The Local Cafe and Restaurant

Just had such a strange experience here that I’m writing this review from the table. My friend and I entered it seemed nice. The staff seemed friendly until the waiter came. He turned the menu away from me faced my friend and explained the menu to only her. Did not speak or acknowledge me at all. Then came back and asked only her if she would like a drink. My friend tried to direct his attention back to me and asked if I wanted to order but I was so put off by the blatant disregard and dismissal that decided not to spend any money here.

Some people who work there really just ruin the experience, constantly given the wrong item, charged wrong, giving me the wrong change back, cold food, etc. Being very clear with what I ordered then leaving to see I have been given something completely different is honestly very annoying.

A hidden gem in Scarborough with lots of value for money. It is a must visit if you haven’t been to lunch, brunch, or their cafe!

Short menu but BIG plates! Lovely people, comfortable ambience and good food! That sums up the hard work of the students here and the restaurant. My GoTo brunch spot. 💯

Came for brunch and it was absolutely delicious. Price wise it’s about the same as other higher end brunch spots but taste wise I think they put more time into preparation and higher quality ingredients

I will miss it when I graduate. There’s no other cafe in the GTA with the same price and food taste. Just to write this review I’m salivating already.

This restaurant.is much better tan expectation. Although this restaurant is run by students, the food is very good, but servers hsve room to improve. Strongly recommanded to others to try it. Our group love their coffee.

3rd time visiting. Service and food were better at my two previous visits. I would actually rate my experience 3.5 stars but as this is a student learning opportunity, I'm rounding up. Taste of food was overall average. Price is great. I like that tips go towards student scholarship.

Corn bread with herbed butter - good. Small piece, but I was satisfied with it. At my first visit back when they served dinner, I received complimentary bread and was offered more. Not sure if the same case with the cornbread.
Celeriac Cream Pasta - this was more filling than the portion size looks. Initially mistakenly given to the table next to me and when the ladies said no one ordered the pasta our shared server insisted that they did. Eventually it was put on my table and our server apologized to the ladies.
Sweet Potato Arancini - you'd think the way the menu reads, the chili is a garnish. My plate was replete with chili slices I couldn't even taste the sweet potato in the arancini: hot pepper was the only flavour. I can handle spicy but I do think this dish was improperly made. I asked for a different side and the manager allowed it.
Poached Plum Green Salad (replaced side) - I enjoyed this the most. It could've been elevated with some cranberries. I would've preferred it served in a salad bowl for more even distribution of the vinaigrette rather than the deep soup bowl.
Apple Shortcake - Nice presentation. Light. Not too sweet. Subtle flavour other than the actual apple pieces.
Peach Iced Tea - Nice. Filled to the rim with ice though. Not uncommon. Should ask for less ice.
My server was attentive *during* the dining experience and very polite. When a different server brought out my desert I asked for the bill and she said she'd retrieve it (or maybe she would let my server know). That didn't happen. Then the ladies at the adjacent table finished their desserts, received their bills right away, and promptly left. I finished mine a minute or two later. My server came over and instead of providing me with my bill and then clearing and cleaning both our tables, he focused on clearing the ladies' table. Part way through his cleaning another server came to help him. I sat and waited for 10 minutes, even made eye contact with my server, before I asked him for the bill. He finished clearing the last of dishes and then attended to me.

I hope my review helps with the learning!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Visited here twice and both were amazing experiences! Food were delicious as always and the student servers were polite. Most importantly the food were affordable with such a large portion! Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

My place to go. Excellent food, salads and late.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Local is a teaching restaurant where faculty train and supervise hospitality students in a real-life environment. We have had nervous students and others brimming with confidence serving us. Be patient! But the food is fantastic and you can't beat the price. This is one place worth checking out when on the main Centennial Progress campus for lunch.

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delicious and so well priced! The food is extremely fresh and tasty! I’m worried more people will find out about this restaurant and the prices will go up ? It’s also so incredibly awesome to know that all of the employees are students, gaining experience and learning as they go! Be aware, this means that there will be a lot of people around, but personally, I think it’s great! There were a few hiccups, but the servers immediately fixed them, which is part of the learning process.
Great work, culinary students, the food is delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Local Cafe and Restaurant, and I can't say enough good things about this gem! From the moment I walked in, I felt warmly welcomed. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal.

The food was absolutely delicious! Each dish was bursting with flavor, and you can tell the ingredients are fresh and high-quality. The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the exceptional taste and portion sizes.

A special shoutout to Omari and Tushar, who went above and beyond to make our visit memorable. Their friendly demeanor and attentive service made the experience even better. They truly made us feel like valued guests.

If you're looking for a great place to eat with fantastic food, excellent prices, and top-notch service, The Local Cafe and Restaurant is a must-visit. I can't wait to go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Watermelon Salad, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Duck Breast, Strawberry Profiteroles, Cornbread, Panna Cotta

Best food in the area. Service is great. The buffet style approach is gone after the pandemic. Decent portion size and prices.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chocolate Mousse Cake

My family and I enjoyed a lovely brunch. The food was delicious, large portions and affordable. The service was good, there were a few hiccups with ordering and the bill at the end but overall good for students learning. I would go again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3