The essence of Lemon Bistro. Everything from the fresh garden selections, specialty ingredients, hand made sweet selections and uplifting contemporary ambience. It's the core idea behind chef Livio Veroni's attitude on life, art and the creative culinary processes that bring them all together.
We chose the Lemon Bistro based on the past reviews and a recommendation from someone who has been there. The best part of the dinner was the bottle of wine. We both started off with a Caesar Salad. The menu said "freshly made" which means it was FRESHLY MADE with substandard ingredients. What was served to us sadly lacked in flavour. The dressing was disgusting and the lettuce tasted like it was soaking in water for days. Even a grind of fresh pepper would have helped but we couldn't get the attenion of the server. Speaking of which, the attire of the wait staff at this restaurant is very casual. I would have assumed upscale/casual but found that's not the case - particularly with one server (or may even be a manager) who was dressed in a ratty t-shirt, exposed tats running down his arm, casual shorts and sandals. Attire suitable for sitting on a dock and slugging back a beer. For our entree we both ordered Tagliatelle with Tiger Shrimp. The pasta was topped with about 5 shrimp, chunks of italian parsley, a small portion of diced tomatoe and some sort of unrecognizable broth which again was greatly lacking in flavour. This time I was quick on the draw as I asked for some pepper. There was no garlic, no flavour, etc. Very bland and uneventful as I was picking the chunks of flatleaf parsley from between my teeth. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. I'm amazed that they're still in business after 6 years. If they were situated any other place but Main Street Markham, they would've had to close their doors after 6 months. Al dente is even a step up from this place. If you read their reviews you'll understand.
My boyfriend and I went to the Lemon Bistro last night as our belated Valentines dinner. We really wanted to love this restaurant; it had a special meaning to us both because it's where he wanted to take me for our first date.
We went to the Lemon Bistro around 7. It was busy and we hadn't made a reservation, and so the first waitress we were approached by (let's call her Waitress 1), after consulting with another (Waitress 2), informed us that there would be an hour wait. Now we noticed an empty table for two right in front of us, but didn't think anything of it as someone else might have reserved it. Not a problem.
We left, but because we were a bit short of time we decided to call the restaurant not 10 minutes later and see if perhaps they could do us a favor of some sort. We called and asked if there were any immediate reservations available, to which the waitress replied 'yes, there are'. This was interesting news to myself and my boyfriend. We went back to the restaurant, where after waiting for a few minutes, Waitress 1 sent over another waiter to speak to us.
"I know you were here a few minutes ago, but we still don't have a table for you."
"Oh, no. We made a reservation."
"Oh. Okay. That's probably why."
And then the waiter proceeded to seat us at that table we had seen during out first visit. The empty one. I find it highly unlikely that someone decided to cancel their reservation in that time-span.
Once we were seated, Waitress 1 brought us our plates. In an extremely rude tone that didn't sit well with myself or my partner, she mumbled, "Good thing you didn't have to wait an hour." And then she left. Waitress 2 was our waitress for the rest of the evening. She wasn't the best server in the world. We found her to be inattentive and not very friendly.
In terms of the food, the appetizer we had (a cesar salad) was great. It was fresh and the dressing tasted very good. However, our main meal (a vegetable pasta) was a different story. The meal was bland. There was literally no taste and no sauce. It was boiled pasta with a bed of vegetables on top. I was extremely unimpressed.
My boyfriend and I did not feel welcome at the Lemon Bistro, and will not be going back any time soon.
This little resturant surely would be three times the size in Downtown Toronto because everyone would be there. I specifically make the drive out to Markham atleast once a month. I feel comfortable to bring anyone with me no matter how far away. This true family owned/operated resturant should be receiving raving reviews by all. My suggestion to go when you can truly enjoy the menu and the wine to the fullest. Its a non-rush enjoy your meal type of place.
My wife and I ate there recently and found the appetizer was excellent (fried ravioli). However my main course was braised beef with mash which was quite bland.
My wife enjoyed her rainbow trout very much though.
The services was okay but the waiter appeared disinterested as to weither we enjoyed our food or not. Service was okay but he was not friendly at all.
Not sure if I would go back again.
