|
|
|
Reviews for 5th Elementt, Toronto
5th Elementt1033 Bay Street
Toronto, ON
Downtown
M5S 3A5
(416)923-8159
Cuisine Type: Indian, Mediterranean
A Summerlicious 2008 restaurant |
Overall Rating
Based on 21 review(s):
6.7| Food Rating: | 6.9 | | Service Rating: | 6.7 | | Atmosphere Rating: | 6.7 | | Average Price: | $40 - $54 | | Average Wait Time: | 8.7 mins |
|
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 1 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 1 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 30 mins |
| Name: sam
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 9/2008
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 6
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? No
Comments: most horrible place on earth. heard the reviews are written by the management. actually read a few just now , it seems true , here people talk about meal had is lunch and they praise what a good dinner they had. i had the most horrible experience at this restaurant. i believe that all the praises were written by the management to cover they horrible food
would never go again. | | Review Date: 2008-09-22 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 10 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: hilton
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 9/2008
Meal: Lunch
# in Party: 4
Price per Person: $25 - $39
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: Been to 5th Element restaurant during film festival for one of the cocktail receptions, place was packed with film directors, producers and distributors. Enjoyed cranberry peacon spirals and chicken tikka and smoking in their patio. Would love to try regular dinner menu. | | Review Date: 2008-09-11 |
| 9 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 9 |
| Service Rating: | 9 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 1 mins |
| Name: Pranima Lau
Age Group: Under 18
Visit Date: 8/2008
Meal: Lunch
# in Party: 6
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: We had our anniversary dinner at 5th Element last week with friends. We had looked around carefully at other options. Overall we were very pleased that we went to 5th Element. We had a fabulous meal and could not fault the service. The owner was around making sure that all guests had a very good dinner experience. Although the restaurant was almost full it was a pleasure to see that it was NOT noisy as most restaurants are today. We certainly will return to 5th element when we are looking for a special occasion venue. | | Review Date: 2008-09-01 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: Samantha
Age Group: 40 - 59
Visit Date: 8/2008
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 4
Price per Person: $55 or more
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: We had a wonderful evening at 5th element restaurant last week for our anniversary dinner. I am surprised to see some of the reveiws below and feel that they may be by their disgrunted employee. The reason why we feel this way beacause we are regulars at 5th element since last summerlicious and till date we never had any bad experience not even once, except slight delay in food on 2 nights when they were extremly busy.
Last week we have tried their new 4 course dinner for $ 36.00. Amuse, appetizers, and entrees all of them were unique and delicious. We felt their desserts could have been better as they were good but not like the other 3 course which were unique.
Will deffinetly recommend | | Review Date: 2008-08-21 |
| 9 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 9 |
| Service Rating: | 9 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: Ché
Age Group: 19 - 25
Visit Date: 7/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 6
Price per Person: $25 - $39
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: loved the food! | | Review Date: 2008-07-08 |
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 1 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 1 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 20 mins |
| Name: jacob
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 10/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 2
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? No
Comments: well this might sound odd, why am i writing a review after so many months , the reason is the other day i read about dumpling house being closed for rats infection, and i remember my experience was also same at 5th elementt, as we were having dinner, we saw a couple of rats running in the restaurant, my wife totally lost her appetite and we were about to leave when the owners wife came and begged us not to complain and they would do something about it, but to my dismay i learned the other day that my friends who had dinner also saw rats running around and when they complained , the manager named tony was rude to them saying they were lying.i wonder why health officials wont close this place down forever, and the owner wife should be ashamed about herself for lying to us. i wont recommend to anyone.
