I had dinner at Merlot with a small group this week and was pleasantly surprised, as I had never been before, so was not sure what to expect. Will definitely be returning. The menu options and food portions were great, the ambience and service was perfect. Great French restaurant! (GG / Gloria)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Patricia Raymond
Went on a 'Live Jazz Thursday'. Music was excellent but started perhaps a little early (7pm).We were not made aware of live music when reservations were made. Perhaps if we had been, we would have chosen a different night.Our group of 'old friends' enjoyed the food but were unable to converse and catch up. Maybe consider starting the music at 8:30 or 9pm
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Stephanie J
Absolutely love this place!The owner and staff are always so welcoming to myself and friends.Food and service are definitely a 10/10. I highly recommend for a date night or anytime you’re looking to have a nice evening out.Can’t wait to have another night there soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maureen Mullen
Merlot has definitely gone down hill with ownership change. We were long term customers for the past 20 years. Four of us went today to celebrate an important birthday. Two ordered baby beef liver and onions-both meals returned as the liver was bitter and not baby beef, no onions either. Ordered hamburgers no cheese as replacement meal-one arrived with cheese and both were burned 42 minutes later. We were honest with the waitress when she asked us how the food was. The manager then came over and told us they just had the liver and they loved it. Later she told us the former owners of Merlot opened a new restaurant in Lorne Park. Very bazaar. Did not attempt to save the customer experience at all and ruined a birthday celebration. Never again.I am now editing this review since Merlot has replied. It is clear from Merlot’s reply that they take no ownership for the horrible experience we had on what should have been a special lunch. Their blame the customer attitude is clear in their reply. No apology-it is apparently our fault that the food was horrible, not as described and took too long.Specifically, in reply to Merlot’s commments, we are well aware what a confit onion is as stated on menu. There was one pearl onion on one plate as shown to waitress. The other plate had none. We ordered replacement burgers with NO CHEESE on both-very loud in restaurant so perhaps the waitress did not hear-however, the four of us did hear the order. We don’t eat cheese ever. Nevertheless, the replacement meals arrived 40 minutes later. One would think that when two customers return their meals that the kitchen would strive to prioritize the replacement meals and deliver them in a timely manner. We do not get uncomfortable when a restaurant changes hands if the food is good. This was a special occasion and Merlot let us down and were aware and made no effort to save the day. Merlot, I see you have a blame the customer attitude and definitely were ambivalent when we were there at lunch. Even the salads had burned pecans on it. The four of us agreed this was the worst meal we shared in a very long time.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Lindsay Cotter
Great, cute little French restaurant with great ambiance, food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rita
Had a quick lunch here recently... Great hidden gem on the Bloor stretch. Excellent brunch options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Andriiets
Amazing food and staff! I ordered pan seared foie gras & it was delish. Will def come
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MaureenC
We arrived at noon for our lunch. The restaurant was not busy upon our arrival. We ordered food fairly promptly and still had not received our meals at 1pm. I had to ask the waitress if there was a problem with our meal as other people who came in before us had their lunches. She indicated that it would be coming our momentarily as she had just checked with the kitchen. She didn't even bother to tell us that it would be coming shortly. And then, there were 2 older ladies waiting for their lunch and they had to use the washroom. The wait staff brought their lunch out and left it on the table to get cold as the 2 ladies made their way to the bathroom!!! In the past I have been to Merlot and had a lovely lunch. Unfortunately I won't be going back, nor will my 2 friends.
Phuong Le
I ordered the mussels, charcuterie plate, grapefruit mimosa, and peppermint tea. The food was decent overall. The highlight for me was the grapefruit mimosa—perfectly balanced and refreshing. The vibe of the place was welcoming and added to the enjoyment of my meal. Service was friendly and attentive, making me feel well taken care of. I’m looking forward to my next visit
The food was very good but the ambience from the French restaurant merlot was just not there !! I missed the previous owner and the wait staff and some how it felt like just a regular restaurant
The ravioli I ordered was warm, not a hot meal and flavorless. However, the two others that were dining with me enjoyed their meal and finished everything. So that tells me that basically the food is good and my meal being tasteless might have just been a one-off issue
MJkomo
We were there for brunch/lunch with friends. Not noisy and we were able to have our conversations without difficulty. Food came out in a timely manner and everyone enjoyed what they ordered. We would return.
Jen W
Charming authentic french restaurant. French onion soup was delicious. Had a delicious goat cheese and fig hamburger for lunch. I can't wait to try dinner next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Etobicokeites
Indifferent onion soup was followed by overcooked cassoulet, and yes, I have eaten cassoulet in Toulon. My wife had o k pate and o k duck with undercooked beans to accompany it. Poor food at considerable price. Not an experience to be repeated
RosyG
Lunch at Merlot with my friend was amazing. Croque Madame with a side of salad was sooo delicious and comforting! The crème brule was the best I have had in a very long time! Wine, liqueur and cappuccino was delightful. Our server was very attentive and engaging with wine and liqueur choices! It felt like we were dining at a Paris bistro right here at home! Overall, service, ambience and food was 10 out of 10!
