Utopia Cafe & Grill — Restaurant in Toronto

I rarely leave reviews, but I hope that this might help the staff and business overall and also manage the expectation of future guests. I actually came to the review section expecting to see a negative review from the table that sat beside us. I don't see one, but that doesn't mean that are telling their friends, and will not be come back themselves. I still feel very inclined to give feedback in hopes of improving the situation in the future.

This reliable brunch spot has a lot going for it. I love the vibe, and the menu. I was so glad to see they are still open after Covid!

I used to live in the area and I took my husband here for brunch on Sunday on a whim, it was his his first time. What's great about this place, chances are you will get a table!

My main feedback is that the serving team needs more support, and communication could be improved. Also, it might be time to remove the large beer fridge's from the front, and remove a few tables overall to make the serving capacity and space more manageable (and safe!)

Our experience wasn't bad, our server was friendly but openly stressed and running off her feet. We weren't in a rush, but it did get to a point where we just wanted to clear out and be one less table for them to worry about.

Anyway, we witnessed a lot going on around us in the back corner of the restaurant.

A guest was trying to flag the server down while she was busing the table next to us, and unfortunately knocked over water glasses in the process. This guest and myself jumped to help catch a few glasses, and in that same breath the guest said "Hey we still haven't ordered, only our drinks no food. Can we please order, I'm so sorry!" - Super awkward. But gives a sense of how much the servers are contending with. Main take away, adding additional support staff to buss tables, and run food would free up time for taking orders or checking in on tables.

I will say, another staff member did show up around 12:30pm, perhaps she was called in? I don't know the reason, could be anything. Car/ transit broke down, not feeling well. However, if it was scheduling, understand keeping staff on call, but I think its better to cut someone home early, then to call them in when the situation is already backed up. As a server it make you really stressed coming in knowing the place it already a s#it show! This server seems nervous and unsure what to tackle.

The situation that bothered me the most, the mid-30''s aged guys who sat down beside us (in that hungover, hangry category) - were getting very impatient with delays in receiving coffee, having their order taken, and then when the food was delivered, one or two orders were incorrect (the wrong king of bacon on their Benny, unforgivable ;). Before that, they were saying how, "this is ridiculous...I can see her right there... why isn't she bringing my coffee... I'm going to walk out if I don't get my coffee in X minutes!" this was just before the server brought over empty coffee mugs! Yikes. Why, because the other back up server was making the rounds offering refills. It was weird for sure, Coffee is in high demand at brunch. Either way, it didn't make them any less unimpressed.

All in all I think more communication from the staff at the beginning of the experience would go along way. Like when they say "sit anywhere" they could also say something like "the kitchen is really busy right now, just so you are aware." that kind of sets the tone like "Hey look around, we are busy, so it might take time to get things."

The Food and Service industry is still understaffed, people are joining it for the first time. It takes a while to get good at serving, or to learn the ropes of a new kitchen. Also, in the city especially, English is not the first language for everyone, so this message is to guests of this restaurant and others. Guest: You are the lucky people who are off, enjoying brunch with friends and family on the weekend. Please, be a bit more mindful before you huff and puff and critique you servers, and then tip...

On Thursday, 2024.Jan.19, my wife, friend and I came to this restaurant for the first time. We arrived at about 18:00 for dinner.

As my friend arrived first, he didn't know about the back patio seating and neither did we, so we sat at the front. It was probably a little colder at the front but we had more privacy as there were no other people seated at the front.

We were by no means cold, but if you're one of those that feels the cold more, than sit in the back.

We ordered the following dishes: nachos with guacamole fish tacos Utopia Burger w/fries & salad vegetarian souvlaki

The nachos were awesome and what we noted was that the toppings were evenly distributed throughout the dish. You know how it always seems like the top nachos have all the toppings and they get all eaten and then there's just the nachos left? This dish did not have that problem.

Secondly, there's a thin crispy, circular bread layer on the bottom which made it so perfect for taking the rest home as it was like a small mountain and we couldn't finish it. My wife told me that it was the best nachos dish she's ever had. I would concur with her thoughts as well.

As we had filled up quite a bit on nachos, my wife could barely touch her souvlaki, she does have a small stomach. So no rating on that.

My burger was delicious, the meat was tasty, juicy and the toppings made it even better. The salad was fresh, the fries were crisp, perfect sides.

My friend had the fish tacos, they were a little spicy for him, he's not spicy-resistant. He enjoyed them immensely as well. He also ordered a coffee, which was good and strong.

We tried to order dessert, but they don't carry any.

It appeared that there was only one server working and although she was busy, she did a great job.

This restaurant is definitely worth...

I was in a trip to Toronto when I was looking for a great small food spot with vegan options and landed in Utopia.

My wife and I was very impressed with the menu. First of all, the vegan alternatives are really vegan alternatives. My wife is vegan and she wanted The Utopia Chicken Club Sandwich but wasn’t sure if the Bacon, mayo, chicken AND the cheese would be substituted to a vegan alternative. But it was! In some places, the dressing is not adapted and the care is not put in the recipe to adapt an existing club sandwich to a new version. But here, it is available to all vegans out there. I, not being vegan, was looking at the surprisingly lengthy menu, but everything looked great and I had a hard time deciding. I finally picked the Shrimp Burrito and boy, did I made the right choice! It was hot, full of flavours, juicy and weren’t shy with the shrimps in it! (Both came with a serving of fries AND salad) My best words to the chef!

I must also add the great service by the staff from the first introduction, the resupply of napkins (while mindlessly eating my burrito) and to the final billing (which was reasonable).

I truly suggest if you are vegan (or not!) to try this wonderfull spot if your are just passing by for a day or two or if you are a local who’s looking for a new taste.

Oh! If you’re wondering why I don’t have pictures, it’s because I thought of leaving a review after we completely emptied our plates. Sometimes, experimenting is...