La Plume — Restaurant in Toronto

My friends and I chose La Plume for a special dinner, as one of us was visiting from the States and this was her last day in Toronto. Unfortunately, our experience fell extremely short of expectations, and we were thoroughly disappointed and embarrassed.

We began with cocktails, but found half of them to be watered down (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails) and difficult to enjoy. Although we have never before sent back drinks, we apologetically requested replacements, which our server reluctantly provided.

The appetizers were unremarkable: the Belgioioso burrata was unseasoned and bland, the tempura shrimp and vegetables were forgettable and lacked distinction. The only enjoyable appetizer was the beef tartare (the only positive aspect of our experience). However, the main courses were even more disappointing. The steak au poivre consisted of an overbearing, excessive coating of whole peppercorns that took away from the rest of the flavours on the plate, making it difficult to enjoy a single bite (literally MULTIPLE whole peppercorns in every bite of the steak). Additionally, the mashed potatoes were unseasoned and gummy, resembling the consistency of boxed instant mashed potatoes. My friends’ spaghetti vongole was excessively salty, gnocchi was unseasoned, and the ocean trout was uninspired and lacked refinement.

Unfortunately, our server did not return to check on us after the entrees arrived, leaving us unable to address these issues. Given the high-end pricing, we anticipated a superior dining experience, but instead found the food and service to be below average.

We had hoped for a memorable dining experience to cap off our friend's trip, but instead it became memorable for all the wrong reasons. There are other French restaurants in Toronto that offer better quality food and service at a comparable price point. While we are more than willing to pay a premium for exceptional dining, this experience did not justify the cost. I have always wanted to try the Oliver & Bonacini restaurants, however this visit has left us with a negative impression of Oliver & Bonacini, and we are unlikely to return to any of their...

Food Omelette had very little favour and very runny inside, plus the brie on top(which was great) made it extra gooey, I dont like runny eggs, but there was very little seasoning to make it palatable, the shredded hash bits were nice and helped but ya... the Tartar Crostini was suuuper good, love tartar, love the flavors bread was nice compliment the iberico was very delicious but SUPER thin so pairing it with the bread heavily overwhelmed the pork. There were these little peppers plated with it that complimented it very well, but you can barely touch the bread if you want to enjoy it.

Drinks we came at happy hour which was soooo worth it because all drinks are half price. I think they really shine with the drinks. We had four (QU'EST-CE QUE C'EST, ÉPIQUE!, LA COQUETTE, and PLUME STAR MARTINI). They were all very good, but the questce que cest and epique were divine. (Pics attached) The Plume star was like a more mid version of the questce que cest

Service hostess was struggggling. We got there at 2 and it seems like brunch is supposed to go until 230 but she seemed very confused about this and just gave us the lunch menu. I asked is this the brunch and she said yes. I didnt wanna press the issue tho our main thing was to come for the brunch, really wanted the eggs benny, which is not on the lunch menu. Then she says later that brunch is only on the weekends? Im still confused. Nor does it say that anywhere. Next struggle was identifying the HAPPY HOUR... the sign outside says 2pm, the website says 2pm, she thinks its 3pm. She goes and asks and it is indeed 2pm, gives us the bites menu which also says 2pm finally gives the half priced drinks deal. waitress was new, it was her first shift so cant fault her for anything

CONCLUSION All in all, pretty good meal, the flavor range was nice (which im big on) definitely want to try more things on the menu (especially the freaking eggs benny). The happy hour is GOATed for sure and the drinks are INSANELY good at those...

Our initial reservation was for a Tuesday, however due to historical summer storm that brought chaos over the entire city, the reservation was cancelled due to loss of power. The restaurant offers the possibility to dine inside or outside the patio. We made the online reservation for patio, however upon arrival we were told that the patio can't be reserved and is filled with patrons on a first come first served base. We asked to be accommodate on the patio, however we were told that it may take a bit as they need to both clear and set up the table. Looked that the place was either understaffed or it was a very busy Thursday night as it took a while to get the table ready. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful. The patio was great too and loved that they welcome patrons and their pets. It was a girl's night out celebrating wedding anniversaries for 2 of us (32 & respective 34 years of marriage). We've started our evening with drinks, however one of us managed to spill the entire drink on the dress. We used 2 of our fabric napkins to dab the drink of the dress. We reordered another drink and ask for replacement of the napkins. As I mentioned, the place was either understaffed, a Thursday night bussier than normal or just not quite to the par trained staff. It took about 25 min to bring the drink, that came almost at the end of the meal. The napkins were never replaced. We have ordered duck breast, ocean trout and steak au poivre. Duck breast, and the ocean trout were great, however the mash potato that came with the steak was completely cold and we asked to be heated. We appreciate that the restaurant took the plate back but never expected for them to provide a brand new steak order. By the time the steak was served, the 2 of us finished the dinner all readdy. The food was great but the delays, the unfulfilled requests spoilled the celebration dinner. Verry disappointed of the service, most likely won't go back...