 decent sized scallops that were amazingly fresh.
Spicy Crispy Shrimps with Jalapenos and Garlic - again perfectly crispy, not too greasy, delicious sauce and the shrimps were big and fresh
Beef cheeks in a red curry sauce - the beef was fork tender, almost like pulled pork, in a rich curry....coma inducing heavy...but worth the calories
Slow-Braised Pork Belly with Muscatel Reduction - so good...but if you're not familiar with pork belly, be prepared for the 1" layer of fat and the 1/4" layer of meat, pure indulgence.
If you want to splurge, i would recommend the steamed black cod - you get a whole fish wrapped in aluminum that takes a while to prepare... but it is heaven (still remember it from 2 years ago)
There were a handful of wines by the glass and we were actually too full to have dessert.
Always loved this place, it's never disappointed me - a foodie favourite! -
Review from Hilary S.
1/6/2012
WARNING: the menu is overwhelming.
CONSOLATION: it's worth it.
The portions may be small, but they are rich and filling. I ate here with a friend for about $20 each. We were stuffed, and chuffed too! We felt like such sophisticated foodies.
Some of the food has some asian fusion influences, but I would definitely not categorise this place as asian.
The waitress wasn't pushy or impatient as we toiled like illiterate toddlers over the plainly-printed menu. Thanks, girlfriend.
Atmosphere was cute with dim low-hanging lights, candles, and high tables.Listed in: FAVSIES, Date, don't rape
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Review from Diane C.
Toronto, ON
10/28/2011
Was here recently on a Friday night with a friend during a wine-and-booze-fuelled night out.
Which isn't to say I don't remember this place - far from it. As other Yelpers have noted, its tiny size meant that it was pretty much rammed when we arrived. Luckily though, we didn't wait long for a seat, which was a pleasant surprise.
In addition to (more) wine, we tried out the pork belly (mmmmm!) and another dish, which eludes me at the moment (damn the wine). It wasn't the quail, though.
Considering how busy it was, the service was pretty good. And the pricing, depending how what you order and how many of you go to Foxley, can range from not-unreasonable to just-a-tad-expensive (as I learned when I had tapas at Salt months ago).
I definitely will have to return here - preferably armed with a pen and a notepad - to compare experiences. -
Review from Natalie B.
Toronto, ON
2/11/2012
Great place to go if you're in the mood to drink and nibble on various small, mostly asian fusion dishes. My senses are always tickled when I come here- I particularly enjoy the texture and flavour of the sea bream ceviche with yuzu and shiso leaf, the presentation and richness of the blue crab and avocado and the divine taste and smell of the oven-steamed cod with truffle oil. When I first opened the tinfoil and was exposed to the smell, I knew that this was a standout dish on the menu. I have tried lots of the beef dishes, dumplings etc. but I am most enthusiastic about the various ceviches that have on the (slightly overwhelming) menu. Good selection of wines and well-priced too. Atmosphere is "cool".
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Review from Mohammad G.
10/25/2011
wow. was recommended here by a chef buddy in SF..such a fantastic spot...the artic char ceviche was incredible..bright flavorful, not just packed with acid, but also a nice touch of sweetness. The fish itself was incredible alone and all the seasonings and garnishes made it amazing. I also had the tea smoked quail which was equally incredible. It was slightly overdone, but i prefer my quail on the medium rare side. Nevertheless it was tender and the papaya salad brightened it up perfectly. had a couple of glasses of wine as well, not the most extensive wine list.... but it was a great place for a upscale casual meal. Super value...will go back 100 times.
staff was also super awesome as well as the chef. -
Review from Peter D.
8/21/2011
Reasons I Like Foxley.
1. The simple, unflashy, unbranded menu. Just a list of dishes with prices.
2. The lamb and duck proscuitto dumpllings.*
3. The crab avocado salad. Just tasty crab in an avocado, with hot sauce.
4. The ribs with a caramelized shallot glaze.**
5. The spicy, crispy shrimp w/ jalopeno and garlic.
6. The lovely woman behind the counter, who made great suggestions.
7. And didn't say a word about my cowboy hat. I could be a cowboy. You don't even know me.
__________
*I could use some punctuation here. Is this duck proscuitto in the dumpling? Is the dumpling skin itself made of prosciutto? The world will never know.
**This was the best thing I ate while in Toronto. I was only there for 24 hours, but still.Listed in: toronto.
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Review from Su B.
7/27/2011
A group of us walked in without reservations on a great summer week night and after waiting about 10 mins at the bar were seated at a great table on the back patio. We were very hungry and ordered a whole lot of food but I think 4-5 plates between 3 people is enough.
