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Kalendar Restaurant and Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Indian Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Italian, Indian, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
546 College StToronto, ON M6G 1B1
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Palmerston
(416) 923-4138
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 12 am
Thu 10 am - 1 am
Fri 10 am - 2 am
Sat 10:30 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Kalendar Restaurant and Bistro
Review Highlights
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"They make a mean cup of coffee and I love the scrolls." In 21 reviews -
"Going back soon to try the Lobster Ravioli." In 5 reviews -
"in the summer their patio is covered by shade trees." In 20 reviews
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Gavin B.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2012
How do I love Toronto? Let me count the ways. French bistros with German names in Little Italy serving crisp, dal puri thin-crust pizzas; Nanettes - personal-pizza-sized naan-bread-pizzas; wild mushrooms cavorting in flagrante delicto with thyme in a risotto of dreams.
No, wait, that's all in just one Toronto restaurant.
I was introduced to Kalendar by my poet friend Flanagan. Have returned many times with my wife who develops cravings for the dal-puri pizza from time to time. Just celebrated my baby girl's 16th birthday there. Go! Buono appetito! -
Review from Mimi I.
Richmond Hill, ON
Umm...how do I put this?
This place is kinda cute, but the food is nothing special unfortunately. Their menu is amazing, the way they market their dishes on the menu, however when you get the dish, it's just okay.
If you are just going for drinks, then maybe you will like it more, however as a restaurant its more of a 3 star place.
Due to its romantic ambiance we will probably be back for some tea and dessert in the summer, however I won't be eating food here most likely.
The service was very good and like I said the place has a cool vibe about it, do its a great option for a date:) -
Review from Jay M.
Toronto, ON
5/19/2012
I've been meaning to try this place out for years. Last night (a Friday) we stopped in without a reservation shortly after 8:30pm. There would have been a 30-40 minute wait for a table inside, but luckily there was room on the patio and the weather was just tolerable enough to do it so we gave it a go.
I ordered a Nannette to start, which was essentially a mini pizza on naan bread. I ordered one and was brought another which to be honest I didnt even notice until the waitress pointed out the mistaken ingredients. It was pretty bland flavours (I was saying halfway through how it need a sauce or something to give it some flavour) and broccoli that didnt seem cooked enough. The thing is looking back at the menu now, there is no Nannette with broccoli so Im guessing I got someones custom ordered item, so I cant really blame them for the taste as I can the service of the mixup. It was still tolerably good enough to not complain anyways. My date started with the mussels which were good but brought out without a side dish for shells until we asked for one. Another hit against the service.
For mains, my date had the lobster ravioli and only had good things to say. I had the lamb chops which were covered in a mango chutney, and served alongside sweet potato mashed and vegetables. I'm not used to such an overwhelmingly high amount of sweetness complimenting the lamb I eat but this did work quite well. My only complaint is that the lamb chops were more on the medium rare side than medium as ordered.
Their dessert menu looked great but we were stuffed full already and called it a dinner. In the end, 4 drinks 2 starters and 2 mains came to just over $110 after tax before tip.
I'd come back again as the place was good and Im curious to try their 'Scrolls', although next time make reservations as this place seems to stay busy and if it were any warmer I doubt we would've even gotten our spot on the patio. -
Review from Dave M.
2/25/2012
On a night out to the Royal, my lady and I popped into Kalendar, after our first choice for dinner didn't quite pan out.
This place is certainly a great date spot. Fancy without being snobbish, classy if casual, and the menu is very reasonably priced. Our table was small and intimate, plunked next to a huge mirror.
My girl ordered one of their pizzas, and I went with Scroll Four (parm, tomatoes, Italian sausage, carrots, mushrooms, onions and peppers). The scroll was delicious, and loaded! My girl also let me sample the pizza, and while it wasn't too different from your standard pizza, there was nothing wrong with it, and she enjoyed it, though our portions were both large enough that we were barely able to finish. I think with drinks, the bill came to around $50. Not bad at all!
I'd love to return to this place. -
Review from Fern H.
12/19/2011
Checked out Kalendar with a group of 6 for a pre-Christmas meal and it was fantastic. It's been a couple years since I've been back to Kalendar, and that night, it was our Plan B since Sidecar was full and we had no reservations.
