Merlot Restaurant

***NASTIEST WAITRESS EVER***

nice place, food is tasty and the presentation is good :) do try it out ..

I love this restaurant. This tiny bistro is one of my fave places to celebrate special events. The atmosphere is intimate, cosy and great for dates. Was introduced to this place by my chef mentor who considers this place his "local". Ever since then, I have considered this place my "local" as well. The food is traditional bistroesque food, escargots, grilled calamari, steak frites with bearnaise are all good. Service is very good to excellent depending on how busy they get. Reservations are necessary on most popular evenings. You should try this place you will be very happy you did.

We have been twice - both busy Friday nights and have always had great service by the waiter. The female bartender who served us cocktails at the bar while we waited for our table was not very friendly or welcoming though. Last time, my calamari was overcooked so I sent it back and it was removed from the bill without fanfare. Decor is a bit dated and the tables are very close together, but it is a neighbourhood bistro after all. It definitely is a "Gem"...

In response to Lila M (A "Jem" with poor...

In response to Lila M (A "Jem" with poor service): I worked at Merlot, and I know firsthand that the servers are very service oriented. I never heard anyone complain because someone didn't order wine, or appetizers, or dessert or coffee. This restaurant has been packed every night for over ten years, and most of the staff have been there since the beginning. If the service was poor, the restaurant would not be so successful, and the staff would not still be there. Also, the food does not take longer than 15 minutes to get to the table. Duck confit and chicken take about a half hour to cook, so without an appetizer, it is a longer wait. In my experience, surly and condescending was never a part of the service at Merlot. I am sad for this person.