Leaside Restaurants

Today was wintery and cold with a blowing wind. A day to be inside. A day for lunch at the Amsterdam. As always, the staff at the front door were welcoming and efficient, directing us to a table for two beside the fireplace. Bonus! Samantha (Sam) was our server today. She was friendly and chatty and seemed pleased to see us. We ordered “our usual”, as regulars to the Amsterdam (perhaps we are boring) and without much delay we were enjoying our fish and chips (for her) and the Tai chicken curry (for me), washed down with Diet Coke and an Amsterdam Blonde. The food was hot and nicely presented, particularly the curry, resting on a palm leaf in a custom earthenware (?) dark bowl. The beer, even on a cold day, was great. Although there are giant screen TVs in one section of the dining area showing (today) live tennis, the sounds and images were not intrusive. Ditto the musical ambiance. Although I would prefer NO music in a restaurant, the Amsterdam’s choice was reasonable acceptable and allowed for an audible conversation (I often wonder if the “music” in restaurants, or the grocery store, is targeting the customers or the staff). No desert today. Stuffed. But there was a little room for a cappuccino before paying the bill. Goodbyes from Sam who provided great service and who maintained a pleasant chatty presence throughout today’s encounter. We will be back. Jack H Toronto

Servers were so nice! They were more friendly and warm rather than cold and respectful, felt like they were focused on taking care of our experience over the foods experience which was a nice change. Food came out so quick and was great, despite the pasta coming out a little cold. Ambiance and noise levels were perfect for a date night. The "Tap that Cake" was an affordable desert that overall added to the great experience. Would highly recommend to any visitors!

THE FOOD, AS ALWAYS, WAS EXCELLENT AND THE SERVICE OUTSTANDING. OUR HOSTESS WENT OUT OF HER WAY TO FIND A TABLE SUITABLE FOR MYSELF AND MY WIFE. BECAUSE I AM IN A WHEELCHAIR, I REQUIRE A SPACE WHERE MY WIFE COULD SIT BESIDE ME ON A HIGH STOOL TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR HER TO FEED ME. THE SERVER WAS ALWAYS THERE AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME. WE NEVER FELT RUSHED, BUT WE NEVER FELT NEGLECTED. THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE FELT COMFORTABLE AND WELCOME.

Winterlicious 2025. Semi-hidden restaurant on the second floor. Ambience is excellent - it’s modern but warm with comfortable touches like their couch seating that spans much of the northern perimeter. Regular menu is small and easy to choose from, wine selection offers plenty of choice. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. We had two servers and both were very friendly and attentive. Glasses were kept full of water which I appreciated. Food- I’ll start by saying it’s a 4 course winterlicious meal. There was a lot of food between the dips, mezze , main and dessert. I believe a floor manager or host recommended the Truffle Rakakat (spelling*) for the mezze portion. Not that the other food wasn’t great but, man oh man, the Rakakat was VERY good. If you like cheese, it’s a levelled up mozzarella stick. Mains were lamb and skewer plates. Both great and there was plenty of food, no skimping here! All in all, it was a great winterlicious experience here. Makes me want to come back for the regular service menu.

This was a business lunch, though we are also friends, and I appreciated being able to linger over our conversation without feeling like we were "over-staying" or a nuisance. The food as always was excellent and service appropriately watchful - we were permitted to dawdle but were not being ignored. Ideal for our circumstances. Back soon.