The Prune — Restaurant in Stratford

The best dining experience I've had in many, many years. After announcing a collaboration with the Stratford Chefs School, The Prune has reopened a dining room - and it does not disappoint. While you might expect the kitchen of a chefs school to be well run, it was the front-of-house that was the big surprise. It operated better than any restaurant I have ever attended. Our host, Christopher, was extremely gracious, knowledgeable and patient with our many questions. Our server, Bobby, was attentive, engaging and shared many insights about the menu, restaurant and staff. Even the bus staff was in top form and attended to our every need before we were even aware. The glass walled kitchen allowed us to view these master chefs at their craft. Every plate of artistry engaged all of our senses. From the amuse bouche to the final petit four, every one of our dishes was perfect. Standouts include the Foie Gras, the Carrot Terrine, the Beef Tartare, the rack of Lamb and the Chicken Marbella. Each was beautiful, had complex flavors and textures, and was perfectly paired with their reccomended wines. The dining room is on the smaller side (I would guess seating for 45 people) not including a few additional outdoor tables. It has modern, simple decor, and the acoustics allowed us to converse with ease, even in a full dining room. There is also a special, separate table for two in their wine room. This is fine dining at its best. The prices are commensurate. I would not recommend children or very large groups. We made our reservations several weeks in advance for a Saturday evening, which ended up being fully booked. I understand that The Prune collaboration is only through September 2023. I hope that they extend this very successful arrangement. The Prune is an exquisite dining experience that should not be missed. My sincere thanks to the entire staff for a...

Lobster like rubber, 2 hours 15 minutes for main course to arrive while we watched two other groups being treated like VIPs. One couple had the chef and head waiter at there table constantly for the entire time we sat there waiting and waiting for our plates. The waitress was young and obviously inexperienced or unable to control the chef and kitchen's huge role in our suffering. I have major digestive problems so only order a main course. We arrived at 7:30 PM. Can you imagine my hunger at 9:30 still waiting for food. My party consisted of people like myself (including an ex restaurant reviewer from Michigan) who have dined around the world. Only one of us enjoyed their main course of salmon. The soup for two of them I was told delicious but could be consumed in about two gulps if you wanted to really try. Appetizers were just awful and I just cannot find the words to describe them other than birds would have been in heaven. The price for service and food was simply outrageous in our case. Having said all this I will have to add that a man in the washroom shortly after we arrived raved about the steak, saying it was one of the best he ever had. Prune should hope he writes a review. For us, they had their priorities screwed up. The ex. restaurant reviewer had called and made the reservations and spoke at length with the head waiter or chef (cannot remember) .....it made no difference,,,,,,we never got to talk to him. Do not be afraid to try this place, but if you do, do not make the same mistake we did.......speak up loud and clear if the service and food do not match the very high prices being charged.......you deserve great food and the best of service...

What a wonderful meal - one of those rare joys where you’re able to appreciate how magically a plate of food can come together to create an absolute experience of taste.

The service from the maitre ‘d and wait staff was excellent; our server Jake was attentive and friendly and we were frequently asked by other staffers not just how our food was, but our entire experience. When calling to book, we were asked about food allergies and by the time we arrived, our wheat sensitivity had already been conveyed to Jake, who was ready with suggestions on the menu to accommodate.

The restaurant is tranquil, contemporary and very clean (including the washrooms) and the decor is simple yet beautiful. The kitchen is fronted by windows and it was fun to watch the chefs bustle as they fulfilled their orders.

My only criticism was that the wait to get our meal was longer than it normally would be (and updates on this would have been appreciated), however it appeared that there may have been a small backlog in the kitchen for whatever reason, and was not due to bad service on behalf of the wait staff.

When the meal did come, the slower speed was forgiven. It was absolutely worth the wait! Next time I’m in Stratford, I will most definitely...