GOCHU LIBRE KANTINA — Restaurant in Toronto

I'm writing this review after going to the Overpressure Club x Bee's Knees collab with Keisuke Yamamoto

Here's the TLDR: Great drinks, service collapsed under pressure.

I've come here a handful of times with my wife, and we've always enjoyed their drinks. The bartenders, Sasha and Nick are great and have great energy and on a typical day, the service is great.

So why am I writing a review now? To provide feedback on what seemed to be the most chaotic and unorganized event I've been to.

Available tables upon arriving, but couldnt sit at table and only stand at bar. No explanation why we couldn't sit down, later assume people sitting at table are special guests. No food after 7pm, but wanted to make an order around 6:40ish and were told we can't order food. However, guests beside us AT THE BAR were able to order food AFTER 7pm. Nice. Better yet, I see Nick bringing food out to tables. Told by bartender to make an order with the servers on the floor, but that same bartender takes an order from guests at the bar. Cool. Was able to finally get an order of drinks in 20 mins after Keisuke-san took over the bar. You know it's bad when the guest bartender is asking if you were able to order yet. Drinks made but sitting on the counter for a prolonged period. Ordered a hoji tea cafe and was served a drink that was sitting for 5 mins at least. Asked to move out to the patio. No issues with that, but no one ever came out to check up on us. Not even once. At this point, not worth staying any longer.

It just felt like the people sitting at the table got more service than those standing at the bar. If it was walk-in only, how can we get a table? Be a special guest? Someone that works as an industry professional?

If that may be the case how about having a night only for those who work in the industry and then another where it's only for customers? Or how about letting customers experience drinks early and then industry people later?

I'm sure there were better ways to run today's guest bartender event especially if it was already anticipated the demand would be high.

I'm sure the team will learn a lot from tonight, but tonights disappointing service just overshadows the...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this Japanese-inspired bar that left me eager to return with family and friends. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the attentive and friendly service. Despite arriving without a reservation on a weekend evening, I was seated at the best table in the house, a testament to their hospitality.

The atmosphere was plush, colourful and inviting, adding to the overall dining experience. The restaurant's gorgeous bathroom wallpaper featuring zebras was a delightful touch.

The happy hour menu offered excellent value for money. I indulged in a $13 radicchio rosita handmade tequila cocktail, four $2 PEI oysters served with incredible accompaniments/condiments, and $9 for three delicious beef short rib croquettes with a scrumptious gribiche sauce.

I also enjoyed a mushroom-dusted mocktail from the nitro tap.

If I had to find fault, it would be with the temperature of the broccolini with egg, which was a bit too cold for my liking. However, this minor flaw did not detract from an otherwise exceptional dining experience.

Overall, I highly recommend this establishment, which is connected to Project Gigglewater, for its exceptional food, cocktails, service and atmosphere. I look forward to...

I came here on a Saturday night for a date night. The bar itself is pretty cool and modern. There is also Japanese inspired art decorating the walls.

It is on the smaller side, and the tables are really crammed in to maximize the space. Unfortunately for us we went during a peak time so it was quite loud (I couldn't hear the servers when they came to explain the dishes or check in on us). I also could barely hear my boyfriend and he was sitting across from me.

The food menu is limited (about 3-4 dishes per type). But there is an extensive drink menu (essentially cocktails on tap) so you can tell that is their bread and butter.

The drinks are well mixed, with unique combinations that just somehow work. The food on the other hand was mid. It's well presented and on small plates. I really liked the oysters, the tofu and mushroom dishes. The eggplant and the karaage were okay. My boyfriend also thought the pork jowel was too salty.

The servers were all super lovely though. Very friendly and attentive despite the busy atmosphere.

I think this spot would be a great nightcap, and probably good for a date night if you go on at at...