Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, Bayview Village is the first of O&B's casual dining restaurants. A gleaming open kitchen extends into the airy dining room, featuring washed tin ceilings, leather banquettes and dramatic and distinctive light fixtures. The menu offers something for everyone, including fresh, made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and fire-roasted pizzas.more...See more text
Reservations made for 7:30pm, upon arrival we were told it would be a few minutes. After 15 mins they told us our table was ready – the table they were referring to was in the middle of the doorway of the bar/ front entrance. When we advised the Mgr. it wasn't acceptable, he asked us to wait and he would get us a suitable table. 15 minutes later he advised me that there was a table available but was only a table for 5 but he would be able to set-up another place setting. When I went to see the table, it was tight enough for 5 but to squeeze 6 adults, there was no way. It wasn't until 8:25pm when we were finally seated - what's the purpose of making reservations.
Waitress came told us the specials and then disappeared for 15 mins, didn't even take our drink orders... When we finally received the food, the orders were mixed up (medium steak given to incorrect person...) portion sizes did not reflect the high prices. ~ Throughout our entire meal, the Mgr. did not acknowledge us at all. When we were ready to order dessert we requested the waitress to speak with the Mgr. and the least he could do was offer us coffee and dessert for the ordeal we encountered. Not only did we get charged for the coffee and desserts, the Mgr. didn’t even acknowledge our request. BTW, the regular coffee that we ordered tasted horrible (cold & bitter) –the waitress offered to brew a fresh pot as the coffee she served us was sitting for a long period of time. (why would anyone confess to this and why would anyone serve it??)
Totally ignorant service, never going back.
Ordered the BaBy aRUgUla & ROmaine HeaRt cHOPPed Salad. Arugula Cought me craving, there were maybe 5 Leaves of arugula. The rest was all romaine. Now that I think about it, I don't even remember there being much goat cheese. Very dissapinting.
Wow, what a downward spiral from our past visits! We go back to this particular location each year for our anniversary and we've always had stellar food and service. Not the case this time. I've rated this place a five in the past, but something has seriously changed in the past year. First we sat unattended for ten minutes before a server offered to pour water. No drink order. Another ten minutes and our waitress introduced herself as "you ready?" . After another ten minutes bread is casually dropped on our table with a passing "oh, sorry". No offer to order more wine. Sat staring at servers whisking by our table at the end of our meal, empty dishes just sitting there, waiting for the bill. Food was underwhelming and over priced for what was served.
Happy Anniversary indeed. Last one we'll have there.
I've been to O&B a few times and last night was the last. I ordered Arancini and beef ragu since it was on the cheaper end (~19).. Not only was the portion size very small, it didnt come with any bread or side dish to eat with but it was also terrible! The risotto balls very over fried and it made me soo sick this morning
Upon calling the restaurant to leave my comments the manager argued with me saying their food has never made anyone sick.
NOT WORTH IT!
I made reservations and went to the restaurant at the end of May for my 18th birthday party. It looked very elegant fom the mall entrance. The ambience was very modern and cozy, though it was slightly noisy at times. Service was prompt and attentive with our orders and the manager even came and brought me a piece of chocolate cake with "Happy Birthday" written in icing on the plate.
Everyone unanimously agreed that the food was great. We shared a group veggie, chips, and dip platter and I had the steak well done. It was cooked to perfection and was artfully arranged with savory garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables. The cake
I received was delicious, as was the sorbet a friend let me try.
Overall, the evening went perfectly and the meal was easy on the wallet since none of us drank any alcohol. I would definitely come back here or to another Oliver & Bonacini managed etablishment.
Excellent food, good service and atmosphere. I had a great time here and would love to return. The chefs really know what they are doing (I actually enjoyed the food here more than their triple-the-price sister restaurant "Canoe"--so I really don't know what these other reviewers are talking about). As an extra treat, you get to watch the chef's prepare your food in their totally open concept kitchen (which you can see from your table). Highly recommended!
I had a group dinner to celebrate my wife's birthday at Oliver and Bonacini @ Bayview Village just a few days ago in the south private room and the event was a major success with all my guests. Each food item was excellent, from the appetizer to the main course to the cake and even the coffee/tea. The personnel was very courteous and understood all my asks on the timing of the courses or how the celebratory cake should be presented/synchronized with champagne, etc. Some of the reviews being older, I was a bit concerned this may not go well, but all my expectations have been exceeded. Great job!
The restaurant was busy but the waiters were nonetheless attentive and quick to take our orders. We ordered off the Summerlicious menu, which was pleasantly varied and a great deal ($25 + tax and tip) for a three-course meal. The appetizer was a disappointing start to the meal, as it was too sour for my tastes, so I didn't touch it. The entree chicken breast was dry and tasteless and the yoghurt sauce was just plain weird. The dessert was excellent however. The buckle was crumbly and sweet and warm and hit all the right spots. Service was actually quite good, our server was very attentive and came often to remove our finished plates and refill the water. I wouldn't come back again though, especially not at the regular prices on the menu.
When shopping at Bayview Village this always looked like a great restaurant to go to, and I assumed that the food would be great due to the owners and chef. However what I found was that the food was okay and the service was horrible. It took at least 10 minutes after sitting before drinks were offered and once our food was brought to the table (by someone other than our original server) we were not attended to again) We had to waive down our server to get the check, no one asked how our meal was, no one came to ask if we needed another drink, and this was a quiet Sunday afternoon - no more then 10 tables were full. Wouldn't visit again.
Very over-rated - we cannot believe this is the...
Very over-rated - we cannot believe this is the same company that operates Jump and Auberge du Pommier. Food was mediocre, small portions and staff thought they were doing you a favour serving you.
Waited too long for too little food. Should have...
Waited too long for too little food. Should have included a salad or at least some bread. Steak and fries were tasty but cold. Gnocchi and Bolognese were good. Blueberry lemonade was tart and served in a small wine glass and never offered seconds. Coffee was good. Left hungry and disappointed.
O&B has reached institution status among foodies in the city. You can always count on the Bayview location to offer amazing food for Winterlicious. Taking inspiration from the cuisine of Canada, the menu is a true testament to what our nation has to offer in terms of delicious food. Foodies flock to O&B during the Winterlicious season for gourmet food at a great price.
