Barnsteiner's — Restaurant in Toronto

When I arrived at the restaurant, there was no Hostess at the door waiting to greet me and help me. I saw a couple of people who looked over at me when I came in however did nothing. Yes, they worked at the restaurant because I saw them working away while I was there. I found my friends on my own granted the restaurant was not that big. By the way, there was 4 of us.

Hmmm, the waiter that served us.... I don't think once he gave us a smile. He seemed miffed that he was our server or should I say snooty or like he needed a grey poupon. When he was cleaning our plates and glasses off the table, he accidentally knocked over one of the glasses and spilled water everywhere. On my pants, my coat, some on my phone (he's lucky he did not ruin my phone and yes I know it was an accident). He quickly ran and got cloths to clean the table up. He didn't once give us anything to clean up after ourselves not thinking we might need something as well. He didn't seem to care if any water got on us he cared just about the valuable table. While cleaning the table, all the glasses got shuffled in the process and remember one of the glasses he knocked over. He left those glasses and did not care to take those away and get us fresh new glasses. My friends picked a glass regardless, I asked for a new glass. He didn't seem to like that even though I was nice about it. I used my napkin to soak up the water that fell on me and my phone.

The food was nothing to brag about. It tasted bland. I got the penne with rose sauce. 2 of my friends got the mac and cheese. I tasted a bit of theirs and ummm did not taste the cheese at all. My other friend got the mixed salad which was drowning in salad dressing. After, we got dessert, I got the ice cream which in a small glass (smaller than the water glass) and 4 tiny scoops which cost $8 which was beyond extreme ridiculous. I can get 2 4L's four that price.Just getting the ice cream was not on the menu, I asked could I just get ice cream and my fault should have asked the price.

Generally, your server asks how your meal was but not him. Remember he did not seem to like us (we were 4 young adult women). He did mention before that older (seniors) usually come to this restaurant. Our server was not a senior.

Anyways, will I be coming back? Nope Will I be recommending this place to my friends? Nope Will I be recommending this place to seniors I know? Nope Why I gave a 2 star instead of 1? Because the restaurant...

This is one of the best eateries at Yonge and St. Clair which lacks efficient eateries with fresh ingredients and innovative recipes and options. There is no competition for this local gem which will soon be overbooked following this review no doubt. The ambience and decor are nothing over the top but there is good space between tables allowing private conversations while still in a big room. The menu, flavours and execution of dishes are well above other offerings in the stip from St. Clair down to Balmoral, where there are many new spots but none so inviting. Whether the tables are full or there is a limited crowd, the menu serves up options which will please even the critics. The servers are well experienced and polite notwithstanding the bustle and lunch hustle weekdays. At dinner, there is much the same menu which includes almost any protein you want, and the flat breads are yummy as are their salads which easily serve two rather than one person as offered. Shared entrees are neither discouraged nor expensive and having the delicious seasonings and execution of every dish offered on a fulsome menu which remains the same at lunch and at dinner. The chef's interesting offerings shine with his menu items often difficult to find, including duck breast, fish & chips, macaroni and cheese or a fish with beautiful crisp skin deboned and served with style by the chef. The chef's significant other is at the front of the house directing the patrons through the menu favorites and more. With either lunch or dinner service, you will be rushing back to do it again. Those in the know will recall the proprietors from the Corner House at Castle Loma cross-roads. Go and enjoy the food and engage in the spirit of the bustling crowd of satisfied customers who appear well served and happy. Impressive place with a variety of dishes which will be happily shared without any opposition. Head over soon and feel welcomed by the staff who appreciate their chef and allow the...

The restaurant is located near the Yonge and St. Clair intersection. It's an open-concept spot, so it gets pretty noisy even when only about a third of tables are occupied. There is a nice, not loud music playing in the background. The service is very good, - friendly, professional and quick.

Beef Tartare Amazingly tender beef tartare with some sweet notes from mustard, a hint of cheesy flavor from the parmigiano. It's a well above-average dish.

Grilled Calamari Calamari were grilled to perfection. Tomatoes, olives, and capers added layers of different flavors. The only moment that we didn't like was too much butter. But overall it was good!

Roasted Pork Shoulder Arguably the best pork I’ve eaten in Canada, the USA, Italy, or Austria in the past 5 years. Sweet and fresh notes from slightly grilled peach and solid texture of broccoli emphasized the greatness of the dish. I know it's a bit strange comparison, but it reminded me of Picasso’s Rose Period- something simple, yet so beautiful that it leaves you amazed for minutes.

Grilled Flat Iron Steak The best flat iron steak in my life - so juicy and tender that you wouldn't believe it was made from a relatively cheap cut. Summer squash and chimichurri were a good pairing. In the light of the previous metaphor, the steak - for me, - was like Picasso's Blue Period - so deep and touching that leave me speechless.

Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta Caramelized hazelnuts and almonds as well as nuts-seeds brittle make a celestial contrast with super soft panna cotta. It was not overly sweet as North American chefs sometimes make it, but more in line with French tradition. The sweetness came mostly from white chocolate sauce, and paired beautifully with fresh raspberries. It's a desert to die for. Or the gastronomic equivalent of Gaudi's "Sagrada Familia".

Conclusion: an absolutely fantastic, highly recommended restaurant! And the prices are very reasonable, making it a great...