The food is excellent - we had the following:
Scallop ceviche - great layers of flavors and doesn't overpower the mildness of the scallop
Shrimp and squid mango salad - this had a great balance of flavors and the seafood held its own. delicious!
Fried shrimp - this dish was fantastic too - great crunch and texture
Indonesian lamb curry - really great curry and the meat was tender although a bit fatty
Beef cheeks in red curry - another favorite - great asian sauce and the proportion between curry and meat was perfect
Ribs - found it too sweet - it needed a little kick.
This restaurant was a great recommendation and I envision spending a lot of great evenings here. -
Review from Jill H.
9/14/2011
I've been here five times now, and each time I go, it seems that I am less impressed with the Foxley. On my first visit, it was a definite 4 stars....but now it's just good food.
I will still continue to come back for two reasons: The blue crab avocado salad, which is yumminess in an avocado shell....and the caramelized ribs....which are soooo good, a glaze that is to-die-for because it is sweet and lemongrassy loveliness smothering slowcooked pork ribs. YUM!
Don't get the dumplings. For some reason, they always turn out to be ultra-greasy and untasty. I have had them 3 times now, and each time i don't learn my lesson!!!!!
Now that the patio has opened in the summertime, the service seems to be lacking a bit. It is a lot slower than I remember.
All in all, good food. But not the same hype when it first opened for a reason...not sure if it's just me, or if the food has become a bit flat.... -
Review from Anabel L.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
There are people who run to eat at "famous" places when there's a lot of buzz. Those people would be...well...stupid. Like I always say...there is good food everywhere. And sometimes good food becomes bad, and other times it's even better. It's all relative.
Foxley made a lot of noise when Tom Thai first opened it. But since I didn't run to go wait in a line, I eventually forgot about it. Then Cracker came home one day (when we were still roomies) and gushed about how delicious it was. Then I moved and eventually forgot about it.
But yesterday, I walked right by it. Couldn't miss it. Glad I didn't.
Yesterday evening my BFF, his boys and I were looking for a place to grab dinner. Monday is really not the best day for a night out, so many things are closed. The Flash, aka one of my BFF's longstanding friends, suggested Campagnolo. We walked there only to find it was closed (but I just added it to my list so that's always a good thing.). We proceeded to Black Hoof, only to find it was a 45 minute wait. So we kept going until we hit foodie-hipster central, better known as Ossington. From BQM to Libretto to Golden Turtle, it's a fat girl's paradise.
As we walked south, nothing really piqued our tastebuds. Then we saw the Foxley sign and I suddenly remembered. It's on my list.
We ate. Perhaps one "small dish" too many:
One of two cheviches we ordered.
This is Nunavut Artic Char *thumbs up*
The other was scallops *thumbs down*
Spicy Crispy Shrimps with Jalapenos and Garlic
REALLY REALLY GOOD
Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichuri
Good, but after the cod came out, it got demoted to okay.
If I had to describe Foxley I would say it's a fusion bistro. The menu strikes me as being a mix of Asian and South American flavours.
Not every dish was equal, but the really good ones balanced out mediocritiy. Balance is everything.
Slow-Braised Pork Belly with Muscatel Reduction
OINKILICIOUS
I love pork belly, sigh.... -
Review from Eleni D.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011
I love dining on patios - so I was extremely happy to get the last available table in Foxley's backyard outdoor dining space. I prefer patios out front, but this secluded area had enough hustle and bustle to keep me happy.
I tried the following:
-Duck and lamb priosciutto dumplings: though I was surprised they were deep fried, they were very tasty (and every table on the patio seemed to order them)
-Kale salad - light and fresh thanks to the lemon dressing, with a kick from the hard italian cheese.
-Oyster tempura maki hand rolls: a very interesting mix of flavours; the tempura oyster was balanced by the fresh mango in the roll.
The food is definitely original, unlike anything you'll get anywhere else. -
Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
The RIBS are as good as ever, as is all the other food.
This is a cute (tiny) little locals place that has stayed consistent.
The service however is as scatterbrained as I've suffered anywhere. It's a small room! -
Review from Anh Tuan H.
York, ON
I was referred this place from a couple of people & was very excited to try some Viet-Thai cuisine where the words "Pho" or "Bun" appear in the venue name or menu.
I wasn't surprised however when I scanned the menu. It wasn't traditional Viet or Thai. More rather a fusion of Viet & Thai flavors with French dishes. (Hey I said "Surprised" not "Disappointed")
Now I was told that the place is a tapas style venue but do they have to serve everything that way?! What do I mean? If they're going to offer me beer in the tall can give me a TALL PINT glass. Not a kiddie cup smaller than my water glass! (yes my friend & I got a lil chuckle from that as well)
I took everyone's recommendation of ordering the Wild Arctic Char & that was so yummy! In addition to we ordered the Lamb & Duck Dumplings. A lil word from the wise: Just pour the dipping sauce over the dumplings! It truly works better. We also had the Giant Quail; where it was nicely deboned but lacked flavor. It needed a caramelization of some sort. But the salad bed it was served on was very Vietnamese. Frogs legs were perfectly done. The light tempura batter kept it moist & tender. Literally fall off the bone! Mussels were mediocre nothing too exciting.
