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Old Spaghetti Factory
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
54 The EsplanadeToronto, ON M5E 1A6
Neighbourhood: St. Lawrence
(416) 864-9761
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
46 reviews for Old Spaghetti Factory
Review Highlights
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"The carousel, the "vintage" signs etc." In 7 reviews -
"...you get this amazing warm bread with garlic butter (they..." In 2 reviews -
"Being kid-friendly comes at a cost." In 3 reviews
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren M.
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
As others have mentioned, the Old Spaghetti Factory has crap food - but otherwise it does serve it's purpose.
If you have small town folk visiting from out of town, or families with children, this an excellent place to take them. Really, where the hell do you take kids in this city? They are unwelcome pretty much everywhere, so options are limited. Picky eaters will generally like it here too.
The restaurant is one of the biggest I've ever seen, I imagine they can seat up to 500. The decor is kind of fun in my opinion. What other restaurants have old carousel rides and even a street trolley?
I came here with my brother and his family; the kids loved it!
The menu is bad and you know the food is going to suck. If you're trying to eat healthy, you're basically f*cked - so don't even bother. 90% of the menu is pasta, huge portions topped with fatty sauces. Bread served first with two kinds of butter and they are happy to bring seconds free of charge.
The price point is quite cheap, with full meals ranging between $11-$22, kid's meals at $6.95.
Service is friendly and quick. -
Review from Lisa B.
Toronto, ON
3/25/2012
I went here for a birthday dinner with a large group of people. The birthday boy had made a reservation for 20 people at 8:30pm. I was not pleased with the greeting of the hostess when we walked in. We told them that we were there for a reservation and we were told that we weren't allowed to sit until at least 10 people had arrived. I can understand if someone just walked in from the street and had a big group, but we had a reservation....why can't we sit down? We had to wait in the entrance until more people had arrived.
My friend and I thought...well let's go get a drink at the bar then while we're waiting. Nope. Not allowed either. We were told that our server may not be ready yet, so we couldn't get a drink. WTF? At most places, you're usually SENT to the bar to have a drink while you're waiting for your table.
FOOD:
Anyway, once we were seated and ordered I got one of the "it's all included" meals that came with soup or salad, pasta, bread and ice cream. The minestrone soup wasn't bad, but also tasted like it probably came out of a can. I tried a bit of my boyfriend's salad which tasted nice and fresh (it's hard to mess up a salad though) but could have used a tad more dressing.
I ordered the Manager's Favorite which was spaghetti with your choice of 2 sauces. I chose the mushroom taragon and the rich meat sauce. I also added a meatball for $1. I was told that the sauces would be separated rather than mixed together. While technically they were separated, the bowl that it came in was so small that as soon as you started eating it, the sauces started mixing together anyway. I would have preferred if they had used one of the bigger "factory size" plates so that if you didn't want them to mix at all they wouldn't. No biggie though.
I was actually surprised at how long it took for our food to come out. I meal 80% of the menu is spaghetti and they probably have big batches of the sauce. I guess we did have a big group though. The meatball was not very good. I'm glad I only got one. It was very mushy and didn't have much flavour. The sauces were quite bland. Just like the soup they tasted like they came out of a can. They tasted the same, but like I said above, they were probably just mixed together.
The bread was very tasty and they brought as much as you wanted. It was hot and fresh, and the garlic butter was very yummy!
All of that being said, it is a really cheap meal, so I can't complain about that. It's not like I went in there expecting a gourmet meal.
SERVICE AND ATMOSPHERE:
Our server was great. He asked us ahead of time if we wanted separate bills, and unlike at some restaurants he told us that there was 15% gratuity already added. He was very attentive and joked around with us a lot, made suggestions on menu items, and didn't make a big fuss if people moved seats.
The atmosphere of the place itself is definitely very fun. There's a giant carousel in the middle, train cars that you can sit in and other decorations and fun seating areas. A great place to bring kids or groups. The location of the restaurant also has a nice patio, and great for people watching in the summer.
However, unless it was for another birthday or something, I would not go back there voluntarily. -
Review from Mike H.
