Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Leaside

Outstanding experience from the moment we walked in we were warmly greeted. Our coats were checked for us and we were sat within a minute or 2. The service was fantastic very professional and attentive. The food was unbelievable. We ordered the grilled octopus Caesar salad for two made table side. Ribeye to share with mushrooms and potato gratin. Hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time. Everything was cooked perfectly. And the salad way better than any other top steak houses in the city. I’m definitely returning here in the nicer weather !

Today was wintery and cold with a blowing wind. A day to be inside. A day for lunch at the Amsterdam. As always, the staff at the front door were welcoming and efficient, directing us to a table for two beside the fireplace. Bonus! Samantha (Sam) was our server today. She was friendly and chatty and seemed pleased to see us. We ordered “our usual”, as regulars to the Amsterdam (perhaps we are boring) and without much delay we were enjoying our fish and chips (for her) and the Tai chicken curry (for me), washed down with Diet Coke and an Amsterdam Blonde. The food was hot and nicely presented, particularly the curry, resting on a palm leaf in a custom earthenware (?) dark bowl. The beer, even on a cold day, was great. Although there are giant screen TVs in one section of the dining area showing (today) live tennis, the sounds and images were not intrusive. Ditto the musical ambiance. Although I would prefer NO music in a restaurant, the Amsterdam’s choice was reasonable acceptable and allowed for an audible conversation (I often wonder if the “music” in restaurants, or the grocery store, is targeting the customers or the staff). No desert today. Stuffed. But there was a little room for a cappuccino before paying the bill. Goodbyes from Sam who provided great service and who maintained a pleasant chatty presence throughout today’s encounter. We will be back. Jack H Toronto

$65 for 3 course. Everything was perfectly cooked. Good service. Will definitely come back.

Spectacular meal last night at Lee. First - it's a beautiful and elegant space. Second - the service was excellent. Third - the food was not only beautifully presented, it was all perfectly prepared and very, very good, with many interesting and appealing options on the menu. My best meal out in Toronto in quite a while.

Went for my birthday and the space has definitely got a renovation since my last visit in 2021. The food was equally as delicious, service had changed a bit (I do miss the old cutlery) but I understand with the demand and expansion since the WELL deserved Micheline recognition. The food was FABULOUS the octopus was a stand out texture perfectly cook the sala Verda had heat, zest, and herbaceous however, the star were the beans! DESSERT was my favourite course strawberries are my favourite fruits so confidently the gelato was right up my alley. I knew it was incredibly well done when my brother who notoriously dislikes strawberry “ice cream” of any sorts kept matching my spoon for spoon (will be back for the Torta). My only wish was to maybe talk about more with the Som and the employees. I know it’s hard to sometimes be able too in service and some guest just rather not be spoken to during their stay. I kept looking for an opening with everyone who touched our table didn’t work out. CJ was a wonderful server, paced our dishes and drinks, took care of my family wonderfully. Also loved that the table was communicated that it was “ours” until a specific time. It was a wonderfully birthday, thank you.