The Harvest Room & Terrace — Restaurant in Central Core

We decided to have dinner at the Fairmont Harvest Room, expecting a high-quality experience given the price point. While it wasn't the most expensive meal, it was still on the higher end.

Service & Atmosphere

First, I have to acknowledge Jonathan and his entire team - they were fantastic. The wait staff provided excellent service, and if it weren't for them, this review would be far worse. However, the evening started on a strange note. Guests were asked to line up outside the restaurant, and despite the scheduled opening time, they didn't open the doors for another 15 minutes. Once inside, we were escorted to our table, but the experience only went downhill from there.

The Food

We opted for the six-course meal with a wine pairing, and unfortunately, the food was incredibly disappointing: Temperature Issues: Several plates arrived half-cold, which was unacceptable given the setting. Quality of Ingredients: The ingredients used seemed cheap and low-quality, which was surprising for a Fairmont restaurant. -The Meat (Beef... or Horse?): The dish presented as beef was bizarre - I genuinely suspect it may have been horse. The exterior tasted like charcoal, while the inside was raw, except for the outer edges, which were so overcooked they couldn't be cut. The "Potato": I'm not even certain it was a potato, but whatever it was, it was ice cold. Amuse-Bouche Disaster: A macaron stuffed with foie gras - truly confusing and unpleasant combination. Salad: Finally, something delicious! This was one of the few bright spots in the meal. Beetroot Soup: This was nothing more than a bowl of Campbell's tomato soup. Dessert: It tasted store-bought likely from Safeway.

Wine Pairing - A Complete Letdown

For a meal at this price point, I expected thoughtful wine pairings to elevate the experience. Instead, they chose the absolute cheapest wines available, barely a step above box wine. The selections were uninspired, low-quality, and did nothing to complement the dishes. It felt like an afterthought rather than a carefully curated pairing.

Final Thoughts

This was, without question, the worst meal I have ever eaten. Given the reputation and standards expected at Fairmont, this level of quality is simply unacceptable. They should seriously reconsider their kitchen operations or just close entirely.

Staff & Training

While Jonathan and the waitstaff were excellent, one major issue stood out: most of our plates were served without any explanation. The staff didn't seem to know what they were serving, which made the experience even more confusing. Some additional training on the menu would go a long way. Our waitress did know but she was incredibility busy, so we had random people drop off our food and turn and walk away

Overall, while the service team tried their best, the food and wine were so poor that I would never return. If changes aren't made, I wouldn't be surprised if others...

I recently visited this restaurant to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday, and I must say I had a less-than-pleasant experience. While the food was okay and would probably warrant a 3-star rating on its own, it was the service that left me extremely disappointed.

I had called ahead to make a reservation for Tuesday at 7:30 pm and specifically mentioned that it was to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. I inquired about bringing my own cake, and the lady on the phone confirmed that it was allowed, with a charge of $6, which I agreed to.

On the day of the reservation, I took the effort to pick up the cake and deliver it to the restaurant at 5:00 pm, going back and forth for a total of 1 and a half hours. When we arrived at 7:25 pm, I went inside first to remind the receptionist about the surprise cake. I requested that the server not mention anything about it, and I wanted the cake to be served with our main dishes for a nice photo opportunity. I provided a box of candles and specified that only 5 candles should be used.

As we approached the entrance, we saw a gentleman holding our cake who quickly left as soon as he spotted us. It was evident that the surprise was already ruined, even though my boyfriend didn't say anything until later. Throughout the meal, there was no sign of the cake. Only after we finished our food the server come to our table and asked if we still want the cake we brought, completely spoiling the surprise. To add to the disappointment, when the cake finally arrived, it was still in its box, and I had to set up the candles myself.

I had three simple requests, none of which were fulfilled. I still gave a 15% tip to the server because I felt he probably didn't know anything; this was clearly a lack of communication between the staff.

A friend had arranged a similar surprise for me at another restaurant on Whyte Ave, and that experience was genuinely heartwarming, with the server bringing out the cake with lit candles and singing the birthday song. I had hoped to create a similar special memory for my boyfriend, but it was a total failure.

The total bill amounted to $240, and parking was $25. Sadly, I don't feel it was worth the cost. I regret not choosing another restaurant, as it may have provided a better celebration experience.

In conclusion, if you plan to celebrate a special occasion like I did, I would advise you not to have high expectations at this restaurant, as they seem to fall short in creating a truly...

A Majestic Afternoon Delight at the Harvest Room, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

My recent visit to the Harvest Room at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald for their High Tea experience was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled within the iconic Fairmont Hotel, the Harvest Room offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends opulence, tradition, and exceptional service.

The atmosphere of the Harvest Room is simply enchanting. Stepping into the dining room feels like entering a bygone era of elegance, with its rich decor and stunning views of the city. The ambiance alone makes it a must-visit spot in Edmonton, setting the stage for a truly memorable afternoon.

Service at the Harvest Room is deserving of high praise. The staff struck a perfect balance between attentiveness and unobtrusiveness. They were readily available when needed, ensuring our teacups were never empty and graciously answering any questions we had. The attention to detail demonstrated by the staff contributed significantly to our overall enjoyment.

The culinary experience at the Harvest Room surpassed all expectations. The food was not only excellent but also abundant and beautifully presented. Each bite was a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the chef's skill and dedication to quality. The selection of treats ranged from savory to sweet, satisfying every palate.

The tea selection, a crucial element of any high tea experience, was nothing short of exceptional. A diverse array of teas, each with its unique flavor profile, catered to both traditional and adventurous tea enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff guided us through the selection, enhancing the overall experience.

The Harvest Room at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has created an afternoon ritual that is perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in the finer things in life. I left with a sense of contentment, promising myself to make this a yearly tradition with a cherished group of friends or family.

In conclusion, the Harvest Room's High Tea at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is a delightful journey into refined indulgence. From the exquisite atmosphere to the impeccable service and delectable food, it is an experience that should be savored at least once a year. I, for one, am already looking forward to...