I live in the area and have been coming to By The Way for a couple years. Recently I visited to have lunch and read my book quietly in a peaceful environment on a rainy day. I was the sole patron, and no other customers were present inside. After a couple hours, not long after paying my bill, and still drinking the coffee I had paid for, the very rude waiter informed me that I would have to leave because "this isn't a library". This is the first time I have been kicked out of an empty restaurant for reading a book. When I told the waiter as much, his response was "this isn't Starbucks".

It is a pleasant spot looking out onto Bloor Street. A very thick curtain hangs in the doorway to help block blasts of cold air as patrons enter. The menu offers a variety of items with a Mediterranean influence. Serving portions are good. I enjoyed the beet walnut salad with chicken. It is a very popular place and reservations would be recommended. Service was cheerful but she was also very busy. It’s nice when they top up your water but this didn’t happen. We were also left sitting with our dirty dishes for sometime. Two of us couldn’t finish our meals so perhaps she thought we were still trying... I would go again. The food is good and the place has a”vibe”.

Dumbfounded! A Very Rude manager Don kicked us out!! We just wanted coffees/teas for a 20minute stay with my wife a daughter as we were waiting on a rainy cold day. Half the restaurant was empty at 2:30, outside of the lunch/dinner rush. Still can’t believe it! Said they don’t do just coffees as we were staring at their Mazzer grinder and espresso machine. If I could rate 0 I would. Too many great places to eat in Toronto to ever step inside such an unwelcoming atmosphere again.

There's just something different about this place that I really wanted to come back here again and was not disappointed.
It's hard to find good restaurants that serve breakfast.
This is it!!!!

Ate under the awning. Nicely prepared breakfast serviced by lovely attentive staff. Popular for breakfast and brunch.