Cafe Rouge Patisserie — Restaurant in Toronto

I used to be a regular at this cafe due to its delicious food. I was delighted when they took on the admirable initiative of participating in the "Too Good To Go" program. The concept of selling surplus products at a discounted price to combat food waste was something that resonated with me. However, recent changes in both service and the implementation of the program have left me disappointed.

The service here has become a real buzzkill. It's evident that the staff is not happy to see customers and isn't on the same page when it comes to serving up their delicious menu – half the time, my dish wasn't warmed up properly, or it was presented soggy. It's a shame because I like very much the quality of the food. The prices are not cheap, and despite I'm all for paying a premium for good food, it stings a bit when the service doesn't match up. It ruins the entire experience.

Moreover, the "Too Good To Go" program, which is a major draw for customer in the neighbourhood, seems to be losing its integrity. The demand for the items is understandably high due to the fantastic and great amount of food offered by the cafe. Unfortunately, it appears that someone managing the program is manipulating the availability on the app. Items vanish in a fraction of a nano second (really?).

A few weeks ago, I showed up to picked up my order early only to witness a group receiving the majority of the items after speaking in another language with the shop assistant. And in a recent order, I witnessed the same. Because it happened twice, I left questioning the transparency of the process. That is why I decided to write this review.

In conclusion, the decline in service and the apparent dishonesty in the "Too Good To Go" program have significantly impacted my perception of this once-favorite cafe. I hope the management takes notice of these concerns and works towards restoring the integrity and excellence that initially attracted many customers, including myself.The potential is...

I really wanted to like it and support small business but I unfortunately won't go back. For the love of God, please train your staff to greet customers, please stock drinks and please put labels in the glass cases to identify what's what.

No greeting from the staff working, two of us were in line and no one even looked up to tell us they would be with us in a minute.

$9 for a scone is outrageous

$13 for a tough-to-chew sandwich with one and a half slices of ham and one slice of Swiss is just sad. I had to go home and put my own meat on it and struggle through chewing it. The bread flavour was nice but holy, I can't imagine older people trying to eat this.

no cold drinks with screw caps to take out except a warm Perrier the staff gave me stacked on the floor.

the menus were so hard to read, the headings were black on dark red, and it's so dim in there.

no labels or prices on baked goods in the display case, which is so inneficient for people looking to come to grab and go. I had no idea what kind of sandwich I was getting.

the takeout sandwich bag is a terrible design, it has a easy tear top which I didn't notice until I was halfway to the subway and it ripped open and fell.

At least it's...

I am from France so I do have a high level of expectations. Croissants are good. Chocolate croissant not so great. They are much better when warmed up at home in the oven. The bread is good. I have seen better but overall good baguette. A little stiff and will also be better if warmed up on your oven. The cake are delicious (Degas, Voltaire among others) and come from RAHIER - French bakery on Bayview between St Clair and Eglington. Owner is barely polite and short. It leaves for a bad experience considering that we, clients, are making the business work. Even though I do live right next door, I have decided to not go there again. I expect to be greeted with a certain level of politeness when coming into the store. I also expect a "Thank you" when done with my purchase. Call me old fashioned but that is what I expect as a client. Sad to say that I will not go back to Cafe Rouge because of the bad customer service. I want a pleasant experience when going repeatedly to a store / cafe. I will be giving my money to another French bakery in the neighborhood - Ma Maison on Dundas. Good luck if going there. I hope you shall be treated better than...