Tabülè’s executive chef Rony Goraiche didn’t exactly begin his career in the kitchen. Instead, he found himself working nine to five in an office after studying actuarial science in university. But even then, there were clues that cooking was in Rony’s cards. While studying, he took on part-time work at a restaurant. There, he met his wife Diana Sideris. Also a student at the time, she was working front of house, while Rony prepared meals in the kitchen, an arrangement that would serve them well years later when they took the leap to open Tabülè.
“I realized when we got married that he was more excited about all the kitchen gifts,” Diana laughs. Rony went on to take courses in culinary arts at George Brown College. “But it comes from his roots,” she says. “A lot of the recipes are traditional - from his mom, from his dad, from his grandparents - and then he adds his own twist to it.”
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Always good. Always friendly
Really enjoyed Tabule--I'm surprised by all the negative reviews here. The kefta was as well-spiced and delicious as any I've had--and I love a Mediterranean restaurant. The Lebanese-style rice was good. My husband really enjoyed his chicken, and our friend her shrimp. The vegetables were well grilled so as not to be soft and soggy. The falafel was not the most flavorful I've had but add some hummus and tahini and who notices anyway? Plus they fit us in on a Saturday night, the staff was attentive, the food came out pretty quickly for how full the place was... Overall, quite pleased with the experience. Are you over-paying when they charge $15 for chicken, rice and veg? Sure. But it's not in a cheap area, for one. Try to find equivocal prices outside fast food around there. For two, you're paying for the nice atmosphere, the good service, the fact you're getting a meal prepped for you. Overall, quite pleased with this experience.
My friends and I have been to Tabule on several occasions and have always enjoyed the food. It is our go to special occasion spot.
Terrible. The only people who would rate this restaurant highly are those who have no appreciation for Middle Eastern foods and have never tried it before. Only Middle Eastern food virgins would like this place. Included in this group is the owner and staff of this restaurant. They were clearly not from the Middle East. Nice marketing ploy though: charging fine dining prices for bland soggy oily Falafel and chicken kabab which was like any chicken breast anywhere in Toronto. NOT AUTHENTIC OR DELICIOUS
Appetizers of Falafels and Roasted eggplant were very good. Mains, kabobs of Ontario lamb and beef were somewhat overdone and uninteresting. The service was friendly but somewhat slow and needed a reminder of forgotten item, Altogether a rather average and uninspired dining experience.
I had patronized this establishment a few times previously for lunch, and had enjoyed attentive and warm service and reasonable portions and prices. On this visit, I was disappointed with the value of the dinner menu as well as the conduct of the waiting staff. Post-renovation, the atmosphere retains its original charm, but our server for the evening seemed a bit aggressive in prodding us to order additional items. She forgot about one of our drink orders, and our water glasses remained unreplenished for the last hour or so of our stay. Whilst Tabule offers a nice business lunch menu, its dinner selection is somewhat slim, comprised mostly of appetizers, and is inflated in price. Our entree plates were rice-heavy and light-handed on the kebab and grilled vegetable portions. Food-wise, the rice was well seasoned, the meat tender, but the vegetables a touch over-charred for my liking. Though I would consider returning, it would not likely be for dinner. There is better value to be found at other Middle Eastern restaurants in the city.
... or for those who do not know any better. I decided to celebrate the first day of Ramadan by visiting this place and had made a reservation a day earlier for 8pm. We arrived on time and waited 20 minutes to be seated in the midst of unending chaos. It took forever for the waiter to come and take our orders. He was completely unaware that it was Ramadan. No one at this establishment seemed to care; none of them appeared Middle-Eastern. The menu lacked variety and was so uninspired where main courses were concerned, the selection wouldn't have been different at any grill. The appetizers were a bit better although the kibbe was cased in what seemed more like falafel mix than cracked wheat. Vegetarians had only one main dish they could have (a vegetarian skewer, not very Middle Eastern). The food was bland and did not remind me of the Middle-East at all. It was also terribly over-priced. No self-respecting Syrian would eat at this restaurant.
this is my favourite restaurant, the food is delicious, the atmosphere is great as well as the service, great experience,
Wonderful, reasonably priced food, serviced by friendly, attentive and professional staff. It is great place!
Great food, great decor, WONDERFUL staff! A must-dine establishment in Toronto!
What a fun evening that was. We found out about this restaurant from Joanne Kates' review in the Globe and Mail. The food was great the service was awsome. We ate everything on the menu. Their appetizers are extensive and delicious. Bring fried with you so that you can try several dishes!!! Try their rosewater martini!!
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