One dish we saw every other table ordering were the Blue Crab Salad. It's server in a half fresh Avocado. Something to consider for next visit!
So, 4 beers & 5 tapas plus a side of rice came to about a brown note. Not bad. Well stuffed & very satisfied! I know a few has commented on service; I had no problems whatsoever. Friendly & quick. Food was very well timed & never overwhelmed the tiny table with too many plates.ok -
Review from Helen S.
Scarborough, ON
10/8/2011
First, I have to stress that this much-lauded bistro is TINY. Not 'how-quaint and pretty, a cute little spot' - but as in 'turn-sideways-and-walk-in' TINY. That said, please do not come here with a party of, oh, say, 4 or 5 - or God forbid more - because it will be nearly impossible to accomodate you. It truly is a slight, unassuming-looking neighbourhood place that has gotten a crazy amount of press in the foodie world.
On to the ambience and food...Exposed brick wall and hanging lightbulbs are the gist of the decor. Relaxed vibe. At 6pm on a Tuesday, two tables were free. A friendly waiter greeted my friend and me promptly, asking if we'd rather sit in the main area or at the miniscule, high-bar-stool table against the wall across from the teeny narrow bar. Keep in mind, it's "Asian tapas" - small plates. (Didn't check out the back patio.) We squeezed into the proper table. Crowd consisted of a few couples on a first date, middle-aged literary type ladies, and a few what-they-call hipsters sitting at the bar. If I stretch I can call it cozy. Not homey, though. That said, the promise of incredible food is the main reason I came! Onwards...
Food: I ordered a hodge podge of 3 dishes: lamb and prosciutto dumplings (just 4 came, accompanied by a somewhat sweet dark dippping sauce - not sure what it was.) They were tasty, but I could not overwhelmingly decipher either the lamb or the bacon!
Next, I had sea bream ceviche with yuzo. Okay, I admit I ordered this because I heard so much raving and gushing about it...but I hate to admit that I did not enjoy it at all. There was a lot of burnt garlic on top of it, which seemed to be the predominant flavour. The fish itself was just cold and firm and slimy, and I got a bit flushed and dizzy after eating it.
Third, I had the pork belly with muscatel reduction - a very heavy, rich dish which left me struggling to finish it. I cannot recommend it, from this experience.
My friend had far better luck with her choices; she ordered the blue crab and avocado salad, which I shared with her - very, very nice. Crispy with sesame seeds and a nice tangy pop, in a cute avocado shell. She also liked her crispy shrimp with lime and garlic.
For dessert...only one choice! So I tried it. Sticky rice pudding with a raspberry compote. So a mix of cold and warm. To be honest, my Greek grandma made a killer rice pudding, and this didn't compare. It was just one semi-sweet mush, with a serviceable fruit topping for a bit of colour.
All in all, I was underwhelmed by Foxley Bistro. -
Review from edwin h.
Scarborough, ON
11/11/2010
Asian style tapas bistro.
At long last, I have eaten at this much raved about little bistro and can unequivocally say that it's stellar reputation is well deserved.
All dishes are served tapas style and every single one of them is a small plate of delicious goodness.
Standouts: Arctic Char ceviche and steamed black cod drizzled with white truffle oil. (i'm STILL salivating just thinking about it!) Braised pork; roasted duck breast are more than worthy of a several bites. but I honestly couldn't find anything that wasn't scrumptious.
Bearing in mind that each portion is small so it's better to go with 3 of your hungry mates and order, oh i dunno... 12 plates to share.
Also, being the Asian that I am, i would have been remiss had i not had my side bowl of steamed rice to accompany all of this yumminess.
I left Foxley stuffed to the gills with goodness, not too light on the pocket and completely satisfied. Tom Thai better get used to seeing my ever expanding face around these parts cuz I'll surely be back again and again. -
Review from Andy I.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2011
Unreal! Large servings,great selection, surprisingly great pricing.
New to Toronto..best place I've been so far -
Review from Tracy W.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is it.
Now, I've had the delight to dine at this joint on a number of occasions, so feel right by placing a solid review on it's offerings. Recently, I was here, with my sister, and it did not disappoint. She arrived with expectation. I arrived with appetite.
