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The Westerly
Category: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
413 Roncesvalles AvenueToronto, ON M6R 2N1
Neighbourhoods: High Park, Roncesvalles
(416) 551-6660
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
12 reviews for The Westerly
12 reviews in English
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Review from Mary D.
5/16/2012
Had a great dinner here this week. We were on a mission for braised short ribs, and someone suggested we try the braised short ribs here.
I made a reservation, not thinking I would need it on a Monday, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant pretty well full the entire evening. The service was friendly and attentive. We were really impressed.
The braised short ribs with horseradish mashed potatos were indeed delicious. My hubby started with mussles and loved them. I started with the French Onion soup. It wasn't my favourite french onion soup, but it was still delicious. I just found it had a bit too much onion (if I can say that about an onion soup), in big pieces and not overly tender. But I still liked it.
We shared a warm apple crumble for dessert. It was a very generous portion, and we were both SO full by that point. I was also happy that they had decaf specialty coffees, and they nicely asked us if we wanted our coffee right away, or when our dessert was ready. I like that they were so on top of things.
The atmosphere is current, relaxed, and cozy.
I will return for sure. The rest of the menu looked delicious, and if I wasn't dead set on braised short ribs, I would have had a hard time deciding between all the great options. Can't wait to try something else on my next visit! -
Review from Bob T.
Toronto, ON
5/7/2012
I have eaten here about 1/2 dozen times, and have been very impressed with the Excellent service. The staff is attentive, and friendly, and you can just tell that the owners set the bar at an intelligent level, knowing what it takes to keep customers coming back.
You absolutely must try the chicken liver crostini, as a starter to be shared. It is 9 bucks, and just a great value.
Westerly burger is excellent value as well at 14 dollars, almost reminding me of burger priest's tender feel... however accompanying French fries need more seasoning...
The arctic char is an excellent main at 24, as is the gnocchi at 16.
When an owner or manager cares enough to meet you at the door... it starts your night off right.. The decor is cool as well... and they seem to have a private room in the back for special occasions. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had an amazing brunch here!
My friends and I originally wanted to try another place down the street but they were slammed. We found The Westerly which is a beautiful bar that serves a kick-ass brunch.
We initially waited 15 minutes and our party of five were seated near the front windows. Every table was full, even the bar where a party of two or one can enjoy a meal.
The overall service was great. I do have to admit that our server seemed a little frazzled by how busy the place was. She wasn't overly unpleasant but didn't seem happy to be working there. But no matter, she was polite throughout our time there which is important. The manager on the other hand was great, fantastic even. She greeted us with a smile when we walked through the front door, was calm and collected, and was nice and attentive.
The brunch menu offers an array of different dishes for savoury or sweet palates but one dish caught my hungry eyes: Duck Hash.
The dish comprises of duck confit with two poached eggs, potatoes, bacon and mushrooms in a jus. It was perfect enough to be served for dinner. The duck meat was succulent and every ingredient soaked in the jus. It was delicious!
The Frittata won rave reviews at our table too. It's a veggie friendly, delicious dish that's served with spinach, roasted red peppers, goat cheese and potatoes.
Beautiful and inviting, The Westerly is a place I'd like to return again, for breakfast or dinner. -
Review from Emily L.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2012
Okay, this is among the pricier places to have brunch on Roncesvalles, but it's totally worth it. I had the eggs benny, which I've ordered in probably twenty other establishments over the years (and let's face it, that's a conservative estimate). Theirs was the best I have ever had! It's not as though the recipe was particularly elaborate or unusual; it's more that each ingredient was fresh and delicious, and they were cooked to perfection. It made me want to raise the bar with my food choices, and start thinking more about quality and less about price and portion size. It's better for a meal to be delicious and fresh than for it to be cheap and huge. Two thumbs up!
-
Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2012
Located at the top of the restaurant strip on Roncesvalles, The Westerly is a cozy neighbourhood spot that is sure to please. The uncomplicated menu features classic dishes done beautifully and just a step or two above others'. Five of us arrived for dinner last week and were greeted the charming co-owner, Tom, who presided over the evening with grace and warmth.
We spent an inordinately long time trying to decide from the 10 appetizers and 10 mains. Each looked better than the next and made our decisions more difficult than usual. While we deliberated, a bottle of shiraz and a custom champagne drink were ordered and a basket of some of the best foccaccia I've had in a long time arrived at the table. The crust was crispy and salty and the filled basket did not last long.
