The Cook's Shop Restaurant

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#5 of 774 Restaurants in Windsor$$ - $$$, Italian, Canadian, Vegetarian friendly

+1 519-254-3377+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Wed

5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Thu

5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fri

5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Sat

5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

719 reviews

#5 of 774 Restaurants in Windsor

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

$0.00 – $31.00

CUISINES

Italian, Canadian, Tuscan, Central-Italian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

683 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J4 Canada

Remmington Park

+1 519-254-3377

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Does this restaurant accept bookings?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

PRICE RANGE

$0.00 – $31.00

CUISINES

Italian, Canadian, Tuscan, Central-Italian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

719 reviews

Excellent

538

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Laura H

1 contribution

Perfect spot for a delicious dinner with friends

Jul 2024 • couples

We stumbled upon this little restaurant while in the Windsor area and it turned out to be an incredible find. We were surprised they weren't open a little later on a beautiful summer Friday night but they were absolutely accommodating. There were four of us dining and every dish our table ordered was exceptional: delicious, hot, freshly made with care. The bread and the bruschetta topping were out of this world. The staff set this place apart though with attentive, friendly, non-pretentious service. Great menu options and selection of wine.

Written August 6, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jongable

Oakland Charter Township776 contributions

Still very good, but …

Sep 2024 • family

I used to travel to the Cook Shop from Michigan fairly often, but this was our first time back since 2019 due to COVID19 and not wanting to deal with customs. The restaurant is still excellent, but there were some changes since our last visit with the prior owner - some good, some bad. - The decor has been updated and it is more well lit than before. I liked the change, but there is definitely a different vibe now. - Pastas are no longer cooked table side, which did not really bother us. - There are now high end cuts of beef on the menu. They looked very good at the other tables that ordered them. - The “Caesar” salad still comes with the meal and it is good, but the wonderful chicken pastina soup is no longer part of the meal. - Some of the dishes from the past menu were no longer offered such as the shrimp/escargot/mushroom dish. However, there were new dishes such as a seafood black ink pasta, which was quite good. - The low cost house wine carafes are no longer offered. - I used to like getting the grilled homemade sausages on a skewer, but they no longer serve the sausage side that way. In the past, the Cook Shop seemed like a great value, but now it is a very good meal at a high price. Will I still go there again? Probably, but maybe just once per year now.

Written September 21, 2024

Paul G

Madeira Beach25 contributions

The most gracious restaurateur in North America

Dec 2023 • couples

We recently had the privilege of dining at the Cook's Shop for the first time. Due to a backup at the border crossing from Detroit to Windsor, we were 1 and 1/2 hours late for our reservation. Spencer (who I presume is the owner) could not have been more gracious, still allowing us to dine at his establishment. Wow, we're we fortunate! Spencer recommended a sampling platter of the the restaurant's pastas, meats, and seafood. To say that the food was good would be an understatement. Everything was absolutely delicious! The wine and the service was equally impeccable. We will be back.

Written December 12, 2023

gwclark

27 contributions

misleading menu on-line

Jun 2022 • none

Most items on the in-house menu are considerably higher in price that the one which is published on-line ie: beef scallopini is $6:00 more expensive. Made reservations for outside on the patio but upon arrival we were not allowed to sit outside despite there being no one else on the patio and the tables were all set up with tablecloths and set-ups. Disappointing

Written June 30, 2022

six-travelers

90 contributions

Starting to slide

Dec 2023 • couples

Decorated for Christmas, there was a festive air to the restaurant. The hot bread with brie was delicious. The iconic salad as good as always. The prices have escalated. Adding shrimp to a pasta resulted in only 3 shrimp... The cappuccino had a heavy film of cinnamon and whole coffee beans floating around, which the server said was a garnish. Although it was sent back, it still appeared on the bill. The attention to detail sadly is lacking.

Written December 17, 2023

Andy K

1 contribution

Surcharge for appetizer

Apr 2022 • none

We were there this past Sunday. There were 4 of us in our party. My wife wasn't very hungry, she just wanted an appetizer. We ordered a bottle of wine, then the waitress told my wife it would be a $10 extra charge if she only ordered the appetizer, she was very upset. She proceeded to order an entre that she did not want. The waitress was decent. The food was okay. We've been here numerous times over the years, WE WILL NEVER GO BACK!! The $10 charge for nothing was just ridiculous. We did have 2 bottles of wine and dinner. I just don't like being gouged!

Written April 4, 2022

Truffles29

Windsor22 contributions

Great Food, Service needs work!

Sep 2021 • none

Four of us had dinner at the Cook’s Shop recently, and expected the usual impeccable food and service that are known for. The food did not disappoint; however we were quite surprised by the lack of attention and service we received. We are not sure if there was a staffing shortage, or what was going on, but for the cost of the meals, much better service is expected. We were left sitting far too long for someone to come and greet us and take drink orders. Then we’re left too long for food orders. Salads were dropped and no seasonings were offered—we had to track down a server to get salt, pepper and cheese. Same thing happened when food was served. Will be a while before we return!

Written September 8, 2021

Nicholas W

1 contribution

What changed at this restaurant? The cuisine used to be outstanding.

