Pantheon Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

Having had moussaka ($33.95) at more chain-like Greek restaurants, Pantheon’s version is lighter and fresher tasting. The potato layer feels fluffy and sandwiches thinly sliced eggplant, so the aubergine is rather pronounced. The ground beef mixture wasn’t overly spiced and even the bechamel sauce was a thin layer, so it toasts the top but doesn’t saturate the slice. Ultimately, it’s not heavy so you could get through a full portion.

A flaming saganaki ($19.95), the pan fried kefalotiri cheese, is a staple in Canadian Greek restaurants. It seems touristy to order but there’s something endearing about setting a piece of cheese on fire and yelling “opa”! For me, the dish is more for the atmosphere than taste. Pantheon pan fries the cheese well, so it develops a crust even prior to flambeeing and serves it as a thick gooey slice. If only the accompanying bread wasn’t so dry and mealy, a good saganaki calls for a better complement.

Almost all their mains arrive with a sizeable Greek side salad that’s smartly served first containing ample amounts of crumbled feta and some tomato, cucumbers, and onion over romaine. Their dressing is different, tamer and while still acidic there’s a sweetness to it. Not sure, but perhaps they use a red wine vinegar and then blend the ingredients together so it’s better combined?

With the fishkebob souvlaki ($36.95) I was expecting fish, but it’s really a seafood kebob containing shrimp, calamari and mushroom. It’s cooked well with a faint grilled aroma, very tender, and lightly salted.

Sadly, my steamed vegetables were merely carrots and didn’t have the delicious garlicky green beans included on my friends’ plates. Luckily, there was plenty with the moussaka so I could augment mine. At least there was an ample portion of roasted lemon potatoes that were soft and fluffy with a refreshing pronounced citrus finish.

Pantheon doesn’t skimp on the lamb chops that arrive with the entrée. And if you can’t decide on what protein you’d like, their menu also offers some as add-ons. The lamb chop by the piece ($11.95) was bit gamier than I’d like but was cooked to a perfect medium doneness.

A complimentary honey cake arrives for the table and is almost like having baklava in cake form. Just watch out, as the moist crumbly cake is difficult to pick up with a fork. Don’t waste a bit of this delicious dessert, just use...

We've been a loyal patron of Pantheon for over a decade, frequently recommending it to friends and family for its consistently excellent food. But after my most recent visit, I feel compelled to share a deeply disappointing experience, one that shook my trust in the customer service I've come to expect from this beloved spot.

My partner and I had a 5:30PM reservation and were called ahead of time to ask if we'd be comfortable sitting near the kitchen due to the evening’s high volume. We appreciated the courtesy and agreed without hesitation, fully understanding the circumstances. When we arrived, the hostess reconfirmed our seating arrangement, which we again accepted.

However, upon being shown to our table, we were stunned. The spot prepared for us was cluttered with boxes, papers, cables, and debris, nothing close to ready for diners. The tablecloth was visibly filthy and dust-covered, a sign that it had been neglected for far too long. It was upsetting to be seated at a table that felt more like a storage corner than a place for guests.

Having such fond memories of Pantheon, we tried to address the situation respectfully by speaking with the manager. Unfortunately, his reaction turned our concern into genuine disappointment. Instead of listening and offering a solution in a calmly manner, he responded with rudeness and disregard. His attitude was disheartening and unacceptable, especially from someone in a leadership role in hospitality. It ruined our evening and appetite, and we ultimately chose to leave.

Despite the incredible food that keeps us coming back, this experience was enough to make us hesitate. We will continue dining at Pantheon, but sadly, no longer feel comfortable recommending it to our loved ones. No guest should ever have to feel dismissed or disrespected, especially in a place they’ve...

Disappointing Dining Experience at Pantheon: Lack of Genuine Hospitality and Service

Arriving for a late lunch around 2:00 PM, Pantheon Restaurant in Toronto was bustling with around 30 to 40 patrons still enjoying their meals. Despite not having a reservation, we were promptly seated at a table at the very back of the restaurant, revealing its narrow and elongated layout akin to a lengthy hallway.

While the food quality was satisfactory, if not slightly above average, the prices leaned towards the higher side, which seems to be the norm in Toronto. We appreciated the tablecloth and bread service, but what truly disappointed was the lack of genuine hospitality and attentive service.

With only one waiter managing the entire restaurant, along with occasional assistance from the manager, the level of service fell short of expectations. The waiter appeared overwhelmed, spending minimal time with each table, barely taking more than a few seconds to attend to our needs throughout the meal.

Moreover, the claim of a broken credit card terminal at the end of our meal, resulting in a cash-only payment requirement, left a sour taste. Although we managed to scrape together enough cash, witnessing other guests effortlessly paying by card heightened our dissatisfaction.

Attempts to express our discontent were met with indifference, as the waiter failed to acknowledge our presence or concerns. This experience left us feeling like mere assembly line products rather than valued patrons.

Suggestions for improvement are clear: honesty about technical issues, adequate staffing to provide genuine hospitality, and ensuring timely service. Despite previous positive experiences, this disappointing visit has left us reluctant to return to Pantheon Restaurant...