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“Quiet Lunch with a Friend”
Review of By The Way

By The Way
Ranked #1,295 of 11,136 Restaurants in Toronto
Price range: C$15 - C$35
Cuisines: Latin, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Israeli
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: Breakfast, Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Casual Dining
Neighbourhood: Old Toronto
Cross street: Brunswick & Bloor
Description: By The Way is a much-loved neighbourhood favourite that offers contemporary Mediterranean fare with Latin flare in the heart of the Annex. A reliable, tasty standby for generous, nourishing eats, BTW has all the meal bases covered, from breakfast to late-night fill-up. Omelettes, pasta dishes and eggs benny get lots of mention, as does the fine selection of Middle Eastern choices. The restaurant enjoys a particular reputation for its healthy focus. There's also a solid selection of vegetarian dishes. A surprisingly extensive wine list includes both house and vintage options. The space is bright and cheerful. The big corner patio fills up in the summertime.
Reviewed March 25, 2022

Met a friend here for a quiet weekday lunch. Food and service were both fantastic. Great spot to relax.

Date of visit: March 2022
Thank CanadianTravelll
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.
Reviews (108)
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4 - 8 of 108 reviews

Reviewed September 22, 2021

It was raining and the temperature was about 17, but even without heat lamps the patio was agreeable to be on. I had the kufta kebob with fries (the fries are very good), and coffee. A pleasant meal.

Date of visit: September 2021
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
1  Thank operalover939
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.
Reviewed September 30, 2020

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".

Date of visit: September 2020
    • Value
    • Service
Thank sarahmisc
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.
Reviewed February 15, 2020 via mobile

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”.

Date of visit: February 2020
1  Thank Saucysavory
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.
Reviewed December 14, 2019 via mobile

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.

Date of visit: December 2019
2  Thank Farkrocks
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.

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