Feb 2023 • none

I have been coming to this restaurant for years and tell everyone while in Windsor this is a got to place for Italian. Decor is still as quaint but a wolf in sheep's clothing for the cuisine. I brought a friend here on the premise of being one of the best I always go to while in Windsor. For starters they brought burnt bread not once but twice to the table. My friend had cavatelli with Bolognese sauce that she took one bite and pushed the dish to the side. I had lasagna that was good but could not eat the entire portion and asked for a take out container to enjoy at home later. Upon reaching home opened the bag only to discover two meat balls not my lasagna.

Written February 20, 2023

Melissa

Windsor1 contribution

The best of the best

Mar 2022 • friends

Completely blown away by the food, service and ambiance at the Cook's Shop. We celebrated my best friends 50th birthday there and every single person at our table was satisfied with their meals. We had the lamb chops as an appitizer,and normally I do not eat lamb, but it was grilled to perfection with no hint of gaminess (which is why I normally do not eat it). Our cocktails were fabulous, and my seafood risotto was out of this world. My only regret is that I didn't wear elastic band pants lol 😆 the bread was rustic and authenticity baked to a perfect crisp on the outside with a soft center. The Cook's Shop staff allowed us to drop off our cake earlier in the day and helped us smoothly execute a beautiful and memorable night for our dear friend. I eat out enough to know that not every dining experience is properly executed, as it is at the Cook's Shop. Don't think twice, JUST GO and allow your taste buds to do a happy dance! Congratulations to the entire Cook's Shop staff, you're killing it 👏. Cheers 🥂 M.M.A

Written March 20, 2022

Brian H

1 contribution

Amazing Dinner with Friends

Feb 2022 • none

We visited the Cook's Shop on Thursday Feb. 24, 2022 based on the glowing recommendations of friends. From the minute we walked into the restaurant we were welcomed and received friendly and informative attention. All staff were very knowledgeable about the menu and took the time to answer any questions along with offering suggestions. Spencer, the owner also stopped by our table to ensure we were enjoying our evening. My wife raved about her Limoncello martini. The Calamari and Beef Tenderloin tip appetizers were amazing. We were told the Lasagna was a family recipe made in house. We ordered the Lasagna and upon tasting our generous portion, we wanted to be part of that family. Our desert consisted of a slice of the best tasting Tiramisu we have ever tasted as it just melted in our mouths. The wine pairings suggested by Spencer worked well with our meal. We thank our friends for suggesting the Cook's Shop to us and we will recommend this restaurant to our friends who visit Windsor.

Written February 28, 2022

gettinaway4good

Toronto6 contributions

Takeout done right!!!!

Jan 2022 • couples

The Cook Shop never ceases to amaze. The global pandemic has turned the world upside down. Certainly the ambiance that the Cook Shop provides for a dine in experience is second to none. I make a point to go monthly. Since the dine in experience wasn’t an option I thought I would give the take out experience a whirl. Let me just say, I’m glad I did. My expectations were not high. takeout in general doesn’t translate to a spectacular meal, especially when you consider fine dining. Somehow the team at the cook shop nailed it. When placing my order they asked what time I would like the food ready for. When I arrived at my requested time they began packaging the food fresh from the pan. After the drive home the food was still piping hot. The salad still crisp and the bread still steaming like it just left the oven. If the there was a negative it was that takeout doesn’t afford you the opportunity to get a refill on bread!

Written January 27, 2022

lyndareaume

Woodslee25 contributions

Fabulous dinner out

Oct 2024 • friends

Spencer is one of our club sponsors for our Corvette Club of Windsor Waterfront Show which raises funds for the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Windsor Regional Hospital. Our dinner out was a group event and the staff handled our large group extremely well. Everyone said their meals were delicious. I had the salmon dinner with mashed potatoes and it was fabulous! The salads and bread were equally delicious.

Written October 27, 2024

HaihuiPloiesti

18 contributions

Birthday dinner with the family

Dec 2021 • family

We were impressed by the host who greeted us, the waiter’s skills and the menu content. The chef is amazing and we enjoyed the atmosphere along with the appetizers, different main entrees and deserts. The wine list is excellent. We highly recommend it and we will definitely go back soon!

Written March 23, 2022

gettinaway4good

Toronto6 contributions

You will not be disappointed

Dec 2021 • couples

I will spare you the generic reviews outlining how many Michelin starred resturants I have patronized. The cook shop simply is like coming home. The service is kind, compassionate, attentive without being pretentious or over bearing. Special shout out to our waitress Taylor. I come here once per month and I never leave disappointed, typically my regret is that I ate too much. Their appetizers are all delicious. Their bread is a testament to how when done correct the simple things in life are unmatched. Their Beef Stroganoff... Words cannot do it justice. Spencer and his team are simply magnifciant. We often make off menu requests and they graciously oblige. The food, service, atmosphere without a doubt are second to not none, even comparing options in Michigan. If you want to enjoy the best quality food in Windsor, look no further than the Cookshop. Sincerely, MR

Written December 21, 2021

Mary Y

4 contributions

Not very good

Apr 2023 • friends

Based on its history and current rating thought we were in for a great dinner but it was disappointing. My pasta was pricey and appeared as a ball of mush on my plate. My friend ordered special for the nite short ribs 45$ they were nothing special. And we ordered escargot and it was terrible ….go back to the old way of serving escargot. Our server was great, bread was excellent my 2 other friends said they could not rave about their meals either. Won’t ever go again

Written April 29, 2023