Portobello Road — Restaurant in Whitby

Please be aware AND beware if you have food allergies/sensitivities

I've been ordering from Portabello Road since it was Lindsay's vegan and for the most part I have really enjoying the meals.

I placed on ordered on Sat April 24 for pickup Tues 27 and Fri 30.

I included my food allergies/sensitivities with my order.

(Tues April 27) In the Buffalo tofu salad there was corn, which was an item I asked to be excluded.There was also the core from the Romain lettuce. Then in the Dill Pickle soup there was two objects, not sure what they are. It appeared to be a string, maybe and a shaving of wood or a rice husk. But there was no rice in the soup so these are still unknown objects.

I fully understand stuff happens so instead of reaching out and/or cancelling my next order, I decided I'd wait to mention it when I picked up my meals (Fri Apr 30).

(Apr 30) I went to pickup my order and mentioned my situation. The response was that the salad was made seperatly and specifically for me. Then I mentioned the core and that possibly quality control or attention to detail were missed. There wasn't really a response so then shared the unknown objects from the soup. They said it could have been a pickle stem and that they use spices. But they were not really sure, they didn't ask to see pictures or anything and there was zero acknowledgement.

I paid for the food I was getting although I wasn't feeling great about how they handled this situation.

I got home only to find that the meals I ordered were NOT what I received. Again, I make an exception for THEM because mistakes happen.

I reached out and although they apologized for recording my order as item 8 and I ordered item 7. Then went on to say said that the "Caesar dressing has pepper anyhow." Black pepper is an item I'm allergic to and included that when I ordered on the Sat Apr 24. Why am I finding this out after the fact and now that they've given my the wrong meals?

The lasagna that I thought was a loaf.. was made specially for me because I'm allergic to mushroom but mushrooms wasn't listed in the menu. Otherwise I wouldn't have ordered the lasagna.

After the salad experience and no information or assurances they take food handling and allergies seriously, I don't trust it.

They sent me an email transfer for the three items I received that I didn't order and then blocking me on instagram.

I'm not saying don't eat here.

I'm suggesting you're VERY aware if you have allergies/sensitivitues and customer service is completely lacking when they make mistakes.

Also, please be sure to check the lids of the plastic containers and glass jars. I've had them not be on fully or tight and have had them spill in my vehicle...

I had to update my previous review after last night.

🌱⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌱

Last night, my friends and I embarked on an extraordinary culinary journey at Portobello Road in Oshawa. We indulged in the six-course tasting menu, and the experience was nothing short of magical. This restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves to be celebrated.

👨‍🍳 Chef Extraordinaire: Let's start with the genius behind it all – Chef Alex. His talent shines brilliantly, and it's evident in every bite. The way He crafts outstanding plant-based dishes is nothing short of remarkable. It's astonishing how he elevates locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that leave a lasting impression.

💚 Plant-Based Perfection: I challenge anyone to say they don't like vegan food after dining here. Each course was an absolute delight for the senses. From the appetizers to the desserts, we were transported to a world of flavours and textures that defied expectations. The creativity in the kitchen is truly outstanding, and it's clear that this is not just a job for the chef; it's their passion.

👅 A Symphony for the Taste Buds: Each course was a unique experience for the taste buds. The layers of flavours and the presentation were a testament to the chef's dedication to their craft. I found myself savouring each bite, not just because it was vegan, but because it was simply delicious. Good food transcends labels, and this restaurant embodies that philosophy.

🐾 No Harm to Animals: An added bonus of dining at Portobello Road is that it causes no harm to animals. The commitment to a cruelty-free culinary experience is evident in every dish. It's a testament to the restaurant's ethical values and dedication to sustainability. Dining here is not just a feast for your palate; it's also a feast for your conscience.

Portobello Road is a place that truly redefines vegan dining. It's a haven for food lovers, regardless of their dietary preferences. The combination of remarkable culinary skill, locally sourced ingredients, and a commitment to a compassionate food system makes this restaurant stand out.

If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience, make a reservation at Portobello Road. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the possibilities of vegan cuisine. I can't...

Will start by saying that my husband and I are not vegan, but we visited portobello road for their tasting menu. The food was presented nicely and you could tell the chef was very talented. Most of the food wasn’t to my taste, but if you were vegan I’m sure you’d love it. The breads (that they mill themselves), were all fantastic!

My husband and I really didn’t love the atmosphere inside the restaurant. The bright lights from the kitchen take away from the dim ambiance in the front of the house. There was obscure music playing in the kitchen but not in the dining room. Music or a tv or art to look at would have been good! Just anything to set the mood! For the price you’re paying for the tasting menu, you expect top notch service and atmosphere.

The service was good, both ladies were friendly and pleasant.

We didn’t realize this was a “dry” establishment, maybe I missed that somewhere, so my bad! But if we had of known that, we almost certainly wouldn’t have signed up for a 2 hour tasting experience without the option to have a glass of wine or something.

One final note, again going back to atmosphere. There was no sign out front that said “portobello road” we had never been before and had to basically guess that we were going into the right place. Also the bathroom situation is a little awkward, basically having to walk through the kitchen to get there.

Overall, we would not return for this price, but if you are vegan (or sober) I am sure you would have a different experience! I only decided to write a review because I thought the points about the atmosphere issues were...