Brent Nacu

4.3 / 5.0 - better than the current Google score. Close to a 4.4 actually. I can see the reasons. But think of this as a semi traditional Italian Bistro in the mall. So quick hits:

1) Food is well made above average Italian. Don’t let the mall fool you. The owners have other locations as well. It’s semi-traditional Italian with flare.

2) Pizza was exceptionally- pepperoni were small cups with a nice cheese to sauce balance. We were surprised how tasty. Definitely recommend any pizza (I might consider well done next time - on the fence).

3) Tina albacore salad was nice, but
albacore belongs in a can, not seared. So unless you like Albacore- I’d pass at $30 - but salad was well rounded.

3) Polpette - 3 Meatballs was really tasty - good size and flavour - but not mind blowing. I’d considering ordering again, but not a dealbreaker.

Service was pretty strong on a Holiday. Polite, fun, accommodating. They added to the experience.

The location is in the Eaton Centre Mall - so I can understand the potential challenges. If I’m in the mall I’d go again and not hesitate.

Well done and appreciate our server.

3.5 / 5. I’ve been here a few times, and comparing to Bathurst location I go to.

Great patio and open concept. The problem here is two things:
1) food quality and execution
2) culture and experience

I attached a pic of a sorry excuse for a $10 half sandwich. The chicken was rubber and a half breast, and it took 14 mins to make. The cream container was almost empty, but had the smear of dried cream down the lip. There a lack of passion or something in this location.

Culture wise, the place is always extra warm - all summer no air conditioning, they have no recycling option at all, and the packaging just feels off. If you told me they were managed by the same person (Bathurst and Consumers), I’d think they were different restaurants.

I would be hard pressed to go back to this one.

3.8 / 5 - not bad for what I expected. Filipino fast food with flair. Place looked stylish, there was a lot of staff and the menu is pretty simple. I got a spicy chicken sandwich and a couple of the mango pies for some friends.

Mango Peach Pies - baked/fried and they loved them. Asked for more.
Spicy Chicken - it was okay as a sandwich. Big fried chicken piece, the size was impressive. But I also got a Chick-fil-A- spicy sandwich at the same time to compare (no judging - I was hungry).. And the quality was very different between the two. I liked Jollibee, but I wouldn’t be a regular.

Worth a try if you’ve never had it. They do have a loyal following.

Great experience.

Manage your expectations. It’s a second generation Business famous for Veal, Sausage, Chicken and Steak Sandwiches.

Pizza is also very good. I get mine well done so it’s not too doughy but with a nice crunch and flavour.

Beer is cold. Place is best for take out, but good for sports if you want a table.

Also try lasagna, spicy olives and good salads.

4.5/5 - on todays visit.

4.0 / 5 - easily put, this restaurant has more potential that it’s exuding. It’s got style, a great manager (can’t remember her name), and a good location. But the service was a bit off, and the food was good (not great). It’s possible I had higher expectations. I would definitely go back for drinks and snacks but probably not a dinner.

The Peking Duck was tasty, but not fantastic. I was comparing it to Cynthia’s and the Pearl. The Duck came with a side of Duck fried rice. That was really tasty. I could live off that.

The Tuna Tataki was kind of bland. Interesting menu.

I think the general management could reach a little deeper, and up class the service a bit more. And the kitchen could reach a little and put some love into it. Both felt a bit missing.

If you haven’t been, give it a try and see what you think.