Service was a bit spotty tonight (minus one star), as it occasionally is. However, I'm usually so happy when the grub hits the table, my impatience withers. What did we have? As follows:
Oyster Maki Hand Roll. Please order this. I was skeptical at first, to be honest, looking down upon a sizable seaweed cone of rice and fried oysters. Wrong! It was fantastic. Rice was soft and not too sticky. Ample oysters were nestled inside, blanketed with a spicy sauce that I could not place. Jerk, maybe? Good, definitely.
The scallop ceviche arrived next. It was good, not great. The taste of the scallops remained delicate and fresh, not having been overwhelmed by the accompanying ingredients. However, this was not a memorable dish.
Lamb and prosciutto dumplings. A must do on the menu. If left to my own devices, I'd shove at least a dozen into my hungry maw. Instead, I shared. Delicious! Each other review on this menu item is right on.
Arctic char ceviche. One of my favourites. The fish was fresh, and clean tasting, providing a solid back drip to the bite if the Ginger and chillies, flocked against the sweet crunch of julienne green apple. It's like a party where all the right guests are invited. Highly recommend.
Lastly, we had the hangar steak with chimichurri. Angels wept. So did my dinner companion. I even peed, just a little. (Well, not really, but, you know.). The beef was tender and soft. The sauce was heavenly. I thought about for a week.
In summary, please, bring an open mind, patience, an appetite, and a few buddies to dine at these little digs, and you will have a great meal. I'll be back, and hopefully, soon. -
Review from The Vong Choice I.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2011
Still one of my favourite restaurants in the city is Foxley on Ossington.
It's an ideal place to take folks who have open appetites as there's a lot of delicious seafood dishes as well as meat dishes where they use many different cuts - such as the heart and cheek. So this is not a place you would take someone who has a weak stomach or is a picky eater!
Here are a couple of things I must have whenever i go:
Blue Crab and avocado salad - it's served in half an avocado but it's simple and delicious. It has little crunchy bits like panko mixed in it
The following three need to be served with an order of rice:
The Black Cod - it's served in aluminum foil that they open up at your table and the aromas from the broth are just to die for. The broth comes with baby bok choy which is a favourite of mine and the cod just melts in your mouth
The Duck - it's soo tender and the sauce is sweet as it's a port reduction
The beef cheek in red curry- the cheek is a very tender part of the cow and it really just melts in your mouth and the curry is so good.
These are items that are crowd pleasers as well:
The lamb and prosciutto dumplings- 5 come in one order ...
The sea bream cerviche with yuzu and shiso leaf- the best cerviche on the menu
The Cornish hen- not too gamey, just the right amount of meat that's tender
The beef ribs- they are correctly spiced with a delicious sweet sauce and they are very tender.
The frogs legs - the portions are surprisingly big. Actually I can't even imagine seeing a frog with such long legs but there they are on a plate with some szcheuan spices -
Review from Michael H.
Toronto, ON
1/11/2011
Well may be its not a secret but Foxley is great!!
So i started going there about 3yrs ago on a "its your birthday" dinner date and i was so impressed that i cashed in two additional "Its your birthday" dates there within a week.
So whats good....you have to start off your night with the crab & avocado salad (very spicy) but i dont mind , i'm jamaican...then you make your way to the Artic char ceviche (nice and fresh)....Then my favourite, Glazed short ribs (the flavour is unbelievable)
If your still hungry , the Cod with truffle oil is good. The great thing is that there are so many things on the menu, you have to go back multiple times to experience it all.
The price is right and the staff friendly....ask for the buttery Chardonnay or the Nigori
If you dont take my advice your a loser! -
Review from Mark v.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2011
A friend recommended this place, and it sure was a hit!
I'd recommend to come here with about four people, as that way you get to try more different dishes but there does not seem to be a lot of space for bigger groups. As mentioned in other reviews, it's tapas style and everything is supposed to be shared. It boils down to 1.5 to 2 dishes per person, depending on what you order and your appetite.
The restaurant is small and tables are close together, but not so close it gets annoying. Although the atmosphere is pretty casual, the waiters clearly are informed and know what they are doing. We were very satisfied with the service.
The food itself was absolutely terrific! All dishes are bursting with flavor, but are extremely varied. The combinations of ingredients are well balanced and original, none of the dishes we ordered disappointed even in the slightest way.
I will definitely be back here to try the other items on the menu! -
Review from helen y.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 11/17/2011
braised rib... OMG..
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/13/2010
great food!! small place but makes yummy food, tapa style, variety of asian foods, really nice for… Read more »
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Review from Sharon S.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2010
This place is fantastic. I've been there twice now and have been totally satisfied.
Small place with a back patio. They don't take reso's so you either have to go early or later. Both times I was there around 9 pm and had no issues.
I so enjoy tapas style it's the best way to try so many different things. The artic char ceviche is delic and the braised vension is definitely one of my favs.
