Valerie Toronto — Restaurant in Toronto

I was over the moon excited to try this new restaurant which claims to have the nicest rooftop views of the city. The venue seemed like the perfect place to book my anniversary dinner. I booked the reservation 2 months in advance to ensure that I secured the best time and seating option as my goal was to dine out on the rooftop over the course of sunset hour and capture the beautiful views of the city while enjoying our meals.

Three days before my reservation, I was notified via Open Table (the app I booked the reservation through) that due to the road closures on Lakeshore Road this coming weekend for the Caribbean Festival it is strongly recommended that I cancel my reservation as access to the Hotel X would be restricted.

Given the short notice I tried calling the restaurant to see if I could speak to someone about this and see if there was any possibility of me keeping my reservation and I would try to find alternate travel arrangements to get there. No one answered. So I replied to the message via Open Table hoping for some clarification. Again, no response.

Being a Torontonian for 30 years, I do know that this festival takes place generally around the same time every year. So this restaurant would definitely have more than 3 days’ notice if not months’ notice of the road closures this weekend. I should have not even been allowed to book this reservation in the first place as this weekend should have been blocked off entirely but in the very least, I should have been given at least 1 weeks’ notice so that I could find another restaurant comparable to this one. Of course, 3 days before a long week all comparable restaurants in the downtown core are now fully booked and I’m left scrambling. This is completely unacceptable in my opinion. I can understand being contacted last minute for an unforeseen circumstance but for something that is a well-known planned closure like this weekend’s I cannot understand why they didn't think ahead to advise their guests.

For a restaurant of this stature, I am utterly disappointed. It is evident that the restaurant management is lacking. A proper “5 star restaurant” would have known of this weekend’s closures and not allowed any potential guests to book reservations. I definitely will not be booking another reservation to dine at Valerie and will not recommend to anyone. I don’t care how nice or how good the food supposedly is, I am not supporting an establishment who disrespects their guests with lack of care and poor customer service. Fine dining in the city is not a cheap expense, I would rather support other local restaurants who actually care and respect their guests and pride themselves on providing excellent guest experience.

If anyone from Valerie cares to respond to this review I would appreciate a simple phone call explanation instead of them hiding behind a platform like open table and not answering their phones when guests try to call them. I am still waiting for a reply to my voicemail message and open...

Indulging in an exceptional dining experience is not just about the food—it's about the ambiance, the service, and the overall atmosphere. And when it comes to creating an unforgettable experience, Valerie at Hotel X Toronto surpasses all expectations. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in a culinary journey that tantalized my taste buds, while offering breathtaking views and impeccable service.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the Wagyu skirt steak. From the very first bite, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. The steak was a symphony of flavors, perfectly cooked to retain its tenderness and juiciness. The Wagyu beef, renowned for its marbling and depth of flavor, lived up to its reputation. Each bite was an explosion of taste, leaving me wanting more. The culinary mastery showcased at Valerie truly shines through in this delectable dish.

As I savored the Wagyu skirt steak, I couldn't help but glance outside at the mesmerizing view that unfolded before my eyes. Positioned perfectly to capture the beauty of Toronto, Valerie offers panoramic vistas of the serene lake and the awe-inspiring CN Tower. During sunset, the sky was painted with a tapestry of warm hues, casting a magical glow upon the cityscape. It was a visual feast that perfectly complemented the culinary delights on my plate, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Beyond the incredible food and captivating views, the service at Valerie was exemplary. The staff exuded warmth and professionalism, ensuring that every aspect of my visit was seamless and enjoyable. The attentiveness and genuine hospitality displayed by the team added an extra layer of pleasure to the overall experience. From the moment I walked through the door to the moment I left, I felt like a valued guest, and that level of service is truly commendable.

Valerie restaurant is not just a place to eat—it is an oasis of culinary delights, where artistry and passion collide. The combination of the Wagyu skirt steak's unforgettable flavors, the stunning sunset views of the lake and CN Tower, and the exceptional service provided by the staff create an experience that is unparalleled.

If you find yourself in Toronto, I implore you to make a reservation at Valerie. Prepare to be transported on a gastronomic journey that will leave an indelible mark on your palate and your memory. Hotel X Toronto's Valerie is a testament to the city's vibrant culinary scene, offering an exquisite dining experience that deserves the...

I have been coming to Hotel X ever since they opened back in 2018. I was also a huge fan of Falcon Skybar (before it was Valerie) - and even so when it turned to X Lounge. I used to come here all the time for birthdays , date nights, brunch , meetings - all the occasions! When the 27th-29th floor was closed for renovations ... I kept checking on their Instagram page and website and was so excited to check out Valerie Restaurant once I heard it had reopened!

I finally visited (twice - once after CNE and another time after another Festival) this week.

[First Visit]

The first time we were on the 28th floor .We had a female server - she was friendly :). We came right before 10 PM - for cocktails and apps. However, we waited 35+ minutes for our food to arrive. I ordered the Chicken Yakitori - turns out they were out of the Yakitori, so I went with the Chicken Karaage. I quite enjoyed it !

However, my 2 friends ordered : 1) Tagarashi Fries - it was definitely McCain quality .Some of the fries arrived warm and others felt like room temperature ... and a lot of the pieces were way too hard to even bite in to. 2) Valerie Burger - it arrived COLD, so my friend had to send it back.

Our server did offer my friend a comp cocktail along with a new order of the Valerie burger - so that was nice :).

[2nd Visit of the Week]

This was my main reason for the 2 star review.

I stopped by right before after a festival nearby.

We were on level 29.

We were sat immediately and noticed there was only a drinks menu. I asked the hostess that sat us if we missed the last call for food or if we can still order food.

She said " One second I'll check" and left.

20 minutes passed - no one came around to take our drink order and the hostess didn't come back.

So I went to the front it was busy / there was a line of people waiting to get in. I found the hostess and asked if we can still order food. She said "Uhh I don't know... I think the kitchen is closed now, but you can still order drinks."

We waited a total of 35 minutes without getting served so we ended up leaving.

Quite a disappointing experience.

I loved this 3 - level rooftop lounge for the spectacular views, but it is unfortunate that the service and quality of food seemed to have downgraded . So much room for improvement !

Roses Cocina (located 2nd floor of Hotel X) - is worth a visit! Such wonderful /attentive service, impeccable refined Tex-Mex style dishes , and creative /...