Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill

I had a fantastic time last night and the food was just lovely. The Yorkshire pudding appetizers were by far my favourite. I wasn't going to eat one because I thought it might be too big for an appetizer that I would eat while standing at a cocktail party but when It was suggested that try it, I was blown away. It was delicious! I also loved the cod cakes and the bbq chicken cups. The sushi was also a bit on the large side but were simply delicious. The only thing that I didn't like were the shrimp. They may have been dipped in oil or something because I found it slippery and just too unusual for my liking. The red wine was Jackson Triggs Black Reserve and the white wine was a sauvignon blanc but I didn't get to see the label, but both were a fantastic choice with the food. If I were planning an event, I would have Oliver and Bonacini cater it, just so my guests could enjoy the yorkshire pudding apps.. you have got to try one!

This place has been one of my favorite places for quite sometime. I like the food, prices are pretty good (considering the location). Every time I go, it seems that a poor server is getting into trouble for not meeting the water refill expectations of a grumpy old lady - makes for some entertainment.

Favorite - the tortilla soup and spinach salad.

Like the atmosphere - bright, clean and comfortable.
Service is usually good, but can't go in expecting a visit to Canoe - it isn't that.

Come with an empty stomach and patience for a grumpier than normal guest list.

Well, I do have a list of pet peeves about restaurants (see my profile neala.n49.ca), and this place violated 2 of them. Still, I can't complain.

Pet Peeve #2): When the ingredients are not all listed on the menu's description of the item.
Pet Peeve #3): When a restaurant charges for sharing.

1) Went with silver.n49.ca and had to send back my lunch twice. First time, it had cheese which was described on the menu but I had asked to forgo. Second time, it had mayo (or something like mayo) which wasn't described on the menu. However, each time, they replaced it with a no problem attitude.

2) I understand some restaurants provide large portions and so they want to discourage sharing (or else 2 people will buy 1 meal). But I think it's a bit presumptuous to charge for sharing a sandwich or an appetizer. After all, that's what appetizers are for, isn't it? Right on the menu it says you'll have to pay an additional dollar or two if you share. And besides, what business is it of theirs if I want one meal to share? On principle alone, it irks me.

P.S. - for another Pet Peeve, see the review of RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE at:
http://www.n49.ca/dir/dining/l695/Toronto/d2283/Ruth's Chris Steak House/reviews#

The Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill housed in the upscale Bayview Village Mall manages to pull off a fine dining feel in a casual atmosphere with a rather casual menu.

We started with the mushroom and goat cheese dip, then on to salad. The steak was perfect and we were sorry we didn't EACH get the warm apple pastry.

The place is run Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini, the duo credited with some of Toronto's best places to dine including Jump and Canoe as well as Auberge du Pommier also located in north Toronto.

While there we noticed Peter Oliver enter the kitchen from the back to pick up some take out! Our server says he does it all the time. It's no wonder these guys always get it right.

So if you find yourself in the heart of North York suburbia or happen to live up there you can't go wrong here.