Watercolour Mediterranean Restaurant Unionville — Restaurant in Markham

A Culinary Gem on Historic Main Street Unionville…Watercolour Delights!

Watercolour, nestled on Historic Main Street Unionville, recently underwent a massive renovation, and I had the pleasure of experiencing its delights firsthand. From the moment I stepped inside, the new ambiance exuded elegance and charm, setting the stage for a remarkable dining experience.

To kickstart our culinary journey, we opted for the Mediterranean octopus (not shown in pics) as one of our starters. The dish arrived with an artful presentation, showcasing the chef's attention to detail. The tender and succulent octopus combined harmoniously with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, leaving our taste buds dancing with delight.

Moving on to the main course, we indulged in the highly recommended Bone-In rib-eye. The moment the plate arrived, we could see the expertly cooked steak, perfectly seared to release its juicy flavours. Each bite was a revelation, as the marbling of the tender beef elevated the taste to an extraordinary level. It was a true feast for the senses, leaving us longing for more.

The wine selection at Watercolour was both impressive and extensive, offering a variety of options to complement the culinary journey. The knowledgeable staff was eager to assist in pairing the perfect wine with our meals, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass with your meal, Watercolour's wine selection is sure to impress.

One of the many highlights of our visit was the abundance of free parking available. This thoughtful amenity allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the dining experience without any concerns about finding a spot. It added a touch of convenience and ensured an stress-free evening.

The service at Watercolour was exceptional, with staff members who were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. From their warm welcome to their prompt and efficient service, they truly elevated the dining experience to new heights.

Watercolour on Historic Main Street Unionville is undoubtedly a culinary gem. The recent renovation has breathed new life into the restaurant, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere. From the exquisite Mediterranean octopus starter to the mouthwatering Rib-eye main, every dish is a testament to the chef's skill and dedication. The extensive wine selection and ample free parking add to the overall appeal, making Watercolour a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Love love love this place. Will most...

The atmosphere was beautiful as the weather was nice and we were seated outdoors with patio lights and the bustling of Unionville on Civic long weekend. It had a wonderful downtown vibe, and the food was good, although not great for the Porterhouse Steak ($150). We had it once before on a date night and it was awesome but we were disappointed to find it presented differently today. Ordered the same thing tonight and when the staff checked in on how our food was, we asked why the steak didn't have the same sauce as it did last time (because the steak was served in a shallow pan but no sauce inside). The waiter said the sauce just wasn't available tonight, but I wish they would have informed us as we were placing the order, not after and only when we asked. If told earlier, we could have decided for ourselves to keep or change the order. Timely communication of menu changes would have been greatly appreciated!

Also as a side note, we noticed in our first experience the waiter went through the specials and drinks menu with us. This time, only the specials and we never were given the drinks menu.

On a good note: The appetizers and other mains were all delicious: Octopus, summer salad, sea bass and chicken. I would say their dinner menu is better than lunch. I ate here for lunch last weekend with my family to celebrate a birthday and the mussels were gritty, and they weren't able to add protein to the pasta (even if we wanted to pay extra). The lamb chop was good although it had a gamey smell. Besides the food, service didn't mention a word about my dad's birthday even though I mentioned it upon booking. I saw this issue was mentioned by another reviewer.

Overall at these downtown prices, the food and atmosphere was comparable but not the service. I have visited twice for dinner and once for lunch in the last month, and service depended on the waiter. Our first visit -amazing! Then at lunch and another dinner, service was so-so. As an avid foodie, the whole dining experience matters so I'm just putting it out there.

Hopefully the restaurant sees this and other people's constructive feedback to improve service. I thought Watercolour was a great addition to the Markham area, but wished they could maintain quality and consistent service to keep valued guests coming back time and time again. Hope...

5/5 Stars - A Culinary Haven in Markham

In the midst of Markham's limited fine dining options, this restaurant shines as a beacon of culinary excellence, earning a solid 5-star rating from me.

Located conveniently with ample free parking across the road, it's a welcome addition to the city's culinary landscape, rivaling the caliber often found in downtown Toronto.

Upon arrival on a bustling Tuesday evening, the ambiance immediately captured my attention. The restaurant's two floors offer distinct experiences, with the vibrant bar and open kitchen on the first floor and a more intimate setting upstairs, complete with a handful of tables overlooking the lower level.

While the decor was stunning and the service commendable, with attentive staff from the hostess to the bartender, there were some minor areas for improvement. Our server, though polite, could have been more knowledgeable about the menu, particularly given the premium prices. Additionally, the restaurant's temperature was a bit chilly for comfort, requiring extra layers on a March evening.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the food. The dry-aged ribeye special, priced at $130, was an absolute delight. Cooked to perfection and served with truffle fries and caramelized carrots, it was a culinary masterpiece worth every penny. The beef carpaccio and kale salad also impressed, though minor adjustments, like reducing the oil in the carpaccio and the dried fruit in the salad, could enhance the overall experience.

Turning our attention to the drinks, they were a mixed bag. The Negroni, priced at $15, stole the show with its impeccable balance of flavors, while the old-fashioned, priced at $17, fell slightly short on sweetness and strength. The martini, priced at over $20, was refreshing but could benefit from straining out the excess ice for a more refined presentation.

In conclusion, while there are areas for refinement, this restaurant undoubtedly fills a void in Markham's dining scene, offering a chic and trendy alternative to downtown Toronto's establishments. Despite the premium prices, the quality of the food and drinks justifies the expense, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking upscale dining experiences closer to home. I eagerly anticipate my next visit and the continued evolution of this...