Azarias Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

We went for my birthday not my 50th but close.. the food was to be expected. The bill was not much we shared a couple Tapas wine & dessert. It was only $140, however I would debate going again specifically because of the service.

It’s wonderful to be ‘attentive’, however, my date and I were sitting next to each other having a private conversation which the server interrupted and then proceeded to monopolise the conversation telling her ‘story’, not withstanding, asking personal questions, instead of being conscientious that we were out for a birthday date. not something that’s experienced often and at the end of the meal it felt like an intrusion, before presenting the bill which had not been requested. The place was fairly empty. However there was a group waiting for her to serve them, while she chatted away with my date. It felt quite uncomfortable to be interrupted by her questioning my date what is middle last and first names were.. and then a childhood story.. The purpose of celebration.. is not customary, for the person whose birthday it is, to sit in the corner booth occupied with her asking the middle name of my date as well as other details.. felt very off.

At the time, let it slide because was quite surprised and confused frankly by the questions yet, in hindsight not exactly the memory that I want to have for a simple low- key birthday. Having been a server at AGO AGA KHAN many other catered charities part-time, and the owner of two both decade long service businesses, would absolutely never, when serving a couple, put my direct attention on the man, not withstanding it was a birthday dinner of 2. If I was out with a girlfriend, it would be as equally distracting, unnecessary to be asked our middle names, last names, first names (intrusive) and then a background of the waiter or waitress’s life. When it was not asked nor did we mention the bill.

As we were leaving and we both said a polite goodbye; the server didn’t look up or wave.

I had spent valuable time quietly listening, observing, to realise her coquettish way of obtaining a heavy tip. What a drag.

Etiquette, reading the energy and context of the room when people are out to enjoy their meal and quality time with each other, seems like it would be paramount. It seemed there could be more awareness when you are in service...

OK... it was our first visit to Azarias but it won't be our last.

For one, I am thrilled to know that we have a restaurant so close to home that serves fresh oysters daily. My wife loves oysters being from the east coast. Prior to discovering Azarias, I was having to drive us to the west end of Burlington so she could have a feed a couple times a year (I won't go downtown). Happy wife equals happy life. Now we'll probably get her oysters seasonally at the very least.

She also really enjoyed her beet salad.

I had the beef sliders and they were very good. I was grateful for the au jus on the side, as the beef cooled, it was getting tougher. Perhaps because of how much was stacked on each bun. The other dip, a horseradish sauce was enjoyable, although a little too mild. I'm not into hot and spicy but horseradish should have a bit of a bite. I would take this over the Keg's very 🔥 horseradish though. My food rating will probably go to a 5 after we revisit and try some other dishes.

We both look forward to returning again and actually sharing some plates like most are meant to be.

I think the portions were perfect. We didn't leave hungry by any means. It was fine to not be needing takeout containers either.

The hostess and our waitress were lovely. I'd be happy to see and converse with them again.

I've read the comments from others who've left reviews complaining how snooty the staff were and made to feel undeserving to be in their restaurant. We never felt that at all, especially me who has been in places where I was made uncomfortable because I don't always fit in because of my "heavy metal look". I was treated the same here, wearing blue jeans and a raccoon Hawaiian shirt, as the fine suited gents 2 tables over. Oh, by the way, I ordered only water to start and didn't get a look, a snide comment or anything like some stated they got. I did order a Lemmy later on, Jack Daniel's and Coke. I'm glad that I am not a wine drinker because their list is extensive... which probably is a very good thing for those who enjoy wine.

Anyway, what are you still reading this review for? Go on over to Azarias and...

Overall I was disappointed with the restaurant food quality. Service was excellent. Went for dinner with wife and friends on May 31, 2019. We ordered the Lobster Gnocci - Gnocci itself was perfect, but the dish lacked flavour and the lobster was definitely not the freshest. It almost tasted a little “muddy, ” was a bit overcooked (tough’ish) and I questioned whether it was actually monkfish. We ordered some specials and I was shocked that the Lamb Curry special had unmistakable frozen peas and carrots. The peas were all dimpled and shrivelled in and the carrots where the trademark tiny square “green giant” type. Come on cooks!!! Are you kidding me? We aren’t fools, we know food, we cook food - well. Again the dish was bland and lacked any punch. I know I’m in the Kingsway, but spice it up a little! We also had the Brussel Sprouts, because we heard they were outstanding - again bland and unimpressed. When I prepare these, I blanch them in chicken stock to not only slightly tenderize them, but also FLAVOUR them and then I finish them off in a buttered pan over the stove top to caramelize them a bit. Add some carmamelized onions and some sundried tomatoes and bingo. Believe me there was no BINGO with this dish tonight. It looked fabulous and had all the elements, but too many dishes all night were bland. It was ashame and I was underwhelmed, unimpressed and will not be going back. We should have gone to VIBO. Never had a bad meal there, just down the street. Step up your game Azeria you have lots of competition and if you keep serving this bland food you will fall...