Burlington, ON
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food was not spectacular, but it was decent. All four meals were adequate to good. Service was excellent, very friendly and prompt. The decor is way over the top, but kinda cool. Like others have said, average food, fair prices, and great staff. Don't expect fine dining, but good food and great service make this an overall good experience. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for the service.
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Review from Kevin H.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2012
It gets the job done friendly staff average food. If you are looking for a fine dining Italian food restaurant this is NOT the place
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Review from Tina L.
Scarborough, ON
3/3/2012
Tonight was my first time there with my boyfriend and we had a great time. Food is SUPER cheap considering the fact that you are dinning in a unique decorated restaurant like this. The meals are range from $11 (pasta) - $25 (steak) all come with soup/salad + tea + ice cream. The foods are not bad but nothing surprisingly good either (just pasta, probably I can make something similar). Service is really good. Even with all those decorations, we are still able to see our server walking around (unlike some places like Moxie the servers just ignore you).
The only one tinny problem we had today was the "wait to be seated buzzer". We totally missed the signal (ended up waited 20mins for nothing). The server noticed the same problem with other customers in the past too... then why they didn't they fix it...??!! We weren't pissed because they were very nice and gave us a table right away. -
Review from James B.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2012
Basic mass Italian food. Pasta is smothered in sauce. Other dishes have a ton of cheese. Kids love it. Usually very busy and a long wait.
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Review from Sheldon C.
Oshawa, ON
3/18/2012
The 5 of us all had a GREAT FOOD EXPERIENCE !!! I had the Veggie Manicotti which was DELICIOUS !!! A shout out to our server Malia who was friendly, very efficient & extremely attentive to our group's needs !!!! Ask for Malia to serve you !!! She is TREMENDOUS !!!!
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Review from Diane D.
Maple, ON
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been here a handful of times- I normally go here when I want to fill up on decently good italian food, but don't want to spend too much $$.
Old Spaghetti Factory has a great ambiance, full of stained glass lamps & even a cute decorative train. Very spacious, you will never be standing around waiting for a seat. Definitely a good place to take a large party (of 20?), good place to take kids (think free crayons + birthday parties).
That said, I was pretty disappointed with my meal, having had recollections of better food in the past (the minestrone soup was overly laden with beans and macaroni and didn't taste like a soup, it was more like a pasta dish). The entree was ok (I ordered the spicy rich meat sauce spaghetti), the bread and butter was definitely the best part of the meal. Maybe my impression was also influenced by the menu prices, which I noted had risen by at least $5 for each entree item (for example, the pot-pourri spaghetti meal used to cost me under $10, but now it's $15).
Perhaps Old Spaghetti never really did offer amazing italian food, but I had always considered it great value for decently good italian food. Now, with the hike in prices, you might as well head to Libretta's (on Ossington) and order a pizza as you'd definitely get better food for the same price. -
Review from Wally S.
7/13/2011 1 photo
The old Spaghetti Factory has been a stop on our Toronto itinerary for many years.
There are some who rip it apart and others that love it. I tend to lean to the side of those who love it. To me the lure here is all of the crazy decorations in the building combined with the reasonably good food.
When you go to the Spaghetti Factory, you order spaghetti.
I ordered the "Managers Favourite" which is a "combination" spaghetti platter. My choices were the spicy meat sauce and the brown butter with Mizithra cheese. The meat sauce was hearty, but not very spicy and the brown butter with cheese is a taste to behold. This is not melted cheese, but a dry cheese sprinkled over the spaghetti sauce. Complete this with a salad and it's an Italian meal to fill your belly.
Warning.. we ordered some of their "speciality drinks" and they were way too weak for the money. Either drink beer or water and save your money.
We'll definitely keep the old spaghetti factory as one of our stops on any Toronto area trip.. -
Review from Kevin R.
9/7/2011
I have only visited this restaurant, because my father likes it. I have been there 3 times, once each in September 09, 10, and 11 (my father has been there more often). In the three times I've been here, they've missed calling my name twice. And the fact that they now use the vibrating pager didn't help. When I finally went up to the desk after 45 minutes (after being told 25 minutes and seeing people who came in after us get seated), I went up to the desk. I asked how much longer until I was seated. The girl looked at her list and said "You've already been sit". I held up the pager and said "I still have this in my hand so obviously I haven't been sit". When I mentioned this was the 2nd time out of 3 this had happened, I got what amounted to a "S Happens" as a reply.