| | Review Date: 2008-02-20 |
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 1 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 1 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 20 mins |
| Name: patel
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 12/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 5
Price per Person: $15 - $24
Visit Again? No
Comments: the overall experience was very bad. we had to wait for our en trees for over a hour even though they were no more than 3 tables. i understand now why people don't go to this place.the food was served cold and taste was horrible. not a good place to eat | | Review Date: 2008-01-08 |
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 1 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 1 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 15 mins |
| Name: ravi
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 12/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 3
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? No
Comments: very bad food. i hope nobody ever goes there. | | Review Date: 2007-12-24 |
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 1 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 1 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 25 mins |
| Name: asken john
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 12/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 4
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? No
Comments: this place is very bad.dont go for anything including the new year celebrations . all they care is ripping off people.food taste is bad and service is worst. | | Review Date: 2007-12-22 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 1 mins |
| Name: Michael
Age Group: 40 - 59
Visit Date: 7/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 4
Price per Person: $40 - $54
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: Ranks as one of the best meals we've ever had worldwide. The flavours were exquisite and the service was exceptional. | | Review Date: 2007-07-05 |
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 1 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 1 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 56 mins |
| Name: John Muhammed
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 2/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 8
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? No
Comments: This place is shit. I had diarrhea after eating here. My other party had food poisoning. Not recommended. | | Review Date: 2007-02-25 |
| 9 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 9 |
| Service Rating: | 9 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: John
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 1/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 10+
Price per Person: $40 - $54
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: After hearing back from many people at our party everyone had extremely positive comments on the atmosphere, service and most of all the food!
Everything from the appetizers to the salmon, lamb, steak and more ... it all surpassed everyone's expectations. Fantastic!
We all feel very comfortable recommending your venue to our friends. | | Review Date: 2007-02-22 |
| 9 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: andrew
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 2/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 10+
Price per Person: $40 - $54
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: The 5th Elementt was a great venue in which had our birthday party. The owner was very flexible while discussing the arrangements for our party and the staff was very attentive during the dinner. Food and service were so wonderful that we have decided to our anniversary celebrations at 5th elementt. | | Review Date: 2007-02-18 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 10 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 10 mins |
| Name: Ian Jacobs
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 2/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 2
Price per Person: $55 or more
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: My wife and I eat here all the time, great portion sizes, and amazing what the chef can do. I eat out all over the city, but this is my #1 restaurant, would eat it everyday, tell the chef to do something off the menu, and let him be creative, it will knock your socks off. | | Review Date: 2007-02-18 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 10 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: joanne tse
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 2/2007
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 2
Price per Person: $40 - $54
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: This is one of my favorite restaurants in Toronto! Food, Service and Decor are simply amazing! | | Review Date: 2007-02-18 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 10 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 1 mins |
| Name: Dr Fresh
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 10/2006
Meal: Lunch
# in Party: 2
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: The Deacon Scores 5th Elementt a Perfect 10!
A rainy day hello to all my fanz, homeboys, homegirlz and hangers-on! A special Wassup to Rozeen Diego and the South Central Wine Posse, Billy Munnelly, Tony Aspler, and the Garry Kasparov of wine: Zoltan Szabo!
Wassup!
Yo too, to my hundreds of regular readers from Colorado to Prevessin France. (Remember to send me an email and I'll let you new readers know whenever I write another rich ramblin'.)
And lest we forget Amy Pataki and all you mofo, tinsel-brained, Yellow Tail drinkin', Beemer drivin', TV addicted, Prozac swallowin', flu-shot receivin', illiterate, self-important, peckerdine, DIX out there, who still don't understand what the Deacon's all about but tune in anyway 'cause you're scared of missin' somethin' good...
WASSUP to you too!
Well your Deacon is back in style! A while ago I was gonna write this fine article, but got bogged down because your Deacon gots assaulted! Now y'all know that anyone stupid enough to try to test the Deacon's mettle is gonna get his fricken neck cranked and sign up for the Wheelchair Olympics, so you know I ain't talkin' 'bout physical violence here. In fact, your Deacon has had no physical alterkashuns since he choked out Robert "Nosey" Parker in the MGM Grand Hotel Octagon last November. In reality, it was my computer that got hit with a massive cyber attack. Thanks to the ministrashuns of Ashley Milne at Midac Solutions, we're back and secure again. Anyway, the long and short of the story is I've been offline and couldn't write the review that you're about to read. So sit back with a glass of Madeira and enjoy my rich wit and glib argot...
It was a rainy day...
