Luan's Seafood & Grill — Restaurant in Ontario

I planned to get takeout, but when I got inside, I changed my mind and decided to stay.

Why? I was hungry 😋, but more importantly, I felt comfortable. Why? The casual, warm, cozy ambience, and the warm welcome from the 2 servers when I entered. Though some may feel it's too cozy with the small, intimate dining area. Definitely not for larger groups. It was not busy when I arrived on a snowy, Saturday afternoon between lunch and dinner; though a weekday lunch rush would feel a lot tighter.

My server, Brandy, was really friendly and helpful. My food was served quickly, and it was piping hot. A good start.

I enjoyed an eat-in platter of fish and chips that included 1 very LARGE piece of crispy-crunchy haddock, thick fries, warm dinner roll, and a generous side of fresh coleslaw. The batter on the fish was not heavy and was thoroughly cooked...no soggy wet batter sliding off this fish 😄. The coleslaw had a little "kick".....I think it may be a bit of added horseradish? The overall taste is creamy, sweet perfection. A fresh lemon wedge, and packets of tartar sauce along with butter, are also served.

The portion size was too large for me - if that's even a complaint 😂 - so I asked for a takeaway box.

Total price with tax was under $20.00.

I'm from the East coast of Canada where fish is always eaten fresh out of water. In fact, my uncle owned and operated a similar type of small restaurant in Nova Scotia.

And I've been to other fish and chip places in London. To date, this is absolutely THE BEST!!!

My only caveat, the 2-3 steps to the front, and only, entrance. I am currently walking with the aid of a cane. It would be much easier to consider returning if the entrance was ground level, or if it included a ramp. This is the standard for businesses now. My situation is temporary, but for those that deal with permanent impairments, or the elderly....this would not be easy. The AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) speaks to this need, and requirement, so that ALL have equal access. Though I'm not certain if there are exemptions for some businesses dependent upon property size, etc. And it's obvious that the real estate upon which the restaurant sits is very small, and the parking, very limited, but these steps are also a negative.

So, food, service, ambience = 5 stars. But I have to deduct 1 star for the availability of parking, as there are very few tight, parking spaces, and the sole entrance has steps to navigate.

Irene's gets 4...

When trying a restaurant for the first time, sometimes you get lucky and happen to order an excellent or exceptional dish. Four appetizers and four mains later, this table of international food snobs are not only impressed, we're absolutely stuffed. The appetizer sauces for the scallops (must have!!) and mussels were so molar-melting delicious, we almost barked at the server when they tried to take away the empty plate. Instead, we used the perfectly absorbent buns to wipe off whatever was left on the plates. Needless to say, there was no room for dessert. There's excellent, there's exceptional and then there's exquisite. The barramundi sauce was good enough to eat on its own. The pasta was perfectly al dente. The seafood risotto shocked with flavour, and that was just a single bite. Chef Luan loves the east side, thinks that following recipe measurements is a waste and refuses to let anyone leave hungry. He stopped to chat after our meal, not to ask how things were (certainly not! he knew every dish was amazing, and indeed, he was right) but to share a moment with us. This level of care brings to mind European restaurants, where the palate --not the wallet-- is the guest of honour.

For those who want fish and chips, the platter is a great (big) choice and I'm sure the simpler options (burgers, etc) are every bit as good but we're definitely coming back to try the rest of the 'exotic' menu. The cocktails were very good and the wines well chosen, but the food is what will bring us back. Side note: not that we were expecting a Montana's-style chorus but mentioning that one of us was celebrating a birthday garnered nothing more than a passing congratulation from the server so don't be surprised that it's not 'that'...

I was looking for a nice quiet restaurant to enjoy with my family on a Friday evening and we stumbled across Luan's on a Google search. The other reviewers were very positive so we decided to give it a try. The reviewers weren't wrong - this place was fabulous! The restaurant is cozy inside, with an elegant ambience, low-key lighting and very quiet - great for an intimate meal. The menu was varied and the service was very attentive. The owner/chef Luan came out to assist us with choosing from the many options and we are very glad we took his advice. The grilled pickerel was exquisite, and the bruschetta the best I have had anywhere! Luan also asked each one of us our preferences and made sure to prepare the food exactly as we asked. The fish and seafood is all fresh as are the tender, delicious vegetables which are prepared from scratch for each diner. Nothing is frozen or kept warming, and the food is prepared and presented in the style of French cuisine. We really miss our favourite French restaurant from back home, and now we have found a new favourite here in London - I heartily recommend you give Luan's a try - you won't be...