Pastel Creperie & Dessert House — Restaurant in Toronto

Food: 2 Stars Service: 2 Stars Ambience: 1 Stars Value: 1 Stars Overall: 1.5 Stars

The crepes at Pastel Creperie & Dessert House are satisfactory, but the overall dining experience left much to be desired. While the flavours of the crepes themselves were decent, the presentation was surprisingly lacklustre. Despite opting to dine in, the crepes were served on flimsy paper styrofoam plates with disposable plastic cutlery, which made the meal feel more like a quick bite at a food court rather than a leisurely experience in a café setting. This detracted significantly from the enjoyment of the food, as the practicality of eating a delicate crepe with plastic utensils on a paper plate proved to be quite challenging.

The ambiance of the place also fell short of expectations. With only a handful of tables available, the space felt cramped and lacked the cozy charm one would expect from a dedicated creperie and dessert house. Instead, it resembled more of a transient spot within a shopping mall rather than a place to sit back and savour a dessert. This environment made it difficult to relax and enjoy the meal fully.

Adding to the underwhelming experience was the establishment's dining policy, which felt unnecessarily restrictive. The insistence on timed seating to make room for other customers created an awkward atmosphere, leaving diners feeling rushed and pressured. Such policies may be practical during peak hours but seemed out of place in a supposed café setting where patrons typically expect a more laid-back dining experience.

While the service itself was adequate, the overall atmosphere and dining logistics overshadowed the positives. The potential of Pastel Creperie & Dessert House to offer a delightful dining experience with its menu of crepes and desserts is evident, but improvements in presentation, ambiance, and dining policies are crucial for it to live up to its full potential.

In conclusion, while the crepes themselves were enjoyable, the overall experience at Pastel Creperie & Dessert House was marred by its presentation, ambiance, and dining policies. Addressing these areas could greatly enhance the dining experience and make it a more inviting destination for patrons seeking a relaxed and enjoyable...

Disappointed in the New Normal at Pastel

I have been a loyal patron of Pastel for years, drawn initially by their delicious food and the inviting, cozy atmosphere they used to offer before the pandemic hit. However, it's with a heavy heart that I share how drastically my experience has changed during my recent visits. It seems Pastel is stuck in a perpetual COVID era, failing to move forward with the times.

Upon entering, the first thing that greets you is a large garbage bag, overflowing with used styrofoam plates, plastic cutlery, and other disposable items from previous diners. This sight is not only unwelcoming but also subtracts from the dining experience I once cherished. The use of disposable dining ware might have been understandable at the peak of the pandemic, but as we navigate towards normalcy, it feels outdated and frankly, depressing, not to mention it is a terrible waste for the environment.

Moreover, the plastic dividers that line the counter, intended for safety during the pandemic, now serve as a barrier in more ways than one. They not only make it difficult to communicate with the staff when placing an order but also detract from the aesthetic and ambiance of the place. These dividers, which now appear dingy and unattractive, transform what used to be a warm and inviting space into something resembling a hospital during the COVID crisis.

It's truly disheartening to witness the transformation of what was once my go-to spot into a place that seems to have lost its essence. The excellence of the food remains undeniable, but the overall experience is now overshadowed by a lingering sense of gloom and a reminder of the pandemic's darkest days. I hope Pastel reevaluates its current setup and recaptures the inviting atmosphere that many of us fell in love with. Until then, I find myself reminiscing about the past rather than looking forward to...

This lovely creperie and desert house has been a pillar of this community for 15 years now. I started coming here with my wife pretty much since they opened and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. And because the owner still laughs at my terrible jokes. 😅

As for the food, it's fantastic and I'm so happy to see that in such a long time they haven't changed their recipe. Their crepes are absolutely delectable and are all made fresh to order with fresh toppings like bananas and strawberries. They have some deserts as well which are also very nice, as well as an assortment of hot and cold beverages to enjoy with your meal.

The service is wonderful. The staff are always happy and smiling, very friendly and helpful. Sometimes it can be a challenge to get a hold of one, such as when you want to take care of your bill or ask for something - but that's only when they're very busy (which admittedly is quite often). You can tell that they enjoy what they do and are focused on taking care of their guests, and that's a hallmark of any good establishment.

The decor is largely unchanged from when they opened, though that's not a bad thing. Inside the mood is bright and pleasant, often with some soft jazz playing in the background. For warmer days they do also have a patio. The only reason this wasn't rated a perfect 5 is that sometimes it can be mind numbingly loud in here. While that's a good reflection of the restaurant doing a good job and staying busy, it also means having conversations can be challenging at times.

Overall this is a fantastic place to go after dinner or anytime you're craving something sweet. It's bright and clean, has great staff and a simple yet delicious menu with something for everyone. This one is very easily highly...