We arrived at Kalendar with no wait for a table. Our group ordered a Scroll with salad ($14.95), 2 lamb chop entrees ($24.95), 2 orders of the seafood fettuccini ($23.95) and I got the lobster ravioli ($22.95), along with a couple pints of beer ($6.50) and a half litre of malbec ($22.00).
Our food order came up pretty quickly and all the dishes were hot and fresh. My lobster ravioli was okay...it really was more ravioli than lobster. I think I only tasted lobster on the first bite and there were at least 8 jumbo raviolis in the dish. The seafood fettuccini was packed full of shrimp, scallop and mussel goodness...I should have got that. Lamb chops were delivered exactly as ordered (medium rare and well done).
A few of us decided to get coffee and split a couple of desserts - daily cheesecake ($6.95) and the black bottom pecan pie ($7.95). The pecan pie was served warm and drizzled with chocolate sauce - amazing. The daily cheesecake was orange cranberry and good but a bit on the tart side.
Our server was great...speedy on the service but let us enjoy our meal at our own pace. We loved the warm, cozy atmosphere and the romantic decor with the twinkly white lights.
Overall, a really great dinner and impressed everyone in our group. -
Review from Maheen M.
8/24/2011
We made the trip to Kalendar for a friend's birthday. Our party of three were seated in a cute booth. The service was friendly and attentive. The decor was cozy and warm, definitely a date worthy place.
Food:
We ordered a nanette appetizer to share. A nanette is like a pizza but with various toppings. We got a veggie one (I forget the name). It was delish! The nan bread was crispy yet soft.
My friend ordered a scroll lunch size with salad. The portion was HUGE, I am afraid to ask about the dinner size! My friend really enjoyed the scroll, he got the italian sausage one. He said it was a good balance of sauce to scroll.
My sister and I both ordered the risotto, she got hers with tiger shrimp and I got mine with roasted chicken. We both enjoy our risotto, it was creamy and had ample veggies and our selected meats.
To close the meal, we shared a slice of creme brulee cheesecake! It was decedant and not too overtly sweet.
Our total meal came to $100 even with taxes and tip. We were each pleased with our meal.
I would recommend Kalendar if you are looking for something different in the Little Italy area. I want to check out their menu for brunch, I have heard good things.Listed in: Date Night, Little Italy
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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!
This place is popular for all the right reasons. The patio is terrific, and perfect for watching College Street or being seen on College Street. The interior is busy, yet comfortable. It's filled with hardwood, but it's not cold. The service can be inconsistent, as they sometimes have more customers than they can handle. Don't expect to get your bill, or a glass of water, right when you want it.
I've tried a few things, and everything was really good, including a spicy pumpkin soup. They have a unique Indian-fusion thing going on, with "Nans" and "Scrolls"... but the reality is it's a tasty wrap that's closer to a well-stuffed burrito than anything out of New Delhi.
Good vibe, solid atmosphere, above average food, and usually a seat for you and your party. Kalendar gets it right.
4 stars -
Review from Cris J.
Toronto, ON
9/15/2011
Just not good.
We ordered takeout from here, so I cannot comment on the atmosphere, decor etc.
Food just wasn't good at all, especially considering the price. We ordered the Chicken Yucatan Soup, the Lobster Ravioli and Scroll 7 (with mara curry).
I was really looking forward to the ravioli (probably because I have been watching too much Hell's Kitchen) and I was really, really, really disappointed. The overall taste was very bitter. I really couldn't eat much of it.
The Yucatan Soup was extremely oily and the flavour was just bad. Really bad.
Scroll 7 was also very bitter.
Overall it was just a complete waste - food was so overpriced and it was really poorly flavoured.
Will definitely not go back. Ever. -
Review from Kevin K.
Toronto, ON
5/6/2012
The food is good. The decor is humble including the 50% 0f seats that are hard lumber. But I took a foreign guest there hoping for a casual dinner and good impression. Not to be. The waitress was so Toronto cold, faux smile pasted on face, but as unfriendly and as unhelpful as so many Toronto restaurant robots today. Why? Why does management hire anti-social types for hospitality work? Why do modern robots who obviously hate their work, take work as wait staff? Worse, the cooks work hard, owners risk a lot of money and then make their ambassadors for their work and investment some sour, near-mute, work-hating, miserable sack of contempt taking orders and expecting a tip. Why? The woman at the next table tried sucking up to the waitress - didn't work. I would never go back there. If you are in Toronto, go to a truly foreign place - Thai, some Chinese, a few French or Italian and they will treat you as a customer.
