Via Norte Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

There aren’t enough words to express how incredible every detail is at this restaurant! I have been here a few times in the last 5 years but this was the first time since Covid pandemic and my first time going as a parent. We had a dinner for 6 adults and 2 kids under 2. The service was impeccable; Stef and the other staff are courteous, helpful and made amazing recommendations! They made sure we had a table with plenty of space for our double stroller, they were considerate when bringing over plates to ensure the little ones didn’t get hurt and they were so friendly. The food was just so delicious! The appetizers were our group’s favourite dish. Since we wanted to try so many, they were so kind to place them all on platters so we can share (second picture). We had the grilled shrimp & squid, alheira, goat cheese salad and grilled sardines. Even our toddler loved the shrimp and alheira aps! The main courses did not disappoint either; 2 of us had the pan seared tuna steak (first picture) and it was the best dish I’ve had there to date. 2 had the raia and loved it as well. The 1 who ordered the steak dish loved the flavour but found it was slightly less rare than he would like and 1 other order the tamboril and also loved it. The main courses come with a good portion of veggies and are satisfying without being crazy huge. However if you have a big appetite, order aps before hand otherwise you may find it to be a bit small. Nobody in our party left hungry though, we all had just the right amount to satisfy our hunger. Desserts were SO yummy! The dark chocolate flan and Natas do Ceu were just the perfect size and sweetness. The molotoff was delicious but a very big serving, could even work for 2. The creme brule was delicious but small lol, she wanted more! Their passionfruit sangria is so refreshing! On top of this, the restaurant although it is family friendly, still has a chic dinning atmosphere without being super fancy.

I honestly can keep going on and on about this place but the best thing is to try it yourself, you won’t be disappointed! Especially if you love great fish...

We were told before ordering that service would be slow. When we paid, we were asked how was everything. “You were told service would be slow,” we were reminded.

Upon leaving and waiting, we were approached and apologized but in the same breath we were warned service would be slow for one reason or another.

As a customer, I then would give some concessions but everyone was clearly upset it was almost 4 hours. It would have been better if the customer service was present. But when we one of us went to grab the water decanter to refill water three times even while our server watched us and kept walking - that was a no, no.

The food was okay and perhaps suffered from staffing issues but when you’re paying 100 per plate I would like a better dining experience. The best thing we had was dessert but we waited almost an hour for this. One almost fell asleep waiting.

The atmosphere clearly suffered from the tables around us. We could hear how upset people were and they asked for their food to go. I could hear the table next door in Portuguese want the bill. They wanted their dessert and it just wasn’t coming. We were in the same boat.

Had at least the customer service been positive - our table would feel better. We asked for help with our table that kept shaking but that didn’t happen. Not fun to eat while table is shaking.

We watched while everyone had received bread so we asked. She clearly wasn’t pleased we requested this. Her facial expression read upset while her eyes rolled up. I was a honestly regretting asking. Then when she brought it to our table, she firmly planted that plate on our table and walked away. That’s not very kind at all.

It was one of the most...

If I could give this place 6 stars I would . I stopped in one night after work , honestly at first I walked passed thinking it was closed but then turned around and checked and I am so glad I did . I was greeted promptly and taken to my table where I was treated like the whole restaurant was just there for me . The staff was friendly and welcoming , chatting with me as I waiting for my food , making sure I didn’t need anything else and just generally making me feel welcome and sharing some stories about Portugal where I have some heritage, which was lovely . Once my food came they left me to enjoy my perfectly cooked steak that was absolutely delicious, after I had an espresso which was smooth and rich with absolutely no bitterness, finally I had the grilled pineapple with a light Carmel sauce the complemented the pineapple perfectly , it was sweet Smokey a little nutty from the Carmel and all around delicious. The atmosphere is beautiful I almost forgot I was still in Toronto . Between each course the staff again checking in with me chatted for a bit and made sure I was taken care off . I cannot recommend this restaurant enough , to this date one of the best dining experience I have ever had , and I apologize for not writing’ this review sooner , William ( I believe his name is ) was a delight to speak with so make sure to try and speak with him if you can. I will be...