Spice Route Asian Bistro & Bar

Place was clean and staff good. The food , meh, over $20 for Chinese food I can buy for $8 on Spadina ave. But I guess they gotta pay the bills. Felt like a place many bouncers go for food.? Seemed every second guy walked past like he was carrying firewood under his arms. Overall the place was nice. Food came out hot and tasty but I wouldn’t go back. I’d try some thing new

The food was pretty good. The place is huge as it is which was kind of cool definitely did not see that coming. The atmosphere was really cool and had a fantastic time with my brother and sister (sister is from out of town). Will definitely be going back.

This is clearly not "authentic" asian food (like me making italian) it is an neutral option for ppl who want a taste of asia with a western twist and nice ambiance. Nothing was above average, so I wouldn't object to going back, but also not on the top of my list of places to go for this type of cuisine.

Great atmosphere, disappointing food

Went with a party of 12 on a Friday. Place was busy, nice large dining room, great patio, comfy bench seating. After my initial impressions and reading a menu full of delicious sounding Asian tapas style dishes I was really looking forward to trying the food. What came was plates with tiny portions that were presented well however the food tasted like low grade Chinese food from a corner take out. Very disappointed as I could have gotten the exact same thing delivered to my house for the less money with double the serving. Left hungry after spending $60, will not return.

I won't be returning...

I went to Spice Route last night to celebrate a reunion with friends. We sat out on the patio, which was lovely, a really beautiful spot. Our service was average when we were ordering appetizers off of the regular menu. When we then requested to look at and order from the Summerlicious menu, our service changed. From the time we ordered it took an hour and a half to get our entrees. Then another hour and a half to get our desserts and bills. Items we asked for were forgotten and had to be asked for again. Waters were refilled only once. The server, at the end, apologized for the wait, saying it was a busy night because of the nice patio weather and summerlicious. But it was Wednesday night and the restaurant was not full. I worked in a restaurant for three years and have an idea of what busy looks like. The server was making excuses. And it seemed like she had plenty of time for the tables on either side of us who were ordering from the regular menu. As for the food, the appetizers we ordered from the regular menu were good. Naan with dips, vegetable pakora. The summerlicious menu proved disappointing. I ordered the citrus salad and had to pick through the greens that were browning and going mushy. A few of my friends ordered the spring rolls, which proved to be a tiny serving. I had the Chicken with black bean sauce, which was mediocre, but I did not appreciate the large chunks of undercooked onions. As well, rice to go with the dish should not have been an extra charge. Please, how cheap. The vegetable chow main was starchy and mediocre. The banana tempura dessert was good, and the tropical fruit salad was what I expected. At least it was fresh and did not come from a can. Overall, I would not go back. It is a lovely spot, but the medicore food and disappointing service are what stood out.

My Favorite Restaurant!

I've been to Spice Route a few times and every time it has been a lovely dinning experience. The servers are helpful and knowledgeable about the menu, and have helped me picked some delicious dishes I wouldn't normally try. The food is great! My favorite would be the wasabi crusted shrimp and the pot stickers. The prices are very reasonable for a king west restaurant! love the room, the decor and the bathrooms! YOU MUST CHECK OUT THE BATHROOMS! Great place for after work drinks!

Didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised

Reservation: I was worried at first about hosting a lounge night for a large party of 30 (bad experience previously) and I had never reserved at a resto-lounge or been to Spice Route before so I wasn't sure how the atmosphere was going to be and whether the diners and other lounge guests would be mixing together, etc etc. However, a few of my friends were excited about me booking Spice Route already because they've heard good things about it and how nice it is and really wanted to come so I felt a bit better about it already. I was reassured on the phone that I would have a semi private area to myself even in the main lounge area (I didn't want to get a party room as it didn't fit as many people and I was not eating dinner here). When I went to check it out the afternoon before the event, I was impressed with the decor and the way the area was somewhat secluded even from the rest of the bar and lounge guests. It was along the back wall just next to the door but there was a thick curtain that blocked the door traffic and wind from the space. The rugs under the tables and the way the walls lit up was really pretty and really gave off this Asian/Indian contemporary look instead of just chic like many other lounges. I was also reassured at this time that the waitress would be able to keep track of the tab so that it would not skyrocket which may be common amongst other lounges and such but NOT from my prior experience with previous bookings. Night of: The bouncer let us in once we said that we had booked and didn't ask again whether we were 25+ or not. Two servers were servicing our table that night and although the service was slower than desired at times, it was understandable because it was a Friday night and quite packed both in the dining and entire bar/lounge area. Some of my friends were hungry and were able to order full out meals which was convenient. Others ordered finger food along with their drinks. The tab minimum was very reasonable to me and we were able to meet it easily and reasonably without ordering excessively. My friends enjoyed the night overall and I was happy everything turned out for them. We were able to get more space when we realized that our party wasn't going to fit in the space allotted. The crowd was older than my party but we didn't really mingle together and they all seem to be young professionals who were relatively well behaved so there were no disruptions of any kind. There were a lot of comments about the washrooms and how it had a ceiling to floor glass that looked outside (but still blocked off from the actual street). Instinctively I felt like someone was going to look in on me, but I know it was psychological because I looked twice to make sure no one could see us from the outside!!! Great experience overall...I would definitely book again for the lounge!!

second time coming....

felt lost the first time I went to spice route a couples months ago. I decided to give it a second shot since I really enjoyed their decor and environment although felt a bit lost at times. the place is exquisite in terms of decor. the service had improved which was a huge factor that made the night run more smooth.

Trendy Hot Spot in Toronto night life.

Pretty cool night spot to kick it on the weekend. For a place that is so nicely designed, i'm surprised that they do not have any ads that showcases the fantastic decor. They don't even have a website link or anything like that. All and all pretty good place.

I went to Spice Route last night with friends for a birthday. Our reservation was at 10:30 and there was heavy traffic on King (busy clubbing night). We called from the cab to make sure they knew we were coming, and were informed that they would hold our reservation from a half hour. I believe we got into the reception area at 11:02 and the snobby blond hostess rudely informed us that we were late and our table was gone because of it. She told us to get a drink at the bar while we wait (15-20 min) and she turned her back dismissing us. If it wasn't for her, I would have given 5 stars for service, because our server was really great. He was knowledgeable about the food and was able to suggest items for us when we had trouble. The rest of the evening went very well, however the food wasn't all that wonderful. I was expecting top notch from all the hype about this place. As for tip, we gave 20 percent on a 165ish bill...I think 15 percent for the amount of things that the guy below me ordered is probably a little undertipping, but the server had no right to flip out over it.

I totally agree with the last Person's review "if...

I totally agree with the last Person's review "if this place wasn't so beautiful " cold Tea sober @ 4 in the morning after bottle service would be better food on spadina!

I would give this restaurant a zero if it wasn't...

I would give this restaurant a zero if it wasn't for the beautiful washrooms.... Our first encounter was with the rude, snob-toned hostess - who claimed we did not "confirm" our reservations, although we called and confirmed that very day. We had requested that champagne be on our table upon arrival and since we "didn't confirm" we would have to wait at the bar for 25min(?) so they could put out just 8 glasses and an ice bucket. Our food was so disappointing. I anticipated that the gorgeously descriptive menu would have at the very least a hint of the claimed ingredients - but no, the Soy-Ginger Salmon smelled so strongly of fish (which for the ignorant could be passed off as - that's just the way salmon smells) and the vegetable pakoras with coriander yoghurt dipping sauce was just plain BLAND. All together our table ordered 17 items, everyone ordered an appetizer and main+1 - and all 17 items were brought out at the exact same time. Just dumped into the middle of the table like a 'free-for-all'. After clearing the plates we were given the dessert menus but never asked if we actually wanted to order anything - instead our waiter abruptly brought us the bill and basically told us that we were out of luck for coffee and dessert because our table needed to be turned over.. After our initial reaction of 'you can't be seriously pushing us out of here?!' we were fobbed off onto the duty manager who looked concerned and seemed to be actively trying to find a new place for us to sit, unfortunately the solution was 'we could move you outside' - yeah right, it had been raining that evening and all of the patio furniture was wet! Needless to say we had no problem taking our patronage elsewhere to spend the rest of our Saturday night.