After a solid twenty minutes of deliberation, we placed our orders: the romaine heart salad to split two ways; steamed PEI mussels in a grainy mustard butter with a side order of fries; roasted Chicken Supreme stuffed with pulled pork (yes, you read that right) served with bacon & smoked cheddar Israeli couscous; the house burger, made with ground chuck, veal and braised short rib; pan-seared arctic char served atop Israeli couscous with lobster; and roasted halibut topped with salsa verde and served with potatoes and mussels.
When the food arrived, five sets of eyes widened. The plates were beautiful and smelled fantastic. I'm lucky enough to have friends who share, so I got a little of everyone's meal. While all were delicious, there were a few outstanding bites that I would return for which I would The Westerly in a heartbeat. The Israeli couscous with smoked cheddar and bacon was aromatic and, surprisingly, not heavy at all. The smoked ingredients permeated the little couscous pearls, infusing them with a ton of flavour. Next was the burger which was so tender it nearly fell apart in my hands as I ate it, juice running down my hands. It came with a spicy salsa that cut through the richness of the burger beautifully. Undoubtedly, this is a big crowd pleaser.
Between the two fish dishes, I preferred the halibut. I liked the lightness of the fish paired with the bright salsa verde. There was certainly nothing wrong with the char - it was rich, not overcooked and the lobster-laden Israeli couscous was excellent. The balance and combination of ingredients in the halibut dish, though, really appealed to me and I will likely order it upon my next visit.
Amazingly, we had some room left for shared desserts. I opted to split the warm apple crumble with fresh whipped cream while others went for the lemon tart. The crumble was comforting, filled with cinnamon and topped with large, buttery pieces of crumble. Incredible. Definitely a great end to a meal but I recommend sharing as it is quite heavy - otherwise you may be rolling out of the restaurant, pants unzipped.
I would return to The Westerly, unquestionably. My friends and I had a great time in a charming restaurant in which we were treated well (though there was some miscommunication with a dessert, it was rectified gracefully). If you haven't been, add it to your list and prepare for a lovely brunch or dinner! -
Review from Gillian G.
Toronto, ON
1/16/2012
Tipped off by not one, but two people in the same week we ventured out to the Westerly on a busy Friday night after 9ish. Upon arrival were advised we could expect a 40 minute wait we asked if we could leave our names and pop back in for either a table for two or a seat at the bar...to my surprise (the place was busy) they asked for my cellphone number and offered to give us a call when our spot was ready....and they called us! Thank you Beth.
We returned, settled in at the bar and proceeded to enjoy a fantastic three course meal which was incredible. Started with having to make the very difficult decision of what to have - the menu is wonderful and full of mouthwatering options. Decided on smoked trout with potato latkes with dill cream, and mushroom ravioli (generous appetizer serving size). Both were fabulous and promised a tasty entree to come. The foccacia bread was light and fluffy, and perfectly seasoned and a second helping was offered without hesitation. For a main we shared a braised short-rib that was probably the best I have ever had with the sweetest golden beets ever...mmmmm. Dessert was a chocolate terrine that I will now officially crave. The menu note which suggested to save room was spot on! Thank you to the kitchen - our taste buds were very happy.
The place settings were charming simple white china, with mis-matched antique silverware - linen napkins...this is a place run by people with good taste on top of good manners.
The other thing about this place that we loved was that on our impromptu "date night", without reservations, we never felt rushed or pushed by the staff. The timing between servings was perfect and allowed us to enjoy our very reasonably priced bottle(s) of wine without interruption. A plus of this place that needs mentioning in case not specifically inferred - the staff - warm, welcoming, efficient, friendly, and quick with suggestions...marvelous.
The ambiance was a combination of romantic, but bustling with lots of different tables - groups,couples, friends etc. of all ages. Very casual atmosphere. We loved the decor, a modern french feel with attention to detail. Cozily lit, comfortable and substantial finishes. A nice touch and very unique for other places on this strip, a main floor, large, private (his and hers) bathrooms with attention to details in fresh florals, quality hand soap, and a lint brush for touch-ups! A very thoughtful place indeed.
Westerly - we will be back and you go on our top new restaurant recommendation list. Well done and welcome to the neighbourhood. -
Review from Erica J.
Toronto, ON
1/31/2012
We walked in Friday night at 5:30pm and there were 3 people in the entire restaurant. I stood at the front door and watched two young women talk to each other in the back hallway and never bother to walk up and speak to us. I walked to the back of the restaurant and explained that we did not have a reservation, but we would eat super quick if they could seat us. She stated, "sure - how many?" I said two and a baby and she instantly said "no." She was cold, unapologetic, and just plain unfriendly.
