Instant du palais — Restaurant in Toronto

the food here cannot be compared to anyone else. the grilled chicken and grilled tilapia with that veggie sauce are life changing! probably some of the best plantains in the city, done just how i like. nice and ripe, always consistent. i hope they expand their dessert and appetizer menu; i think there's more of ivorian cuisine that can be highlighted in those sections.

ive been here several times, and with most african restaurants, because the food is made to order, youll probably have to wait ~30 mins for your food, but always worth it.

i understand the food being slow, however; the operation unfortunately falls apart a little when they get busy. i went on a saturday night for my friend's birthday, and it was the first time that i was honestly annoyed with the service. i've never been on a busy night, i know busy nights are stressful for everyone, but this was a bit over what i could easily brush off. our waitress was slow, my drinks honestly came after both my appetizer and main because they ran out of ice. they literally had to send some guy out to go to the store and get more ice. we see him running back in with bags of ice, and it still took like 20 mins for my drink to come out, probably due to backup. also, my friends chicken came out quite pink. when we let the server know, she told us "she let the kitchen know and will make sure they do better next time" ... girl. risking salmonella is not a "do better next time" thing, it's a health hazard and sours anyone's eating experience. she noticed that we were not satisfied with that response at all, so she called over her manager who said she'd get us another piece of chicken. when the manager did bring the extra piece of chicken over, she dropped it on the table pretty abruptly and was like "you're good now right?" we found the behaviour just a little aggressive and weird.

but, i will also say, that is the only time ive had bad service with them. the owner, carelle (i think thats how you spell her name), has always otherwise been very nice and pleasant, and so have the servers; but i feel like you can tell the servers aren't very experienced, they seem a bit shy and quiet. of course we're all human, everyone can't always be on 100, but in a service role, it's expected that one should be a bit more lively.

i still give them 5 stars because the fish is really just that good 😅 and i've honestly eaten here maybe 8 times, so i won't let one experience sour my final rating. i HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this spot, definitely worth travelling/commuting for, wherever you're at in the city. if they up their service, it could really be a top notch establishment that can compete with other specialty eateries...

🌟🍽️ A Taste of West Africa's Culinary Marvels 🌍🥘

Indulging in the vibrant flavors of West Africa is an immersive journey that we recently experienced at IDP. Nestled in the heart of Toronto, this restaurant effortlessly transports diners to the rich and diverse culinary landscape of the west African region.

Upon stepping in, we were embraced by the warmth of the ambiance, exuding an authentic African charm with colorful décor and soulful rhythms. The menu, a tantalizing mosaic of West African delicacies, is a testament to the chef's dedication to preserving traditional recipes while infusing modern creativity.

The feast commenced with aromatic plantain waffle—a symphony of spices—perfectly complemented by the savory richness of Virgin Thieb seasoned rice, each spoonful a delightful revelation. The goat meat, a succulent grilled meat dish, exuded an enticing aroma, tantalizing the taste buds with its smoky flavors and perfectly balanced seasoning.

The diversity of flavors continued to captivate with dishes like fragrant West Explosion paired with aromatic peanut soup, a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes that left a lasting impression. The melt-in-your-mouth stew and the vibrant array of plantains showcased the restaurant's dedication to authenticity and excellence.

Moreover, the impeccable service and hospitality added an extra layer of delight to the entire dining experience. The staff's knowledge and enthusiasm in explaining each dish's origin and significance contributed to the cultural immersion, making the meal not just a feast for the palate but a journey through West Africa's rich culinary heritage.

Whether a connoisseur of West African cuisine or an adventurous food enthusiast seeking new flavors, IDP is an absolute gem not to be missed. It's a haven where taste buds dance, senses awaken, and cultural boundaries blur in an unforgettable celebration of West African gastronomy. Without a doubt, it's a culinary adventure that I eagerly anticipate revisiting, savoring each bite and experiencing the...

My family and I were craving Attieke and came across Instant du Palais! We looked at photos through their instagram and also read the reviews and decided to give it a try. We ordered the food and went to pick up. When we arrived, we paid cash($100 and our bill was $99) the cashier didn’t have $1 change, making us spend an extra $2 to buy a drink which was annoying but not that big of a deal. When we reached home, the first thing we tried was the Tilapia which was STALE. From the first bite, you could tell that it was NOT FRESH. But nonetheless, we spent $100 on this food and didn’t want it to go to waste. The next morning, everyone who ate the food was vomiting and had bad diarrhea. I personally would never eat from here again and if you do plan on ordering from here, please please please be careful!

I see that you’ve replied to my review and I wish I could reply but I can’t so I have to edit my review. Firstly, it was more than just one order, we ordered multiple things and got sides as well, and the grand total came up to $99. Secondly, when we paid, we were told that you had no change and that the drinks were $3, and we had to add $2 more on top of the $100 bill. Thirdly, it was most definitely your restaurant and this is just MY personal experience of it. There’s no harm in sharing with story and the experience that I had with Instant Du...