The staff is super friendly as well.
Both times I was there my bill was $100 that included wine, 3-4 different plates between 2 people.
Will go back again for sure.
A decent wine list as well. -
Review from Kim L.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2010
One of my favourite restaurants in this city.
Friends, family, strangers etc. may question why I constantly rave about this place, why I fixate on it more than others, why I sit back in semi-disbelief when they don't love it as much as I do... but, there's a reason. Actually, make that two.
#1 arctic char ceviche
#2 black cod with asian greens & truffle oil.
Yuzu juice, chilies, ginger, ngo gai aka saw-leaf (most favourite herb) with sweet green apple, finely sliced, atop raw arctic char. Oh MY, intensely good. And then, we have fresh black cod complemented by the best broth ever tasted, liberally doused with truffle oil and divine.
Beyond these two dishes + a few others, must set realistic expectations. This tiny Ossington resto isn't all that & more. Shocking, I know. Certain dishes are missing...something. Wish I could articulate. But you understand. And as a result, are not outstanding & will inevitably disappoint. .
Stand-out dishes:
Oven steamed black cod with asian greens & truffle oil
Arctic char ceviche
Wahoo ceviche w. mango salad
Honourable mentions:
Wild sea scallops ceviche w. kumquat & grilled jalapeño
Sea bream ceviche w. yuzu & shiso leaf
Blue crab & avocado salad (if you enjoy spice, it's got a nice kick)
Lamb & duck prosciutto dumplings (why? dipping sauce)
Side ribs w. caramelized shallot glaze (fall-off-the-bone, though glaze is on the heavy side)
For the adventurous:
Grilled beef hearts w. thai chili lime salsa
It pains, but easily forgettable:
Oysters w. chilli lime sauce (small portion woes)
Spicy crispy shrimps w. jalapeno & garlic
Braised beef cheek in red curry
Slow-braised pork belly in muscatel reduction
fyi: tapas-style, be prepared to share. also, no reservations.
if a table isn't available, leave your cell #, go for a drink across the street, and they'll ring when ready.Listed in: Best ceviche in the city
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Review from Ashwin G.
Toronto, ON
7/30/2011
I've been to Foxley twice. I thought the food was quite good but I have not felt an inclination to return for a third time. Chicken wings were my favorite dish. I'd actually go back just to eat those.
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
I have never had anything bad at Foxley. I especially love the ceviches and am really glad they offer such a variety of them, as ceviches are hard to find in this fair city of ours. So thanks Foxley, for the ceviches last night. Yum.
Good wine list with a lot of reasonably priced bottles in the $30-$40 range.
They don't take resos, so it's a stop in and leave your name and phone # place. If you aren't with a big group or there at primetime like 7:30PM, you stand a fair chance of getting a table or seat at the bar in under 30 minutes. At 9 or later, I haven't had to wait at all.
Did I mention the ceviches? Sea bream, scallop, all sorts of ceviches with interesting spices, mmmmm......
They also have a wide variety of beef and duck and other meats. Last night we had beef hearts which were quite tender and good, if a little organ-y tasting. (I know, not a word, but hopefully you get what I'm saying). The ribs are always great.
I have been to this place with groups of 5-6 and shared everything, and with just one other person. Either way, they take good care of you. You will notice that the costs add up really quickly here, as the servings are small and the price of the dishes seems to average around $15. Still and all, the food is so good and reliable, and the wine is reasonable, that it always turns out to be worth it.
I know they were working on building a back patio in the hopes of having it ready for summer, but I don't know if the whole Joe Pantalone crusade to ruin restaurants has squashed that. It would be a lovely place to dine al fresco. -
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
Updated - 9/16/2009
The mark of a really decent restaurant is consistency. How many times have you found a place you really, really love, brag to no end about it and then when you go back with your besties you find yourself wondering what the hell happened? We all have our "go to" places and for me that would be Foxley on the Ossington strip.
I've pretty much been a regular at Foxley for the past year and a half and when I'm jones'ing for something that I can put my finger on, I head straight to Tom Thai's place for the crispy shrimp. Every single time I've been there there the shrimp have been crispy, fresh (you can tell when the meat shreds) and got some kick ass attitude. The jalapeno garlic thai salsa that Tom smothered those gorgeous little nuggets of goodness in still makes me close my eyes and give thanks to the food gods.
My eat meating FARC winger Deanna and I hit up Foxley last night after recovering from the solidified pizza pockets at the Laide Lounge yelp event and it was a perfect end to a fun night. Foxley's was still at full capacity at 9:30 p.m. on a Tuesday night and that should tell you something right there. Tom Thai smiles at me now every time he sees me because he knows exactly what I've come for.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/29/2009
It was a double header for me last night! First hit up the Yelp Elite bash at Salvador Darlings and… Read more »
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Review from Deanna W.
