Bodega - Toronto

This restaurant is a great choice for a charming brunch! A friend and I visited around 11:30 on a Sunday and there were plenty of tables available. We decided to sit outside on the patio, although we were bothered by wasps a few times during our meal. We both ordered the blueberry pancakes for $12, which is a fantastic deal compared to other brunch spots in Toronto. The pancakes were tasty and generously topped with blueberries. They also offer mimosas for $4. Our server was attentive and checked on us frequently to refill our water and ensure we were enjoying our meal, despite being the only table on the patio.

I ordered the Rabbit Pistachio Terrine, Duck Confit Cassoulet, and Chocolate Mousse. The portion sizes were generous, with the rabbit terrine being a unique experience for me. The duck confit was tasty but slightly salty, with a crispy skin and tender meat. The beans at the bottom of the dish added a nice touch. The chocolate mousse was a classic dessert that did not disappoint. The only drawback was the wait for the payment machine, as there seemed to be a shortage causing delays for multiple groups. Overall, it was a decent dining experience.

While exploring downtown, my friend and I were in search of a relaxing spot to enjoy some drinks and conversation. We stumbled upon a restaurant located on Baldwin St. The establishment offers a lovely outdoor patio, as well as ample seating indoors. Due to the hot weather, we opted to sit inside where the refreshing AC provided a cool breeze. We each ordered a beer and a mint drink and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere inside, as the patio was quite busy. The service was attentive and the interior ambiance had a charming old school pub vibe, complete with dark woods, a fireplace, and a cool bar. Although we didn't try any food on this visit, we've heard great things about the menu and look forward to returning to sample some dishes in the future.

Came here for a french winterlicous lunch and was content with my meal. Nothing really stood out that impressed me and everything I tasted was average. Restaurant was busy with a few people waiting in line for a table. I had reservations for 6 people. Didn't get a table until after 10 minutes of waiting. Decor seemed like a house converted into a restaurant. Wasn't much space to walk around to get to our table. Washroom was more like a fast food washroom. Was able to try many of the dishes. The complimentary bread had hard crunchy crust yet was soft fluffy in the middle. Bread would break apart when spreading butter on it. Bread was great with finishing off sauce left on our plates. They were nice to give us extra bread when we asked for it. Rabbit pistachio terrine with Fig tomato chutney, crostini. Was full of good flavours where the herbs and spices overpowered the taste of the rabbit. If I was told it was chicken or pork I would have believed it. Escargot fusilli with morel mushroom brandy cream sauce. Size of dish was small with few pieces of escargot. The fusilli was firm and chewy which I didn't like. The sauce and flavours of the whole dish were ok. Beef bourguignon with yukon gold mash, market vegetables, red wine herb sauce. Tasted pretty much like beef stew with no soup. Wish the beef had more gelatin or fat within the meat. Vegetables, mash potatoes and sauce were all good. Duck confit cassoulet beans Crispy duck leg, braised navy beans, Toulouse sausage, bacon. The duck was too salty for me. I did like the tenderness of the duck and flavour of the duck. The sausage and bacon tasted like they were boiled in water for too long. Pecan tart with vanilla ice cream. Was a little sweeter than I liked. Other than that the flavours were good. Had a variety of textures which I liked. I'd recommend going with Rabbit pistachio terrine, Beef bourguignon and Pecan tart.

A nice French-inspired restaurant around the corner. Reservation is recommended. Outdoor seats are available. Servers are friendly. They have different menu for lunch/dinner and for weekends (brunch). The portion size is ok.