416 Social Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Disappointed by Hidden Charges Despite Good Food

This was my second time visiting this restaurant with friends. We had been here before and enjoyed the food, so we decided to return. Once again, the food was great—flavorful and beautifully presented. However, the service was just average. The staff didn’t really check in with us or ask if we needed anything throughout the meal, which we didn’t mind too much at the time.

The real disappointment came when we received the bill.

We were surprised to see an 18% gratuity automatically added to our total, even though there were only three of us dining. What made it worse was that no one informed us of this policy beforehand. It was not mentioned by the server when we sat down, and there was nothing stated on the menu or visibly posted in the restaurant.

When we politely questioned this with the server, they said they would check with the manager. I recognized who the manager actually was, but instead, another staff member came over claiming to be the manager. This person told us it was a new restaurant policy to automatically charge 18% gratuity for tables of three or more people. They asked if we were unhappy with it and offered to refund the gratuity.

Honestly, we weren’t looking for the money back—we usually tip 18% or more anyway when service is good. But what we strongly disagreed with was the lack of transparency and communication. The restaurant should have informed us of this policy upfront, either verbally or through clear signage. Not doing so feels dishonest and disrespectful to customers.

What made the situation worse was the attitude of the so-called “manager.” They were dismissive, interrupted our questions, and didn’t seem to be listening at all. Their tone was not friendly or professional, and it left us with a very negative impression.

To the owner: No matter how delicious your food is, poor service and sneaky policies like this will drive customers away. Please consider training your staff to communicate clearly and respectfully, and make your gratuity policy visible to guests before they order. That’s simply fair and...

Located in the heart of Toronto's bustling downtown, 416 Social offers a modern, stylish dining experience with a creative twist on classic dishes. The ambiance is chic yet welcoming, making it a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions.

Atmosphere:

The decor blends urban sophistication with a cozy, relaxed vibe. Dim lighting and contemporary furnishings create an intimate setting. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant experience throughout the meal.

Food:

The menu at 416 Social leans heavily on locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on sharing plates. Highlights include the flavorful charcuterie board, with artisanal cheeses and meats, and the seared scallops, which are cooked to perfection with a delicate balance of textures and flavors. The duck confit tacos are a standout, offering a unique twist on a familiar favorite. Vegetarian options, like the roasted cauliflower, are equally satisfying.

The cocktail menu is inventive, with several signature drinks that reflect the restaurant's creative approach to dining. The 416 Sour is a must-try for cocktail lovers, balancing sweet and tart notes expertly.

Service:

Service is professional and efficient, with staff knowledgeable about both the menu and drink pairings. They are quick to offer recommendations and attentive to any special dietary needs.

Price:

While it leans towards the pricier side, especially for the shared plates, the quality of the food and overall experience justifies the cost. It's ideal for those looking for a special night out or a place to impress out-of-town guests.

Overall:

416 Social delivers a memorable dining experience that blends modern culinary techniques with familiar comfort foods, all in a trendy, upscale setting. Whether you're going for a casual evening with friends or a special dinner date, it's a great spot to enjoy Toronto's...

Disappointed by Hidden Charges

This was my second time visiting this restaurant, this time I was excited to take my kids (9 & 10) We had been here before and enjoyed the food, so we decided to return. Once again, the food was good.

However, the service was just average, my husband had to ask the server for a pitcher of water, she didn’t even offer that option & because considering we didn’t want to bother by the looks that the server wasn’t going bother herself. She didn’t even come back to ask if we needed more water, we didn’t even have napkins we had to grab from another table.

So my question is… shouldn’t tips be earned depending on quality of service? Hmm well I guess not!

The real disappointment came when we received the bill.

We were surprised to see an 18% gratuity automatically added to our total, even though their service wasn’t tip top you deserve and it’s justifiable… What made it worse was that no one informed us of this policy beforehand. It was not mentioned by the server when we sat down, and there was nothing stated on the menu or visibly posted in the restaurant. Another server came to take plates and my husband asked her after he payed and went over the bill by chance. Then she said “oh nobody told you when you came in” NOPE nobody did & it wasn’t busy to say they “forgot”

When we politely questioned this with the server. They didn’t even ask if we were unhappy with it, not to mention the plates the server brought were dirty and she didn’t even realize.

Again 18% for what exactly?!

Honestly, we weren’t looking for the money back we usually tip of course for GOOD deserving service. We felt robbed & felt as if we owed them something.

Seems like they care a lot about their customers.

As if the server had gone above and beyond we even cleaned the table and organized the plates for them to take to facilitate their job.

Very...