SARA - Toronto

I visited Sara on Feb 1, 2024 with a Wagjag voucher for their six dish tasting menu. Wagjag related information is added at the end.Overall, I enjoyed this vegetable heavy meal with a great variety. The ingredients and cooking techniques are pretty simple without complex flavours and high technicality but well balanced and great for its price at its regular price though, I would’ve expected a higher level of craft. With ‘safe’ dishes, there was no ‘miss’ for me, which is why I am giving 5 for food (4 at the regular price), but I do question its validity to be on Michelin’s guide especially in comparison to other cities’ lists.Portion wise, though we were served Ikura Latke twice by the restaurant’s mistake, I was starting to get full after their third course, Chopped Salad. By the time main course (Fried Chicken and Delicata Squash) came around, I was stuffed. I’d also like to note that Fried Chicken portions are not consistent. I assume and hope they try to keep them consistent, but from other review pictures and social media stories/posts, you can tell that their portion varies.In terms of atmosphere, from its brick wall exterior to its minimal and tasteful interrior, the design was enjoyable. Washrooms were also great single units, clean, Aesop handwash. The only miss is that the tables are very close to each other, which can have a big impact on your experience depending on who’s sitting next to you.Service was the most questionable part about the evening. While timing of the dishes coming out was perfect and our server was polite, she was inexperienced, not personable, and scatterbrained, which made some encounters awkward at best. Other waitstaff will run your dishes and fill up water, but there was absolutely no check up during the service. One of the waitstaff would also abruptly drop the dish onto the table making an unpleasant sound with no explanation of the dish, bringing us back to a nofrill place in Chinatown or an university cafeteria. Other than taking the order, bussing the plates, and bringing the bill, there was no service, yet we were charged 18% auto gratuity for 2 guests, which was not mentioned anywhere on the menu, Wagjag website, Sara’s website, or before/during/after the service. Yet when I was paying, the machine still asked for an additional tip. Giving 3 star for service again for its voucher price but at the regular price and considering its Michelin status, I would normally give 2, not a pass.The voucher came to $108.09 with a 10% off promo on Wagjag. This was a great deal for two people including a glass of house wine each, which could be substituted for beer or mocktail. Wagjag advertises it as $177 value, but it would be added up to $171 assuming that portion sizes are the same as a la carte, which I cannot speak for. At the restaurant, they will charge for tax, tip, and anything else you add on. As mentioned earlier, there is an automatic gratuity of 18% even for our table of two, which was not mentioned anywhere and at anytime, leaving not the best last impression unfortunately when the overall evening went decently.If you have membership with Somm, you can get a free ‘Kefir Courage’.Vegetarian options: I did not opt for this, but there were vegetarian substitutes available, and the overall meal is vegetable heavy.

Our first visit here and we had a 6 course tasting menu on a wagjag voucher. Very cozy restaurant with a good atmosphere and a creative menu delivered by knowledgeable staff. We thoroughly enjoyed the two hours, the food, the atmosphere and the value for money. We will be back.Parking: We walked from union Station

Saw the restaurant on tik tok which got me interested in the journeys tasting menu. Went there on jan 25th for dinner.Unfortunately underwhelmed. The starter which sets the tone ie: puff with cream sauce was awful and dry. Like a tim horton puff with cheesy cream. Chopped salad not enough dressing. The shrimp tasted a bit fishy. The fries that came with the wagyu steak was awfully overseasoned barely editable.brussel spouts were overchared. Other dishes not memorable. The only dish my partner and I liked was the wagyu steak sandwich with the mustard. Had some drinks. Decent. For 240$ wont be coming back primarly bcuz of food quality unless it's just to order the wagyu steak sandwich.Atmosphere nice and bathrooms very nice. But not enough reason to come back if food is off.

This was the best dining experience I’ve had in Toronto in recent memory. From the moment I made the reservation I felt taken care of. The food and service and ambience were incredible. Bravo to the whole team. It’s a beautiful establishment with thoughtful touches and soulful hospitality. I would give it ten stars if I could! Special thanks to Benji who served us. Just incredible

One of the best dining experiences in Toronto; the ambiance, service and food were all fantastic. We loved all the dishes but in particular the chopped salad, hamachi sashimi, and the latkes. Highly recommend!