La Vinia - Toronto, Ontario

AAA This is like a hidden gem in Etobicoke. I had no idea it even existed and had such a great time, food, exceptional, Fernando, the owner is an absolute gentleman and attentive. He knows when to pull in and pull out this guy gets it, service, exceptional and the ... food to die for.. for sure my to go place it’s like one of those places you kind of find on the outskirts of Manhattan in Brooklyn that if you know you know, and if you don’t too bad Read more

We had high hopes for this restaurant given the reviews and recommendations but left disappointed. So let’s start with the good… the service was great, and the staff were really attentive. I also didn’t mind the presentation of the meals. The restaurant was small and intimate, but the sound didn’t carry ... which allowed for my partner and I to have conversations without yelling. The not so good was the actual food. For the price you pay, we expected more (not in terms of quantity, but the quality)… The order: - Pulpo a la Gallega - Octopus was overcooked and rubbery. We enjoy octopus at other restaurants and even when we travel so it was a bit disappointing. - Croquetas de Cangrejo - these could have been a bit more crunchy on the outside but I didn't mind the flavour, though my partner didn’t like the taste, he thought the crab wasn’t fresh. - Paella de Marisco - incredibly salty and lacked any other flavour. The seafood also tasted stale/frozen. Also it did not have a burnt bottom, so it was more like a risotto. Didn’t finish this due to the salt. The chef came out and tried to explain why the meal was salty, but an explanation really doesn’t justify the amount in the meal. It also didn’t help there was no other flavour present. If you’re using seafood (which can be naturally salty), then reduce the additional salt? He offered us free dessert, but honestly we were kind of turned off by the previous courses. Maybe it was an off day, but I would not recommend based on the food we had. Potentially the non-seafood dishes are better, but this ain’t it. Overall food lacked flavour, and seafood wasn’t cooked correctly or tasted fresh. Read more

I could talk about my first experience at this place for hours! Came here back in December with my partner to celebrate my birthday and everything was perfect. Our server, although he had pretty much all the tables in the restaurant was impressively very attentive and had great conversation. As a ... server myself I was admiring the hard work he was putting in to make sure everyone’s experience was unique and enjoyable. The chef went around to each table to make sure that his food was tasting fresh and cooked to the customers liking which added a touch you never knew you needed. He and my partner were hitting it off in conversation speaking in Spanish which impressed him and he ended up offering us a free birthday shot which was very kind of him. The food was melt in your mouth greatness. The salmon was to die for, I’ve never had salmon so well cooked until this place. Now I can’t have salmon anywhere else but here! The chocolate flan… Un postre fuera de este mundo!!! Muchísima gracias, we will be back soon! Read more

We had a dinner for 4 on a Wednesday evening at this Spanish Cuisine restaurant. Small, nicely decorated place with great Sangria. A variety of Paellas were available one being a seafood selection which we ordered. Paellas take 40 mins to prep so order that first then tapas. ... Tapas are amazing and flavourful here. We had a variety and even ordered some twice as we couldn’t get enough. Portions are not bad, service was unhurried, attentive and skillful.. we noticed they prepared beverages as well and performed table side service, serving the first helping of Paella when it was ready. During our meal, we had the pleasure of speaking to the Chef/Owner who came by our table and after we asked, he happily shared how he prepped the food we were enjoying. Friendly and hospitable true and true! Definitely returning to this great restaurant. Read more

First time at an authentic Spanish restaurant. Had seafood risotto, sausage & ratatouille, and soup of the day (carrot and ginger). I imagine the style and flavour to be true to its roots. Noticeably fresh ingredients, well plated, and great service. Would've preferred stronger flavour, but food was good as ... is. Under $100 meal for two, call it fair value. Overall good experience. Would recommend, but would not repeat. 4 stars Read more