Ella’s Uncle — Restaurant in Toronto

Ella's Uncle is a charming coffee store located on Dundas, near the Ossington strip. I happened to pass by while waiting for my sandwich order from Lambo's Deli, and its rustic interior caught my attention. With newspapers strewn about and a menu written in chalk, the place exuded a cozy and nostalgic vibe.

Upon entering, I was greeted by friendly service. The cashier kindly asked if they could assist me with anything. Since I hadn't had a chance to peruse the menu, I felt a slight rush, and my eyes immediately gravitated towards the first item I saw: Vietnamese coffee. Being of Vietnamese descent, it seemed like a safe choice.

Unfortunately, my expectations were not met. This drink fell short of being worthy of the title "Vietnamese coffee." Perhaps "Vietnamese-style coffee" would be a more accurate description since they added condensed milk. However, even that falls short. The taste of the coffee lacked the distinct flavor produced by a traditional phin filter, which is an integral part of the authentic Vietnamese coffee experience.

Furthermore, the condensed milk failed to mix properly with the coffee. Even after requesting the barista to stir the bottom layers to ensure a balance of sweetness, the ratio of coffee to milk remained disproportionately skewed. It felt more like an iced latte with a mere hint of condensed milk at the bottom.

To someone who hasn't experienced real Vietnamese coffee, this drink might pass as acceptable. But to call this Vietnamese coffee is an insult to the drink itself.

Overall, based on this one experience, I would rate Ella's Uncle a 2.5/5. However, please keep in mind that this rating is solely based on my opinion regarding this particular drink. It is possible that their other offerings fare better, and I might consider giving them...

I always like to come here when I’m in the area, and I will even take a 30 minute walk to wind down and come here to grab my favourite drink: the sun tea. Literally cured me back in 2021, when I was dying from the Covid vaccine. Anyway… whoever was working Thursday May 15 around noon, genuinely was so rude and so unwelcoming. I walked in without any greeting or smile, just the barista staring at me. I asked if they still had any sun tea, and the barista point blank said no and then silent. I asked if they would have it anytime soon and again point blank said no and then went silent. I usually do not leave reviews, but this genuinely still has bothered me because it is one of my favourite coffee places in toronto. Please hire people who at least warmly welcome people into your...

When you own an independent Coffee shop who's in competition with 4 other independent shops in the immediate neighborhood who are doing the doing the same thing as you, what with a 7-11 down the street that offers self serve (albeit mediocre) coffee and food for half the price, and then you proceed to make eye contact with an incoming customer, hide behind the espresso machine, and don't greet your clientele with a basic "welcome, I'll be right with you" no matter how busy you are, and then only snap into action when the customer starts walking out the door in frustration, then perhaps its time to look at changing your customer service model. I liked your banana bread. But they have it down the street too, with a smile and a...