A Dawn
Hidden cafe on the Ward Island. Gives an opportunity to sit under the trees and close to the water.
All employees were nice and friendly, but we had a not-so-friendly waiter. Still, giving a 4 star for the overall experience.
Food prices were high as expected, but not too bad comparing some other heavy tourist attractions.
Mahjabeen Alam
Finding a good restaurant to eat at the Islands is challenging. I stopped at The Riviera for lunch with my friends on the weekend. We started with some nachos to share. The salsa was really tasty and nachos were typical nachos. We got the Margarita pitcher which was a bit pricey but pretty strong. For the main meal, I ordered the fish tacos and it was pretty bad. Probably the worst fish tacos I’ve ever had. Do not recommend the tacos. My friends got burgers and said it was alright. The ambiance is great and on a sunny day, sitting at the patio felt amazing!
Fatima Calimbas
Cute little quaint place. Highly recommend starting the islands from Hanlan and making your way all the way to Ward’s and doing a food stop at The Riviera before heading back to the city. Food was good, scenery is nice out on the patio, trees provide shade, and the lake provides a nice breeze after the blazing heat of the day. Just beware, soda is not free refill 😅 That’s the only reason I give it 4 stars.
Philip Parkison
Outside and indoor seating. Definitely made for outdoor seating. I has beer or liquor. Waitstaff is great. Zoe is such a doll. You can bring your dog. It has good food. The waitress had to run back to the building because the WiFi wasn't strong so I wish it was better. It has room for 60-90 people. Water is in a bottle
Cindy Q
Forgot to actually take a picture of my food but I got the burger and it was very juicy! Would recommend that! It was pretty busy when we went in the afternoon. The server was nice and checked up on us multiple times. We sat on the patio and it was quite nice to be in the shade. Overall, great experience!
Garry Donnelly
Wards Island paradise. Easy walk or bike ride from Wards terminal. Excellent service, friendly local staff, view of the lake, nice open patio. Try the Jerk Chicken- Pineapple pizza & margaritas. Open all year long.
Irina VP
Hmmm. This is a very nice place where you can have a few cold drinks on a hot summer day. The pizza we ordered was prepacked and à bit weird (over fried cheese on the sides and undercooked in the middle) - would not eat there again. The real gem - the hostess Janeesse! She is great!!! The facility is also awkwardy outdated for the price they charge. Great view though.
Sara Farrukh Saeed
I went here for lunch with my friends after walking around the island the whole day. We ordered nachos in the appetizer. They were good. For mains me and one of my friends ordered fish tacos. They are one of the worst fish tacos I ever had in my life. Taste was below average and they were really bland. I won't recommend it. Rest of my friends ordered veggie burgers and drinks. They said it was ok and nothing out of this world. Customer service was nice. I won't go here again
as food was pricey for the taste and range it offered.
Chris Hindy
The Rectory Cafe is one of my go-to's in the City, and it's consistently excellent. The menu changes periodically, and there are normally some pretty awesome features that show up on the boards. Yes, it's a bit spendy, but c'mon people, they have to schlep everything they use in the place from the mainland to the restaurant by ferry by hand, so you're going to pay something of a premium. For a 40-50 seat restaurant to have a pastry chef making fresh desserts is pretty noteworthy. The mains are always good, and the steady staff are friendly and knowledgable. They make a point of ensuring there are gluten free and vegetarian/vegan offerings available. The wine list is quite good, if a tad heavy on the Ontario offerings.
The serenity, the view, and the atmosphere are worth the price and the extra effort to get over to the Islands. The payoff is in real, honest hospitality and brilliant food.
Laura Smith-Baldi
The owner had a major attitude yesterday. He went on and on about how behind they were..how too many people were there on a Saturday in July..how we would get bad service. How it would probably rain. I couldn't believe my ears. However we had just had a beautiful walk from Handlins point and were parched...I stopped him in his tracks and asked if we could get some drinks. He obliged and even smiled. Our food and drink came at a good pace. The food is priced reasonably and is pretty good. The server was pretty friendly. You cannot beat the atmosphere on the patio. Would return despite the Owner. Make a reservation.
Claude Lefebvre
We have been going here for years. Pulled Sammy was dynamite and portions on the tacos are small. Steamwhistle was super fresh and we love the patio as well!
Sandra Gilgannon
Very disappointed- Sloppy slow service- 3 times had to ask for the bill- mediocre bland food- tepid water- only entertainment was when one of the waitress’ dropped a whole tray of drinks over a customer! Do not visit.
Bill Smith
Pity I couldn’t give the Rectory six stars, the service was great and the food was really delicious! The big bonus is they have the nicest patio in the city.
Matt Owen
I’m sad to report that the rectory isn’t what it used to be. This was my favorite place in the city for years... it appears it’s under new ownership after the floods last year and it’s definitely not the same. The menu is TINY and EXPENSIVE. For example... they charge for tortilla chips... and then extra for the salsa, Guacamole or sour cream. 3.00 to add cheese to a sandwich. As an industry manager I’m not sure how you costed your menu, but you need to do some review, before you lose all the returning customers that used to LOVE coming to your establishment.
Karen Bond
Waited 1-1/2 hours for a table when we were told it was going to be a 45 minute wait. Okay so it was the Labour Day holiday so a they were a little bit off on their timing. The point is, we're so glad we waited. The food was absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. We will for sure be back but this time we will make a reservation.
Heather Orr Lappan
My husband and I had a wonderful time yesterday. Service was a little slow but it was really busy. We were enjoying a relaxing day so it was fine. I had the chicken sammie and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!!
Jamsene Perry
It's a quaint and intimate atmosphere with a great view of the lake. The food & service was very good 😊.
Diane Kolin
Whether it is for a coffee and cookie during a paddle or for lunch, the Rectory Cafe is always welcoming us with a smile. Cookies are the best. I love the Brisket Burger and the Blondie dessert. Definitely one of my favourite places in the city.
Sandra Pate
Fantastic! Best place on the water.
Food is great and service is excellent
Bobby Markey
This was easily the best restaurant we have done on our entire trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls! You have to eat here!!!
Noel Dass
Loved the ambiance and dessert was amazing. I would go back to Toronto just to hang out here again.
Sinéad Clarke
Absolutely love this gem of a place on Toronto Island x
Joan Lewis
The fresh pasta sauce was absolutely delicious and perfectly el dante. The lemon cake with rasberry sauce was very moist and lemony. Staff were attentive but not overly so. I'll be back!
Andy Martin
Honestly, the menu is really limited, the staff were not to happy and our food was only warm. Will not visit again.
James Russell
Beer, World Cup, Germany go down 1-0 and great service. Thanks.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes