TOCA

One of the best places to «see and be seen» in Toronto, and one of the few places I and my friends go out of the way to make a yearly pilgrimage to.
TOCA is the Toronto Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant, and it is one of the most interesting and classiest places to visit during the Toronto International Film Festival. Walk in here any day the festival runs and you’re bound to see celebrities. George Clooney has frequented both this and the Ritz bar near the front of the hotel. Agents and reps from various film studios meet here to finalize deals for movies. It’s a frequent site for people of all types to hang out and converse all things film-​related.
I have been here many times over the years, and love the ambience and relaxed (but busy) atmosphere the restaurant provides. I have fond memories of hanging out here with coworkers and a pair of nice actresses we met at a party down the road, and enjoying vodka tonics as we talked about the entertainment industry.
The prices are also pretty reasonable, at least as far as drinks and snacks are concerned.
Also, if anyone from the restaurant is reading this, I apologize for the following:
1) Sneaking in the back door of the restaurant after getting turned away when I tried to walk in the front door.
2) Borrowing a Sharpie from one of the hostesses so I could draw a symbol on my hand so I could bluff my way into a Hello Canada party.
3) Fanboying over various celebrities and stars. It was a momentary thing, I swear.
That is all. If you’re in Toronto, you owe it to yourself to check out TOCA. Come here on a warm summer’s night and I can guarantee you’ll have an amazing time.

Food: ⁴⁄₅
Service: 4.5÷5
Cleanliness: ⁵⁄₅
Price: $$$$
The Ritz Carlton in Toronto is located in the heart of the Financial District on Wellington Street. If you’re dining at TOCA, a discounted valet fare is available for $ 15. When we visited, we had a chance to see the biggest gingerbread house! It was made of 100% edible ingredients and desserts, quite a sight!
The Sunday brunch is offered from 11:30am until 3:30pm, and we were only able to secure a table for two at 2:15pm. I reluctantly agreed to a late brunch, but I’ve got no one else to blame but me for making a late reservation! You can book a table directly through the restaurant’s website or on Opentable.
We arrived a little earlier than our scheduled 2:15pm time slot, around 2:00pm. Our host immediately checked if a table was available, and within minutes, we were escorted inside. Soon after, our server warmly welcomed us and asked about our drink preferences. I opted for sparkling water and my husband went for the unlimited Italian champagne. The $ 85 Sunday brunch includes an unlimited Mimosa and Bellini bar which I would love to enjoy when I’m a body of one again! Our server also told us where everything was located with the brunch, which included a cold seafood bar, a fresh made-​to-​order Italian pasta bar, a charcuterie board, a carving station, classic brunch dishes, viennoseries, a room full of desserts, an omelette station, and a huge selection of cheeses.
Naturally, our favourite was the cold seafood bar which consisted of fresh oysters, crab legs, lobsters, and shrimp. I’m not the biggest fan of cold lobsters– they’re normally rubbery in texture (at least when I tried them in the past) and tastes bland to me so I was skeptical at first to try TOCA’s cold lobster unlike my husband who loves them.
I was very surprised to find myself reaching for seconds because they were so well cooked! Soft in texture while it was thoroughly cooked, juicy and so delicious! There were a wide variety of sauces and sides to enhance my tastebuds and the lobster ended up being the star of the brunch for us. I wish I had tried some of the oysters though… they’re my favourite. #preggoproblems
All the seafood was prepared so that it made it very convenient and easy for guests to enjoy.
My husband also loved the carving station, which only consisted of the Beef Wellington. Though there was only one menu, it was really well done as well! There’s definitely something for everyone for every appetite.
I next tried their classic brunch station, where benedicts and pancakes greeted me. I was a little disappointed to find the benedict warm but not hot, and dry from being made too long ago. I suppose that may be a down side from attending Sunday Brunch at 2pm; benedicts may no longer be in demand at that point… which make the remaining ones turn cold. The pancake was great as was my risotto, but overall they weren’t dishes that made me return for seconds.
I couldn’t want to check out their dessert room… can you imagine? A room dedicated to desserts! Too heavenly. There were roughly 10 choices of desserts and sweets including homemade marshmallow, red velvet whoopee pies, chocolate fondue, cheesecake, and much more.
Though the Sunday brunch is until 3:30pm, the dessert room was kept open until 4pm. Throughout our meal, guests poured in until 3pm. If possible, I would recommend you to make your reservation before 3pm to give yourself ample time to try everything.
Our luxury Sunday brunch at TOCA was definitely worth every penny. In fact, considering the unlimited drinks and lobster at The Ritz Carlton, the $ 85 is not a bad deal at all. Hubby and I’ve visited many other hotel buffets that were much more expensive with much lower quality food. If you’ve had TOCA’s Sunday Brunch on your to-​do list, we highly recommend it! It’s definitely worth the splurge for its quality in food and service. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and quick to help.

