Agave by Imperial — Restaurant in Peterborough

It Was Close to Midnight and I Found Love in Peterborough

I wasn’t looking for love. I wasn’t even looking for a story. I just wanted to go back to a spot that blew me away the night before… Agave… Hallelujah. That’s it. A solid place, with good vibes, and unforgettable food that left an impression. I didn’t even realize what time it was when I walked in. That’s what happens when you work around the clock… you stop checking the clock.

But sometime between sitting down and taking that first bite, I realized something…

It was close to midnight. And somehow, in this small city, I was being served a plate that tasted like it came out of a five-star Michelin restaurant somewhere off and some strange part of the world.

Let’s talk about that for a second.

This wasn’t bar food. This wasn’t greasy drive-thru nonsense. This was refined, thoughtful, damn near elegant. I ordered the Zarandeado Fish… something light, something clean. Sabrina, my server, the same one from the night before recommended it. And she was Bang on!

The fish was flawless. The vegetables? Balanced, creamy, seasoned just right. I don’t even like green peppers, and somehow, they were one of my favorite parts of the dish. The rice with peas? Cooked properly. Not mushy. Not bland. It had a point. Like everything on that plate had a reason to be there.

And speaking of people who have a reason to be there… let’s talk about the crew.

Sabrina was as sweet and sharp as the night before. You can tell she cares about what’s coming out of the kitchen. She believes in it. And then there was Meet (yes, spelled just like it sounds) holding it down behind the bar. The pride he takes in his work? You’d think he owns the place. Watching him and Sabrina operate together was like watching a tight jazz band… improvising, in sync, never missing a beat.

By the end of it, I had to get up and thank the chefs in the back. I couldn’t leave without letting them know they crushed it. I didn’t have cash on me, but I swear… if I did, I would've dropped bills on every Matador  back there. That’s how much this meal hit.

And the price?

Criminally underpriced. This dish should’ve cost double. Maybe triple. But that’s what makes it even more special. These folks aren’t chasing dollars… they’re sharing something real.

I didn’t go out looking for magic tonight. I just wanted a good meal.

But close to midnight, I found love… in the food, in the people, in the kind of place that’s rare to find and even harder to forget.

Here’s the truth. I live 3 and a half hours away. But I’m not just thinking about coming back—I’ve already decided I’m bringing my mom out here for a weekend. Just so she can experience it for herself. That’s how much I believe in what this team is doing. That’s how much this place cares.

To Agave… thank you. From the belly to the soul…thank...

I was taken here on my Birthday. I requested to be taken here because I liked their margarita description, and the food description and, most importantly, I was not paying.The decor is generic Mexican complete with cheesy sombreros. The food is described as " a rich culmination of traditional Mexican recipes prepared with new techniques and given an innovative presentation." So it is Mexican inspired but not authentic. We started with the classic margarita ( cazadores blanco | agave | citrus | triple sec | sea salt either 12. or 22 depending on the size) ordered the the guacamole( 17.) and shrimp ceviches(22.) To start. The margaritas were tasty although unlike any I had tasted before or how I would make them. It was lacking the lime kick but this is my personal preference. The guacamole was fine although less chunky than I prefer and a lot less garlicky. The ceviche was very tasty and came in a martini glass so there was not much of it. For mains, my wife had COCHINITA PIBIL which is pulled pork, refried beans . She liked it. I tasted it found it tender . Her beans were fine too. I ordered MOLCAJETE DE CARNES (grilled chorizo | seared beef | nopal | roasted vegetables | cheese | jalapenos | tortilla | salsa roja | ADD : shrimps and lobster tail for 17) I took it with the lobster tail and shrimps. It came in a mortar bowl. There was a pile of seared beef, chorizo , half a jalepeno, and a piece of cactus. There was a cube of cheese buried under some tortilla chips. There are no corn chips mentioned in the description. They were strictly filler.There were two corn tortillas on the side which were not enough to deal with the food. There was no sign of shrimp or a lobster tail . I flagged down my server who was apologetic and she said they would be out soon. Ten minutes later another person asked how the meal was and I told him about the missing shrimp and lobster tail and to forget about it because at that point I was not interested. A little while two substantial shrimp tacos appeared. which were tasty. They also brought me a slice of cake with a scoop of ice cream which was a nice gesture. I am giving this place four stars primarily for the service . They saw I was unhappy and they made it right. The food is pretty good, but nothing that would draw me back. I like authentic food and when something is described as trendy I run the other way. However, my wife likes it so we will likely be back for tacos...

If you are looking for a restaurant that will provide you with a good Mexican food experience, Agave is a great option. The restaurant is located right in the city center, near several other businesses, but it stands out for its large sign. As soon as you enter the place, you will find a cozy atmosphere, with typical decorations but not overdone, and pleasant music, which allows people to talk without shouting. The service is excellent from the reception to the moment you leave the establishment.

Menu: they have a children's menu with a good variety of food, basic items such as chicken and rice, tacos and quesadillas, which are more popular with children. The conventional menu is quite extensive and has many options of dishes, and all are identified with the level of spice. In addition, they have a drinks menu (beers, cocktails, spirits), non-alcoholic drinks, and depending on the time you arrive, there are items that are part of happy hour. One thing to note: when ordering dessert, please order the Tres leches cake, because it is simply amazing.

Waiting time: the drinks arrived at the table very quickly, and the food took an average of 15 minutes, but it always arrived beautifully presented and very fresh.

Facilities: for those traveling with children, the restaurant has highchairs for children and changing tables in the restrooms. During the spring and summer, the restaurant has tables in the outdoor area, which allows you to visit the restaurant with your dog, who can sit outside.

For customers with disabilities: the restaurant has a door that opens and closes with springs, plenty of space in the dining room for walkers and wheelchairs, tables at a height for wheelchairs, and adapted restrooms with grab bars, but there are no doors that close and open automatically in the restrooms. Unfortunately, they do not have a menu in Braille, but they are willing to help with any order that customers may make.

They don't have their own parking lot, but you can park your car on the street, paying for parking, and there are some parking lots nearby.

It's worth a visit, the food is great, and the prices are good. We spent $180 Canadian dollars for two adults and 1 child, including...