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Queen Mother Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants Thai Asian Fusion, Thai [Edit]
206 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 1Z2
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 598-4719
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 1 am
Sun 12 pm - 12:30 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
65 reviews for Queen Mother Cafe
Review Highlights
"The Ping Gai is fantastic."
(in 14 reviews)
"The Laotian spring rolls were delicious as well."
(in 3 reviews)
"Quinoa salad (HELLO, gluten-free."
(in 6 reviews)
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65 reviews in English
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Review from Harding Y.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2011
The Queen Mother seems to have been around forever... and given that it's outlasted its namesake (there was a time when it seemed she was immortal), it's nearly iconic in Toronto. The Ping Gai is excellent. It's all I ever have. I have no idea what the other food is like. I really don't care.
The cocktails are above average. Certainly they know how to mix a Manhattan, though I've often found their Gin and Tonics flat and too weak for my tastes.
I've been served by the same person the last three visits and she's absolutely charming. Most attentive and almost seems to care that you enjoy your experience. -
Review from Susan G.
12/1/2011
I'm a huge fan of Asian Fusion, so when it was suggested that we go to Queen Mother Cafe for dinner, I was easily persuaded.
I can see this as maybe a good first few dates type location - I'm a fan of the dark ambiance, it's romantic but not in a cheesy or cliche way - I'm going to go with "romantic casual". Combine that with good service, and you're pretty much guaranteed a good experience!
I'm also a fan of the large menu and drink list. I had a Thai inspired chicken/noodle dish, (unfortunately I forget the name...) but it was really great! It was in a soupy broth, which was so good that I just ate it with a spoon when the noodle contents were gone. I also saw that the person next to us had what looked like a great lemongrass soup, which I will definitely order the next time I stop by.
I can definitely see myself checking out Queen Mother again soon! -
Review from Dishan W.
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Queen Mother strikes me as a better version of my much despised location "The Red Room" over on Spadina and College. I attribute that to mainly the dark ambiance and menu. To directly compare the 2 for myself I ordered the vegetarian pad thai and was pretty happy with it, it was a pretty large portion and I was unsure I could finish it off but managed to get around it.
Our service was friendly, nothing alarmingly great but just good enough. They have a decent sounding menu and a good drinks list, I really enjoy the fact that they also provide free wifi. Brings them up at least 0.5stars for encouraging people to hang around.
But until next time (there will definitely be a next time) the Queen Mother remains a 3 or 3.5 star location for me. -
Review from Primo L.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I always have a good time here. The food is inventive and there are generally interesting people at the bar from all walks of life, spinning yarns and sharing world travel and foodie experiences.
I make it a point to visit the Queen Mum whenever I'm in Toronto, it just feels like home. -
Review from Lynn C.
Updated - 10/5/2011
Ok, so it's a little pricey for what you probably expect given its decor...a little small, a little dingy...on Queen West where the hipsters are hanging out, but the food here is sooooo good.
Last time I was here I had the ping gai - the flavour just explodes in your moth. This time around, I went with three friends and we ALL got the pad thai. It was that good. However, if you order it hot, they dont just add chili or anything, they add the hot sauce, so it might mask its original taste.
I got a drink this time too - orange creamscicle. Not very sweet but very strong in alcohol, despite the tiny tiny martini glass.
$30 after tax and tip for a padthai and one drink is not cheap, but I enjoyed every chewing and sipping.Listed in: GTA Five Stars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2011
I was told this place is pretty good and even with a fairly high expectation, Queen Mother still… Read more »
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Review from Letie W.
9/27/2011
I would have never known this place even served food had a relative not taken my husband and I. His recommendation was either the Ping Gai or Pad Thai. I've had my share of Pad Thai back at home, so I figured why not? Ping Gai it is!! And YES it was! It was very very good and loved the light crispiness of the chicken when it came out.
