The Oxley — Restaurant in Toronto

First time dining there last night for the "NYE Dinner" pre fix menu. We made our reso for this after scrutinizing over other restaurant options for our New Years Eve plans.. sadly I'd say we definitely should've gone with somewhere else. We stood in the doorway, waiting to be acknowledged for some time, even though there were plenty staff walking around. Once seated we were given the regular menu as well as the little NYE add on menu. Our server came over after a while and asked if we would like water, we said yes but as she was already walking away I clarified saying we preferred sparkling and actually had had enough time to pick a cocktail as well.. it all seemed rushed and impersonal from the get go. Once she returned, she asked if we were ready to order.. we had to ask her to actually explain the NYE menu to us, (on Open Table we specifically reserved for this so it's odd that they not only give the other menu as well but don't even have the servers acknowledging the NYE menu in the slightest). We ordered the one app that was part of the menu, as well as our main course, tried to order the desert at the same time but we were told not to. Eventually, a runner then brings us.. our main course. No sign of an app. We advised him of this and he returned with the app instead of the mains. Okay, fine.. so the app was alright, but underwhelming. We take our time eating it. Then once it's cleared, the runner once again returns with the mains.. advising the plates are "extremely hot". These are quite obviously the same ones they tried to deliver to us 20 minutes prior and had just been sitting under the heat lamp, baking until we were actually ready for them. The server never once acknowledged this error either. The food was alright, but definitely would've been better if it was made for us when it was suppose to be. Considering the cost of some of this (one cocktail was $32), and the novelty of the evening being that it's NYE, you would think more effort and care would go into it by the staff and establishment. Why bother advertising for this pre set menu if it just going to be haphazardly executed? We left feeling like we overpaid for a completely lacklustre meal and experience. Wishing we had chosen somewhere to spend...

4.5/5

In my ongoing pursuit of Toronto's best fish and chips, I've visited notable establishments like Fresco, Sea Witch, and Old Yorke. Unfortunately, most of them fell short of my expectations, except for Old Yorke. However, a new contender has emerged that might just surpass the reigning champion: Oxley.

Upon entering Oxley, you'll be greeted by an ambiance that effortlessly combines the elegance of a British pub with a welcoming atmosphere. The expansive back patio invites patrons to relax and enjoy their meal in style. With a two-story layout, it creates a secluded garden-like space that feels like a hidden gem.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the fish and chips. Oxley's choice of fish is the haddock.The delicate, golden batter encases the fish perfectly, providing a satisfying crunch. Unlike the heavy batter found at Sea Witch, each bite at Oxley strikes the right balance between fish and coating, ensuring a delightful texture and flavor combination.

Accompanying the fish are a range of delightful flavors. A sprinkle of flaky salt enhances the natural taste of the fish, while a gentle squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing citrus kick. The tartar sauce, slightly thicker than usual, surprises with its light and tangy profile. And here's where Oxley takes an unexpected twist: their unique sauce, reminiscent of the iconic butter chicken, adds a captivating dimension to the dish. The fusion of vibrant tomatoes, warm spices, and succulent fish creates a harmonious and memorable flavor experience.

Let's not forget about the fries, which offer a departure from the ordinary. These larger-cut delights boast a fluffy interior and a golden exterior, reminiscent of the chips found in authentic British establishments. Although they may lack the traditional crunch, their unique texture adds an interesting element to the overall enjoyment.

While my search for Toronto's ultimate fish and chips continues, Oxley has undeniably made a lasting impression. If you're seeking a top-notch fish and chips experience in a welcoming setting, Oxley is an establishment that deserves...

Floating in my glass of water was a long strand of curly hair and we only noticed this after a few sips. I emmediatly asked for the manager Lauren to address this and she informed us that she would. Prior to our lunch arriving I specifically asked for their assurance that extra precautions be made to ensure nobody else's DNA was going to land in our food (which nobody should have to experience). Finally, we finished lunch.. bill comes, and no followup. As an avid resteraunt goer I have to say this was unacceptable that I literally had to get out of my seat and approach Lauren (the service manager) and prompt her attention to the fact that our water had someone else's hair in it clearly visible through the water glass and witnessed by both staff and manager. Her reply was that she called the owners up (if you can belive that an actually call was even nessisary at this point) and had to ask them what to do.. The eye opener here is that Andrew Carter (Owner of Oxley and Wickson Social) said that becuase there was no hair in the food portion of the meal it was an out from having to offer compensation. Yes, this was a yorkville resteraunt at that, and felt no shame or responsibility for this horrible expereince. They did however offer desert which we were not intersted in. Lastly, you'd expect better service from a fast food chain being this The Oxley a yorkville brand, and they certainly don't treat their "valued" customers with any appreciation at all... We were both offened, and it almost ruined our day on how shocked we were to experience utter disregard and lack of accountability to atleast deduct one full meal off the bill as any polished business owner would have done. They finally decided to "discount " a mean a few dollars after all the back and forth and frustration. Bottom line, they lost 2 loyal customers for $7.50 cents.. Never going back based on principal.. and the food is just average at best and certainly no wow factor given the client demographic...