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Review from Hypotized B.
Toronto, ON
10/14/2011
I have been to Kalendar no fewer than 40 times. Probably more. I have lived in the neighborhood for 5 years and it used to be my go-to place for first dates. Here's the thing: I just wish the food were better. It's okay, but it fights with the excellent atmosphere.
The restaurant is a gorgeous space. It looks like the perfect Parisian bistro. Why isn't it a perfect Parisian-style bistro? I would just love that. Eating a lovely duck confit while looking at the old fashioned clock and antique mirrors while seated in their comfortable wooden chairs in the warm, dark, fuzzy atmosphere? It's such a waste. The menu is a bit of a confusing hodge-podge. It has some italian leanings, which might make sense if it weren't for the hints of middle eastern in every second dish. And then there's the thai salad. And the Indian naan. Hm, why do they call it a bistro? Just because of the camembert and the mussels? Weird.
The simple wine list is decent enough for an easy glass with dinner, and they have good cake. Far and away their best dish is the roast beef and asiago scroll. They really get it right with this one. It is warm, delicious, horseradishy, filling comfort food. I have cravings for it. Some of the nanettes are pleasing and I have had one or two decent pizzas here. Breakfast is hit and miss but the omelettes are tasty, if not fluffy, and they always have good specials. I have never had the stuffed french toast but it certainly looks attractive on a plate. I enjoy the cinnamon-scented coffee, but that's a matter of opinion. Others are distracted by it.
My other kvetch is that you can't sit at a table to have a drink in the evening. They have some crazy rule--tables are for dinner only. Okay, I get that you don't want me nursing a single G&T all night, sure, but what if I'm ordering two bottles of wine and some dessert? My check would be way higher than someone ordering the carrot and ginger soup and a water--which by the way, I have done before solely to get a table. Doesn't really make sense, and I have left more than once because I didn't want to be perched at the bar.
I have had excellent service here and I have had average service here. That might sound spotty, but it has never been bad service and that's something that not every restaurant can boast.
I realize I sound like I am being hard on the place, but for such a great atmosphere I just want it to be...better.
Regardless, I'm still a bit of a fan. It's just so PLEASANT. It's the loveliest place on college to sit and have an inexpensive glass of wine and watch the pretty people go by. And it's one of the few places left on the strip where it's okay to be an adult. Great patio. -
Review from Edwin A.
3/31/2011 2 photos
Kalendar is a wonderful restaurant. Nice candlelit tables, warm decor, they offer an abundant selection of quality drink and food. The restaurant layout has a seperate bar and dining room area.
Everything we ordered was esquisitely prepared and tasted marvelous. Order scroll #6 beef filled naan, nice. (see pic)
I'd dine here anytime, anyday. Definite recommend. C'est bon magnifique! -
Review from jocelyn l.
6/19/2011
good brunch place in Little Italy.
I had Scroll # 7 (they seemed to be missing #3 & 5. odd), a thicker version of roti prata stuffed with curried broccoli, potatoes and mushrooms. The stuffing was flavorful. The 'scroll' was a little thick and hard to cut through but it was pretty tasty.
Mimosa was yummy too.
Prices are a tad expensive...but overall a good experience -
Review from Nicole M.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2010 ROTD 3/13/2011
I showed up with a group of 7 girls for brunch on a Sunday morning - which can be bad news for places that don't take reservations (like Kalendar). Fortunately, we hit the jackpot and scored the private booth which is by itself on the upper level in a little nook, separate from all of the other tables. It was perfect for a brunch date with the girls! Show up before 11 and ask for it.
Mimosas are $12 but come with your own mini bottle of champagne and juice (one order of mimosa = more than 1 mimosa).
Some of the girls had the scrolls which were all well reviewed. 2 of the girls had the french toast stuffed with banana mango and cream cheese which is absolutely enormous (picture half a loaf of french bread on a plate).
I ordered the vegetarian quiche which was fantastic and reasonable for $8.95. It was a mini round quiche as opposed to a slice of a larger pie. Came with a side salad of mixed greens.