I also had the Crispy Calamari. Ok, now I've eaten fried calamari EVERYWHERE. This is by far THE BEST! It's not hard, it's not dry, it's not chewy. The exterior has a nice crisp (not crunch) and the inside is so soft and melts in your mouth!! That's right! Calamari that melts in your mouth...is that EVEN possible?? YES IT IS! This appetizer will SERIOUSLY not disappoint.
Check out my pics!
http://what2eatz.blogs... -
Review from neesa r.
7/7/2011
I went here after I read about it on the weekly Yelp newsletter.
yeah the back garden patio is very secret as it's hidden from the front streets. but it's also way packed with little tables... we were seated so close to a couple next to us that it felt like we were lunching with them.
we changed the tables though.
the food is good and the portions are great. but somehow I didn't expect thai and indian in queen mother cafe.... should be something more european on the menu no? I loved my pad thai though. -
Review from Tom M.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2011
Always a good bet on Queen West!
Service can be a bit spotty during super busy times, but For the most part, it's very good. The wait staff tend to be long time professionals of the trade. We don't go that frequently (once every couple of months) but they often remember us and our menu selections!
The food is always good. The Ping Gai is fantastic! I wish they would make the Pad Thai a bit spicier. Even when I've asked for "hot", it doesn't have any bite. Ask for the chili sauce on the side.. I wish they would bring back the Seafood Hot Pot!
Ambience can be more than a tad loud and frantic during peak busy times.
Even at it's busiest, I have always enjoyed my meal here. -
Review from Ellie A.
5/6/2011
The Queen Mother Cafe violates a sacred restaurant rule: You should get what you pay for. This means that so-so food can be enjoyable in a laid back, cheap cafe setting and it's also reasonable to pay a lot for outstanding food and service. But Queen Mother is far too expensive for what you get - both in terms of service and food.
Arrived there tonight around 7:30pm after a wonderful day and drinks with friends - so we were in high spirits. But Queen Mother brought us down.
Fresh roll appetizer was mediocre - the filling was pretty good with tofu, mint, peppers, lettuce and glass noodles, but the rice paper wrap was clumpy, clumsy and full of holes, so the rolls fell apart. I'm no Top Chef contestant, but if I had made those rolls, I wouldn't have served them looking like that. The dipping sauce was tasty, but strangely grainy.
Veggie Pad Thai was really disappointing. The server told me that I couldn't get tofu instead of the chicken and shrimp they usually serve with the dish. When I asked why, given they clearly had tofu in the kitchen (since it's part of two other dishes). She just said, "vegetables only". Of course, they had no problem charging the full $14. The noodles were overcooked and the sauce was just badly balanced - too salty, too sour, a little too intense. As though the chef used a pre-made thai paste without diluting it properly. Weird.
Vegetarian Roti was pretty bland and actually tasted microwaved.
Not a bad place for coffee and dessert, but for dinner I recommend you go elsewhere. There are so many great places on Queen street where, for $14-$20 mains you can get a lovely meal and terrific experience. You can do better.
Vegetarian Score: This is a tough one. There are veggie options, but who cares? They are low on protein and high on "meh". 5/10.
p.s. When the server cleared our plates, she said, "Would you like to wait a bit or would you like your coffee now?" Note to server: manipulation is a sign of weakness, my dear. -
Review from Laz C.
Toronto, ON
3/29/2011
It is not hard to see (or taste) why Queen Mum's is such a local icon. I ordinarily tend to steer away from fusion restaurants in trendy districts but this might be one of the few places that can pull it off. Queen Mother is great even if you just have some time before or after a show, get drinks and dessert and/or apps if you don't have time for dinner.
They have a great assortment of vegetarian starters, including a swoon worthy pumpkin dip that I wish I could spread on every sandwich I ever eat from here on. The Laotian spring rolls with peanut sauce are also really tasty.
