Reviews Five Doors North

Zomato
Shreya Bhati
+4
Great Food and Service - not too fancy not too casual

Food and service was excellent. The atmosphere is fun - openly - probably makes it 4 stars.....but the food makes up
7 months ago
Zomato
Sevln
+4.5
I came here on a Monday evening for dinner with friends and ordered from the Summerlicious menu. Despite the simple exterior, the inside of the restaurant is warm and charming. (A perfect date night setting for those who need ideas!). I was quickly seated upon entering and they made sure I was tended-to while I waited for the rest of my friends to arrive. 

For the appetizer, I got the Romaine Hearts with Caesar Dressing and Garlic Crostini. It was exactly as described in the menu and didn't really stand out positively or negatively. 

Next up, the main dish, was their Apple Wood Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Glaze. The tenderloin was tender and juicy, with a smokey flavour that wasn't overpowering. It was especially delicious when dipped in the Bourbon BBQ Sauce Glaze used to garnish the plate. On the side, the grilled sweet potato medallions and tang of the cucumber salad added extra texture and taste which helped to bring out the flavours of the tenderloin even more. 

Now, onto dessert. I got the Vanilla Crème Brulee and it was the highlight of my meal. Beneath a thin layer of crispy, carmelized sugar, there's a creamy vanilla pudding. The mix of crunch and creaminess in each spoonful was absolutely satisfying.

Overall, great service and an outstanding meal for the price point! I would eat here again.
Jul 13, 2017
Zomato
Anthony Nalli
+4
Was invited to dine here by friends visiting from the US who have been here a few times. Looking it up in advance to check out the menu I saw that they were featured on TV. That immediately triggers a hype alert for me.

The restaurant is in the middle of the city and finding parking was a nightmare. We ended up parking 3 blocks away and it took us 20 minutes to find that spot. Gotta love Toronto.

The restaurant is small but we didn't feel cramped at all. The server was super nice and helpful with his enthusiastic recitation of the specials. DW went with the salmon which was tender, flaky, moist, and quite delicious. I, surprisingly, went with the NY steak which was prepared perfectly and sat amidst a tangy and tasty sauce. Unique, and pretty darn good!

We started with the mussels which were the most flavorful we've had in years!
Jun 08, 2017
Zomato
ND
+4.5
I heard about this restaurant through a show on Food Network called "you've got to eat here". I have to say it has been one of the best Italian experiences I have had in a long time. The exposed brick walls and wonky lamps hanging from the ceiling gives the restaurant a cozy and funky vibe. It's got an environment suitable for family dinners, romantic dates, and friendly banters over drinks. We ordered Salt Cod Croquette for appetizer, fresh gnocchi paired with cream sauce with a light flavour of parsley, and fettuccini with short ribs in a light butter sauce. The appetizer was my absolute favourite and I loved the tangy pepper sauce that paired well with the peppers, zucchini, and crunchy croquettes. The pastas were amazing and the meal portions were a good, Italian size. But the best part was actually the fresh bread. The bread is nothing like what is served at other restaurants because it was so flavourful and aromatic infused with rosemary! We also enjoyed a rosé, Whispering Angel, and a signature cocktail, Ginger Bitter. The drinks are a good match for the menu and supports the causal vibe of the restaurant. Do visit this place!
Oct 26, 2016
Zomato
Steve S
+4.5
My wife and I tried Five Doors North last night after driving past it for many years. Cutting to the chase, the food and everything about this restaurant is terrific! The food was delicious. Portions were more than ample. Service was fast, friendly and very attentive. I only wish that we'd discovered this place years ago.
Sep 11, 2016
Zomato
Andrea
+4
Finally had a chance to try this place after seeing it for years. Great little family friendly neighborhood place. Staff are friendly & attentive. Menu was handwritten & photo copied. I kind of liked it, added to the casual feel of the place.

Two of us came for dinner. We're not big eaters so we shared a few items.

• Appetizer size creamy gnocchi - very tasty! Glad we ordered the smaller version as it would have been too heavy to have as an entree.