As for the restaurant, the kitsch overwhelms. The service was great although we could tell that our waiter was tired of singing "Happy Birthday" as it seems we were the only people in the restaurant who weren't having birthdays that evening. The food is average, nothing special. I'm sure my dad will want to go next year when we visit Toronto, and I'll go as a good son but unwillingly. -
Review from Rick F.
Kitchener, ON
9/6/2011
Amazing!!
Service and food were excellent!
Atmosphere is great. We sat in the middle section, which gives you a great view of most of the restaurant.
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Since the restaurant is a SPAGHETTI Factory, make sure you order a pasta meal, they are delicious!!
Definitely recommend to anyone and everyone of all ages! -
Review from Vivek S.
12/7/2010 2 photos
Double you. Tee. Eff.
A friend and I were meandering aimlessly (Shawn Micallef styles) down the Esplanade when we both remarked that neither of us had visited the Old Spagetti Factory. Heck, we were both hungry so why not give OSF a try? "What could possibly go wrong?"
We came for the pasta, but what we got was an unapologetic visual assault. From the grizzly bear-sized gumball machine in the foyer, to the 1:1 scale carousel in the dining room, to theriomorphistic depictions of famous Toronto Blue Jays as sheep rendered in stained glass (seriously, read that last part again), this place is truly a family-oriented, good-taste murdering, cautionary tale of a resto decor job.
That said, my Goat Cheese Angolotti wasn't half bad. Not worthy of ire, at least. All entrees come with salad, bread, spumoni and coffee, so for less than $15 plus tax and tip you can eat like a king. The king of a demented, gawdy, carnival, stained-glass kingdom of Dr. Moreau, but a king nonetheless.
Obligatory Title Pun: SPAG-edelic, baby! Yeah!
Menu Readability: The menu is a broadsheet printed on the thinnest newsprint I have ever felt. Includes old-timey clipart. Whee!
Need to mention: Bring your kids, not your boss, and never a date.
What this place teaches me about myself: Spaghetti is a poor substitute for ritalin.Listed in: That's Amore!
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Review from Noel D.
11/26/2010
Wow. So much hate for Ye Old Spaghetti Factory...
I have to admit that I never went to this place as a child (that I recall) but I am still a bit of a big baby so it doesn't take much to get me excited about something. I absolutely love pasta so this restaurant is right up my alley. Plus even though I might not have been to it until I was an adult it does remind me of other places my parents would take me to back in the day -- the style of menus, the dated decor, etc. Reminds me of places like Mother's and Ponderosa.
I've only been here twice and I had a decent time on both occasions. For a pasta freak like me I thought their food was just alright. Of course it's not going to be as great as some finer places but I don't think that's what they're aiming for. Food is decent and my service was decent so they get an average rating from me. I guess it would be a place I would hit for sentimental kicks, if I were in the area or whenever I have kids and want to take them somewhere fun. -
Review from Keith C.
11/16/2010
Came here a bunch of times with friends and family. Usually when we'd come for a hockey game, we'd swing in here for dinner and drinks. Or if a ball game had just ended, we'd head in here for some pasta. Now this place is really really big so you won't have any problems just showing up at the door and getting a table almost immediately. The great thing is that they're open late. 11 pm late.
Now when you've ordered, they'll put a loaf of bread on your plate with some garlic butter which taste delicious. Once you're finished, they'll keep bringing new hot loaves over. I've never had to ask for a new fresh loaf because the waiters are on the lookout for customers who have annihilated the bread in seconds.
There's really no point in getting the Bruschetta because you already have bread but if you do, it's actually pretty good. For the main course, they have about 30 million different spaghetti choices. Ok, more like 10 different spaghetti options. I mean. Come on. Who really thinks they're only going to have one spaghetti and meatball option considering that their name is called the old spaghetti factory???? I have tried the spaghetti and meatballs which is a big hit. The Veal parmigiana is also a fan favorite of mine. One of my friends got a lasagna one time and I couldn't stop making fun of him. I don't care how italian this place is, you don't get lasagne at a spaghetti place. Sheesh. some people.