7/29/2009
Thanks to the illustrious and chow-tastic Christine for introducing me to this wonderful place! Had she not raved about it's merits I doubt I would have had the cahones to go myself as it seems to be constantly busy from the outside and I'm always slightly weary of fusion food!
We slipped in around 9:30 happy from a night of awesome mojitos and talk at the inaugural Yelp Elite bash. The room was buzzing with conversation and wicked smells were emanating from the kitchen but we were lucky to snag a table in the small, simply decorated room.
Now the menu is mostly composed of what seems to be tapas style plates of which 2 or 3 would be ample enough to share for a duo. Christine being the veteran, helped me navigate through the diverse choices and in the end we settled upon a Cheviche-the house specialty, the crispy shrimps and the beef cheeks in red curry.
First up was the Hamachi cheviche which was thin pieces of raw fish doused gently in a citrusy- shiso pepper bath. Bits of crisply fried garlic and fresh avocado rounded out the dish- a real knockout for raw fish. I thought of it as dressed up sashimi!
The beef cheeks and crispy shrimps were served up next and they did not disappoint either. Of course we had to get the crispy shrimps it being a Christine favorite and I can easily see why! The shrimps were gently fried in a delicate yet crunchy enough coating and then covered in with a exciting mix of basil, jalapeño, black beans and garlic. Very nice kick, every bite was like having a party in my mouth. And again as Christine mentioned what made this dish special is that all the flavours were very vibrant yet all melded beautifully together to zing! Finally the beef cheeks were tender, aromatic in the red curry and paired up nicely against our steamed rice.
Service was terrific and quick, we weren't left wanting for anything. By all means if you're into fresh, exciting and bold food, head over to Foxley's! Just be prepared to ease your way in through the crowds or to wait casually in any one of the area's fantastic watering holes.Listed in: Bistro's R US: Toronto's…
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Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
10/20/2009
We were starving. It was pouring rain. We were on Ossington. The first place that was able to seat us was Foxley.
The menu was a little overwhelming at first. As it is a tapas bar, the dishes aren't separated into sections - it's just one long list.
We shared a plate of dumplings and I ordered the frog's legs! Both were well-prepared with lots of interesting flavours and the portions were perfect for me.
They have an espresso bar, but for some reason don't have milk-steaming capabilities so your only options are espresso shots or americanos (no lattes or cappuccinos).
I made the mistake of ordering the green tea crême brûlée for dessert. (I love green tea and I like crême brûlée). It was a weird combination and prepared in such a thin layer that the majority of the dish was the caramelized sugar. A little too sweet for my tooth.
I thought the prices were very reasonable and the portions were a good size. The waitress was surprised that we were full after only three dishes between two people so I would budget two dishes per person.
I would love to go back to try some of the other dishes that caught my eye. -
Review from Angela L.
1/2/2010
The food at Foxley isn't exactly Vietnamese/Thai in the way that I had expected. However, regardless of whether it's more Spanish inspired Japanese or anything else you could better put your finger on, the cuisine is undeniably fusion - a fusion of interesting and complimentary flavours.
Out of the several ceviches on the menu, we chose the arctic char ($15) with tangy slices of green apple and whole scallops ($15) in zippy dressing. The round of fresh oysters blanketed in chili lime salsa ($3 each) were pleasantly juicy, plump, and petite. The couple of rice and chopped shiitake-stuffed inari ($5) were a more substantial, but comparatively mild side dish. With only bottled and canned beers to choose from, Tiger ($7) proved to be a good choice to wash everything down with.
On a recent late weeknight, the packed dining room served by one genuinely friendly and hardworking server and a cheery bartender was filled with small chatty tables of excited diners. After going down the street for a drink and then returning an hour later, we were more than happy to take the only open seats and have our dinner up at the bar, where the face-to-face service was pleasantly attentive. -
Review from Horace M.
Toronto, ON
3/25/2009
My son was taking me back from the clinic when he first told me about Foxley. He told me that it would remind me of my time both fighting in south east Asia as well as when we stormed the beaches of France fighting the Germans. I usually don't go in for ethnic food, not because I don't like the taste, but rather because I'm always afraid that the servers or kitchen staff could be one of my own from those embarrassing days in the war when men would do what men need to do. Nevertheless, I ventured into Foxley one cool fall evening, was a bit disappointed that my Burberry Frockcoat was not taken from me, but ventured to my seat at the bar despite this rude insult to myself and Britain's finest gentlemenswear company.
I must say that I was a bit confused by the method of ordering; many plates of varying price and size to share. the problem is that no one will eat out with me anymore: my girlfriend Harriet because of my complaints and my wife Hortense because of my girlfriend. I decided to order six dishes and to hell with the waste.