Especially considering the size of our group, service was excellent. Our server was friendly and genuine. She earned the 15% that was added to our bill automatically due to the size of our group (I always hate when they do that).
Would definitely recommend it and return.Listed in: Toronto Brunch - Hot or Not…
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Review from Saumaya S.
5/23/2011
Ah! Cute little place. Definitely ideal for dates.
First time I went last year, my friend and I were seated on the patio in between two ongoing blind dates and it was some good eavesdropping fun.
Second time around we sat inside by the bar and my friends and I got the Scrolls. Very oddly named but delicious. And I don't know what they put in their salad ...probably magic because it tasted amazing!
The service was not that bad either and better still, Kalendar is the perfect distance away from Big Chill. -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
10/31/2010
It's true, it is a lovely date spot and on a lovely date I went!
It was cute that during Halloween weekend the staff dressed up in costume. Except the bartender who gave a flat out no when we was asked to put on the nautical jackets others were wearing. Even though the place was hopping we were able to get a table right away, though it was a bit of a tight squeeze. The type of deal when you feel bad talking about slightly inappropriate things, worrying you might ruin someone else's meal.
I got the agnollotti with tomato sauce as opposed to being tossed in olive oil. It was delicious and beautiful! Some soft garlic bread to the side and the pasta itself was striped on one side with green and red. I felt bad cutting into them. The sauce was very nice though I will say they were a bit stingy with sundried and plum tomatoes. Parmegean and fresh pepper sprinkled on the top, delicious and I licked the plate clean with my garlic bread for dipping.
The boyfriend got Scroll 6, a roast beef one that I hadn't read the description on the menu so it was kind of cool tasting it without that original idea of what it was. The horseradish mayo really came through and it was an interesting to combine a crepe and roti. It was definitely more of a crepe-like packaging with a roti-like filling. You can definitely have the single or single with salad and be satisfied. The dinner portion is for two people! The thing would be about the portion of ordering two burritos. Delicious, unique and flavourful.
I like that it's the type of place where you can sit and have a luxurious meal for hours or it can go as quick as an hour. Being students, we just got entrees with water so we weren't around for too long. Great atmosphere and yes, great for a date or girls night! -
Review from Michael A.
5/10/2011 7 photos
While on a trip to Toronto my group and I stumbled upon this restaurant totally by chance. We read the menu posted outside and thought it sounded interesting enough to try.
I would describe the menu as Mediterranean/Indian fusion. Naan was present in most of the lunch offerings, and when I went downstairs to use the restroom (or the "washroom" as they call it in Ontario) I saw all the staff were of Indian ethnicity. (btw - the washroom was spotless)
The atmosphere however was not Mediterranean/Indian, it reminded me of a little restaurant one might find in Germany, and it reminded one of the people in my group of a place you might find in Belgium.
The food was spectacular. I had the Hummus plate which came with carrots, apples, pieces of Naan, and olives. The Hummus was delicious and creamy, and dipping apples in it was something I would have never thought of doing on my own but I loved the way the flavors worked together.
Other people in my group had Nannettes, Scrolls, Quiche, and salad. It was all pleasant to look at, and everyone enjoyed their food very much.
The service here was excellent. We were a rather large group but they did everything in their power to seat us together. They placed us on the upper level in a booth in the back corner. It was very cozy.
Being tourists we had a lot of questions about the area and how mass transit worked. Our waitress was a fountain of information and even went a far as marking places on our map to go see...just so kind and so polite.
I highly recommend this restaurant. The food is tasty, and the service is the friendliest I have encountered in a large city.
Also - Not everyone in my group had Canadian money but they accepted US money no problem(of course the exchange rate was 1-1 at the time of my visit so that could have been why). -
Review from Jenny P.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2011
One of my fav. places in the city. Absolutely lovely and people there are so friendly. I love the mussels with white wine sauce and the scrolls are simply amazing. :)
It's a must visit place in the city. -
Review from Andi B.
Markham, ON
10/11/2010
On a lovely thanksgiving morning, my fiancee and I were hankering for a delicious brunch experience. And so online I hopped looking for somewhere that would not disappoint as we are fairly picky in the food department.