I've always had a good time here and will come back. -
Review from Christian P.
Toronto, ON
11/26/2011
I LOVE their spaghetti with meat tomato sauce! and the place really looks nice (an old beer garten, which they kept with all the typical settings and decorations) and tha place is not packed (so you can chat and ear yourself).
BUT.... the amount of spaghetti and, more importantly, of sauce is highly variable depending on the day and even the plate... whereas my GF had too much, I had just a small and clearly insufficient portion of sauce... it was obvious (so I could grab some of my buddy to make it "equal" and better), but that did not seem to bother at all neither the cooker nor the waiter... is it that so difficult to try being constant? to use a standardized spoon to put exactly the same and regular amount of sauce, so that customers can come back and back again and have the same pleasure and enjoy every time?
Another but... waiters all seem to be young students, who had not been hired by other places. Talking to each other, they were totally unconcerned about customers well being. Had to ask twice for the drinks, had to stand up and pick up myself the pepper. (had to equalize the sauce amount...)
Last but... final ice cream (chocolate-pistachio-vanilla) = ppppouaarkkk! (wheras I am a HUGE ice cream eater!)
Make a small effort!! -
Review from Rj P.
11/1/2010
Spaghetti Factory is the definition of cheap and cheerful.
Bowls of noodles with a variety of sauces, salad/soup and bread -- all for one low price.
This is not a place that locals frequent - I think they must sustain most of their business from tourists or tour buses. The interior is kitchy/campy and has nothing to do with Italian food. -
Review from Mariko M.
3/2/2010
I came here during their 50% Off promotion. Whatever we ordered, was 50% of the original price.
Service = excellent; the servers were all charming and the folks who did the hosting were great
Price = regardless of the promotion, I felt that the meals were quite reasonable
Food = this is where the OSF lost points in my book; food is mediocre and the portions are too big to the point that you no longer enjoy what is in front of you
Come here if you're short on cash or if you're with company who have not eaten anything in days. -
Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
1/24/2010
The Old Spaghetti Factory serves its purpose.
The Old Spaghetti Factory is great if your dining experience is to fill one of these criteria:
- children/teen friendly
- large group of people that like "basic" food
- bang for your buck
- you want to hang out with tourists
If you are looking for a great Italian dining experience, do not go here. The Old Spaghetti Factory will not make you think of your Italian grandmother or even your quarter-twice removed-does a great Godfather routine-Italian grandmother.
Last night I took some of my family and my 3 year old God Daughter here. She loved it. Lots to see, crayons and paper at the table, people singing happy birthday, loud music and they had her requested "meat balls with pasta".
When you order anything off the menu it comes with a choice of soup or salad to start, pop, your entree, ice cream and coffee/tea. All for about $15. Was the food great - no. But, I had no expectations, and was going here solely for my God Daughter. She loved it, they had what she wanted, there was something everyone could eat, again - served its purpose.
Of note, they do have some half decent girly drinks/cocktails that if you order the larger version - you get to keep the glass. This place is quite large, so if you have a group of people with bland taste buds, this may be a good option.
Bonus points for the music. It was a 90's revival. I sang and seat danced to James "Laid" -
Review from A.J. S.
8/30/2010
I've been here a number of times. Usually the food is pretty good. The last time I went though there was an insect in my salad. When I brought this to the attention of a server she took it promising to bring another, and never came back. When I brought it to another servers attention she got me another one, but it came at the same time as my entree, so it ruined the rhythm of the meal, and generally just ruined the dining experience.
Also, either living in the U.S. has changed my view on portioning or the portion have gotten really small. I'm not really sure what to make of this. The food was ok. I'll try again and maybe update. -
Review from Michelle V.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2009
With a name like Old Spaghetti Factory, you figured you best be wearing elastic waist band pants for something epic that can rival your mom's recipe. Well, if your mom is a blind woman whose nose and tongue were burned off at a young age, sure, I *guess* Old Spaghetti Factory can trump that. But I'm deeming it mediocre at best!