Did you hear about this 'pork belly' name they are using for bacon now? Well, I ordered both and I must say that my healthy English appetite for pork was sated that night. Also, some sort of aquatic avocado with crab meat in it, and a slightly overcooked duck breast. Reminded me of my time in Viet Nam where the locals knew how to cook a duck like the french!
Well done sirs! Bravo! i will return for more bacon! -
Review from Beverly C.
7/1/2011
Went here with a friend on a Saturday night. The place was jammed. I highly recommend making reservations if you're planning on going during prime dinner hours. Food is very flavorful however the service was so poor at this restaurant that it ruined the experience.
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Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
6/30/2009
Went to Foxley on a Friday night around 6:30pm. I had read reviews about this place and found a common theme to be good tasting food and really busy. We were able to get a seat for 2 when we got there. The place is quite small, maybe seats 40 people I would estimate.
As for the food, it was very tasty. The food was good although I agree with another reviewer about the texture of the beef cheeks. I really enjoyed the ceviche as well.
My only complaint is that in order to be satisfied with the meal, you are looking at minimum 4 dishes for 2 people, with 6 being more appropriate. At $12-$17 per plate, it can get a bit expensive. This is probably typical for a tapas restaurant, which I didn't realize it was until we got there. -
Review from Danielle N.
Toronto, ON
7/25/2010
There are more places than you would think that cater to dietary restrictions, which made me realize how prevalent these allergens (gluten and dairy) must be. I was relieved when I called Foxley earlier that day and they acknowledged that they could modify most of their dishes. No further research required!
The menu consists of tapas ranging from $8 to $22. I'm a HUGE fan of tapas and being able to try a variety of smaller dishes. If you're not enjoying one item, it's no problem. You can try the next, then the next. At Foxley, it's the contrary - trying to balance your consumption across their palate pleasing menu is the real challenge.
Avocado stuffed with blue crab ($10) - Our last time at Foxley the two guys next to us shook their heads when we told them this wasn't one of our selections. I wasn't making the same mistake again. The stuffed avocado was the first dish I ordered. NOW I understand why they expressed such disappointment months ago. The shredded (and real) crab meat is so flavourful and a perfect match for the smooth avocado (still in its shell).
Grilled calamari and shrimp with mango ($14) - This was refreshing but didn't make it into the top ranks when comparing to other calamari dishes. The sweetness of the mango didn't seem to come through in the calamari rings themselves. I might get my hand slapped for saying this, but it reminded me of one of the signature appetizers at Spring Rolls or similar Thai takeout place. Having said that, the shrimp on top was a nice added touch. Worth a try if you enjoy mango salad.
Sea bream ceviche with yuzu and shiso leaf ($15) - They have a few ceviche dishes on the menu. This was one that did not contain soy. The fish was thinly sliced and blanketed with fresh herb (shiso) and the juice of a Japanese citrus fruit (yuzu). It was so tender it almost melted in your mouth. Mmm...mmm. When we got down to the last piece I was tempted to snag it, but held myself back. Remember, I still had to win over Keith's friends. When Melissa went in for half I was relieved. I assumed it gave me free rein to take the rest. That I did, without guilt.
Curried vegetables ($15 I think) - Keith and I had this previously and it stuck with us. A good excuse to get some veggies into the variety. The waiter claimed that it's creamy texture (think yellow thai curry) came from the coconut milk, and nothing else. I wasn't going to dispute this. I dove in and selfishly had more than my share. It had some kick so if you can't handle spice, rethink this one.
Grilled hanger steak with chimichuri sauce ($) - I had a little taste of this but it was a little too chewy for my liking. Apologize in advance for saying this, but it's not ideal when you have to discreetly spit pieces of fat into a napkin. I enjoyed the topping, which helped moisten and flavour the sliced beef, but not so much the beef itself.
Asian Style Greens ($8) - Just what we needed. A splash of green at the table to offset the abundance of meat and proteins around us. I would have guessed the asian broccoli and green beans were flavoured with soy sauce but the waiter indicated otherwise. Crunchy, tasty and green. Perfect. -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2009
So let me start with the good things about Foxley...Just as the last reviewer pointed out the ceviches are amazing, I've had a couple of them here they're great. Also, Foxley is a fun place to come with open minded friends as the dishes are all more-less designed to be shared, so it's a great place to order a bunch of things and just dig in.
Why am I rating it 3 stars? I think I came into Foxley expecting amazing food from all the hype I heard and for the cost, it was just okay. I can't complain about the atmosphere or any of the food, but for $40 I can easily think of half a dozen other places I'd rather go. -
Review from Lindsay D.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
We found this place by chance, as we were exploring the Ossington strip one Tuesday night, and were very pleasantly surprised!
