Review The Octagon Restaurant - Thornhill

Fine dining restaurant with great food and wine options. I had to order their infamous Caesar salad which gets prepared right at the table. The steak dinner was amazing and the chateaubriand was more then enough for 2 to share. We finished the evening with some of their specialty coffees which were all prepared at the table. I highly recommend this restaurant if you would like to have an elegant dinning experience.

Excellent service, polite and respectful staff. The salad was my favourite. The waiter makes the salad infront of you at your table. The steaks were good- I had the chamomile citrus tea at the end of the night! Recommend this experience 10/10

Atmosphere is great, service is top top, including taking your coat and helping you to put ot back. - They are pretty relaxed with COVID-19, they don't check ID with the proof of vaccination. - Food was good. I ordered Shrimp cocktail which in my opinion was too much especially if you are the only one who eats shrimp. The shrimps were huge and its cold with no sauce (you dip in the sauce) so it was very hard to eat it myself. I ended up eating 1 lol. Make sure you order this starter only if another is sharing with you. We ordered cocktail shrimp, caprese salad, baby back ribs, pepper steak, creme brulee

Cute place and interior. The bacon wrapped scallop was good but the entrée not so good. Flavour was basic.

Wife and I went for a birthday dinner and it was such a nice experience. Very quick to welcome us, seated us immediately and very professional. The waiter was confident and knew his stuff; even reassuring my pregnant wife that he would take care of her and make sure everything was safe for her. Great ambience, lots of character and a classic dining experience. Food was great, no frills, just really great food. Portions will leave nothing else to desire, appetizers are great, even the coffee was great! It is refreshing to come to a restaurant where service and food quality is of the upmost importance. It's now one of our favorite spots.

Classic steakhouse that has been serving the same food for over 30 years. An institution that is worth a visit for multiple occasions. First class service, expected pricing. I would skip the fries.

Excellent steak and rib! Onion soup and clam chowder were both very tasty!

Absolutely delicious food and amazing service! It lives up to the price they charge for the food. The steak is cooked perfectly and the sides are delicious. The wait staff here is very attentive and friendly making it a great experience. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a nice dinner.

We started with a table side Caesar salad, which was very good, but not quite as good as our favourite at the School. We noticed they did not use fresh eggs, but instead used oil. It was a pretty decent serving and hubby got an extra helping of bacon which was perfect with the garlic-anchovy flavours.<br/><br/>Then, we skipped right to the great stuff. Hubby and I split a 24oz porterhouse which we got with some mashed potatoes (instead of our usual baked) and mushrooms. There was also garlic bread and olives on the side.<br/>The steak was so beautifully done. I like it medium—nicely seared outside and pink on the inside. It was wonderfully flavourful and so tender. I got some Bearnaise sauce, but the meat could have very well done without it. Each bite was succulent and paired well with the house red.<br/><br/>We were too full to even have dessert, so we had some tea instead.<br/>Service was polite and attentive. It was a great experience overall.

Average food, but expensive - with a side of attitude<br/><br/>I remember when going to the Octagon was a great treat. No more. Now they offer only mediocre food and pompous, "we're doing you a favour" service. To start, we sat there for 20-30 minutes before anyone came to take our drink order.The restaurant was not that full<br/>I went there with 2 friends and we asked for separate cheques. "My boss won't let me do that", came the reply. That request has never been a problem at any other restaurant -- fine dining or otherwise. Is it really that hard keeping 3 tabs? So much for customer service. One of us ordered a bottle of wine and we got billed for another bottle at twice the price. Honest mistake? Maybe. The food? Just "ok"<br/><br/>Bottom line: The food used to be terrific. No more. The service used to be good. No more. The prices, while always high, were easier to justify when the dining experience was better. And I think prices were recently raised. Other reviewers mention a caesar salad at $14.95 per person. When we went in June it was $17.95<br/><br/>We won't be going back

It’s an old restaurant with many room to accommodate big groups. There is no window looking outside test elegant and traditional. The food was great and the service was decent.

By far, my favourite restaurant.  I have been going there for years and have rarely been disappointed with anything (sometimes the prime rib is not as rare as I like it to be -- they do warn me ahead of time so that I can change my order).  The staff get to know you as there's not much turnover.  The caesar salad is the best I have ever had; I have never not ordered it.  My wife would be happier if they changed their menu once in a while, but it's perfect for me.