Kalendar was introduced into our lives and I cannot say I was disappointed, in fact I was fairly impressed. Walking in, the staff was friendly, and the tables were small, but it added to the overall atmosphere. I ordered the eggs napolean and my husband-to-be had two meals (he's a big eater), omelet # 4 (the one with spicy sausage) and the stuffed french toast. The eggs napolean was super tasty, and filled me up nicely and both of his meals were delectable although I can't imagine only having the french toast (definetly not satisfying enough.... i need MEAT with breakfast!)
The biggest treat however, was their coffee. YUM! There is a cinnimoneyness to it (i know thats not a word) in aroma and taste. VERY impressed with that. Overall, delicious and will definetly be going back. -
Review from Victoria M.
Toronto, ON
3/17/2009 ROTD 11/5/2009
Kalendar is one of those places that's perfect for a little rendezvous.... it's oh so very cozy and inviting. Like most the reviews have already stated their menu has a good selection.
Summer or winter you need to check this place out.. I suggest if it's a cold winter night (obvi. not the case anymore) this is a good place to go to warm up with an espresso or hot chocolate (so yummy!) In the summer the patio is great and you can watch the passersby.
Kalendar was recently in the movie 'One Week' with Joshua Jackson so if you're into checking out places where movies have been shot you should check this place out! -
Review from Michelle V.
Toronto, ON
4/30/2009 ROTD 5/6/2009
There is something to be said about numbering some of their choice menu items and not labeling them with some fancy name - just letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
Going to Kalendar for brunch was a lovely alternative to my usual taste for greasy spoon diner brunches. Sure they have your typical eggs with sausage, homefries and toast option, but the highlights center around their creative omelette flavour combinations that think outside the "Western Omelette" box that you'll likely not see anywhere else. You'll also want to take a gander at their specials board that go above and beyond for brunch.
And while Kalendars became synonymous with brunch for me, I had the pleasure of going for dinner there once and ordering scroll #6: roast beef, portobello mushroom, caramelized onion, asiago cheese and plum tomatoes with horseradish mayonnaise - seriously, no words... just hard, passionate emotions.
Shhh... not yet...
It's no surprise you'll be subjected to a 10-15 minute when you get there but man alive, is it worth it! Friendly staff and delicious food is really all we foodie folk ask for. This place has you covered! -
Review from Maggie T.
Toronto, ON
3/10/2011
I have been wanting to go to Kalendar for 3 yrs! It's always too busy in summer. couple of times when I wanted to make reservation, it was fully booked for d time frame I was checking. And forgot what other reasons are, I just somehow never made it there. Maybe I always go Queen/King street since its closer to me. I heard good things about them long ago. I finally made it tonite! It didnt disappoint me.
First of all, its on College Street. Away from downtown King Street West atmosphere. The moment you walk in, you will discover how inviting the place is. Everything seem to be little antique alike, but not boring. The menu is nicely printed. Everything is very Italian and...cute!
I ordered wild mushroom risotto with cream sauce, sun dried tomato, asparagus, and chicken. It was absolutely delicious and extremely comforting. My friend had lamb chop, however he didnt like the mango sauce on lamb lol. So he ate the meat and ditched the sauce. I didnt get to try it so I cant comment on that mango lamb. I guess I would agree with him with the mango. Lamb suppose to have strong flavor itself, simple seasoning is enough, i dont know if it goes well with fruit. But I know i cant really say that because I actually didnt try lol.
Cant believe my friend lives 1 min drive from there but never been there. He said he's def going back. So I guess I picked rite place. 4 Stars! I take 1 star off since he said he didnt like the mango sauce on lamb. lol. I will give 5 star for my dish. =D -
Review from Amanda L.
8/10/2008
The concept of pizza with Naan as the crust is mind blowing in my opinion. I'm obsessed with Naan, so when I heard that Kalendar served Naan pizza, I was all over that like a stripper on a pole.
I only took a quick look inside, but it definitely had that cafe like feel, with dark woods. Joe and I grabbed a seat on the patio, which was fairly large, and had the added bonus of bench seating around the perimeter.
Joe and I decided it was too hot to indulge in some adult beverages, so we opted for the limonata instead. It was nice, but a little too bubbly for me.
For my entree I decided on a Naan pizza with goat cheese, chicken, pesto, and I think artichokes, but I can't remember 100%. It was good, but I wasn't blown away by it. Granted the flavors were nice, but the Naan was a little flat. I've definitely had better Naan in other places.
While I probably wouldn't come back here on my next visit to Toronto, if I lived in Toronto, I would come back here to try some of the different options they have. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
12/3/2009
I was so lucky I walked into Kalendar when I did last night. After waiting 20 minutes in the rain for a southbound Bathurst streetcar that never came, my husband and I decided to change plans and have him come north to College. I walked west looking for a good place to dry off and grab a glass of wine. I skipped over Negroni, just not in a sandwich mood, and fortunately found Kalendar.
There were lots of seats at the bar, so I grabbed two and was instantly greeted by my friendly bartender. I perused the wine menu and he offered me tastes of as many wines as I wanted before choosing a bottle. He was truly a gem, and warmed my heart with his kindness.
When the husband did arrive, he was soaked. Turns out the northbound streetcars were also nonexistent and he had walked from King! What a trooper! Our lovely bartender and I ensured he had some red wine to warm him. All that was left was to decide on the food.
The menu has a lot of good choices. The naan bread appetizers looked really good, as did the crepe roti dishes. A few people near us were eating them, and I was sorely tempted. Instead we opted for some mussels in a deliciously spicy sauce (I had to opt out of some of those jalepenos, though!) and a warm mushroom salad. All the food was delicious.
This place gets crowded. After I had secured the bar seats, people just started streaming in. No one seemed to wait too long for a table, but be prepared, just in case. Kalendar is a popular place and now I know whyListed in: Places on College Street
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Review from Katrina L.
Richmond Hill, ON
8/2/2009
Tucked just outside of Little Italy, this place is small and cute with a good size patio. Inside had a great old rustic feel that was very intimate but not intrusive to other patrons.
Brunch runs from 10:30am-3pm, which is perfect for a late riser like me. I chose to eat the eggs napoleon which is poached eggs with smoke salmon, spinach, mushrooms on a croissant topped with a cream dill sauce. I gotta say that the dill sauce turned me off a little but the croissant was excellent and I loved everything else, except the sauce.
My partner had one of the scrolls and I'm not sure if it was the wrong choice or what but this scroll tasted like poo. There was too much chick peas and the filling was just a jumbled mess or vegetables. The side salad that came with it was quite tasty and I would order that salad on its own.
Service was great but our waitress seemed a little spacey but it was family style and when our waitress wasn't around, other servers picked up the slack.
One thing was that there was a bunch of bees buzzing around our food and around us. I'm not one to be scared of bees but they were being quite intrusive that at one point I had to get up and leave the table because they would not leave me alone.
I'm 50-50 on whether or not I would go back but I do need to try their dinner menu and I think I may be pleasantly surprised as the food did smell delicious. -
Review from Kent P.
9/30/2010
Pleasant atmosphere, good spot for a date.
Prices are reasonable- could run you about $40 if you're frugal.
Didn't try any of the scrolls people are writing about on this page - had the half roasted chicken. It was a little on the dry side and didn't have much for additional flavor other than the sweet BBQ sauce that came with it. Also came with mashed sweet potatoes.
Caveat: Gave me the runs in about 25 minutes.
(this is bad for a date)
three pats
PATpatPAT
ttyn,
PAT -
Review from Mel D.
Toronto, ON
11/22/2009
Ohhh! So *this* is Kalendar - I've heard of you so many times, but never been there, until last night.
Wandering around Little Italy, it was the first restaurant that did not have a 20-40 minute wait. I was a bit confused at first since I thought it was a pure Italian restaurant (I always assume it's an Italian restaurant when I'm in Little Italy...), so I was skeptical to order any Indian dishes. I got the stuffed pasta, and it was very yummy! My two friends got the scrolls, and I was jealous - it looked so good! I'll definitely be back to try the other options on the menu. Also, all this talk on yelp about the brunch makes me want to go back TODAY.
Very cute atmosphere for a date! Nice service and good prices. You have to experience Kalendar at least once in your life if you live in Toronto. -
Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
12/15/2010
I'm such a fan! This place never disappoints!
For starters it's lovely inside and out - In the winter it is perfectly festive and warm... in the summer their patio is covered by shade trees... this is the place to go to celebrate, or take a date or take your mom...all in all it's charming.
The menu is a little odd but consistently good. Pizzas, "scrolls", dips all served on crepe-like naan breads. -
Review from Jay G.