For mains, the curry vegetable roti is surprisingly good. The filling is delicately spiced but is nice and creamy. It's a perfect warming and satisfying comfort food the leads me to scoop forkfuls into my mouth faster and faster while trying to suppress audible mmms.
Of course, that suppression only gets as far as the dessert case. Once that chocolate-peanut butter cheesecake crosses to my side of the glass, all table manners are tossed aside, as is sharing etiquette. Sure, I'll still use utensils but I'll be guarding every bite like an animal hovering over its prey. You should probably get your own slice... -
Review from Nick S.
6/26/2011
A great little cafe for brunch on the weekend!
I had a BLT w/ Yukon fries, which was excellent. It's served on a fresh baguette with Chipotle mayo and what may be the tastiest bacon I've ever had in my life.
Although you have to navigate a series of underground tunnels to sit out back on the patio, it's quiet and perfect for an afternoon meal.
I also love the nearby wifi network called "Queen Mothership" which has absolutely NOTHING to do w/ the cafe! Exactly what I'd do if I lived upstairs. -
Review from Sarah W.
Oakville, ON
3/28/2011
I love the Queen Mother Cafe. I've had the steak, the ping gai, the spring rolls, even the pumpkin dip with pita bread. And with each one, the first taste is always followed by two things:
1. Hmm. This is not at ALL what I expected.
2. My GOD I want to eat this for the rest of my life.
It is one of the few restaurants where I seriously struggle over what to order, because it's all so delicious.
The wait staff is friendly, the service is pretty decent, and the food (like I mentioned above) is amazing. Highly recommended. -
Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
Revisited again after absence of several years. The food still solid even though the menu hasn't changed at all since, what, 1978?
The service way nicer than I remember :) still cozy and very Toronto.
Good job QM! -
Review from Vivienne D.
Toronto, ON
11/29/2010
I've been here a few times and always had the amazing Pad Thai. My friends have had other things, and none of them spectacular, but the Pad Thai was AMAZING. None of that over-ketchuped nonsense here, Queen Mother's Thai chef makes a really good Pad Thai. The sauce was really good, tamarind with a hint of peanut. Large pieces of chicken and shrimp and fried egg goodness. The Pad Thai comes in three levels of spiciness, but even the most spicy one doesn't take away from the flavour.
Another must-try is the calamari -- crispy on the outside and really tender on the inside. I've always had calamari with tzaziki, but Queen Mother serves it with sweet chili sauce, which is a really nice fusion taste.
Service is fast and friendly but could get hectic when the opera rush comes in (since the COC is just down the street).
P.S. The Pad Thai is $2 cheaper on the lunch menu, but the dinner version is almost twice as big as the lunch version. No dinner menu until 5:30PM! -
Review from Kelly O.
12/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've had some solid meals here lately:
Both the spinach and cheese cannelloni and the quinoa salad were fantastic. Everyone in my party also enjoyed their meals - Pad thai and Ping gai) Service is always good. There is a great selection of fresh Dufflet cakes in their fridge, although with their amazing large portions, I'm never hungry for dessert!
Tip: If you're coming on a weekday, arrive at 12 on the dot... because by 1 pm this place is JAMMED! -
Review from Tas H.
Toronto, ON
10/11/2011
The place is a bit overhyped and not a lot of my friends like it but I thought the Ping Gai is pretty awesome. Its the only thing I've ordered
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Review from Gale L.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
During a couple nights stop over in Toronto last month I was introduced to the Queen Mother by my son who declared, I would dislike the name more than he did but, we had to eat there.
Ordered a beef strip loin and roasted roots. Was not the size/ fusion/ flavour I expected and was way too much food, but the steak and vegetables were flavourful and done to perfection.
The atmosphere and service were regally appropriate to the locality and clientele. All in all the Queen Mother is an enjoyable trip, rerun.Listed in: Restaurants
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Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2011
Way back in my youth, my friends and I used to trek from the suburbs, downtown to eat here and then go for drop-in life drawing at the TSA. Hence the evening became 'Food & Nudes'.
