F'Amelia — Restaurant in Toronto

After finding a place to host a wedding rehearsal dinner, I thought F'Amelia was the perfect place to host an intimate, causal dinner for 12 people. Choosing a la carte to be served family style, I thought we were all set when we got there (ordered a bunch of pizzas, calamari appys and salads). Apparently, should have read the reviews before booking. Never again.

I've never had to ask where my server was so many times, my neck hurt from turning to look for anyone all night. I poured my own water and water for all my guests as they arrived. We were standing "cocktail style" and since no one was around, I did it. All the glasses were moved - so we never got water again! Normally, I wouldn't care, but seeing the bill that we were charged $30 for our water (without my knowledge) I was pretty pissed that I served my guests the water and then we didn't get refills.

Once the food started coming out, and the tiny portions shocking (calamari for $16 should AT LEAST be enough to share lightly, one person could barely eat it), I spoke with the event host quickly to order more her response was 'I thought this was a bachelorette party for women, otherwise I would have told you the portions were smaller' ... I was appalled that this was the response.

The bill came, and even though I'd carefully spent time explaining before many guests got there, to give me the bill, the bill was handed to someone who should not have had it, and was not explained there was already a $500 deposit (we paid to secure the reservation) and caused a lot of unnecessary commotion that severely upset me - as I'd left specific instructions.

The cake came - which we brought, therefore had to pay a plating fee, fine. I don't mind paying a plating fee, but I do mind paying it if there's no server around to cut and plate the cake.

It was an awful evening, with abysmal service, lacklustre and ridiculously overpriced food. The worst came when trying to speak with the manager a few days later. His excuses (one after another) left me incredulously shocked. Constantly repeating that they have parties all the time, and had another party that night that couldn't stop raving about the place. I guess that party was the one who got all the service. Not one authentic apology from this place, which was really placed this restaurant on the never again scale.

I wouldn't even go here again with a 2 person party because clearly the servers can't handle it and it is a waste of money for the experience. There a ton of beautiful quaint places in Toronto, find somewhere else to spend your hard earned $150 pp you'll end up spending and at least you'll be treated with respect (hopefully)...

I'm taking my daughter out for dinner last week. We were greeted kindly and asked whether we had a problem being seated at a secluded table as we wanted to sit on the patio. We didn't mind as we had a lot to discuss, so we sat down at that table. Soon after we made our choice of two different pastas and a salad to share, it took about 15 to 20 minutes to get a simple salad of arugula and Parmesan shavings. After waiting for another 15 to 20 minutes we were approached by one of the other waiters that there were some bigger parties and it would take slightly longer. We ordered another portion of sticks of bread because we were getting really hungry. That portion was served quickly after and after finishing that, we waited and waited and waited even longer, until after the hour mark we finally decided to leave. Unfortunately, the only cash I had in my wallet was a $20 bill, so I left that on the table as I'm not a thief. The salad was $14 and frankly I, didn't want to leave a dollar more than that. I know the food is overpriced there for what you're getting but the ambiance is generally nice. The fact that you sometimes have to wait somewhat longer I can totally understand. What I can't accept though, is to be completely ignored in the process, aside from that one waiter, who wasn't even ours. The kind lady who greeted us and sat us at the table, we haven't seen after that initial greeting anymore. My daughter noticed that some staff were even avoiding eye contact with her, probably realising what kind of terrible service they provided. I don't think anyone even noticed that we left and it doesn't need explaining that that was my last visit there, same for my family, F'amelia!! (Pun...

To begin, the food was excellent and the wine was great. I also enjoyed the service from the staff, and the experience overall was pleasant. This restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere and is a wonderful Italian spot for Toronto. However, it was disappointing when the waiter who was serving my table mentioned that we should leave at least a 15% gratuity. We were a little thrown aback as we have always tipped the waitstaff as much as we could afford at the time. Unsure of where this comment had come from, I tipped 18% for reasons listed above. Yet, another member at the table tipped $1.50 short of 15%. To which the server noted that their tip was under the 15% they had asked for earlier. The server was slightly upset at the fact and this left me confused and disappointed. I always find it in bad taste when servers pressure customers to tip. It should not be explicitly stated, especially to those who come often and have a record of tipping regularly. The economy is rough on all of us right now and as much as I understand the need for businesses to make a profit at this time, especially ones as great as F'amelia, it should also be noted that everyone, including consumers are struggling as well. Dining experiences should not, in my opinion, be exclusive to those who can provide grandiose tips. Those who still go out, such as I, do our best to give what we can alongside the cost of the bill on its own. I really hope this message comes across as constructive and...