We were expecting to be turned away b/c we didn't have a reservation, so she could have politely told us that they had no availability.
Does The Westerly not do children or is it just sub par customer service?
We have recently moved to Roncy from SF, CA and are huge foodies, but I cannot imagine giving this place another try. -
Review from Jenna M.
3/3/2012
The revival of Roncesvalles has led to a multitude of new openings. Among the list of new restaurants and hang outs is The Westerly. Before hitting a jazzy show at Gate 403, which happens to be almost next door to The Westerly, a friend and I decided to listen to the hype and pop in for dinner. The restaurant is relatively small, but with enough seating to keep it lively and buzzing in the evenings. We were fortunate enough to get seated immediately, albeit at the back near the kitchen, which is never my favourite location. I like to be in the action with a good view of other dinner guests (mainly so I can ask myself repeatedly "Ohh...that looks good. I wonder what he/she ordered?), but one cannot complain when the food arrives and it causes your taste buds to have a dance party. The braised short ribs were muy tender and the horseradish mashed potatoes a delicious addition. After all, you cannot go wrong with meat and potatoes! Match the food with a nice bottle of wine from their extensive list and the night has only just begun!
The Westerly is an ace of a place and I would not be shy to return...but, I may be inclined to ask for a better seat next time...you can never go wrong at the bar, right!?. -
Review from Adam M.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2012
Arrived at 8:00pm on a Wednesday without a reservation. Not expecting to get a seat we were surprised that there was two seats at the bar.
The service was friendly but we weren't able to give our order for 30 minutes and it took almost 60 minutes for the food to arrive after that. in defence of the bartender he was apologetic. The food itself was ok, BBQ chicken with pulled pork and Artcic Char, but nothing spectacular.
The one highlight was the dessert which was fantastic.
The recommended 20% tip is a bit insulting. 20% tips are reserved for excellent service, amazing food and overall a great experience. The westerly delivered on none of these and should reconsider requesting a 20% tip for when they have the service and food to match it.
In general the Westerly is another one of those hipster hot spots that really doesn't have anything to offer other than its name. -
Review from Zach S.
Toronto, ON
2/18/2012
Awesome food. Great veggie options. Good wine selection and the latke appetizer is incredible.
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Review from Melanie H.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2012
I want to like this place. The service is good, the staff is attentive, natural and friendly. I have been there twice now - the first time I had their burger and fries, which hit the spot, i would go back to have it again as it is 2 minutes from home. My boyfriend wasn't as lucky as me, and got the dish mentioned in the previous review - the roasted chicken stuffed with pulled pork and mac n cheese. The idea of putting 3 comfort foods together is a safe bet, and I can see why many people would order it HOWEVER beware. The elements on this dish don't go well together. The random bits of bok choy didn't make any sense on the plate, and as much as you wanted all the flavours to make a party in your mouth, it just didn't happen. It was cooked properly, nothing was wrong with it, but it just wasn't that good.
So today we went back for brunch. I will mention it is their first weekend open for brunch, so maybe they have some adjustments to make. If I wasn't so polite I may have admitted to our server that my food wasn't good at all. I had the Duck Hash - bits of potatoes, mushrooms, duck confit (which in my case was NOT duck confit but just shredded braised duck with no salt) with 2 poached eggs on top, with a side of toast. By side of toast I mean half a slice of bread, toasted. The food was not salty enough - not salty at all! It was greasy, and not salty, and there wasn't enough toast. This time my boyfriend lucked out and ordered the good dish - the one you would go back for - the latkes with smoked trout, cream and a side salad. Small portion for a grown man, but the price is only $12. Total bill for 2 coffees, 2 juices and 2 dishes, $45 plus tip. Next time I'm going next door to sunrise grill where you can have yourself a MOUNTAIN of toast, all the eggs in the world for a fraction of the price! But the staff at the westerly are really nice! -
Review from Nicole N.
East York, ON
1/23/2012
Having recently read Amy Pataki's review of the Westerly, we decided to go there on a Saturday night. First of all they take reservations, which is fantastic and for this establishment probably a good suggestion. The wine is very reasonably priced and the staff is very friendly and attentive. Between the four of us, we had the mussels, French Onion soup (which is unbelievable) for the starting course. The braised short ribs and the pork and bean entree was really unbelievable. Dinner for four with wine and dessert was just north of $200 which I found to be very reasonable, especially since I never felt that I was rushed out of the restaurant. What a great place - highly recommended!!