Fast forward to like a million years later and I still love this place. ESPECIALLY the sticky rice with peanut sauce -- though I kind of miss the nudes. -
Review from Erin S.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2010
I've been here twice - once on a cozy date and once with a group of friends. And the Queen Mother was perfect for both! Everyone seems to find something perfect on the menu, and then enjoys what they ordered. The ambiance is kind of dim and busy, but not too noisy - it seemed very romantic on a date, and then just fun and interesting with friends.
It's slightly on the pricy side, but I'd say that's worth it to know that what you get is going to be tasty and nicely presented. The drinks are average price and perfectly good, and the drink list is fabulously descriptive...the best I've ever seen, actually.
This will definitely be a go-to restaurant for me. -
Review from Megan K.
9/5/2011
I really like this restaurant. I ate here a few times during my first Toronto vacation and just had to come back. Honestly, the calamari here is the best I've ever eaten. The squid is tender and the outside is perfectly crispy. The Laotian spring rolls were delicious as well.
We sat out on the patio which was quaint and relaxing. Overall, really good dining experience. -
Review from Joanne W.
1/26/2011
I went with my friend on a Tuesday night after a movie. It was quite packed inside, but we were quickly seated. Service was okay - but I can see that they were quite busy, so I can't really complain too much.
My friend ordered the pad thai, and I ordered the khao soy gai (because I just wanted to try something new). I absolutely loved the pad thai - probably one of the best pad thais I've had in Toronto - not your ketchup-on-noodles.
The khao soy gai was pretty good as well, but I would have prefered the pad thai. I'm not a big fan of egg noodles, so I wasn't very content with my dish (but that was m fault because I didn't read the menu very well).
The desserts are delicious - the cakes are from Dufflet! I ended up getting a lemon parfait cake (which was a tad too sweet for me) and my friend got the toffee apple cheesecake - definite recommend.
Would definitely come back here soon time. -
Review from Miko L.
2/20/2011
Went here for lunch and got the Ping Gai. It didn't disappoint and was well worth the 12.95 I paid for it. I particularly liked the sauce that came on the side that added a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken and the rice.
I also went here for dinner last year and got a steak off the specials menu. I remembered it to be good, but not much else about it. Also, the ambiance of the place was nice for dinner since it was dimly lit (you know, it makes it romantic.) -
Review from Tracy U.
Greater Sudbury, ON
6/30/2011
Went here for brunch. The food was good the service was soso. I enjoyed the decor but found the place extremely crowded so I don't know if I would go there again.
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Review from Marie F.
7/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
I decided to give the Queen Mother a try while waiting for my concert to start at Nathan Philip Square.
Once we were seated, we waited a bit for a the waitress to get to our table.
I ordered the soup of the day: Chicken coconut, the calamari and a white Sangria.
My Sangria was alright but did not warrant its $7 price tag. The soup was bland and it felt as if it was just made of old scraps instead of fresh ingredients. My calamari however was perfect: golden crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Next time I will probably give the Ping Gang crispy chicken a try. I stole a bite from my friend and it was honestly the juiciest chicken I had even tasted!Listed in: God save the Queen...…
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Review from Denis S.
9/13/2009
I came here for dinner on a Saturday night. It looked pretty full, but they immediately seated the two of us. I ordered some tea (which I think the waitress was disappointed with) and we started off with their dim sum appetizers. For a main course I got the daily special which was prosciutto wrapped scallops with mashed yams on the side. The meal was all good, but nothing spectacular. I think, weirdly enough, my favorite part was the mashed yams.
I know that some people here raved about the service, but I really found it somewhat lacking. I realize that they were pretty busy, but everything took a much longer than it really should have. However, I'd definitely be willing to give it another shot.Listed in: My Trip to Canada
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Review from Justin E.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2009
Two words: pad thai.
Two more words: secret patio.