Wandered in after a meeting at the nearby RBC building, looking for a quick drink with a friend.
Based on where the bar was located (ahem, in the Ritz Carlton) I was expecting astronomical prices… but not so! We even were offered complimentary bar snacks!
The décor was amazing — from the astroturf patio outside to the dramatic high ceilings inside, it all looked cool.
I only wished the staff had been a bit more attentive — I discreetly asked for the cheque when my friend got up to use the restroom, and the server seemed more concerned with her coworkers at the bar than processing my payment. Service needs fine-​tuning, but overall it was worth checking out.

I was very impressed from the moment we were seated until the moment that we left, Words cannot describe the quality of the food and service that we received. The boar meatballs and salmon were moist and very flavourful, the wine that was recommended was paired perfectly with our meal. It seems like a great place to take a date since it has a quiet, romantic setting.

I came here on a date for a dinner tasting experience and we had an amazing time. The food was absolutely delicious: the foie gras was to die for, it is a must try! The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance, with little touches such as cute painted plates. And of course, the service was impeccable!

What a difference a visit makes!
I have been to TOCA once before and had some concerns. However as I have said before, it’s not whether a restaurant will ever have a bad day, (because sometimes that kind of day is just out of their control), but rather how they address those concerns.
In TOCA’s case, the management heard and responded to my concerns and addressed them head on. My second visit was superb and there are many reasons for that. However here is what you need to know to have a wonderful experience at TOCA.
If you haven’t been there, and you are in the area, walk in and ask to have a look at the seating options. There is an area with lots of daylight which is basically on the outside the restaurant. Inside, while there is less daylight, the seating options are much greater. The lighting is softer, there are tables as well as round benches and there is a private room for power lunches. The benches ate great for intimate dining.
Although I wish that’s restaurants published a seating chart so you get a feel for the seating options, the next best thing is for you to ask to see what they options are once your there or to was reviews like this one that describe the seating.
Yes, the meal at TOCA is not inexpensive, however the prices are fair for the location, quality of the food and the professional service.
The Zuppa Crema (butternut squash soup) was excellent and the Branzino was tender and flavorful. Served warm with some greens. And the expresso macchiato was properly served in an espresso cup. Service by Stephanie was very pleasant and professional and we never felt rushed. I do believe my faith is once again restored in a world class brand in the Ritz Carleton and TOCA.
If you like cheese, they have a cheese cellar and they will gladly give you a tour. The wine selection is also extensive. And they will subsidize your parking at the Ritz for 50% of the total.
Well (re) done.

Great brunch place! Great quality food but definitely lacks variety. The service was also amazing but that’s expected with the price. I suggest Toca for special occasions but I think Toronto offers better for the price.

