Bodega Henriette — Restaurant in Toronto

Edit: My daughter and I dropped in today to try again. Because I didn’t make a reservation there was a 20 minute wait, which we didn’t mind, and is a testament to their popularity. We both had the BBQ peameal sandwich with fingerling potatoes, and it was delicious. I’m not sure how a potato can be made to taste that good.

The entire staff was warm, friendly, and attentive, and I can honestly say that my opinion of Bodega Henriette has changed for the better.

As promised, a gift card in my name was left for me, but I chose to pay for the meal because we thoroughly ourselves, and I wanted to be able to update the review without appearing to be incentivized.

It’s a really lovely place I would be happy to return to, and you will too.

Original: This is a tough one because it was such a mix of highs and lows. Highs: the food is excellent, and given the cost of food right now, priced reasonably. The atmosphere is cute and welcoming, and the space is artfully decorated. The lows: the food was barely lukewarm when it arrived, and cold before we both got to the end of our meals. It’s a bustling place, but expecting warm food shouldn’t be too much to ask. The person who checked us in, and the food runner, were friendly and warm. Our server however was inattentive, and did not seem to want to be there. Once our order was taken, we did not speak to our server again until I had to stop her to ask for the bill. No check-in about the food, no offer to have another coffee (or anything else). It’s busy, and it’s Sunday, but like getting warm food, checking on customers should be a given, no? Another low: the bathrooms: they were really dirty. The sink had some sort of grime/dirt all over, and the garbage bin was overflowing onto the floor. The paper towel dispenser had fallen off the all at some point (the holes where it used to hang were evident above the sink, and perhaps the source of the dirt in the basin), and a roll of brown, wet paper towel, was placed on top of the dispenser, which was sitting on the floor. It’s possible it fell off that morning, and understandably there wouldn’t be time to fix it, but this was my experience today. Also, no hook. Can’t hang a coat or bag, which is unusual for a bathroom.

Our service was bad enough that we won’t return, but the food (minus the temperature) and space (minus the bathrooms), were great.

Edit: I heard back from the restaurant, and they very graciously apologized, and offered me a gift certificate for breakfast and coffee to try them again. After going, I’ll update my review. A+ response, and entirely...

We’ve passed by this place several times, and after seeing the great reviews, we finally decided to check it out today. We were a party of three.

Positives:

Good ambience

Delicious food (we had the scrambled eggs with salmon and the tofu & waffles)

Great coffee

Negatives: We had a reservation for 10:30 AM and arrived at 10:20 AM. There was a huge lineup for takeaway coffee, but the dining area was only half full. We noticed at least three empty four-person tables and a few two-person tables within view. When we went inside, Cherice, the server who received us, told us our table wasn't ready yet and asked us to stand outside the restaurant to wait. We were the only ones waiting to be seated. Her tone was quite stern, which really caught us off guard. Given the busy takeaway line, we assumed maybe they were trying to manage the crowd, so we didn’t make a big deal of it.

A few minutes later, we were seated at a four-person table tucked in the corner. Cherice’s service after that was just average—nothing to really complain about—but she definitely seemed rushed, coming back and forth to our table like she wanted to get things wrapped up as quickly as possible.

After finishing our breakfast, we wanted to order a few more items. But when we tried, Cherice immediately told us that another reservation was coming in 10 minutes and she wouldn’t be able to accommodate any additional orders. It wasn’t just the message—it was the way it was delivered. Her tone felt very condescending, with no courtesy or empathy. It honestly felt like, "You’ve had your turn, now let’s move you out."

What made it worse:

No one else was waiting to be seated at the time.

Two other four-person tables remained empty the whole time we were there.

We had been there for about an hour, which is completely reasonable for a brunch outing.

We weren’t lingering; we were actively trying to order more.

Other restaurants are far more tactful—they either give patrons a friendly heads-up about timing when seating them, or they manage busier times with a lot more professionalism and courtesy. Here, it truly felt like Cherice just wanted us gone. I'm not sure if other guests were treated the same way, but we didn’t visibly see anyone else being rushed out like we were.

We didn’t like how the situation was handled, so we decided to leave—and honestly, given today’s experience, we won’t be returning or recommending this place. This kind of behavior is unwarranted and really...

Hello friends… I wanted to share another fairly new favourite haunt of mine …. Henriette Bodega.

What a wonderful find in the heart of Eastern ‘Upper Beaches ‘corner of Gerrard and Bowman. A friend recommended it to me so I thought I’d give it a try.( word of mouth is the best advertising)

I have to tell you the moment I entered this magical place I was greeted by Cherice and Jill ,two wonderful ladies who both hold court in this special place.

When you enter the restaurant you feel like you’re no longer in Toronto but a little European flair.The decor -tables and cozy booths surrounded by a few plants and paintings a creative flair.Every seating feels private. It’s an intimate place ,not overly huge just right.

Sometimes you may want to reserve before you come as at times there’s a line up around the corner.

I visited there about a year ago around my Birthday and since I have a sweet tooth I enjoyed their famous sweet French toast and fruit and fresh whipped cream with bacon on the side dry and crisp. You can also order a more savoury version of French toast if that’s your fancy Mine was mouth watering superb and of course coffee was delicious. Their egg selections look delectable also. Make sure you are hungry cause the servings are generous! You can order fancy coffees to your delight.

As I mentioned earlier Cherice and Jill are your hostesses and they truly make you feel right at home. Great customer service which makes this little Oasis a wonderful experience Every-time!

Each time I come I overhear patrons remarking ‘how unique and quaint ,a great place in the hood ‘for some of us fortunate to live in the neighbourhood.

So the next time you want to get away from the same old cafes and restaurants, take a trip this way and make it a special occasion , like my late Mom used to say:’celebrate even if there’s no formal celebration .I promise you’ll be hooked.

Oh yes ,one more little extra tip ,they also sell delicious freshly baked croissants and muffins and pastries which I also like to take home on my way out. See you there...