A bunch more words: the Queen Mother is a gem. The decor, atmosphere, service and food are all awesome. Honestly if you go here and don't have the pad thai, I am going to hunt you down and kill you. I kid, I kid - but it's that good. Not sure what they make the sauce out of, but I think it flips the same switch in your brain that makes crack addicts so addicted.
And for dessert, a fine selection of Dufflet cakes will make you fat - and sassy.
Oh and did I mention secret summertime patio? Accessible only by an underground passageway, you'll feel as if you're going through Fred Penner's hollowed-out tree and arriving in Mr. Rogers' fantasyland, except with better service & food and fewer hand puppets. Surrounded by trellis'd foliage and flowers, it's a great place for an afternoon drink. In the evenings the patio lanterns come on and the ambiance is exquisite - perfect for a post-movie dinner with your love.
Highly recommended! -
Review from Kat F.
2/16/2009
Everyone I know SWEARS by Queen Mother's ("the queen mum") Pad Thai and were I fan of pad thai in the first place, I'm sure I'd love it. But I'm especially drawn to Queen Mother's daily specials, which include creative soups and creamy pasta plates. I once had a plate of tortellini with roasted red pepper, zucchini, asparagus and cherry tomatoes that was drizzled with a creamy tomato sauce that I'll never forget. I haven't had it there since but I really wish they'd bring it back!
Make sure you leave room for dessert as they have an extensive/revolving dessert menu (you can go up to the counter and ogle the full cakes to pick one out) that's out of this world! -
Review from Ktimene G.
6/10/2009
Healthy food shouldn't take soooooooo long to serve. The servers aren't bad-- they are just perpetually under-staffed to the point that I want to hang a sign in the window for them. By the time I finish my lunches there it's usually dinner time.
Then again, I can't stop going to TQM cuz the food puts a spring in my step.
- MUST start with the white bean dip! Sadly, their fresh take on Terra Chips are too brittle for the dense dip. It's so salty and goood!
- Quinoa salad (HELLO, gluten-free!) with pepitas (pumpkin seeds), a little feta, cranberries, bibb
- cold spring rolls
- The Ping Gang crispy chicken. I always convince someone else to order this so that I can maintain that I ordered a healthy meal while stealing from said friend's plate.
(The pad thai was way tomato-ey and a bit too sweet. But some make like that.)
I'll be back, and when I do, I know I'll get antsy once again. -
Review from Andi B.
Markham, ON
7/22/2010
The queen mother was a surprise to me and my boyfriend who were walking down queen street and were starving. We popped in and it delivered not only fantastic service but good food.
I had the argentinian flank steak and he had the argula and pecan salad with chicken. My steak was FANTASTIC the chimichurri was soooo good.
His salad was good but I'm biased because I love blue cheese.
We finished off with a yummy (huge) piece of carrot cake which was 6 bucks, which made me sad lol.
Overall, well priced. good food. good service. A little slow but that's the way I like it when I'm with good company. -
Review from Andrew T.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2010
In a world of Jack Astor's, Montana's and Gabby's that pop-up seemingly everywhere, the Queen Mother is exactly the type of spot you hope to find when you're wandering on Queen West.
The place has terrific character with closely packed together tables and booths. Hip and somewhat aloof waiters, and the feeling that you can strike up a conversation with just about anyone.
The menu has a good selection, and the Pad Thai is a great go-to if you're unsure about what to get. At lunch, the place can get packed, so it is definitely a good idea to sneak out of work a bit earlier to get there.
The service can be slow and the price is on the upper-end of reasonable.
The beauty of the Queen Mother is that it combines good food, reasonable prices, with a great ambiance and the feel of Queen West. It's definitely a spot that I look forward to going to whenever I'm in the area. -
Review from Lindsay D.
Toronto, ON
3/5/2009
Put simply, I LOVE this place.
I always thought that I would have my engagement party at The Queen Mother Cafe one day, but that was when I still believed in romance, marriage and true love. Now, it's at least my number 1 death-row last-meal pick.