I've been there more than once and not because it was my choice but because I have this bad habit of wanting to hang out with friends who clearly have questionable taste. Once you weave your way through the restaurant that is cluttered with stain glass windows, a carousel and a trolley car, you're presented with an olde timey newpaper-esque menu which is cute with descriptions that would instantly make your mouth water. However, the pay-off is an underwhelming pasta dish, spaghetti or otherwise.
I know most people might have a sentimental attachment to this place but alas I didn't and came in with a cynical and judgmental adult point of view. So unfortunately the only bit of nostalgia I get with the food here is when I regurgitate it later that evening. -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
7/27/2009
When I was younger, I used to love The Old Spaghetti Factory. Now that I've experienced finer dining, I think it's just okay.
Parking in this area can sometimes be an issue, and it's not close to the subway either. Another inconvenience is that they don't take reservations, so you should plan on going a little earlier, especially for a large party.
I have been here a few times right before a show, and let the server know we had to be in and out quickly. They recommended we steer away from the baked pastas, but we could have any of the other pastas fairly quickly.
The mini loaves of bread come to you hot, and are served with regular whipped butter or garlic whipped butter. We tend to go through a few loaves because it's so deliciously fresh.
If you can't decide on a pasta, the trio allows you to try 3 different red sauces on spaghetti. I am also a fan of the fettuccine alfredo, although it's quite heavy. When I'm not in a hurry, I usually have the lasagna. There isn't anything overly exciting on their menu. Everything I've tried at the Spaghetti Factory just tastes like a good home-cooked meal. Some of the sauces are a little bland. I find the portions quite generous and often take leftovers home.
The price is right, seeing as it's just pasta. For a reasonable price your meal includes a soup or salad, ice cream for dessert and a coffee or tea. Once upon a time they only offered Spumoni ice cream and I had to eat around the chunks of candy. They have since eliminated the chunks and also offer vanilla and chocolate as well.
Great if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive, simple, quick meal. Nothing special unless you get to sit in one of the cool seats, like the ones in the trolley. -
Review from Ayelet B.
9/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is great for a big group and we had lots of kids with us so it was perfect. As a foodie, this is not my first choice but it served its purpose :)
It was a Friday night and I was really craving/needing a nice glass of wine. I ordered the Malbec and 15 minutes later the waiter announced that they didn't have any ... so I had my water.
I ordered the spicy spaghetti, which is not spicy and was pretty bland. But my expectations were not too high to be honest so it didn't really disappoint. Our waiter put up with us and all our requests so that was great. -
Review from conor g.
Toronto, ON
2/2/2009
i will extend this review in future times, however... for now I will say that 'The old Spaghetti factory' provided me with the Worst meal I have ever had in Toronto, without doubt.
For the first time in my life, I honestly could not eat my main course, unless I was ready to face the punishment of sitting on the ground of an 'Old Spaghetti Factory' toilet cubicle.
Don't even ask why I did eat here, just please listen to what I am telling you.
Horrible. Like Chuck E. Cheese, without games, prizes, and people dressed as animals.
Slainte
Conor -
Review from Marie F.
8/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
If Fear and Loathing were a restaurant it would be OSF!
Honestly this place is an acid trip on a good day and the fake almost android-like waiters kind of make you feel like at any time someone might jump out from the giant telephone booth and yell "You're on hidden camera!"
But really, as Shari M. mentioned this place services its purpose. I prepared myself for mediocre food and I got what I expected. What can you expect for a $12 prix fix spaghetti meal?!
My personal food mission is not to order things at restaurants that I can make myself unless they can make it better, so lets see how I panned out:
*Free loaf of bread: Not bad... and it's free. Don't feel shy about asking for a few more loafs, God knows I didn't!
*Garlic butter: Churned on location and probably the best part of my ENTIRE meal
Minestrone soup: Spoon goes in my mouth, soup gets spat out... nough said!
*The Spaghetti: I got the spicy beef... it wasn't spicy and the jury is out of if this was actually beef. I poured salt on this thing for a good minute in the attempts to give my spaghetti taste!
*Pistachio Ice cream: This place managed to fuck up ice cream :-(
If I had small children with me, that required loads of distractions I might consider this place again, otherwise I pass.