Toronto, ON
8/2/2009
Came to Kalendar's for brunch and was charmed by the spacious patio and well thought out eclectic decor welcoming us with worn wood chairs, worn wood bar, red walls, mirrors, interesting light fixtures, black table tops, and wooden molding lining all walls, doors, and windows. The patio was very roomy for a sidewalk patio and the surrounding plants gave us just enough separation from the street to feel cozy and intimate while allowing us to people watch at the same time.
The service is top notch with servers being very prompt and courteous. The servers came around and the perfect interval to see if everything was going smoothly and there were no hick ups.
The food was sadly disappointing. The best thing for brunch was the eggs napoleon but the dill was a little over powering and the poached eggs were a little overdone. The Scroll#2 was also very underwhelming, heavy on the humus and very light on the vegetables and the roti was flavorless.
Overall, this space would be great for drinks on the patio but as a food destination I was unimpressed. Maybe the dinner service will be better next time around. The prices are steep for the quality of food being received. -
Review from Krishna N.
6/23/2009
Food was tasty, but they could have done more with Indian flavors.
We enjoyed scroll six and pizza two, both with mushrooms instead of the meat. Drinks were so-so.
Atmosphere was very intimate, good for couples and small groups. -
Review from Eva Z.
9/2/2011
A gem of a bistro. Loved their salmon, cream cheese and caper pita pizza. The baked camembert wrapped in phyllo pastry was outrageously delish, sprinkled with walnuts, served with a berry pureé, sliced pear and apple for dipping in the oozing gooey goodness. They have a neat selection of cocktails. I've only ever sat at the bar and like it that way as the bar staff I've had tend to me has always been uber awesome.
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Review from Tiffany G.
Toronto, ON
2/19/2009
Oh, how I love Kalendars. I love their appetizers- the black bean dip with mango pieces is de-lish. I love their martini's- especially the Chocolate Peppermint one (and one is never enough). I love their nannette's- i always get the Smoked Salmon (fresh smoked salmon layered on top of creamy cream cheese and warm naan bread, yum). I love their location (Little Italy) and I love their ambiance. Seriously, great for brunch, a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Best is in the summer when the patio is open and you can people watch or just chat the night away in the warm summer breeze.
*Note they do not take reservations....so if it is at peak time there will be a wait.Listed in: Top Eateries
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Review from Dardana M.
ON
1/12/2009
I love this restaurant, and choose it when I am feeling too classy for most of my usual haunts. It's got a lovely atmosphere, dim and romantic, with cozy booths and just so happens to have a pretty creative and tasty menu.
The scrolls are made with (as they call it) "crepe-style roti", rolling its eclectic ingredients into some addictive sandwich wraps. My favourite is the roast beef and asiago cheese, a wallop of a flavor burst if I've ever had one.
I've only had brunch there once, but want to have brunch there often, and get another chance with the fantastic mango, banana and cream cheese-stuffed french toast. Once again, a combination that I never would have really expected, and a very exciting result- oh! and speaking of exciting, the coffee is some of the best I've ever had, and I can't help but dream of it often- it had some sort of sweet spiciness that I can't put my finger on. My sister had the latte and it came in a gigantic bowl. That is all. -
Review from Sophia K.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2009
How cute is Kalendar?? Everytime I walk by (almost every day), I feel some sort of invisible force urging me to go inside. It's just one of those inviting, cozy places, and also has prime patio space which is usually packed in the summer.
This is a place where you could enjoy a romantic date inside, bring your mom for brunch on the patio, or sip coffee by yourself and read the paper at a window seat. Their menu is very appealing with choices grouped off (naans, "scrolls", etc.). All I remember is that I had something with goat cheese and it was delicious. All of their dishes seem like relatively healthy options as well (just salads for sides here!)
The service was friendly and efficient, and the prices are pretty reasonable for what I consider to be a classy but casual place. Kalendar doesn't disappoint! -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
7/27/2010
I love the cozy atmosphere at Kalendar. Yes, cozy means tight! There aren't a lot of tables that seat more than 4, so if you're in a large group I would advise arriving early.
The longer I wait for a table, the hungrier I get and the higher my expectations for a good meal. We waited about half an hour for a table for 4 during peak dinner hours. (Not bad, in my opinion.)
I had trouble deciding what to order because there were so many good options to choose from. Lots of vegetarian options too. I went with a scroll (a crepe style roti) - scroll two if you're into specifics. It was delicious!