I always order the same thing. Not to say that the entire menu isn't amazing, because it is, according to everyone I bring there. I just LOVE the sticky rice (which comes steamed in a cute straw basket served with peanut sauce), the Nam Jeun (crispy Laotian spring rolls), and a cup of peppermint tea with honey. I never need to look at a menu. It's the perfect meal for me. If you have room for it, they have a glorious dessert case. If you don't have room for it, they are still fun to look at and dream.
In the past, I have celebrated many important occasions there with loved ones, and ones I used to love, and the staff always went above and beyond. Once, they even placed fresh flowers on all the plates they brought to our table for my birthday/anniversary. And when my younger brother graduated from Ryerson Film school, we sat together as a family on their absolutely magical and intimate back patio, which is the best on a warm summer night. You feel like you're in a quiet English garden somewhere, and not the downtown core.
A perfect date place, if you still believe in all that "love" crap. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
1/8/2009
I'm definitely a fan.
The atmosphere is bustling and the staff are cool cats and kittens. I really dig the eclectic menu and they mix a great cosmo.
Recommended for casual, yet fun dining. the prices are great and you can get a three-course meal with a bottle of wine for two for under $100!
One of the gems in the downtown-downtown core in my opinion. Try the sticky rice, spring rolls and dumplings from the appetizer menu, then I'd recommend trying whatever the chef's specials are for the main course. You won't regret it! -
Review from Kat T.
8/6/2008
The sticky rice and peanut sauce are even better here than in Thailand.
They serve a diverse world of food- the Italian dish is on the menu just for the non-adventurous out there. The chef is thai, so he makes the real stuff. Although I don't eat it, the Gai Ping (or Ping Gai) aka BBQ Chicken is served in massive quantities, with rice and salad and is reportedly very good.
The desserts are amazing too, from Dufflet. The bar selection is great and the outdoor patio is a secluded city oasis. All hail the Queen.Listed in: A tourist guide to the T-dot
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Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/7/2008 2 photos
Between the Rivoli and the Queen Mother, Im more partial to the former although neither is really my bag.
I warn you now, it gets drafty in there in the winter, but the back patio is sweet in the summer. It's big brunch spot and it's been around for a long time so all the old Queen Street people talk about it like they still go every day.
Locals call it the Queen Mum and they have great booths for an intimate lunch but not a great bar scene if you're looking for something to do later on. Much more of a day spot than the Riv. -
Review from M S.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2011
Been here a couple of times. The first time I went to this place, I tried Khao Soy Gai. They were very bland for my liking I've tasted better KSG before. Friend had pad thai, she seemed to like it. I think it looked pretty standard.
Second time I've been here, I ordered the Ping Gai. From then on, I only order Ping Gai if I go to this place. They cook the chicken in a different way than what I ever tasted before. It's kind of like blackened chicken with Asian twist. The salad accompanying the chicken and the rice were soggy. So yea, I just go here for the chicken...
My friend had the arugula chicken salad. Personally, I think they looked over dressed and soggy. She thinks it's ok.
Service: OK, nothing to brag about.
Price: Reasonable for Queen West
Atmosphere: Cute, cozy settings -
Review from Susan M.
Toronto, ON
10/18/2009
Stopped in for Tea & Dessert and it was great. Our Waiter needs to be discovered by Some Talent Agency or something because he was trying too hard to be all funny & cute.
Once it was funny, Twice it was like we got the message, Third time I just wanted to tell him to "Shut the hell up & leave us alone to enjoy our tea & dessert."
BTW the Blueberry & Lemon Cheesecake,,,,,,,,,Yummy -
Review from Miranda B.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2009
Great service, really great food. I highly recommend the Asparagus Salad. Also the hot chicken entree...starts with a P??
I had never been on the patio before (you have to go down the stairs then up the stairs) and it is perfect for quiet Queen Street dining.
