Dining at Café Boulud, Toronto

On our bachelorette weekend at the Four Seasons Toronto, we decided to try out Café Boulud, the hotel’s French brasserie. Given the reputation of the restaurant, we were excited for a memorable dining experience. While there were some standout moments, there were also a few aspects that didn’t quite live up to expectations.

First Impressions: Service & Atmosphere

When we arrived at Café Boulud, the atmosphere was upscale but not overly stuffy. It’s the type of place where you can expect good food, but still feel comfortable. However, the service left a bit to be desired. We were greeted by waitstaff who, quite honestly, seemed a bit cold and distant. It felt like we were more of an inconvenience than guests they were eager to serve, which definitely put a damper on the mood.

It’s a small thing, but when you’re at a nice restaurant, especially for a special occasion, the service should match the quality of the food. In this case, it didn’t.

The Vegan Option: Disappointing and Overpriced

One of the girls in our group is vegan, and unfortunately, the only option available for her was a plate of vegetables. While it looked beautiful, a plate of veggies doesn’t exactly feel like a proper meal — especially when you’re paying upscale restaurant prices. To make matters worse, she was charged far too much for what was essentially just a side dish. It was a big letdown, especially when you consider the pricing and the expectations for a restaurant of this caliber.

The Food: Hit or Miss

As for the rest of us, the experience was a mix of good and not-so-great. I ordered the lobster dish, and while it was good, it didn’t live up to what I expected for the price. I’ve had better lobster meals elsewhere for less. There’s nothing wrong with the dish, but it didn’t feel special enough for the premium cost.

However, the cocktails were a standout. I had a French 75, and it was perfect — refreshing, balanced, and exactly what I wanted. The girls enjoyed their cocktails too, and it was nice to see the drink menu delivering where the food fell short.

The Ambiance: A Bit Too Bright

Another small point that might be personal preference but stood out to me was the lighting. It was too bright for an evening restaurant. It gave the space a more casual feel, which isn’t ideal for a dinner setting that’s trying to create a certain mood. While some might enjoy the lighting, I personally prefer a bit more of a dim, romantic vibe for a night out at a fine dining spot.

Final Thoughts: Is Café Boulud Worth It?

In conclusion, while Café Boulud offers a polished environment and quality cocktails, the food and service left me a little underwhelmed. The lobster dish was fine, but not exceptional, and the vegan option was a huge disappointment. It’s unfortunate that the service didn’t match the level of expectation for a restaurant within the Four Seasons.If you’re looking for a place with great cocktails and a beautiful atmosphere, Café Boulud is worth considering. However, if you’re hoping for an extraordinary meal with top-tier service, you might want to look elsewhere.