The Railside — Restaurant in Port Hope

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this fantastic restaurant that takes calamari to a whole new level. As a seafood enthusiast, I must say that the calamari served here was absolutely phenomenal, leaving me wanting more with every bite. The calamari dishes offered were a true testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs. The calamari itself was cooked to perfection, boasting a delightful combination of tender texture and a crispy exterior. Each piece was expertly seasoned, allowing the natural flavors of the seafood to shine through. Whether you prefer it lightly breaded and fried, or grilled to perfection, this restaurant has a calamari dish to suit every palate. The presentation of the calamari dishes was nothing short of artistry. From the vibrant colors of the accompanying sauces to the carefully arranged garnishes, each plate was a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The flavors were equally impressive, with a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes that complemented the delicate taste of the calamari. The service was top-notch, with attentive and friendly staff who were eager to ensure that every aspect of my dining experience was exceptional. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered helpful suggestions, making the decision-making process a breeze.

The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting and comfortable, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. The cozy lighting, stylish decor, and soothing background music created a relaxed atmosphere that allowed me to fully savor the culinary delights. In conclusion, if you're a calamari lover searching for a dining experience that will leave you longing for more, this restaurant is an absolute gem. The quality of the calamari, the impeccable service, and the inviting ambiance all contribute to making this establishment a true seafood paradise. Treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary journey and indulge in the finest calamari creations that will have you coming...

Went in on a Sunday evening for a casual date night. There are 3 doors to the restaurant and we were confused as to which one was the proper entrance. We came in what was considered the "casual dining" side. No signs or indication to take a seat or wait to be seated so we walked in past the other two entrances where we were finally greeted and asked if we would be dining upstairs. Still not knowing the difference, we said yes, and were seated immediately. This is what is consided the "fancier side" of the restaurant. The menu was not the one we vetted before heading over which was a surprise. It leaned heavier into the Greek fare.

I ordered the gyro dinner with a Greek Salad and baby red potatoes. The potatoes were amazing, the Greek Salad was nicely seasoned and the gyro was served on a pita. My main complaint was the tzatziki they used was very runny. So it unfortunately added little flavor to the dish. I suggest they switch their supplier.

My husband ordered the Cajun chicken and ribs. The chicken is a flattened and breaded breast. He found the chicken to be under seasoned and did not taste like Cajun. The ribs were OK, he called them "pub quality". He would have preferred if they were finished in a bbq or open flame to give them a smokey flavor.

For drinks my husband ordered a Coors Light and I had a non alcoholic daiquiri. The daiquiri was nice my husband found the beer tastes a little watery though that's not necessarily the restaurants fault. He may just not like Coors (his words).

The restaurant itself was clean, and the two staff present were attentive. Definitely did not have a bad experience but with a few improvements this place could definitely achieve 5 stars. As long as you are expecting a casual dining experience.

Thank you for the...

Food is alright. Service is good. Prices are good.

My wife and I tried out The Railside because we wanted to try somewhere new and have never been.

The food was alright. We got the Garlic Bread and Cheese which was pretty good. Quite a large portion and a lot of cheese. Could have used a bit more garlic though. My wife loved her Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese, said it was cooked perfect and tasted great, again it had a great portion of cheese on it. I had the Fish & Chips. The fish itself was really good, the batter was only slightly greasy but way better than a lot of other places - definitely nothing to complain about. The fries though despite their crisp appearance where kind of.. rubbery/chewy? The macaroni salad that came with it tasted way too vinegary, kind of like the container you get at the supermarket (my wife didn't like it either). We had some cheesecake for dessert though and it was amazing. Not sure whether it's made in-house or bought but either way it was good.

Service is good. There was only one server who was already there hours past her shift, but she still made all the effort and regularly checked up on us. There was a hiccup where I got coleslaw instead of the macaroni salad I asked for but again she was there alone so I didn't blame her at all; as soon as I mentioned it she promptly brought me the correct item, she was doing great for being alone.

Prices are good. The prices are definitely comparable to other restaurants around. I always thought The Railside was higher priced for whatever reason but they are definitely on par with other places.

Overall the experience was good. I think we'll definitely be back at some point to try some different menu items, I just hope our fries were a one-off...