I wish they carried Peroni because that's my beer of choice but they have other good options.
3 THUMBS UP! -
Review from Noel D.
2/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Came here one afternoon when I had time to kill, so I just sat at the bar. It was very relaxing and comfortable in there... They had some old 70s and 80s R&B like the Brothers Johnson and the Deele playing. The guy and girl working were both super nice with me. I ordered the Pad Thai and it came in less than 10 minutes. It was absolutely delicious -- a little heavy on the sauce but I will take that over the overly dry versions I've had from other places. The pieces of chicken were large and plentiful.
Not usually in that Queen and University area too often, but this is definitely going to be a place I will come back to again either for some drinks or a quick bite to eat. Lots of people came in ordering their cakes, so I guess they have a pretty good thing going on with their pastries and desserts. -
Review from Lila S.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2010
Some friends had a birthday gathering for me here recently and it was wonderful!
It was a sleepy Wednesday night in September and we (somehow) wound up with the patio all to ourselves. They kept the drinks and the Love flowing freely all night:)
Our server (lord help me, I can't remember her name but she was awesome!!) comped us a round of shots and brought me a free piece of celebratory birthday cake (with a candle...*sniff) Our bill ended up being about $250 and though I'm sure any manager would freak out at the free round, that gesture and the amazing service guarantees that I will come back here again and again.
The whole evening was soaked in love, so much so it glimmers like a little drunken jewel in my memory and I can say, without question, that this place and the service (+ food and drinks) made the whole night fabulous for all of us!
Hats off to the Queen Mum and the sweetheart who helped make my birthday extra special. -
Review from Claudia B.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2010
Went with a group about 10/11 for a farewell dinner on a Saturday night in early November 2010
Atmosphere:
Darkly candle lit restaurant with a vibe that could make you feel romantic or just a little chic. I always appreciate places that have real candles on tables and/or around the facility. It adds more real illumination to faces and food etc. This was probably the best part of the experience in my opinion. This place looks better at night and more atmospheric than it does during the day
Service
Our waitress was very quick and helpful in trying to secure a table(s) during a weekend for our party. But she did become a little over obsessive with our table wit the overly fake helpful attitude. But I'd rather that than rudeness.
Drinks -Half the table had water, half alcoholic beverages. Those who had wines and beers seemed to have a hard time getting their drinks refilled. Something when I was serving I tried to never miss - keeping people drinking runs up their bills/ my group gratituty/ and usually their spirits
Food
The biggest disappointment of the evening. The menu does look nice and has good variety.
I ordered the calamari described as: "marinated with ginger, garlic and chilies, dusted with seasoned flour and served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce $ 9.50" I'm still looking for the squid underneath the mountain of 'dusted seasoned flour' batter. I think KFC has less layers of batter on their chicken. It was a bit over salted as if to throw off the tastebuds of those who don't know what good flavor is. The sweet chili sauce is the same one I buy at the dollar store. I'm very pocket aware and watch every dime I spend as a student - I only ate maybe half of my meal being so unsatisfied and let the guys finish the rest. My out of town friend who was visiting ordered what I believe was the |BAH ME HANG -fresh thin egg noodles stirfried with bean sprouts, onions, celery, chopped peanuts, sautéed shrimp and golden sliced chicken in a spicy lime coriander sauce, topped with green onions $12.95" This meal that was dreadfully spicy hot. He needed his beer to help it go down, but spent half the time trying to get a fresh beer every so often. But he did enjoy the taste of his food as did I.
The best meal of the night ordered (from my end of the table) was the
Quinoa Salad - it looked healthy hearty and delicious and was so.
I have no intention of returning to Queen Mother Cafe and although I would not recommend it to anyone, this does not mean I would suggest against going there. It is a restaurant that if I happen to be hungry, walking on the street and am standing in front of it, I would go in. But this city has so much more for me to try to feel the need to return.