I had dinner at Merlot with a small group this week and was pleasantly surprised, as I had never been before, so was not sure what to expect. Will definitely be returning. The menu options and food portions were great, the ambience and service was perfect. Great French restaurant! (GG / Gloria)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Went on a 'Live Jazz Thursday'. Music was excellent but started perhaps a little early (7pm).We were not made aware of live music when reservations were made. Perhaps if we had been, we would have chosen a different night.Our group of 'old friends' enjoyed the food but were unable to converse and catch up. Maybe consider starting the music at 8:30 or 9pm
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Absolutely love this place!The owner and staff are always so welcoming to myself and friends.Food and service are definitely a 10/10. I highly recommend for a date night or anytime you’re looking to have a nice evening out.Can’t wait to have another night there soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Merlot has definitely gone down hill with ownership change. We were long term customers for the past 20 years. Four of us went today to celebrate an important birthday. Two ordered baby beef liver and onions-both meals returned as the liver was bitter and not baby beef, no onions either. Ordered hamburgers no cheese as replacement meal-one arrived with cheese and both were burned 42 minutes later. We were honest with the waitress when she asked us how the food was. The manager then came over and told us they just had the liver and they loved it. Later she told us the former owners of Merlot opened a new restaurant in Lorne Park. Very bazaar. Did not attempt to save the customer experience at all and ruined a birthday celebration. Never again.I am now editing this review since Merlot has replied. It is clear from Merlot’s reply that they take no ownership for the horrible experience we had on what should have been a special lunch. Their blame the customer attitude is clear in their reply. No apology-it is apparently our fault that the food was horrible, not as described and took too long.Specifically, in reply to Merlot’s commments, we are well aware what a confit onion is as stated on menu. There was one pearl onion on one plate as shown to waitress. The other plate had none. We ordered replacement burgers with NO CHEESE on both-very loud in restaurant so perhaps the waitress did not hear-however, the four of us did hear the order. We don’t eat cheese ever. Nevertheless, the replacement meals arrived 40 minutes later. One would think that when two customers return their meals that the kitchen would strive to prioritize the replacement meals and deliver them in a timely manner. We do not get uncomfortable when a restaurant changes hands if the food is good. This was a special occasion and Merlot let us down and were aware and made no effort to save the day. Merlot, I see you have a blame the customer attitude and definitely were ambivalent when we were there at lunch. Even the salads had burned pecans on it. The four of us agreed this was the worst meal we shared in a very long time.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Great, cute little French restaurant with great ambiance, food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a quick lunch here recently... Great hidden gem on the Bloor stretch. Excellent brunch options!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food and staff! I ordered pan seared foie gras & it was delish. Will def come
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We arrived at noon for our lunch. The restaurant was not busy upon our arrival. We ordered food fairly promptly and still had not received our meals at 1pm. I had to ask the waitress if there was a problem with our meal as other people who came in before us had their lunches. She indicated that it would be coming our momentarily as she had just checked with the kitchen. She didn't even bother to tell us that it would be coming shortly. And then, there were 2 older ladies waiting for their lunch and they had to use the washroom. The wait staff brought their lunch out and left it on the table to get cold as the 2 ladies made their way to the bathroom!!! In the past I have been to Merlot and had a lovely lunch. Unfortunately I won't be going back, nor will my 2 friends.
I ordered the mussels, charcuterie plate, grapefruit mimosa, and peppermint tea. The food was decent overall. The highlight for me was the grapefruit mimosa—perfectly balanced and refreshing. The vibe of the place was welcoming and added to the enjoyment of my meal. Service was friendly and attentive, making me feel well taken care of. I’m looking forward to my next visit
The food was very good but the ambience from the French restaurant merlot was just not there !! I missed the previous owner and the wait staff and some how it felt like just a regular restaurant
Restaurantji Recommends
The ravioli I ordered was warm, not a hot meal and flavorless. However, the two others that were dining with me enjoyed their meal and finished everything. So that tells me that basically the food is good and my meal being tasteless might have just been a one-off issue
We were there for brunch/lunch with friends. Not noisy and we were able to have our conversations without difficulty. Food came out in a timely manner and everyone enjoyed what they ordered. We would return.
Charming authentic french restaurant. French onion soup was delicious. Had a delicious goat cheese and fig hamburger for lunch. I can't wait to try dinner next time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Indifferent onion soup was followed by overcooked cassoulet, and yes, I have eaten cassoulet in Toulon. My wife had o k pate and o k duck with undercooked beans to accompany it. Poor food at considerable price. Not an experience to be repeated
Lunch at Merlot with my friend was amazing. Croque Madame with a side of salad was sooo delicious and comforting! The crème brule was the best I have had in a very long time! Wine, liqueur and cappuccino was delightful. Our server was very attentive and engaging with wine and liqueur choices! It felt like we were dining at a Paris bistro right here at home! Overall, service, ambience and food was 10 out of 10!