Excellent place. I stop by many times and it’s the place where they actually say to you «Merry Christmas» I usually come here and meet friends. Now they have an actual size ginger house. It looks awesome. Want to eat it with milk

Have eaten here several times for the delicious brunch on Sunday’s and for dinners and lunches ! My favourite simple classic is the truffle fries. Great selection for food and drinks, only sometimes I found the food to be too salty

You won’t usually find me in these foo foo places. I do prefer a good hole in the wall. However I was here for a birthday and i have to admit the service and taste of food was great. I had the ravioli, lamb shank, deconstructed taramisu. The lamb shank was tasty and tender. I was a little skeptical when I saw the taramisu since it was in separate pieces and did not look like a traditional taramisu. The taste was on point and was definitely interesting. Honestly speaking, I think it was pricey for what it was but it was an experience.

Food was good if you can eat 100 bucks worth of oysters and lobster. Other wise I think there are better options.
If you’re looking for something fancy in the city Toca is a great spot. Otherwise I would suggest Spencers by the lake. It offers pretty much same quality/​type of food for about half the price. It is out in Burlington but it does offer a very lovely view. I would say the hot and cold stations are bout the same. Toca dessert is definitely better then Spencers.
Or maybe even try the old Mill Inn. The cold station isn’t as impressive nor it’s dessert display. It’s hard to top Toca wine cellar dessert station presentation. Especially when they have 5 bottles of 95 Petrus laying around. Presentation aside I personally like the taste of the desserts at old Mill Inn just a bit more. Hot station I would say they are bout the same.
Overall
Cold display: ⁵⁄₅
Hot plates: ³⁄₅
Desserts: ⁵⁄₅
Service: 3.5÷5 cause they messed up on my bill, and I had to pay for valet while my parents didn’t!

4 stars for: Great ambiance, service, presentation, and cheese aging room. Pricey for what they served, even at a high end place. $ 40 for 4 scallops entrée. An entrée is typically 6 scallops. Wouldn’t come back here again since the food wasn’t stellar and worth being inside the Ritz.

The highly acclaimed Sunday brunch buffet!
Was it worth it? All in all, I’d say no, but perhaps I’ve been to so many buffets?
The most impressive station was the cold bar where all the lobster tails, shrimps, oysters, mussels, and crab claws resided. All the seafood was fresh and plentiful. Oysters were small but very tasty. My favourite was the lobster tail which was perfectly cooked, sweet & tender and not chewy. There’s also a selection of really tasty grilled antipasto veggies, but you don’t want to fill up too much on that! Other unexciting mentionables at the same bar. sushi (small selection, nothing special). Salad… Some small plates of shrimp. We did enjoy the roast need carving station though!
The hot area didn’t have a huge selection. My favourite dish was a Mediterranean style pizza — but I didn’t come to the $ 79 buffet for pizza! There was chicken, pasta, soup, and some breakfast items. Nothing to write home about here either. Actually the Benedict was pretty good.
The buffet also comes with bottomless mimosas, bellinis and Caesars — none of these Cocktails were very very basic.
And to end things on a high note… the dessert is served in their wine cellar — very cool! I pretty much had one of everything and it was spectacular!!! There were not hot or made to order desserts but no complaints on my end! I loved every single bite.
Highlights again were the seafood and the dessert but all in all for that price I couldn’t say it was all worth it… I was expecting more!
For a Sunday buffet brunch at a more reasonable cost, I really enjoyed Hot House.

Came here for their famous Sunday brunch. I’m impressed.
Cold stuff: lobster, shrimp, oysters, smoked salmon and other cold cuts, various salads. I wish they would cook the seafood and have a hot version available. Food always seem bland when they are cold, maybe it’s just me, I am not a cold food eater…
Carving station: perfect medium rare ribeye with a wonderful berry sauce. My only complaint is that it is lukewarm. If only it can be kept more heated without it being overcooked…
Hot foods: fish, chicken, omelet station, standard stuff
Dessert: my favorite part of the meal! All very high quality stuff, lots of mousse cakes and other stuff that is on par with what is offered in the best bakeries in Toronto.
Service: Wonderful, as expected for a place like this! They did a lovely birthday cake thing for my mom.
Parking: valet parking only. $ 10. Not bad for the location and service.