The food was unique, and full of complex flavours. Some of the dishes I loved were the blue crab and avocado salad, the marlin ceviche with crispy shallots and mango salsa (by far my favourite!), and steamed halibut or cod (can't remember now) with truffle oil. For the quality of the food, and the thought put into the dishes, the pricing was very reasonable, even for tapas style.
We were seated quite quickly, only 1/4 through a glass of wine at the bar, and the servers were very friendly and helpful with suggestions. The light brick interior was charming, and the place was packed for a Tuesday. We found out later how long it normally takes to get a reservation there, so I think we may have been lucky to find it on a random weekday night. -
Review from Soukia S.
Toronto, ON
1/25/2010
The wait for a table on a Friday night for a group of five was around forty minutes. Was it worth the wait? Sure, but I think I heard too much hype about this place and was expecting mind-blowingly good food.
The menu is an eclectic assortment of tapis-style food which gives an individual the chance to sample the menu. Though influenced by Vietnamese and Thai food, Vietnamese and Thai it was not. I would lable it as an Asian-fusion style place.
Each dish was between $9-$15 and with one bottle of wine shared between five persons; we ended paying about $35 per person. Dishes ranged from fish to Cornish Hen to other such things. I think I might have been a little tipsy going into the meal because I don't remember every single dish we had. So, in a more sober state I shall go back and report once more. I did like the ambiance and I would go back so those are all good things. -
Review from Rosemary D.
6/11/2009
We had just been at Oyster Boy to start out the evening with some oysters and beer (which was fabulous) and moved on to Foxley where my party of three shared various dishes. We were disappointed at Foxley's beer selection as we had some great local beers at Oyster Boy and wanted to continue on that train, but the food made up for it.
The ribs were incredible, melting off the bone and the caramelized sauce was delicious. The beef cheeks were a little off in texture for me but I was glad I tried them. The softshell crab dish was a surprise, we didn't expect it to be tucked in a spring roll and felt like the crab got a little lost. -
Review from Lindsay A.
10/24/2010 6 photos
I will be posting waaay better pictures soon.
Every time I go here I leave drunk, full and happy.
First off it's tapas.
Most men don't fancy tapas.. too much sharing and not enough food.
I get it.
But this place is so good and there are so many excellent dishes that men fear not! You can order as if you are in a regular ol restaurant.
bummer for whoever your date is because sharing is best and there are so so so so many choices it would suck to be limited to only one or two things off the menu.
Ceviche- sea bream w yuzu and shizo leaves - uh yeah amazing, fresh, bright, delicate flavors,
Duck dumplings- pass, there are better choices
crab avocado salad- perfectly good but still other exciting things to order so unless your dying of a craving pass for the first visit.
Cornish hen- incredible
Beef short ribs- you'll want two orders
frogs legs- if you can get over ickie factor they are pretty good.. The flavor was amazing but it's because it has over three hundred thousand pounds of garlic. the meat is good... really tender but I feel as though frog legs are a passable option
venison wrapped in shisu leaves- thumbs up
the phesant is really great as well.
And the rice pudding! mmmmm
You can have a bad experience here depending on if you have to wait or if you have bad restaurant karma. I've gone a few times and have been lucky enough to have a great experience each time -
Review from Brenna K.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2010
I enjoyed this restaurant. There was 8 of us and the staff was super friendly. We each ordered a different dish and shared which I think is the way to do it as everything was really tasty. The portions are not huge so it's definately better to share. My favs were the civiche, dumplins and ribs. Although I got to try beef heart, frog legs and some other stuff i would not normally commit to ordering. They do no not take reservations so if you are a large group go early.
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Review from Katherine L.
1/10/2010
Went to foxley last night and was very impressed by the food and the service. Definitely one of the more interesting restaurants I've been too recently in terms of food flavors. I would give it a 4.5 if Yelp allowed.
SO and I shared the arctic char ceviche at the server's recommendation as well as the short ribs, cornish hen and crispy shrimp and the green tea creme brulee for dessert. Although the ceviche and the ribs were the highlights, we thoroughly enjoyed every one. Every dish had a very unique, clean flavour with asian-inspired spices like lemongrass and ginger. Our server was great and we did not feel like we were being rushed despite the many people who came in to put their name on the waiting list on a saturday night. Portions were bigger than I was expecting for tapas style.
Will definitely be coming back here to try the other ceviches. -
Review from chris c.
4/25/2009
Bang on!- bad ass menu, excellent service and killer...killler...KILLLER food. Not cheap, but not a wallet buster either - worth the time effort and money in my opinion. Ill be back. You should go. I almost fell out of my chair when I had the ceviche as well as the pork butt. Stayed in it thankfully and ate it all.