We had a 5:00pm reservation on a Friday. Our...

We had a 5:00pm reservation on a Friday. Our server was great, very attentive but still discreet enough that he wasn't a nuisance. We loved the atmosphere, the appearance of the servers, the attention to detail (definitely check out the bathrooms if you visit), and the service. The Tempura Calamari & Rock Shrimp was wonderful; the touch of chilies gave it just enough bite but wasn’t overbearing. The crab cakes were meaty and had just the right amount of basil. We each ordered the same entrée, Wok Seared Teriyaki Sirloin (one medium well and one medium rare), both were cooked to perfection. The Raspberry Brownie that we had for dessert had a Tangerine Cream and Caramelized Mandarins, it as delicious but nothing extravagant. All in all, we would definitely visit Spice Route again, we were a little weary of going because of some of the reviews that we had read, and perhaps the service is not as great if you are there later at night but at 5:00pm on a Friday the service was great and we enjoyed the experience.

Friendly staff, service was pretty quick and...

Friendly staff, service was pretty quick and atmosphere is fresh and modern. But the main event (the food) absolutely ruined the experience. I could have found the exact same food at a local chinese place, costing half the price and tasting far better. Perhaps we chose all the wrong dishes, but highly unlikely. Not recommended for dinner. Perhaps as a lounge.

Don’t waste your time I have never encountered a...

Don’t waste your time I have never encountered a more rude, disrespectful and discourteous staff before in my entire life My wife & I invite 2 of our friends for diner. After we paid the bill and on top of that 15% for tip, our server start complaining to our gust (not me) about tip and rudely insisting to get more money, I paid her more but still she was arguing. We were complain to the manager but he did not take any action. They don't care about their reputation or quality of service, don’t waste your time, I will not return or recommend

Will never EVER go back! I have never encountered...

Will never EVER go back! I have never encountered a more rude, disrespectful and discourteous staff before in my entire life. Filing a complaint in this establishment will do you no good. The manager wouldn't listen to a WORD I was saying. They obviously don't care about their reputation or quality of service. The food stunk, the drinks were overpriced, and the blaring dance music was not suitable for a restaurant. There are so many other great restaurants in Toronto, don't waste your time here. RUN!

NOT RECOMMENDED! I couldn't wait to go home and...

NOT RECOMMENDED! I couldn't wait to go home and write a negative review. Food wasn't spicy or even tasty! I could (and do) cook much better at home. Service was fair at best. Our server couldn't even remember what he had already served us/what was remaining. I could hardly see the menu it was so dark, not to mention far to loud, and cold. Not a lot of vegetarian options (besides side dishes). Pad thai noodles weren't cooked properly. I brought the leftovers home to fix the next day. Very much a bar atmosphere, with a line up for the woman's washroom weak cocktails and poor service to proove it. I will not return or recommend.

Bar Hostess Needs to Go

Went for Drinks after concert as I wanted to show some people from out of town this new supposed hot spot and was greeted with the worst service I have ever had. There were a total of 8 people in the place, which makes sense as it was a Tuesday night, and the service was still horrible. To much attitude from the bar hostess who I am sure shouldn't be allowed to interact with customers of any kind.

Hot hot like a chilli!!!

This place is the hot spot and the spot on king. Patio is hot, food was outstanding and service is gracefull. Thank god most of the crowd are 30's-40's. Not a place for 20 year olds. Can't wait to go back next thursday!!

the worst service you will ever encounter...

the worst service you will ever encounter. hospital food at best. every waiter/employee gives so much attitude you'd think they were a hot spot in las vegas. Manager is the rudest I've ever encountered and waiter brought out and charged us for 400$ worth of entrees we did not order.