I had the Cheese Risotto with Black Truffle.
I Was pretty excited for this dish because it came with three things I really like: risotto, cheese and black truffle. But it ended up disappointing. The risotto was very tough like it was undercooked (instead of aldente). The cheese was kinda salty and overpowered the truffle taste.
The service was disappointing too. Being a high-​end restaurant, I expected service to be top notch. But then I guess this is one of those high-​end restaurant where you may be pre-​judged if you’re getting a good service or not.
I called the server to say that the risotto was too tough than usual. And initially, the server didn’t even believe me and made it seem like I didn’t know what a risotto is and how it should be. I had to tell him I’ve eaten a lot of risotto (even on authentic Italian restaurants) so it’s not new to me and this was the toughest one I’d had. It’s only then he’d take my dish and asked if I wanted it re-​made or changed.

Was OK. Not in a hurry to go back.
Food is good quality for the most part but there was a few misses.
1) Oysters was dumped onto the seafood tray so they lose all their liquid. Generally the seafood tray was OK and not special.
2) The cooked foods were good but standard flair, no surprise.
3) Dessert was fine, read whatever you want from that.
Would be great if the price was less but they charge extra because it was mother’s day weekend. OK I get why they charge more a lot of folks were the for M-​day. At the price they charged (I think 80 a head + tax and tip) it should have been perfect.

We came here for a birthday dinner with a friend on a Friday night. While I think it would be more lively on a Thursday night, we definitely had a wonderful time with attentive and knowledgeable service.
Our meals were lovely — we had the lobster salad, ribeye, filet mignon and a pasta, and everything was quite wonderful… and I have to say the ribeye was spectacular.
This is definitely the place to take someone for a special occasion but expect the price point to match that.

I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend for her bachelorette day. I loved the variety they had as it was all you can eat. When I mean all you can eat I mean unlimited oysters, lobster tails, crab class and sushi. Their menu is elaborate and their food is high end. Definitely for some email occasions and you can expect to be there from 11:30−3pm. There’s bottomless mimosas too. Good place to catch up and just eat whenever you can!

I came here for brunch with my gf for our anniversary and this place did not disappoint! I was told by friends that it was seafood heaven and they were not wrong. Lobsters, oysters, crab claws, seared tuna oh my! My favourite was the lobster and crab claws as the were very easy to eat and already cracked with the meat hanging out! I’m not the biggest fan of oysters, but I couldn’t help myself from consuming 20 of them as they were fresh and creamy!
The cooked food was were this place lacked a bit and the reason I am not giving them 5 stars. The beef wellington was dry and the cook left about half of it hanging off my plate. The grilled salmon was also a bit dry and most of the vegetables seemed to have been sitting out there on the buffet table for a while.
Service was great for the most part. Our server constantly filled our all you can drink mamosas with just the right amount of orange juice. They also folded our napkins each time we left the table. They never once rushed us and were checking up on us every now and then to make sure we were doing well and not passed out from a food coma.
The dessert room was really nice and make sure to save some room for that, as they have many delicious treats such as macaroons, chocolate pastries, cookies and a chocolate fountain. Overall a nice place to take that special someone for an epic occasion as this place is a bit on they pricey side. I’ll be making a return trip again for those lobsters though!

Ah, brunch… The perfect alternative to a fancy dinner, because it gives me the whole day to recover! We stayed for an exceptionally long brunch since we were celebrating the anniversary, about 2.5 hours. The oysters, crab claws, lobster tails and shrimp were all super fresh and in high demand. Lucky for us, we had a table with a view of the seafood, so always saw when things got refilled.
Mimosas constantly refilled. Napkins constantly refolded when we were away from the table. Plates always cleared. Impeccable.
The cooked food was a bit lacking… Beef Wellington was dry. Omelette station with delivery to the table was a nice touch, but my egg white Omelette was wayyyy too salty! For the dessert room, the chocolate mousse was perfectly rich, and macarons were surprisingly on point!
Overall, good value for me since I eat seafood like a shark, and drink mimosas and caesars endlessly. Loved my experience!