If you do plan to come here though reservations and HIGHLY recommended. -
Review from Lorraine C.
North York, ON
3/5/2010 2 photos
Excellent service, the waitor was really friendly. Food, or at least the bread and butter came proptly. The plate was a decent portion for your money. The place was really quirky, and felt like a carousel exploded in there. The old streetcar was fun to eat in
It's kid friendly, not over the top pricing and had great food. Although it is a Italian place I was expecting more of a variety, but no, strictly Italian. Most of the meals come with icecream, tea/coffee, salad or soup
Pretty great spot for a date or a family outing, they're apparently really great with large groups. No portable debit machine so you have to pay at the bar.
Highly recommended, will definitely return again. -
Review from Kent P.
7/5/2010
Pile of shit, campy restaurant.
It's so goddamn tacky inside and the pasta couldn't be worse or overpriced.
Tourists like it? And maybe really unhealthy / mental deficients.
NO PATS.
-PAT.Listed in: Worst Experiences @…
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Review from Katrina L.
Richmond Hill, ON
9/22/2009
I was taken here by my parents when I was...not a child but a youth. I've always been a huge fan of spaghetti, it's my go to menu choice and if a restaurant has it (whether or not it's an Italian restaurant), that's what I will order. So obviously going to a place called the "Old Spaghetti Factory" was definitely right up my alley.
Boy, was I knocked off my feet! I couldn't imagine going to a more perfect restaurant to satisfy my love of spaghetti. Not only that but you get this amazing warm bread with garlic butter (they have regular but you won't touch it, trust me) and your pasta comes with a choice of soup or salad, a generous portion for both, and ice cream at the end of the meal. What could be more perfect than that?
I always get the spaghetti with rich meat sauce, this one is the best one! I've tried the others and it just doesn't stack up against this winner. And I just can't fathom eating anything else but spaghetti here, I've seen others eating the lasagna or fetticini or whatever. While the lasagna isn't bad (my mother has ordered it)...nothing beats having spaghetti at the Old Spaghetti Factory. DUH!
For starter, I usually get a salad, if you're not a dressing lover, ask for it on the side; I also love their minestrone soup and the clam chowder is actually good. The servers are amazingly friendly and range from the young university student to the older more mature server that has been there for a long time, both are equally as friendly and gracious. I always write a comment card because I love being served by friendly people who always have a smile and make me feel important.
Many people think that place is a tourists trap and yes I guess they're right but I still love it. From sitting in the carousel to the streetcar or the telephone booth/elevator (which you need to reserve), I love it all and I will always come back here, even after I've dined at swanky restaurants in different cities. This place is like Swiss Chalet, reliable, good food that is always the right price and a place you can go to when you're in a pinch for ideas. -
Review from Ben H.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2010
What was I thinking? Well, a place to take two preschoolers for lunch and not go crazy. That seems to be asking alot for a dining experience downtown.
This is honestly the first pasta restaurant that does not know how to make a simple meat sauce. Think Chef Boyardee. I can't even call it bologn....no I can't do it. Oh, and meatballs? What were they thinking. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2008
I could make better pasta sauce by dipping a cup into a toilet and ladelling it onto my noodles.
Okay, so maybe the Old Spaghetti Factory isn't that horrible. Besides, I've never tried toilet-water noodles, so that's not fair of me to compare. The truth is, I don't like the pasta here. I may have liked it for a brief moment when I first moved to the city and had never bit into a homemade spaghetti noodle or sauce that wasn't based on a can of Hunt's rich tomato sauce. And it's likely that I could've been suckered in by the trolley, the quirky menu, and fact they serve spumoni! ice! cream! Plus, their fresh, steamy hot bread, brought to the table with a knife puncturing its backside (not to mention their whipped garlic butter accompaniment) is a dream come true.
It is fun to go here if you're young and exploring the city for the first time -- if you can nab a table inside one of the trolleys, even better, as it has definitely transformed so-so gatherings and dates into a frolicking 1 hour of amusement.
I just wish their whole meal ended there and skipped to the spumoni ice cream. I see through their kitschy disguise, and I give it a solid thumbs down... and I can say that confidently even though I haven't had those toilet water noodles yet.
