Miss Bāo Restaurant + Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Ontario

I was encouraged to try this place out when I saw the high ratings, but have left utterly confused. The decor is pretty, and it may be a cute place to grab a drink (although we didn’t try out the cocktail menu, so I can’t speak to that), but that’s where my positive review starts and ends.

We ordered the chicken satay bao, the tofu bao, the mushroom bao, and the red Thai curry- none which I can recommend. The bao bun itself was not fluffy or pillowy like it should be and the fillings for all 3 lacked flavour. The toppings were sparse and bland, so there were just no redeeming qualities. Then the Thai red curry came, and the disappointment continued. It felt like they mixed maybe 1/4 teaspoon of red Thai curry paste with coconut milk, microwaved (some poorly cooked) minute rice, and served it up. The vegetables it was served with were fine, but that’s about it. We also paid $6 to add Satay chicken to the dish, but again, so bland. There was also a poor rice/veggie/chicken to curry sauce ratio. I’ve been to a few Asian Fusion restaurants before, and have had amazing bao, so I wonder if the positive reviews are from people that haven’t tried these types of food before?

Also, at the end of our meal, I used the bathroom at the end of the hallway which was labelled as the accessible washroom. They seem to use this washroom as a storage room. There was a bike blocking the toilet, boxes of miscellaneous items, garbage, and random things in the sink. I made sure to double check the signage when I left to ensure it wasn’t labelled as staff use/ out of order because I was so confused. It wasn’t safe or functional for someone that would need an accessible washroom.

All in all, a disappointing experience. I hope they can improve their recipes, because when Asian Fusion is done well, it can...

I recently visited Miss Bao, and while the drinks and ambiance were top-notch, it was Kat behind the bar who truly made the evening extraordinary. Her knowledge of cocktails and beverage pairings was unmatched—she masterfully crafted each drink with precision and creativity, perfectly aligning them with the flavors we were craving. From inventive twists on classic cocktails to her own original concoctions, every sip was a revelation.

Kat’s expertise didn’t stop at crafting drinks; her ability to recommend pairings that enhanced our overall experience was impressive. She took the time to understand our preferences and delivered recommendations that were spot on, elevating both the cocktails and the food we enjoyed alongside them.

What truly set Kat apart, however, was her kind demeanor and electric personality. Her energy lit up the bar, creating an atmosphere that was as welcoming as it was lively. She effortlessly balanced professionalism with a vibrant charm, making everyone feel like a VIP. Her quick wit and sense of humor added a much-needed touch of fun, turning a great night into a truly memorable one.

Kat isn’t just a bartender; she’s an artist and entertainer rolled into one. If you’re at Miss Bao, do yourself a favor and grab a seat at the bar. Her talent, warmth, and infectious personality will guarantee an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Kat, for making our evening...

Two of us came and shared the following: Pork belly boa - tasty and tender. Not very big. Tan tan noodles - savoury and very good depth of flavour (could use some vegetables to round out the dish). Shrimp / pork wontons- they were good but almost too crispy. The sauce was good with a little heat. Chicken karage - we both really enjoyed the flavour and tenderness of the chicken. The sauce with squirt of lemon was delicious. Tiramisu - this was made with tea instead of espresso- it was perfect for one person and had a mellow earl grey type flavour with rich custard like texture. it was very good and not overly sweet. The food was very tasty and beautiful but the portions are small and served tapas style. I would enjoy additional vegetable options/sides.

My only complaint is that the servings are small and you have to order a lot to leave full. We probably each could have ordered another dish. We left and my bf asked what he can have for a snack later …

We spent about 85$ for two people - just food, no drinks. I would plan to spend about 50$ per person (approx 3 dishes each) just on food to ensure we didn’t leave hungry.

The staff was friendly and efficient. It’s busy little place so make a reservation and request a booth. If you go in the winter dress warm because the entrance is direct and brings in a lot of cool air.

Overall though, it was a nice experience and the food...