Motto — Restaurant in Toronto

Motto, a new spot specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, has recently opened its doors and shows great promise as a comfortable lunch and breakfast destination. It’s clear they are still finding their rhythm a common and expected phase for a newly launched restaurant, but the foundation is certainly appealing.

The first impression of the dining room is great: it’s fresh, clean, well-lit, and spacious. The bright, modern setting creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere perfect for a relaxed start to the day or a casual midday meal. Motto offers a focused menu, providing variety through classic Middle Eastern items like shakshuka, pistachio pancakes, and smoked turkey sandwiches, alongside a standard selection of coffee and teas.

The restaurant demonstrates skill, particularly when handling specific requests.

Hot Chocolate (10/10): Though not formally on the menu, the staff’s ability to accommodate the request was a great sign of customer service. The drink itself was well made and had a perfectly balanced sweetness, securing a rare 10/10 rating a strong positive indicator for their beverage preparation.

Mediterranean Breakfast (8/10): This dish is a hearty and satisfying offering. It’s a fairly large portion that successfully combines several excellent components: two fried eggs, sausage, a zucchini fritter, and olives, complemented by a fresh salad topped with bright pickled onions and creamy feta, alongside toast. The condiments were nice and contributed to an overall very good dish.

As the restaurant continues its "tweaking" phase, there are several key service and menu adjustments that could significantly enhance the dining experience.

Service Refinement (Dish Explanation): A crucial area for improvement lies in the service execution. When the dish is delivered, having the staff briefly explain the contents is highly beneficial, especially for first time guests. This small detail ensures diners understand the components and appreciate the chef's intent, elevating the service from just delivery to hospitality.

Menu Flexibility (Egg Styles): The Mediterranean Breakfast is strong, but offering diners the option for different egg preparations is highly recommended. The current default of fried eggs works, but including choices like scrambled eggs would appeal to a broader audience and is generally standard for breakfast menus of this type.

Expanding the Drinks Menu: Currently, the coffee and tea selection is solid, but the addition of fresh, non alcoholic drinks would be a welcome and thematically appropriate enhancement. Expanding the menu to include items like mint lemonade, fresh orange juice, or a fruit cocktail juice would perfectly complement the fresh, vibrant flavours of the Middle Eastern menu.

Motto is off to a solid start with its clean, bright ambiance and a few standout items. While there is room to improve in overall service polish and menu variety especially the drinks and egg options, these are minor adjustments that can be easily addressed as they gain experience. The strong flavours (like the 10/10 hot chocolate) suggest a capable staff. It is definitely a comfortable spot to keep an eye on, and I would encourage another visit to see how...

Motto is the newest must-visit breakfast spot that's landed on Queen West, and let me tell you, it's already serving up some serious sunshine. This isn't just a "nice" joint; it's a sleek, welcoming haven run by a team so friendly and genuinely warm, you'll feel like you've been invited over for brunch by your coolest, most competent friend.

The Good Stuff : The Pistachio Pancake (A True Legend): Stop what you're doing and order this. Seriously. It's not just a pancake; it's a fluffy, cloud-like canvas smothered in a ridiculously rich, creamy pistachio paste. It's a "wow" moment that justifies the entire trip. If this pancake had a LinkedIn profile, it would be labeled "Expert in Deliciousness."

The Coffee Program: Top-notch. They clearly care about the bean, which is crucial for kickstarting your Queen West day.

Menu Peek: I was too committed to the pistachio dream, but the egg dishes sailing past my table looked like they belonged on a magazine cover. Definitely returning to investigate those.

Now for the plot twist: Motto has an unexpected, built-in thrill ride. Close to the middle of the dining room is a subtle floor dip—a topographical feature I like to call "The Queen West Quirk." If you're not paying attention (perhaps distracted by the sheer beauty of your pancake), you'll feel that little lurch, like you've accidentally stepped onto an invisible, downward-moving travelator. It's not a deal-breaker, just a funny little jolt to remind you to be present! (A tiny sign saying "Caution: Spatula-Sized Floor Gradient" or some bright yellow tape would be an easy fix!)

The Future is Bright: The current drink selection is a bit lean, like a minimalist's cupboard, but given they've just opened, I'm giving them a pass. I have high hopes that a more robust juice and beverage menu is brewing in the background.

Motto is a seriously great breakfast experience. Go for the phenomenal food, stay for the friendly vibes, and enjoy the slight, disorienting thrill of the floor dip. You'll leave full, caffeinated, and ready to...

Wow!!! Just wow! There are not many places with delicious food with all natural healthy ingredients, good atmosphere, excellent service, just perfect location in downtown Toronto. Motto is new cafe/restaurant and I was there on their second day after opening. I had the healthiest and most delicious breakfast plate with a very rich tasted Canadiano (some people call it Americano). Will be back...