Milou — Restaurant in Toronto

UPDATE: The "owner" has graciously responded. Seems like several customers of colour had similar experiences. They then attacked me saying that I'm a wonderful person because I pointed out issues I was having. The only reason I took the time to write this review was because I have never had an experience like this. I don't want money, in fact, I want nothing to do with your establishment, and your third rate experience, however I strongly encourage other POC who have had experiences like mine at your location to continue to leave their reviews. Seems like they were already doing that without my encouragement. And in toronto nonetheless. Oh, and just to snipe back: you think I care what your lower tiered restaurant staffed by unprofessional staff think? Cute. Also your response of "No, just No!" when I brought up the sentiment that your staff may have problems with specific races really gives insight into the fact that you most likely tolerate this kind of behaviour. Abhorrent, but not surprising based on other reviews. Well done.

To say that the experience we had at Milou was strange would be an understatement. We showed up on a sunday afternoon where the indoor section was approximately 75% empty, however asked for the patio where we were seated immediately. The host was welcoming and pleasant.

We then ordered a bottle of wine, which was delivered relatively promptly. However, about 20 minutes later we asked the server if we could order food at which point we were told the following:

1. We could not be served food (we asked for table fries just for something to eat with the bottle that we had purchased) because the seats we were in (in the temporary patio), were in fact "Cafe TO" seats.

2. The seats we were in should be considered "waiting areas" for seats in doors (which at this point, the indoor section was 90% empty) and if we wanted to eat, our server would have to "check if the seats were available".

3. the people sitting at the next set of tables could get food because their seats were "closer to the restaurant" (approximately 90 cm closer than where we were sitting)

4. The food that was on the menus we were provided with when seated, could not be ordered because said seats were part of the CafeTo sitting area.

I will also point out that my dinner partner and I were the only two people of colour of about 30 visible guests. The other non-coloured people (sitting approxmiately 90cm closer to the facade of the restaurant) were being served, no questions asked. I was hoping that this was just an odd coincidence UNTIL another person of colour was seated in the so-called "acceptable" eating area (where we saw patrons being served before that person arrived) and the same "sorry, this is a cafeTO area" excuse to deny her food service was provided. We left shortly after witnessing this.

Allow me to point out that you are in violation of several municipal and provincial by laws including the following:

1. Ontario Liquor Control Act, Reg. 747/21 sec. 22(1)
2. Ontario Liquor Control Act, Reg. 746/21 sec. 41 (5) 3)§742-2.1D of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 742 - Guidelines for Cafe Toronto.

Along with this, it was the derogatory and pejorative tone that the server "explained these rules" to us. We wanted to spend money, we had already spent almost $100 on a bottle of white with intention to spend more, but after hearing this absurd reliance on misquoted rules and bylaws, coupled with the aforementioned 'diversity challenges' (to use a polite term), we took our business elsewhere. We still tipped, we were exceptionally polite to the server, however, were just shocked at a dining experience that can only be described as bizarre.

Further to this, this is a severe health risk. Providing alcohol without food leads to over-intoxication and opens the unsuspecting customer to heightened risk of injury or assault. Coach your staff to ensure that the next time they attempt to rely on rules and regs, that they actually...

Went here for dinner tonight based off a recommendation. The indoor decor was nice and it wasn't too packed (this probably due to it being a warm day and it just having rained). There's no AC, but there are fans. That said, as a sweaty boy (and I'm including this for team overactive sweat glands), it did little to cut the humidity and meat sweats.

We were seated promptly and service was decent throughout.

We ordered the steak tartare appetizer, a couple of cocktails, and the steak frites as an entree. I had never had steak tartare before, but it's definitely something I would try again based on my experience here. The pistachios were a good touch and the bread was fresh and toasted right. The bread to tartare to gherkin ratio was good as well.

With the entrees, the fries came out piping hot - probably the hottest well-seasoned fries I've ever had. They tasted amazing and were plated with thought as most were crispy and the steak juices claimed but few fries. The aioli was good - definitely above average but par for the course for restaurants like this that hold themselves to a higher standard. The gravy sauce was okay as well, but I tried my best to just taste the steak alone.

Cooked well to temperature (I ordered mine medium rare) and was definitely better than something you'd get at places like the Keg, Moxies, etc. It's not fair to compare them to these restaurants as I believe that the steak is levels above those restaurants but is a touch below Cote de Boeuf. Cote de Boeuf had a bit more depth of flavor and meatier taste. Both of them lack smoky flavor which is something I like for my steaks, but they don't market themselves as possessing such. Major props to them for not having barbecue sauce available as I believe this shows how much faith they have in their steaks and that they don't need that sauce to mask the taste of it. I asked as a test and smiled when they said no as it also prevented me from participating in a culinary crime. Versus Cote de Boeuf, the fries here were better. In terms of cost, definitely not the most affordable place to go, but I didn't feel short changed given the food we got was delicious. I do wish my steak was bigger, however the tartare portions were good for the price. Menu selection was smaller as well -- I wish they had more offerings, but I understand why they don't. What they do, they do well. 4/5 stars. Will definitely be coming back, and definitely...

Got there 5 minute before opening for brunch. Was glad we were one of the first group and did not have to deal with “Sunday Torontonian brunch line ups.”

I was excited to try their beef tongue stroganoff and coq au vin sandwiches without realizing that menu has changed a while ago. They don’t have a website and their instagram has no updated menu posted. Was disappointed that now their brunch menu has nothing but ordinary dishes. But I guess that will please most of patrons who enjoy more familiar dishes.

Really cool French bistro vibe with open concept. Loved that we were seated by the open window on a sunny day and felt like we were sitting at the patio.

You can’t go wrong with Demello coffee. It was a great start! My latte($4.50) was excellent!

Milou burger($24) was served medium well done when we actually ordered to be medium. Meat quality was very good though. Loved layers of shaved lettuce in it. However edge of bun was toasted hard and ruined the experience. Excellent fries with homemade mayo to forget about burger though.

Croque Madame($18) was a solid dish. We got very full after the bite of bechamel sauce with runny egg yolk along with swiss cheese & ham.

I was recommended by reviewers that we must finish up with their basque cheese cake($8). We waited over 30 minute for a slice of a cake( which gave us more time to chat and enjoyed the vibes) then when cake was served, I could not believe how dense, salty and dry the cake was. We ended up not finishing a slice between two people. When I looked at the slice of cheese cake pic on their instagram, it looked very moist. There must be some kind of mistake in the kitchen yesterday.

This is my personal preference. I wished they had better choice of hot sauce...