(PS. Don't ever be my unexpected dinner guest.) -
Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2009
This place is so much fun. I have to admit, I come more for the decor than the food. I have a lot of happy memories here, and I love going out with new friends or bringing visitors to come see it.
I think it is reasonably priced, and I don't expect anything too fancy on the menu. It's your basic spaghetti - some options have a few twists. I always get the option with the button mushrooms, myself.
I really like their bread and garlic butter.. I'm always starving when I get there, since I usually go after a day at the harbourfront, so the bread is very appreciated while waiting on the meal.
I can't say much for drinks here, as I don't remember ever ordering anything alcoholic.
If you go for a meal with just the two of you, request to sit in the elevator. You'll feel special. Atleast, I think its awesome. -
Review from Stacey S.
7/9/2009 1 photo
I think this place would be absolutely fantastic for kids. Not only does it look and feel fun, the all-inclusive meals (bread, salad, entree and ICE CREAM) and over-exuberant staff make for a fabulous family experience. For the more discerning adult out for a weekend meal, however, not so much.
It started out promising. We were seated in a nice, big booth, in a quiet corner and served warm bread, with two types of butter (in a plastic tub), by a ridiculously friendly waiter. However, the salad was largely Iceberg based, with rather dire dressing, and the pasta was just so-so.
There was definitely enough to fill your belly - too much, in fact, to the point where I could barely stomach the sight of the little silver tray of ice cream delivered at the end.
The trip to the bathroom was pretty exciting. Not because of the state of the facilities themselves (pretty unpleasant, to be honest), but rather the excuse to wind through the enormous dining room exploring all the weird relics on show, like the old trolley and phone boxes, in which you can actually dine! A kid's dream, indeed. -
Review from Lori G.
8/13/2011
I took my kids here - this was our third trip. Overall we had a nice night - but here is my feedback:
1) Menu is too limited
2) I orded an $8.00 salad - it was super small - way over priced
3) Could be cleaner
Generally, I think you go because it is pretty kid friendly and fun.....I would go back but with lower expectations. -
Review from Moritz H.
7/22/2011
Nice for kids. Expensive...
-
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
8/5/2009
I'll start by saying everyone who lives in Toronto should try it once. After that, I say you're on your own.
There's a lot of mixed feelings on The Old Spaghetti Factory reviews - so I'll try to be a bit specific.
1) The atmosphere is fun - not great, but fun. It's just a little too unkempt for me, but it's still designed in such a way that you can enjoy yourself if you don't take the venue too seriously.
2) The food is plain. It's not horrible (I wouldn't liken it to toilet water!) but for Italian I would say it's very Americanized. I look forward to a bit of pizazz on my plate (if not in presentation, at least in flavor). You don't get that here. I feel that they stay away from too many spices in order to appeal to a grander audience, but in doing so disappoint people looking for a real Italian meal.
3) I got really drunk during a dinner with my wife and family, and I had a lot of fun. In this regard, the OSF is great. The wait staff aren't up on high-end protocol, but they know how keep you happy and give you your space.
I gave it two stars because of the menu, but the atmosphere can easily bump it up to a three. Like I said: try it once, then decide for yourself. -
Review from Bas G.
Waterloo, ON
2/16/2009
I'm one of the sucker tourists that took the spaghetti bait.
The place looks great. The carousel, the "vintage" signs etc.
The apetizers were really nice. A riot almost broke out over the last piece of bread.
But the pasta, like said before, wasn't anything you can't whip up at home.
Portions are enormous tho. We knew what we were walking in to, and got what we expected.
A belly full of warm, fairly okay food. And a place to look around with amazement and rest our sore tourist feet. -
Review from Rose H.
Scarborough, ON
4/3/2011
I've been there twice as of now. My first time I was WOW-ed.
The environment is truly interesting. I was looking everywhere. I love the carousel and phone booth. Even my second time around I was still trying to decipher what was going on.
Service was friendly and efficient both times. However, it was most exceptional from the waiter who is tall, handsome, and wearing
dark-rimmed glasses.
The food comes in amazing large portions - this could also be seen as a downfall. I barely finished my pasta the second time around.
I ordered Spaghetti and Meat balls the first time - AMAZING.