• BBQ Baby back ribs with matchstick flies - love the fries! Ribs were good but I would have liked them a bit more tender. BBQ sauce was flavourful & a bit on the tangy side.

• Brussel spouts with bacon - nice but I prefer my Brussel spouts a little softer. I'd still order them again though.

• There was also bread on the table. Great because that's what we used to soak up the delicious cream sauce from the gnocchi.

Will come back to try more of their menu!
Jun 06, 2016
Zomato
Danny Fee
+4
Heard a lot of great things about this busy but very popular Italian restaurant in the Yonge and Eglinton area. We couldn't get a spot earlier so our dinner was at 8:30. The restaurant was quite busy when we came in. This was also one of my Winterlicious dinners. I ordered the Pork belly and it was quite good. Nice and juicy. The portion is small though but that is expected. For the main entree, I ordered the Pork tenderloin. It was cooked just right and quite delicious. The peas were cooked well and it went well with the dish. For the finishing touches, I ordered the Creme Brulee. It was good and not too sweet. Overall, a great dining experience on my Winterlicious journey. Will definitely be back.
Mar 18, 2016
Zomato
Shawn Penny
+3.5
Both the wine and food menus are handwritten on a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper. The wine choice was not extensive but offered some off the cuff choices that seemed to fit the casual, quirky theme of the restaurant. We opted for a I Muri Primitivo for a respectable $45 which I thought was a fun and rather preternatural wine to drink.

The menu is a bit all over the place, offering traditional Italian dishes as well as a few less orthodox choices like ribs with matchstick potatoes. Every night they feature a long and short pasta as well. On this evening, I went with the former which was a pasta primavera which was a perfect al dente, heavy on the garlic and not overly greasy. For the main, I ordered the branzino special which was served with a hodgepodge of vegetables including a paranormal corn, asparagus, lima beans and a red pepper puree. Although I found the combination a bit aberrant, the fish was nicely prepared and it worked. I also ordered the green salad which was very green and even a little purple.

In summary, if you are looking for an Italian eatery outside of the downtown core with a funky environment, decent menu and friendly family service you should consider Five Doors North.
Dec 28, 2015
Zomato
Olivier Rioux
+4.5
Great little gem in the neighbourhood. Atmosphere is very laid back with a fun vibe. Food is fresh, interesting and reasonably priced. We had the corn chowder, avocado bruschetta and Beets for appetizers. Soup had a good balance of sweet and smoky. Beets were also very good. For mains I had the ribs while others had the shrimps and corn and pea risotto . Ribs were great, tender but not fall off the bone (a good thing), matchstick fries were just OK. Shrimps had a great grilled flavour and the sauce was a good compliment. Risotto had a great creamy texture and felt very refreshing. Only complaint here is that we felt the mains were on the small side.