Lemon Bistro is wonderful family-run restaurant with quality and well presented food! Hard to find these days in a restaurant! In all the times I've eaten here, I've never been disappointed. Make sure to make reservations - this little gem is a quaint place to eat and fills up fast!
A friend had recommended this place for a great meal in Markham. I wanted to show some guests from out of town a great time and the lemon fit the bill perfectly. Its cozy and cute with a concise menu. The pork chop was excellent and my girl friend, who had the rainbow trout, said it was delicious. Dan recommended an irish coffee to finish which was perfect. I should also mention he was one of the cutest waiters i've ever had. we will visit again in the next month.
OK, I've been here many time, absolutely love the food. Excellent chef. I hope they read this so they can improve. I was a little disapointed to see those little tiny fries in a separate bowl. How are you supposed to eat that! With your fingers?! It just didn't match the style and quality of the rest of the food/restaurant. I also was disapointed in the beating pop music. I thought they use to play nice jazz in the background for atmosphere. Most customers were over 50!
Still, recommend it anytime.
Really cute little restaurant with a great ambience. Food is excellent and service is very friendly. Nice place for a date. Make reservations, this place gets busy.
We have been visiting the Lemon Bistro ever since it opened approx 4 years ago. I have NEVER had a bad meal there, and quite frankly I judge the Lemon Bistro as the Gold standard by which I judge all other restaurants. The atmosphere is always welcoming, Dan usually serves us and treats us like members of the family, he is attentive without being intrusive, the food as cooked by Livio is simply delicious. The portions are perfectly sized so you are not put off with a great mound of food. The ingredients are fresh, tasty and the meat or fish is always cooked to perfection. Plus, Dan makes the best cosmo in the GTA. I would not hesitate in recommending this restaurant to anyone who wants a genuine, intimate, gourmet fine dining experience. We adore this place - it's everything a local bistro restuarant should be.
I just joined Restaurantica and came across reviews of the Lemon Bistro. I was surprised by some of the negative comments.
My first time there, May 2009, was for a retirement function. I must say of the 17 people in attendance none were disappointed with the food, service or ambiance.
As for the speed of the service I can only say we didn't eat we dined. There is a difference. We were not rushed, we were made to feel at home by Dan our server who attended to our needs without being intrusive.
We have since enjoyed a graduation celebration at the Bistro.
We star in a tiny place with slow service. If you...
We star in a tiny place with slow service. If you are busy, at least bring us some wine to start! There is nothing as bitter as arugula and endive when they havn't been checked for bitterness. Any good cook knows these items have to be checkes, some days are better than others with these greens.
Tomato is not the best choice for scallops. A bit too acidic. Lamb was touch as was the pork.
This was the review from my wife and I, we were hosting the meal and were too embarrased to ask our guests their opinion and hoped they didn't notice.
Great restaurant and great food that is well above average. Make reservations because it fills up quickly. The staff is kind and courteous and the small atmosphere adds to the charm of the restaurant. Not a big menu, but what they do, they do well. My usually picky Italian mother will be joining us next time.
Who writes your reviews?It looks like you have written 9 of them.It's on your profile.
The place is really small and the food is well below avarage.It looks like the cook is always on break because the waiter's excuse seems to blame other people for the restaurants' failures.
My wife who is a really good cook said that she wouldn't have paid for the meal.We avoided making a scene and left leaving no tip.
We reserved a table last minute. Didn't even know such a fantastic place existed in markham. Excellent fresh food and service. The sea Bass was the best i've ever had and the deserts were perfect. We will definitely visit again. it might be good to make a reservation in advance though because the dining room fills up quickly.
I've been here half a dozen times. A 10 all the way, each time. Family owned. The chef use to have another restaurant but closed it to pursue his art. Came back a few years later with this restaurant. He's an artist in the kitchen too!! He takes great pride in his work. This is a take-your-time and enjoy the food type of place. The decore is very nice (his paintings on the walls) but bowling alley shape... a little tight. Still romantic and cozy. The word is out so you'll need a reservation.
Without question, the best place in town.
(BTW: I'm not related, just a big fan.)
Live in the area, passed by it a million times...finally went in (someone gave us a gift certificate)...what a place! atmosphere like downtown, nice music...great meal. no complaints. we'll be back soon.