Chicken Penne the second time - not so happy with that. My friend recommended it and said she enjoyed it. I, however, was not a fan.
In your meal you get soup/salad, pasta, ice cream, coffee/tea, and bread. Yes, it's a lot. If you get full easily (like I do), do not eat all of your appetizer and do not eat a of bread. Your main course will be worth it.
Also, I ordered a Bellini and didn't really enjoy it. I prefer my bellinis with a thicker consistency equivalent to a slush - this was more watery.
The only improvement they should make would be with their menus. It's in fact a simple piece of paper folded. With amazing decor, I feel that they should have a menu that at least matches the theme they have going.
Overall, I would definitely be visiting again. -
Review from Andy H.
8/6/2008
Stopped in this Toronto OSF when I visited in 2006. They have you wait in the bar area until your seat is called. Nice area with a lounge feel to it. Finally we are called and seated. The food was honestly decent, but nothing amazing. The place was jam packed on a Friday night. It is a family style place, but also had a few tables with couples out for a night of Italian-Canadian cuisine.
The sauce tasted like an upscale chef boyardee, the servings were big and the waiter was attentive. All in all I think its a decent stop, but not a must, when visiting Toronto. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2008
The only thing that would make this place more of a tourist trap is if it had a box propped up by a stick with a string on it, baited with a two-for-one coupon for a Toronto double-decker bus tour. For whatever reason, folks who have grown up in Toronto of a slightly Golden-brown age remember their first time to the Old Spaghetti Factory fondly. There was a novelty organ, a train that ran around the restaurant on elevated tracks, tons of fake antique-y items. Oh, and they served spaghetti. They still do.
This appears to be the only known survivor from the late-70s-early-80s onslaught of old-timey pizza-pasta places. Mother's Pizza is gone, Frank Vetere's is MIA, and all we have left is the Old Spaghetti Factory. The place is charming enough and is definitely child-friendly. But if you're looking for pasta dishes that are "authentic", "Italian", or "good", you'd do well to find a truly Italian restaurant. Being kid-friendly comes at a cost. Just ask Chuck E. Cheese (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...). -
Review from Alli J.
6/24/2010
The only thing this place is missing is a giant neon sign above the front door that says TOURISTS EAT HERE and a big flashing arrow.
Very kitschy, faux-nostalgic Victorian interior with the ambience of a Chucky Cheese. This place is deceptively large on the inside and there were several large tour groups eating there at the same time, meaning 5 dozen junior high school students and their chaperones graced us with their oh-so-witty banter all through lunch, and none of them had any concept of an "inside voice."
The menu is fully unimpressive. As you might expect, it's all pasta. I ordered the Spaghetti with Brown Butter and some kind of dry cheese. I got totally dry, mushy pasta under a mountain of approximately 2 cups of what appeared to be Kraft Grated Cheeze Dust ™. Eating it made me feel like I had to sneeze.
My husband had the chicken parmesan and deemed it passable, but nothing earth-shattering.
While the food is definitely blah, the service was fast and super-duper friendly. And this was the only place in Toronto where I could find real unsweetened iced tea instead of the tooth-achingly sweet mix stuff.
This is not a spot for calm, relaxing lunch or high-end Italian fare. I don't really know why you'd go here. It was across the street from our hotel, and I was really, really hungry but there are many far superior places in the neighborhood. Walk a block or two farther and take your pick, but don't waste your time or money here. -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
The Spaghetti Factory has been around for many years. Most people I know remember going there as kids, but even now it's fun. The whole place is mostly a novelty, because truthfully their spaghetti isn't anything you can't make at home.
However, the experience of coming to this place is worth it in itself. The dining area is enormous, includes a carousel and an old fashioned street car, which has tables you can sit and eat at. Many of the 2-person tables are built on old Singer sewing machines, and the wheel/pedal mechanism is spins.
Usually you have to wait to sit down, and the timing depends. On Saturdays, you're not allowed to make reservations from 5-9pm, and the wait is usually about an hour long. Often they exaggerate the wait time just to make sure you don't get pissy, but that's not always the case, so don't count on it.
And yes. Ice cream comes free at the end of the meal.
