Garden Gate Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Me and my partner went here for dinner. Our server was this elderly man. Originally everything was going ok. However, during our dinner (despite it being pretty quiet) the server didn’t check up on our table once or come to refill the water. Also when we asked for the bill, he didn’t ask how we were splitting it. Just slammed the receipt on our table and left the machine. We decided not to leave a tip due to not having received any service throughout our stay. This was fine with us and we just decided to tip due to that reason. However, the elderly man came back to us (after we told him we don’t need the receipt) and said “oh this is your receipt, by the way the total didn’t include the tip. You guys pressed no tip so i’m just going to leave the receipt here for you even tho you don’t want it.” This is where it rubbed me the wrong way. The food was mediocre and fair for its price. However, the atmosphere, arrive (or lack of it) and unnecessary hostility from our server really solidified not leaving a tip. Even if some service was given, like refilling the water, asking if everything was ok, then I wouldn’t have minded leaving something as my appreciation. However, when not doing the basics of your job or going beyond that and expecting something from your customers, i believe it’s not worth coming here. If you want cheap takeout food this is the place, however I do not recommend if you are dining in or expecting some...

We have heard such good things about this restaurant and have ordered the orange chicken a few times. First two times it was good but the last time it was tough and dried out even with the sticky sauce. But the worst was tonight. I ordered Wanton Soup with bbq pork. The soup stock tasted like coloured water. It had been watered down so bad it literally had NO flavour. Plus there were only 2 little pieces of pork and 4 wontons in a small container. That’s it. Not even a piece of green onion. Also the lotus rice seemed like it was frozen and then microwaved!!! The rice was burnt onto the lotus leaf with it being hard and dried out. I had to try and scrape it off but couldn’t so half of it went into the garbage. It was the same for both. I love sticky rice and have it at places all the time or buy it in bulk and steam at home. I’ve never had this experience with any rice before. When I called about the soup, the restaurant didn’t take any accountability and told me “ tastes fine to us” even though all my family tasted the soup and agreed it tasted like warm water. What a waste of $25. Two tiny dried up lotus rice and a watered down so called wonton. That’s it. And half went into the garbage. Now I’m going to Wendy’s drive through because I’m starving. Very disappointed with the food and customer service. I will not be recommending...

i will start with the good, the service is on point as long as its not busy, the server is there making sure you are taken care of.

the bad is the dishes aren't the best nor near good, its alright. Caesar salad didn't have much sauce, and its really basic compared to other places around the area. I had better, the portion is decent but not worth getting.

the garden gate beef looks like it was warmed up in a microwave, not spicy at all, very chewy, and rubber like feel. It is labelled as their signature dish which is why I ordered it, my eyes could not eat it at first sight, nor did my taste buds like it.... let it go back to the kitchen. No way am I taking this home in a container. Same for the caesar salad... no pictures taken because my statements here should paint a vivid picture in your head. The beef wasn't even steamy at all, so I don't know if it was even cooked on a stove/grill.... for sure made in a microwave. We expect better from restaurants on Queen st... will not be returning. Spent under 50$ and learned this place isn't it. You can go try it, they may improve... I hope. The patio is nice for a beer or two, and maybe order fries and onion rings.... at your risk though. Dine, pay and find out. Don't forget to write a review, and take pictures? yeah if its worth taking pictures. Ok now I gotta run to...