The Food And Art Cafe — Restaurant in Whitby

A Mixed Experience with tons of room for Improvement.

Our recent visit to The Food and Art Cafe today left us with mixed feelings, primarily due to significant issues with both food quality and service. While the indoor atmosphere was pleasantly quiet and nice, our decision to sit on the back patio, while seemingly a good idea, couldn't redeem the overall experience.

Atmosphere: 3/5 - The indoor space seemed cozy and offered a quiet ambiance. We opted for the back patio, which appeared inviting.

Food: 1/5 - We ordered a veggie omelet and a chicken sandwich. The omelet was quite good, and the home fries were cooked perfectly – a definite bright spot. However, the chicken sandwich was unfortunately a major disappointment. The bread was disproportionately large compared to the chicken breast, which, despite the menu promising it would be marinated, had absolutely no seasoning or flavor whatsoever. It tasted unmarinated and bland. The sandwich arrived soggy, likely due to the hot chicken breast being placed directly on the bread without cooling. We ended up having to disassemble it and just pick at the meat. An extra pancake we ordered was also cold to the touch upon arrival, leading us to opt for a scone instead.

Service: 1/5 - Our server was noticeably absent throughout our meal; she never circled back to check on us. In fact, we had to go inside to the main entrance just to pay our bill. When a young man (not our server) came to clear our table, we politely declined a takeout box for the unfinished sandwich, explaining it was "the most terrible thing we've eaten when hungry." Despite this clear feedback, there was no offer to remove the item from our bill or provide an alternative solution, indicating a lack of attentiveness or training in handling customer dissatisfaction.

The overall impression was that staff were not sufficiently attentive to customer needs. Given our experience, particularly with the chicken sandwich and the inattentive service, we don't anticipate returning to The Food and Art Cafe ever. We'll be looking forward to trying other promising establishments in the vibrant downtown Whitby...

Stumbled upon this looking for a good breakfast place to take my grandmother-in-law for her birthday. Could not have picked a better place!

To the Glavan family, thank you for going forth with your dreams and sharing your art and food with your community! Your story is truly inspiring, and I wholeheartedly connect with your mentality to follow dreams and pursue happiness. My girlfriend and I are beginning a path to having our own dream business overseas one day, and to see the success of your dream gives hope to those like us. We hope to learn and be inspired by what you've created. Next time I must try some of those authentic Filipino dishes!

I love the whole idea and decor, the art and colour breathes so much life and energy that I find is lacking in most other restaurants. Walking into a space filled with vibrant colour and character from all the art creates a warm and inviting environment, truly feels like walking into their home.

Feeling the child-like whimsy and familial energy, you sit down and are greeted by any one of their passionate and bubbly employees. Personally, I find the "super-friendly waitress/waiter" energy a bit too much, but perhaps that take is more reflective of my distaste of the "customer is always right" philosophy. But false niceties are not what you will find here.

The food is above expectation for their prices. We ordered scones to start, not quite what I would anticipate for scones as they were quite spongey and moist as opposed to the flaky, crumbly texture I think of. Nonetheless, delicious in combination with their homemade selection of jams (blueberry was my favourite)! All our meals were great and clearly made with care, and in spite of my prior comment, I support the departure to scones as a side instead of the classic toast, a refreshing idea!

Overall, this is a place for...

Stepping into this charming cafe is like entering a picture-perfect oasis, with its delightful aesthetics and inviting ambiance. The attention to detail in creating such a visually appealing space is evident, adding to the overall charm of the dining experience. What sets this cafe apart is its commitment to offering exceptional vegan options, catering to those with dietary preferences and restrictions without compromising on flavor or creativity.

One standout item on the menu is the waffle sandwich, which is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. The combination of fluffy waffles and savory fillings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. It's a dish that seamlessly marries comfort food with innovative culinary techniques, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience.

Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based options, the waffle sandwich is a must-try item that perfectly showcases the cafe's culinary prowess. Pair it with a cup of their expertly crafted coffee or a refreshing beverage, and you have the perfect meal to enjoy in the company of friends or simply to savor on your own.

In conclusion, this cafe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a haven for those seeking delicious vegan fare. With its charming ambiance and mouthwatering menu offerings, it's a destination that deserves to be on every food lover's...