(Man I hate that stupid commercial!) Well, it was a rainy day, when the Deaconess and I accepted Zoltan Szabo's kind offer for lunch at 5th Elementt at 1033 Bay Street. The restaurant itself is tucked away on the East side of the street, just across from the University of Toronto. I dropped Herself off at the door and parked in an underground lot, conveniently located just a block North. When you pass through the door, you're immediately struck by the fine sense of style and line value. The music was soft and unobtrusive. (The only thing worse than eating in silence and listening to the clicking sounds in your own head is trying to eat while some mofo DJ is blasting Mariah Carey's particular brand of shrill backhouse wailin'). 5th Elementt is easy on the eyes too; translucent saffron screens, full-length windows and muted pumpkin and eggplant tones. It's no accident that the owner is trained in both design and fashion. It shows immediately.
Vijay Karumanchi is the consummate host; the epitome of the cultured and sophisticated modern Indian male. Tall and fashionable in tasteful black and white, he's an impressive figure who radiates serenity and relaxed control as he effortlessly walks the balance between modern urban life, and the millennia of wisdom and history that are India. He got the Deaconess and I settled in and although he didn't eat anything, he joined us at our table for the extravagant meal. Where do I start? Let's just say that if this is how 5th Elementt does lunch, I can't even imagine how frickin' lurch dinner must be! The restaurant is a first for Toronto, specializing in Indian/Meditteranean Fusion, and is amazing, the Toronto Star's Amy Pataki and her crackerdine "opinions" notwithstanding! This fine dining establishment might easily have been airlifted from New York, San Francisco, or some other gastronomic capital, it's that good! Amy apparently didn't like her meal though, and saw fit to give 5th Elementt a lousy review. What the hell does she do? Flip a coin and say "Tails! That means it's time to treat a fine restaurant, a great meal and a fantastic staff as though it was Mr Sub"?
Well I could go on a Deacon Rant here, but I'm not going to say that Amy Pataki's educated beyond her intelligence and drunk with the exercise of her meager "power". And I'm not going to say that her reviews are just cracker-jive, self-aggrandizing, jank-bucket swill! I'm not going to say that at all. I'll just keep my opinions to myself. Instead, I'll just say that I dissagree with her. I'll also say that despite the modern view that everything should be treated with "corners of the mouth turned down" distain, it's still actually ok to like things!
So where was I? Oh yeah the food!
The menu is spectacular, as is the incredibly diverse and flawlessly selected winelist created by Uber-Sommelier: Zoltan "Hungarian 007" Szabo. The waiter brought us two bottles of Norwegian bottled water, still and sparkling and asked for our orders. Overwhelmed by the gastronomic wealth of the menu, we asked Vijay to bring whatever he thought we should try in both the food and wine departments. Then it began to arrive...Hot, tiny wedges of fresh pita bread and home-made hummus. Then there was the salad...Julienne of mango tossed with slices of Clementine, mesclun and a masal dressing. Next were the huge and meaty New Zealand half-shell mussels cooked with exotic spices and herbs, coconut milk and tomatoes. Each and every flavour was drenched in complexity; new layers of olfactory and gustatory discovery with each bite. And then the main courses arrived...The Deaconess had Coriander Crusted Halibut Fillet, served with Semolina "Kitchiri" and drizzled with kozhambu and garnished with a fresh oyster (which I stole from her). You gotta realize, although I love shellfish, as a rule, I'm not crazy about fish with fins. Nevertheless, I loved this halibut. Perfectly cooked and as delicious and brilliant as you're ever gonna find. Paired with the fish was a glass of 2004 Sauvignon Blanc and Assyrtiko, by Pavlidis, Greece. Talk about lurch! The combination rocked my taste-buds! I was served a generous portion of Hyderabadi Lamb Shank, braised with whole garam masala, fresh herbs, red wine and caramelized onions, served on top of mashed potatoes and feta cheese! Unreal. The lamb was so tender (having been slow cooked for hours), you could actually cut it with a spoon. The waiter brought us a 2001 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Salvalai, Veneto. Between bites of lamb and gulps of the lush wine, my palate was drenched by a kaleidoscope of psychedelic flavours.
We were suitably stuffed, but Vijay wasn't going to let us escape without dessert. The Deaconess and I shared a huge order of Pineapple Halwa, which is pineapple boiled for about 200 hours in its own juice. The result is a concentrated and chewy burst of flavour that perfectly topped the meal. Chef Johnee Savarimuthu came out to meet the Deacon and Deaconess and we told him we weren't worthy of his magnificence, because he's an effing genius!
