Reds Square One — Restaurant in Mississauga

Behold! I went to Red’s Restaurant at Square One. I was just supposed to pop in, grab a quick bite after a short shopping stop, but what transpired was an epic battle between my stomach's limitless greed and a server's impressive ability to phase shift.

My journey began, as all great quests do, with guac and salsa. The guac was so creamy it should be a moisturizer. The salsa was delicious but clearly a health fanatic; it was anti-salt. I had to whisper, "It's okay, little salsa, a little salt won't hurt you," but it refused to listen. Still, it was satisfying—a solid opening act.

Then came the sliders. Three beautiful little bun-and-meat miracles. But wait... what fresh culinary crime is this? The meat was a smashed burger! This is like taking a gorgeous, well-proportioned supermodel and forcing her to lie on the floor while a steamroller drives over her. Why, Red's, why?! You had a beautiful piece of meat, and you subjected it to the culinary equivalent of an interrogation. Honestly, though, it was still tasty and juicy, and the sauce was a MVP. My ethical outrage was quickly drowned out by my happy tastebuds.

But my quest for caloric dominance was not yet complete. Gluttony is a sin, but apparently, it's also a daily special. Next up: mushroom flatbread. Reader, this flatbread was a cloud. It was soft, it was cheesy, it was the edible hug I never knew I needed. My stomach was sending increasingly desperate "STOP" signals to my brain, but my eyes... oh, my eyes.

They betrayed me. They wandered to the table next door, where a diner was communing with a green curry. I had to have it. Despite being overwhelmingly full, I ordered the green curry, took a bite, and immediately felt like I had just gone swimming in the ocean and was asked to identify a whale solely by its shadow.

The curry was tasty, don't get me wrong, but it was soupy. It was a curry with an identity crisis, unsure if it was a stew, a broth, or just really flavourful bathwater. It needs some umph, some thickening. But here's the kicker: it tasted good enough that I'd totally try it again. I'm nothing if not an optimist (and a glutton).

Now, let's discuss the service.

The service at Red's is apparently based on the premise that you've had twelve margaritas and need a time-out. I was stone-cold sober, yet our server treated me like we i was about to start breakdancing on the table. It was the service equivalent of being put in the corner with a dunce cap. I was actively trying to ask for basic human needs—napkins, water—and the server had clearly mastered the art of the perfect, high-speed, table-ignoring fly-by. I had to physically wrestle the air just to get attention.

It was annoying. So, I'll call the service what it was: decent. Decent in the same way that a leaky faucet is "decent" because it's technically still delivering water.

Red's is where excellent food wages war against slow service, and your moral compass is destroyed by the sheer desire for more cheese. It was a wonderful, shame-filled, and ultimately delicious...

Jessica From the moment I stepped into Red's, Jessica made me feel not just welcomed, but truly special. Her enthusiasm and genuine warmth set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. She attentively listened to my preferences, making tailored suggestions that perfectly matched my taste. Jessica's meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of my meal was executed flawlessly. It's rare to encounter someone who brings such passion and excellence to their work. Jessica is not just a server; she's a hospitality artist who makes dining at Red's a memorable event. I can't wait to return and enjoy the exceptional service that she effortlessly provides.

Sindy Sindy's service at Red's was nothing short of spectacular. Her infectious smile and keen eye for detail immediately caught my attention. She possesses a rare gift of anticipating your needs before you even realize them yourself. Her recommendations were not just suggestions but a culinary adventure tailored just for me. Sindy's knowledge of the menu and her ability to connect with customers on a personal level transformed a simple meal into an extraordinary experience. Her passion for her work shines through in every interaction, making every diner feel like the most important person in the room. Sindy is a true gem at Red's, and her exceptional service is a reason to keep coming back.

Laura Laura's professionalism and grace at Red's were truly impressive. From the moment I was seated until the end of my meal, she provided seamless service that made my dining experience outstanding. Her ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a calm and friendly demeanor is remarkable. Laura’s attentiveness and efficiency ensured that every detail was taken care of, allowing me to relax and fully enjoy my meal. Her service was not just efficient but genuinely caring, making me feel valued and well taken care of. Laura is an exemplary server who elevates the dining experience at Red's to new heights. Her dedication to excellence is evident, making every visit memorable.

I will be coming back for sure as long as these...

*Note: Reds in Square One will be closed for renovations July 16th-22nd. My family and I have been to Reds at Square One several times and they never disappoint! We returned to Reds with extended family last night and I thought it was long overdue for review. Pros: Exceptional food, excellent service, great interior atmosphere! Clean, including individual bathroom stalls, amazing bakery attached! The two bite butter tarts are a favourite! Excellent wine, beer and cocktail selection with half-price bottles of wine on occasion. The restaurant is attached to Square One, so it’s central to shopping, movie theatre, entertainment and more. Cons: It is attached to Square One Mall which for some might be off putting but if you sit away from window facing the mall entrance or more inside the patio, you would never know. *Location is also a pro because you can stop in for a delicious sit down meal after shopping. Jessica was our server this time. She promptly introduced herself (which gains a point from me), she was attentive providing water before our guests arrived and info about the menu. She attended to us immediately once everyone was seated. Service was fast and fantastic! We ordered a mushroom flatbread for the table and I ordered the brisket burger (SO juicy and delicious) with truffle fries (they’re the best I’ve had at any location so far). My hubby and one guest ordered the lobster grilled cheese. They both loved it. I had a bite and even found there was a generous portion of lobster in the single bite. He’s lucky I didn’t eat more.😉 One guest ordered chicken tenders - really, they’re more like chicken strips. Large portions made with real chicken and a wonderful crispy batter. They looked delicious and our guest said they were amazing! My niece ordered the chicken sandwich and said it was excellent also. This location has delivered 5 stars on every visit we’ve made so far. I’m excited (and a little nervous) for their renos since they are totally redoing the interior and changing the menu which we love already but we will visit again soon and I’ll update my review based on...