Saving Thyme Patisserie & Bistro — Restaurant in Burlington

If you haven’t yet visited Saving Thyme, I honestly don’t know what you’re waiting for. This little gem is not just a French patisserie and bistro—it’s a full-blown experience that will have you returning again and again, not just for the incredible food but also for the warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like family.

The Food: Let’s start with the food. From the moment you walk in, your senses are overwhelmed with the irresistible aromas of freshly baked pastries and the rich, comforting scent of French-inspired bistro dishes. Every bite at Saving Thyme is a testament to the skill and passion of the chefs. The croissants? Perfectly flaky and buttery, a true taste of France. The éclairs and tarts? Out of this world, with fillings that are balanced, light, and creamy. And let’s not forget the bistro menu—each dish feels like it’s been crafted with love. The confit chicken leg was hearty, flavourful, and tender, while the ratatouille had layers of flavour that transported me straight to Provence.

The attention to detail in each dish is remarkable, and you can tell that only the finest ingredients are used. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual pastry or a full sit-down meal, the menu is a delightful journey through French culinary artistry.

The Staff: What really elevates the experience at Saving Thyme, though, is the incredible staff. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warmth and friendliness that makes you feel at home. The team is genuinely helpful and knowledgeable about the menu, offering suggestions and answering any questions you may have with enthusiasm and a smile. It’s clear that they take great pride in their work and are passionate about ensuring that every customer has an exceptional experience. I had the pleasure of chatting with the staff about some of the unique ingredients they use, and their excitement and pride were infectious.

The Ambiance: The ambiance at Saving Thyme is simply charming. It’s a cozy little spot with an air of Parisian elegance, without being over-the-top. The soft lighting, rustic décor, and warm, inviting atmosphere make it the perfect place for everything from a casual coffee break to a special celebration. Whether you’re sitting at a window seat enjoying a pastry with your morning coffee or savoring a full meal, the environment truly enhances the dining experience.

Overall, Saving Thyme is a rare find—a place that nails both the food and the atmosphere, all while offering impeccable service. I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favour and stop by—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a little slice of France, and you won’t leave...

Great food, bad service. Today, my son and I were second in line when a white couple walked in, passed the line straight towards a server and asked for a table for 2. My son and I watched as the server pointed out there were 2 parties ahead of them and they’d be seated shortly. A few minutes later, the server comes back and seats the white couple…while my son and I had been waiting patiently for our table! When the server returned, I asked why they were seated before us, and she totally avoided the question and offered me a table squished in between two other tables by the entrance while the white couple were seated in the larger dining area at a table with more space. I declined and she said there was another table in the 2nd dining room that was available: it was the table closest to the washrooms. I don’t have an issue with where I sit; my issue is that this white couple was offered a better table before me and my son when we should have been seated first. A different server showed us to our seats and I asked him the same question: why was the other party of two seated before us? No answer; instead, he brings us 2 macarons “on the house”. What I asked for was an explanation, not something for free.

There appears to be an another fairly recent review left by another POC who also felt discriminated by the staff, which I have attached here. This is unacceptable and absolutely disgusting if true.

Also, their QR code system is garbage. I didn’t mind ordering on my phone and not having to interact with staff after the whole awkward situation. I paid (or so I thought) when we finished lunch via this website with Apple Pay. For some reason, it failed to go through, which I wasn’t aware of. I’ve never had an issue with Apple Pay. As I walking towards my car, a staff came outside and yelled out across a very busy parking lot), “EXCUSE ME, YOU DIDN’T PAY!”. We were so embarrassed! Maybe catch up to me so you don’t have to yell (we really weren’t that far ahead), unless your intention was to humiliate us because you believed we purposely...

The food was good, but the service experience is terrible. Lots of people standing by the door with no one talking to them, which is so confusing. Some wanted to buy from the counter, and some were waiting for tables. There is a book that you have to ask to be added to for a table. I was told by another customer and asked to be added.

Then we get seated after a while and are told there are no menus and to scan the QR code, order, and pay. I saw that in previous reviews and was expecting it, but the website did not work, and we could not place the order after taking time to select our food and drink, set up a credit card, etc.

After trying a few times, I asked the waitress if we could order through her. She brought a tablet and payment swipe and entered our order and asked for me to pay.

I actually wouldn't have minded using the QR code to order, but I do not like sit-down restaurants that demand payment upfront. One more complaint - there is nowhere to hang coats when you sit at a booth. We had to try and put our large winter coats across our laps and keep them out of the way of the food. Spacing the tables out more and putting some coat hooks in would help.

They need to decide what they want to be - a quality restaurant experience where someone takes your order and you pay at the end deciding your tip or a fast food experience where you prepay and add minimal or no tip upfront. It's a strange mix of both, and it doesn't work.

QR codes and online menus became a common thing during COVID, but no one wants this now. And the prepay at your table is just odd. No one does that, and it starts your experience badly. People want to taste the food and experience the service before payment.

I get that it is easier for the staff and may be more precise on what people want going straight to their kitchen but there's a reason why others don't do this, people don't like it and I agree. I tried it, and regardless of the food being decent, I...