Dave's Genuine Deli — Restaurant in Toronto

I went to the Waterworks location and found the prices were high for a smoked meat sandwich for what you get. $13 for a 1/4lb of smoked meat. At the time, I had no idea how little a 1/4lbs was so I was a little shocked when I got it. I'm used to getting a 1/2 lb. as the standard size. When The Pig Came Home in the Junction has a 1/2lb sandwich for $16 + tax while Dave's sells a 1/2lb sandwich at Waterworks for a whopping $23 + tax. Switzers Deli (the pop up at Henderson Brewery) also sells bigger smoked meat sandwiches for $15 cash or e-transfer only. This price for a smoked meat sandwich isn't competitive as far as I've seen anywhere. My friend who was with me said he wouldn't have paid $13. I gave four stars for atmosphere because I went to the Waterworks Food Hall which is in a beautiful heritage building. After reading through the other reviews it appears all the bad reviews are about the sandwiches and the prices compared with the portions. My opinion doesn't appear to be unique.

Edit: Decided to respond directly to the owner after seeing their response. Getting the price wrong by $2 isn't the flex you think it is. $21 for a 1/2 lbs sandwich is still very expensive and not competitive in the GTA. And it was comical that you said your sandwiches come with a pickle, as if that's something remarkable. Many deli's do that, it's a thing. I didn't only mention a pop up, but also an established brick and mortar restaurant (When the Pig Came Home). I guess you ignored that because it didn't help your case. You can look up the price of a smoked meat sandwich right now on Summilicious, Wolfies, and Pacers, websites, and none of them are over $16. And lastly you tried to lie about my review history, on top of the fact that it was a strawman argument. 31 of my 44 reviews were 3 stars or more. If you want to blatantly ignore all of these reviews specifically talking about your sandwiches that's on you. Don't try to gaslight me. I dropped the "service" score from a 3 to a 1, based on your reply. The staff at waterworks were...

If you love outstanding food, look no further than this winner of a deli! I have eaten in pretty much every renowned deli in Toronto, Montreal, New York, and Los Angeles, as deli is one of my favourite comfort foods from my chidhood. Dave's Genuine Deli is hands down my new favourite! I am so grateful that this spot exists as I was a big fan of Yitz's on Eglinton, and when that closed it left a big hole in the deli category in the city. Chef and owner Dave Isen prepares everything in house and serves up big portions...with love. And shout out to Nick our server who was so nice and clearly enjoys his work! The whole vibe there is so cool, and chill. But not too chill as we had our food very soon after ordering! We started with the kishka in brown gravy. It was absolutely delicious, savoury, tender, and not in a casing, so it was easy to eat. And who makes fresh kishka anymore??? It was served with fresh rye bread. So good. My friend had a smoked meat on rye which was served with perfectly crispy fries, tangy coleslaw and a dill pickle. The meat was melt in your mouth. Dave prepares the meat with his own brine which was full of umami, and smokey goodness. It's elevated smoked meat! I had the Big smoked turkey club which lived up to it's name. Piles of tender turkey, crispy bacon, on a grilled onion bun! Grilling the bun takes the sandwich to a whole other level. It was so good I had to bring one home for my husband (and fellow foodie) who loved it! The service was so good, the atmosphere is well lit, clean, cozy and inviting. Oh, and Dave could not have been nicer! We chatted about all things deli, and he even gave us samples of some of their amazing soups. Split pea and cabbage soup. I will try to chicken matzoh ball with kreplach the next time I go which will be soon! My deli dreams have come true again thanks to Dave's Genuine Deli! So grateful, and hungry again just...

I waited to write a review until I worked my way down the menu. Please note I’m extremely picky regarding food and cleanliness. The restaurant is spotless and extremely well maintained. Staff are extremely polite and attentive lead by their leader and chef, Dave Isen. Upon discovering the existence of the eatery, I indulged in an incredibly tasty and perfectly smoked and spiced, smoked meat sandwich. As much as I enjoy Lester’s smoked meat, Dave has ruined it for me. Definitely the best smoked meat I’ve ever eaten from anywhere in North America. The roast beef sandwich dip is superb, delicious and very moist. The Kishka and kinish with gravy was extremely well made and Dave has his own twist by keeping it very clean with out having all the fat that clogs the arteries. Another stellar item is Dave’s home made chicken soup. A stellar bowl of superb broth all authentic with no bullion cubes or additives. Definitely try the big bowl, known as Bubbies bowl of chutzpah. Featuring , 2 matzah balls, 2 kreplach, lots of soft chicken and noodles with bagel chips. This is a meal in itself. The entire menu has Dave’s excellent chef skills which highlights his exuberance which is driven by his passion for creating amazing food with great flavour and very clean recipes. The only skill lacking for this establishment, is an individual with keen digital marketing talent to introduce Dave and his humble establishment, to everyone in Toronto, who hasn’t had the privilege of dining there. And yes, Dave’s Genuine Deli is a little more pricy, but that’s the cost of incredible food! Any digital marketing professional should definitely approach Dave to combine their skills. The rest of the menu is all excellent, but trying Dave’s own aged and cured pepperoni sticks is a must! I truly and sincerely thank Dave for creating a true, new Deli and great eatery in the...