Overall great, we will definitely come back!
Aug 10, 2015
Zomato
Michael P
+4.5
First time yesterday. Great atmosphere and the food was fantastic. Had the baby back ribs- very succulent. Not crazy about the matchstick potatoes- too dry - like eating those hickory smoked potato chip sticks from the bag. Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu
Jan 25, 2015
Zomato
Vivian Leps
+5
Amazing Food and Amazing Service. I was luck enough to celebrate my birthday here on the last day of Winterlicious and was so glad that I chose Five Doors. I was running late and called and left a message and my call was returned promptly and the gentleman assured me my reservation would be held. We were seated right away when we arrive and the place was bustling. Although a bit small, the atmosphere was lively and the music was enjoyable. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive and even helped us choose our wine. To start we chose the Roasted Beet Salad with Scallion Dressing and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (vegetarian) which was beautifully presented and tasted out of this world. Next came the Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon with Mango and Smoked Red Pepper Salad. A very generous portion of salmon which was delicious and to end the flourless chocolate cake. This was truly fine dining at an affordable price and well worth the drive from Mississauga. A must visit for all the foodies out there.
Feb 14, 2014
Zomato
Reesa Simmonds
+4.5
It's great! Buzzing atmosphere yet relaxed. Easily classy enough for the night-before-the-wedding party our family attended for. The food was excellent, high recommendation for the pumpkin seed salmon. Very happy with this place especially since given reading some of the other reviews beforehand we were under the impression that the food would be unremarkable yet expensive: not so! All around fantastic.
Oct 13, 2013
Zomato
Craig
+4.5
Very best gnocchi ever!!!. This is the place to go for great food in a casual atmosphere. The apps are incredible and the staff is outstanding. If you like stuffy don't go. If you like great food and a great relaxed atmosphere then you should. When I take groups there we don't order, we just ask them to bring it. No mussing with menu's just enjoyment of dinner. Don't leave without trying the gnocchi. Place is generally full with regulars. Not surprising, the place has been around for years and years in an area where restaurants come and go. Like another reviewer said, a pubby friendly atmosphere with just great food.
Dec 31, 2012
Zomato
Jeremy Aldridge
+4.5
Loosen up and relax here. No pretension just good food. Slump in your chair drink your beer from the bottle do some shots and have a Great meal. Where else can I do this that doesn't involve wings burgers and amateur hour in the kitchen ? Put on a plaid shirt to piss off the people who think this is fancy sit next to them and swear and fart. You'll be a reg in no time.
Nov 28, 2011
Zomato
Hippocat
+4.5
Old stand-by for a reason. When at a loss for a place to take people, this is where we end up. Decor is casual but funky, it's always busy but not so crazy that you have to wait or the food takes a long time, service is super friendly and food is consistently great Italian. Order a lot and share so you get to taste as much as you can of what they have to offer. Recommended: hearts of romaine caesar, gnocchi and beet salad (seriously to die for).
Jun 26, 2011
Zomato
Blair
+4.5
Wonderful menu, great food, ambiance is lively if not a little crowded. Will definately come back.
Apr 09, 2011
Zomato
Quinoa
+4.5
Great ambience, excellent food, reasonable prices, superb service! And all this despite a packed, full house! Very un-pretentious. Kudos to the staff! Will definitely return.
Jan 30, 2011
Zomato
Trae
+5
I'm at Five Doors North right now and this has officially become my favourite resto. Food has been excellent thus far and I love the way I'm greeted and served; like an old friend...
Oct 16, 2010
Zomato
Robert
+4.5
Nice find!. Relaxed atmosphere, relaxed yet very efficient service, fabulous food. Many different dishes were ordered in our party of 8, everything was perfect, very tasty, well presented. Of special interest is their avocado bruschetta, simply heavenly. Prices are in line with what you're getting. Wine list is interesting, but mostly younger wines (recent vintages) that need to air before drinking. Recommended!
Apr 23, 2010
Zomato
Peter MacNeil
+4.5
Great food. We were there with a large party on a Saturday night but they did their best. I would come back again.
Apr 18, 2010
Zomato
TOFoodReviews
+4.5
The braised brisket ravioli was probably one of the more interesting meals we have ever had. I was unsure what to expect, but the beef was perfect, melt-in-your-mouth, wrapped in fresh pasta, with beef au jus and cream to make up the ravioli sauce. It would be worth phoning in advance to see if this was on the specials menu, as this dish just has to be tried.
Mar 16, 2012
5
Himanshu Bhutani
+5
Fantastic food, great vibe, and exceptional service - that is Five Doors North. We've been going here for years, and the quality of their food just seems to be getting better and better. Highly recommend their Risotto and Lamb Chops, and if you like it spicy, ask them for their homemade chilli oil.
4
Shab Nam
+4
Avocado Bruschetta 🥑 with 🍹 Food was delicious; drink menu was over priced thou!
4
Felipe- Gombossy
+4
Just had time for an quick appetizer: Baked Polenta; and a Negroni. Both very good. I would definitely come back to try more items on the menu. Service very friendly as well. A bit pricey, though.
5
Mario Lauande Lacroix
+5
A high quality Italian food in Toronto. Theirs menu is the same for a long time. Service is excellent!