Kalendar did not disappoint. Great portions, very reasonable price, and good service considering how busy the restaurant was. -
Review from Ms. J.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2009
Kalendar Restaurant continues to impress. We have gone here over the years for brunch and dinner, and we never leave disappointed. We love, love the "Warm Apple Walnut salad" -chopped apples and walnuts sautéed in a sweet brandy sauce over chevre cheese on a bed of greens.
We also adore the "Scroll Three": oven roasted chicken, sugar snap peas & carrots with a sweet curry sauce. Going back soon to try the Lobster Ravioli! -
Review from Steph L.
7/3/2010
On the hunt for outdoor seating we ended up at Kalendar.
I've heard (and read) a lot about their brunch, but I was curious about dinner.
It's a small cozy restaurant. If you are able to score a place on the patio or a table by a large open window, it's great. Otherwise, the rest of the indoor seating is cramped and dark.
The first thing I reached for was the drink menu. They had a good selection of cocktails, we had sangria which was fruity and not too sweet. A bit pricey by the glass in my opinion.
The warm apple walnut salad was a great start to our meal.
It smelled delicious and the goat cheese and apple were awesome together. The salad was fantastic, but I wish it was bigger.
The lobster ravioli was perfectly cooked and tasty. Just the right potion and you could actually taste the lobster.
My friend had the steak and vegetables. It tasted alright, I feel like they didn't quite cook it at a high enough temperature.
I'm really glad I got the ravioli.
I kept glancing at people eating scrolls (the Kalendar version of roti). It smelled good, but I'm unconvinced that I would be pleased. If I want Indian food, I'd probably go to an actual Indian restaurant. I hate bland curry that looks like curry but tastes like disappointment.
I'm sure I'll be back, perhaps for brunch. Let's see if I can get my rating up to a four star. -
Review from Zona T.
2/20/2010
Although the atmosphere was on the cusp of being claustrophobic I still enjoyed the ambiance, then again I should have expected it seeing as though it was dinner time on a Saturday night.
Everyone was courteous and the service was pleasant. I had the scroll five without the option of a dinner salad and it was just enough food. The chicken was tender and there was just the right amount of herbed mayonnaise. My dinner buddy ordered the scroll seven and I have to admit I liked mine way more.
Oh and I also had a Tom Collins and enjoyed it to the last drop. Not too sugary and not too tart. Definitely tasted like it was made from freshly squeezed lemons. -
Review from Rose x.
North York, ON
6/2/2011
I'm not impressed. Drink menu is decent but everything here is boldly overpriced.
I ordered a dinner-sized Indian-style "scroll" with spicy curried vegetables that was essentially a bland sop of mushy vegetables (mostly canned chick peas) wrapped in roti. Throw in a side salad and charge $18 for a most disappointing and mediocre meal. For all the naan fusion they boast I thought it would come out differently..... and yet most of the food we ordered was nothing special at all.
Nice ambience - the wooden outfit and candle-lit tables will make you freak if you factor in the possible "cute date place!" designations. I don't really care for Kalendar, food is a first for me! -
Review from Alison B.
7/16/2010
Went there on a hot (roommate) date.
It was fun. We sat on the patio, people watched on college and had a beer. We then ordered a pizza to split (mistake). As soon as we started eating we got way hungrier and wanted more. It was pretty delish! It's a great spot, especially for a cute little romantic date. AW! -
Review from Neil T.
Toronto, ON
7/25/2009
I've only been here a couple of times -- once for dinner, another time at lunch. I love the location as well as the vibe to the place. It's busy but intimate. However....
The dinner was ok, though I can't remember very many specifics. I had a soup and a pasta, both were nice but clearly not something that really stood out. Decent drinks and service for a relatively large group of people (there were about 12 of us). I'd rate dinner 3.5 stars.
My lunch experience here wasn't the greatest. I ordered the Reuben sandwich and it reminded me of something I had at the Cheesecake Factory. It was dripping in cheese, mayo, butter, grease...it was disgusting I couldn't eat it (I tore it apart and ended up picking at pieces). I can't remember what my girlfriend ordered, but she ended up throwing up a couple of times during the meal. Admittedly, she wasn't feeling the greatest before lunch, but whatever she ate did not help.