First starting as the Copper Kettle, the restaurant was renamed to The Octagon in 1974 and converted to a high-end steakhouse. I love their Victorian dining room draped in rich wood and jewel tones – something about the historical décor makes me feel like I’m in a steakhouse. If you want privacy, ask for a table situated in their small private enclaves that can seat six.<br/><br/>Although their Caesar salad ($17.95/person with minimum 2-person order) looked overly dressed, it tasted surprisingly light having a thinner consistency and enough citrus incorporated into the freshly made dressing. It’s a decadent treat, but hand whipped Caesar salad made table side is a staple for me when visiting steak houses.<br/><br/>The escargots ($14.95) were traditionally prepared, arriving hot in the individually held clay baking dish and swimming in brandy laced

Fine dining steakhouse which reminds me so much of Peter’s in the inside, but more spacious.<br/>The steak was very flavourful and perfectly cooked.<br/><br/>There were some misses in my overall experience esp considering their menu is pricier:

The chateaubriand (16oz centre cut #tenderloin）for two served with vegetables was flavourful! Shrimp cocktail was jumbo sized. Food quality was good but the service was way too slow. We had to finish 2 bottles before our main dish came; we ordered coffee & tea with desserts but by the time our coffee & tea arrived our ice cream (which came with the chocolate cake) had already melted. :(

Had the peppercorn steak with fries, started with crab cakes and escargot.  Steak was really well done, just for the steak, is worth a visit. They have a dress code, sort of a fancy place.<br/><br/>RM

Went recently for a work function and was really unimpressed. While the food was decent, it was very pricey for the quality and presentation. Furthermore the service was poor, our waiter was downright rude.

Service was great, seating were comfortable.  Tables are big enough to have space to spare for the two of us.<br/><br/>From onion soup, cocktail shrimps and 24oz rare prime rib, filet mignon and coconut pie, sorbet all were great.  Only thing I can pick on is their veggie and mashed potato.  Veggie are plain boiled presents on a small plate.  Mashed potato is served on another small plate.  I thought they can use some update on the veggie and mashed potato.

Rib-eye steak was delicious. So was the prime Rib. Huge portion size. Chilean sea bass was delicious as well. Good dessert selection. Fairly extensive wine selection, although they should do more to promote Canadian wines (I do think you sort of morally carry that mission when you open a restaurant in Canada).

Easiest review to write!. The place itself is stunning! The food, always delicious. You can never go wrong. Great crab cakes too. Steak always to your liking. Very reasonable and never a bad meat. <br/>I don't even like potato and I was to love it at Octagon. Best sauce ever!

Where to DINE now. Where have all the steak houses gone? Sure, we can go anywhere for a steak, but for the classic "steak house" experience, only a few tried and true favourites that have dotted the Toronto restaurant landscape remain.<br/><br/>At the north end of Toronto is a Thornhill staple, Octagon Restaurant. When a fire burned it to the ground in 1992, all that remained, ironically, was the fireplace.<br/><br/>A grand renovation included an original belle époque cast iron doorway gilded with 24 carat gold from the St. Regis Hotel in New York. Rich décor includes 18th century stained-glass panels from a Belgian Church; European oil paintings; Mahogany, walnut and European olive wood paneling and intricate carvings; custom-made Tiffany lamps; chandeliers; brass wall fixtures; and leather banquets providing the requisite grandeur for this Victorian style "jewel box".<br/><br/>Dress code is business casual. The room is all about the presentation and the ambience. The plating is about the food.<br/><br/>Prepared table side, the Caesar salad of crisp romaine is creamy and garlic-y with bacon and crunchy croutons that would make Caesar proud. They sure don't skimp on the scampi. Shrimp cocktail is colossal. Plump, meaty shrimp are served on iceberg lettuce accompanied by a tangy in-house made cocktail sauce. Lip smacking baby back ribs are charcoal grilled for a smoky essence, and slicked with a zesty barbeque sauce. Good thing they provide us finger bowls, because we need both hands to devour this ample portion.<br/><br/>The wine cellar is fully stocked to match the menu. While the appetizers pique our appetites, we've come here for the charcoal broiled steaks, and are ready for our 16 ounce rib eye. Sizzling, juicy and tender this corn-fed beef packs flavour and needs no sauce or garnish to set my taste buds dancing. Quality meat prepared with care and consistency has enabled the Octagon its longevity. Enjoying every mouthwatering bite, and engaged in conversation, we don't even notice how seamlessly our attentive waiter refills our glasses.<br/><br/>Dare we ask for dessert? Rich coconut cream pie and a soft crust mini pecan pie sprinkled with cocoa and drizzled with a chocolate sauce are made specially for Octagon. Served warm and a la mode, these lush sweets punctuate a decadent feast for the senses.

Service can be mixed here but generally good and the ambience and food makes up for it.