Listen to me homeys: Y'all gots to check out 5th Elementt. You're honestly gonna love it! The Deaconess is a food-snob par excellence and she gave it a Perfect 10, for decor, atmosphere, service and quality. If you're in the mood for a really creative and delicious meal that's gonna take your breath away and wake your tastebuds up from a long hibernation, look no further. Check out 5th Elementt. They're able to look after small as well as large corporate groups too. I'll say it again: You're gonna love it! | | Review Date: 2007-02-18 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 10 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 2 mins |
| Name: Mike Atrache
Age Group: 19 - 25
Visit Date: 9/2006
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 5
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: Great Food , great service , and a wonderful atmosphere. A perfect place to bring your significant other on a nice summer evening , or a quiet snowy nite. If you are going to be extremely rude to the servers or management , expect to be treated the same . This place is no East side Marios. This place will treat you to a rich, and yet a hint of "Jazz" coolness atmosphere.
The food is wonderful. It looks small but it definitly will fill you up because of the richness in the tastes. All your senses come to life. | | Review Date: 2006-12-06 |
| 1 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 3 |
| Service Rating: | 1 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 4 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: Stephanie
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 10/2006
Meal: Other
# in Party: 1
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? No
Comments: NEVER AGAIN!!!!
The awful experience we had with this place, has everything to do with the service, more specifically, with the Manager.
When we tried to exchange a bottle of carbonated water for a regular water bottle (since the first one wasn't what we ordered), the Manager was not only terribly RUDE and AGGRESSIVE, but also threatened to kick us out of the place if we were to continue complaining about it!!!!!!
This so called "Manager" clearly said he would never put the $5 out of his pocket (price of the water bottle), because it wasn't his mistake he couldn't hear us over the loud music.
WHAT KIND OF CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THIS??? .........THE KIND YOU'LL FIND IF YOU EVER GO TO THIS PLACE!!!!.
By the way, don't even think of leaving your coat in their hangers. These people don't even have a coat check service and by the end of the night, my friend found her coat out on the street, totally soaked on a puddle !!!
Save yourself a bad experience, NEVER GO TO THIS PLACE! | | Review Date: 2006-10-30 |
| 9 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 9 |
| Service Rating: | 9 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: Tina
Age Group: 40 - 59
Visit Date: 8/2006
Meal: Lunch
# in Party: 1
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: The best place for hosting lunch/dinner for big groups. I went with all my collegues - 32 of them. Had a great lunch - few I remember are Salmon, Tuna, Lamb, and Halibert were delicious. Wish they are open on Sunday. | | Review Date: 2006-09-22 |
| 9 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 9 |
| Service Rating: | 9 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 9 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 0 mins |
| Name: Sam
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 9/2006
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 5
Price per Person: $40 - $54
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: The food is great...it's more like India fusion or modern India then Meditararian...the wine list is very unique...the best part was the young owners walking around and taking opinions for all the guest...they were so humble and sincere...i would host big parties here any day.. | | Review Date: 2006-09-12 |
| 10 |
| (Overall ranking) |
| Food Rating: | 10 |
| Service Rating: | 9 |
| Atmosphere Rating: | 10 |
| Time Waited Before Being Seated: | 1 mins |
| Name: Pauline
Age Group: 26 - 39
Visit Date: 8/2006
Meal: Dinner
# in Party: 10+
Price per Person: Unknown
Visit Again? Yes
Comments: All I can say is...this has been the BEST dining experience I ever had. The food is nothing like I expected...the platting is so wonderful some of us wanted to take picture of the dishes before we eat...and we could not resist the wonderful aroma...
the taste of wach dish is so unique...has subtle flavours (which we did not experience in any other Indian restaurant)...simple the best in Toronto...I am glad I celebrated my wife's 30th birthday in such a wonderful place. Live music of harp in backgroup only added more romance :)...the young oweners checking on every thing, politely asking for input/suggestion for improvements was very touching...I wish them all the success.. | | Review Date: 2006-09-05 |
Do you see anything wrong with this restaurant's information?
Please contact us and let us know.
We are not responsible for any reviews on this site.
|
|