Firstly the interior of this restaurant is beautiful. You can tell the amount of money spent making this place is a lot. Perfect for a date or just a great dinner with family and friends. The service was on point from start to finish. Got the ceased salad to start and it was great. Ordered the bone in rib eye with baked potato MADE TO PERFECTION. Will be back again

I have been dining here for many years. It seems to get better every time we go. The best Cesar Salad on the planet. The wait staff ensures a good time with their attentive kind manner. Right down to the amazing decor this is a well seasoned place to dine.

Not Going Back.... I've been to Octagon abbout 3 times now. The first 2 times weren't bad experiences. The service was good, the food was cooked well and I had no major complaints so I went back around Christmas time with my family (again). <br/><br/>My last experience in January has ruined my image of Octagon. While serving our plate of pickles and such, the waiter spilled a BOILING HOT WATER pot over my mother's arm. She screamed, pushed her chair back and didn't know what to say because she was in shock. A lot of people turned to look at us afterwards, although no one really said or did anything until the waiter came back with more napkins and towels to dry up the hot water. <br/><br/>My mom's arm turned instantly red and she went to the washroom to run it under cold water. When she came back the waiter gave us some ice but the burn was still red and her seat/our table was still wet. The manager came over to apologize and asked if we needed anything - but what else could they do at this point? My mom said it was ok and didn't fuss over it too much. My dad's who's a doctor though knew that the burn would leave a scar and start peeling. Even so, we didn't complain too much because we didn't want to ruin the evening.<br/><br/>We ate our meal and when dessert came, the waiter said we could have complimentary desserts. But we were already so full, my parents got tea/coffee and we ordered one cake. And that was it. They didn't offer any other type of compensation for the huge red burn that my mom got. We could've ordered like 10 orders of dessert, but who could finish it anyway? We were very disappointed that they didn't try and at least offer my mom ointment or a free meal FOR HER. <br/><br/>It's been almost 4 months and my mom has a giant scar on her right arm. I feel very sad that it was an unfortunate accident but upset that Octagon never tried to do anything about their customer service. I won't be going back and I've told a lot of fellow foodies the same. Steak is alright, but who wants to leave a dinner paying over $300 AND a burn?

Went to have dinner with my friend on last Friday. The internal decor looks like a castle. The service was excellent! For the meal, my main course, medium rare filet mignon, was cooked perfectly, the price is also reasonable. Will be back for sure.

Very nice decor and food good.. Often go to Octagon for lunch...usually great steaks, but the last time I went I could hardly cut the steak. Returned it and they gave me prime rib so I wouldn't have to wait while my guests ate...it was very nice, so I must have just got a bad steak. The decor here is impressive and they have some private dining areas too. Free limited parking. Doesn't open till noon for lunch. Have been there for dinners too...quite expensive but enjoyable.

Pretentious and for those who don't know. Growing up in Thornhill, I had driven by several times.I have noticed a drastic decline in the food and service in the last 6 years or so. Every time I walk into this place (once a season )I feel like I am bothering them with my business. I am often left standing at the front to be seated and it seems nobody is working to take my coat, yet there seems to always be a group of staff members including what look like to be the managers, hanging out in the back or by the front door podium chatting and being 'important.'<br/><br/>When we are finally acknowledged and seated, the service is extremely slow. The portion sizes have gone down and the quality is just lacking. Food is typically lukewarm at best and seems that perhaps it has been sitting around for a while. I often find that they are out of many of the items I want to order as well, what's more the clientele has become something of a riffraff seemingly these are the people who have heard it is a good steakhouse, a reputation Octagon earned when it was good and classy folk ate there, which is not the case now - very frustrating.<br/>A has been restaurant.

Great steaks!. A very pricey place, but you get what you pay for. If you want a Steak in you're in the area, look no further. They're amazing!

Amazing ceasar salad! Made fresh right in front of you, garlic goodness!

A++++. LOVE THAT PEPPERCORN STEAK

Was there a few weeks ago on a Thursday evening with some guests. I was in the mood for steak and wasn't disappointed the food was very good wine outstanding. The service though was a little lost! We entered the hostess and host were unaware of our reservation and the waiter in our section was extremely slow. I wouldn't say we were upset or even disappointed but more a little underwhelmed.

Overall the the dishes were very solid and service was good. Our water glass were constantly being refilled. However, the dishes came out too fast! I felt like we were being rushed when there weren't even that many people.

...they had a set menu for special occasion.. which didn't give me much choice (i would really want to have their lamb chop, but sadly, they didn't have it on NYE..) all the steak or prime rib were great.. except my baby pork ribs.. (i still love their garlic bread thou..)

Sick and bored from my Toronto posts? Well, I am sorry but please stick with me for another 2 entries! I enjoyed my stay in Toronto as much as I enjoyed writing / sharing about it! It makes me feel my vacation has been somewhat extended while I write abou