Just Opened: Ciao Wine Bar mixes South Beach and Italy, and moves it all to Yorkville

6 thoughts on “Just Opened: Ciao Wine Bar mixes South Beach and Italy, and moves it all to Yorkville”

1. If this is what passes as a review, I hesitate to see what TO Life advertorial looks like.

   Nothing like hyping up one of your advertisers, huh, Toronto Life?

2. – went to dinner with wife for Winterlicious – decided to up the antee with a premium bottle of wine (104$) – food a bit on the salty side (but no problem – got the bill and was expecting something in the 250 to 300$ range but was stunned to see it at 360ish – asked my wife for my visa, went back to do a further exam of the bill to make sure I wasn’t going crazy when I look up and there is our server with the hand held visa terminal…hmmmmmm? – signed and tipped generously in good faith and did not reopen the bill as not to be rude – signed and left…drove off and reviewed the bill out of curiosity and saw that our 104$ of wine had magically balooned to 163$…which I was NOT NOTIFIED of as our server gingerly opened it and proceeded to fill our glasses – also noticed that she had entered 17% gratuity to the bill (for a party of 2?)…which again I was NOT NOTIFIED of so like any karma believing diner I tip over and above – so at the end of it all I overpaid by a good 110$+ what’s done is done but at least tell your diners that you are screwing them before handing them the bill. As a frequent diner…I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO MY WORST ENEMY!!! Oh and as for the 3 phonecalls and messages left for management…solely to advise them on the situation (so it doesn’t happen to anyone else)…no call has been returned only promises that someone will call…hmmm…well I guess I know what type of people are running this business. Sad for Toronto :( esp. In Yorkville.

3. I ate at Ciao Wine Bar during Summerlious on Thursday, July 22. I must admit, it was a very disturbing experience. Our waiter was not very kind. First off, we asked for separate bills and he proceeded to inform us that he couldn’t do that because it was too difficult for him and he didn’t want to have to do that. He then proceeded to inform us that he would have to ask his manager. Really? How absurd. In the end we did receive separate bills, however, this waiter, whose name is Alex was not very kind to us all night. He spilled water all over the table when poring it, and really didn’t wait on us as his fellow colleagues brought over our main courses and dessert. To top it all off, when we proceeded to pay, I paid cash. I provided $80 in 20’s to him for a bill of $64. He asked me if I wanted change back…you bet, what does he think that he deserved $16 tip? To my surprise, when he returned my change, he only provided $1 dollar. I informed him I gave him $80 dollars. He proceeded to tell me that I was lying and could not have possibly provided him with that. In fact, he had the audacity to say I only gave him $65. Please, I just came back from the ATM which only spits out 20’s therefore I could not believe that he would try to steal from me. He proceeded to get the manager (Salvatore), who did not adequately deal with the situation. Sure, I got my correct change back in the end however a better way to have proceeded was to assure me this kind of thing wouldn’t happen again and that he would deal with this waiter. He also mentioned that he was sure I would never return, however, good customer service should have made him clue in to take care of my groups’ bill in order for us to return and to not offer a very disappointing review of the restaurant. I have never had such poor service in my life? Despite the other waiters servicing our table (more specifically Jonathan who was really good to us even though we were not his table), I am severely disappointed in this restaurant. It is too bad as the food was really tasty so my hats off to the chefs, sous chefs, bus boys and other waiters as they did a good job that night. In ending, if you choose to go to Ciao Wine Bar, make sure to not get Alex the waiter and also check your change and credit card to make sure to were billed the correct amount and receive the proper change.

4. My boyfriend and I went to Ciao Wine Bar this past Saturday night for dinner. We made a reservation and were promptly seated upon our arrival. The atmosphere is dramatic and cozy and we felt right at home at our table on the main floor. We both started with salads (arugula for me and radicchio and endive for him), and they were both fresh and simple and a great starter to our meal. We both had pasta (in true Italian fashion) for our main. Mine, penne in a pink vodka cream sauce, and he the gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce. They were both delicious, great flavor and good size portions. The wine was also delicious and an awesome pairing to our meal. The service was good, we were content to linger and drink and eat, and our server was attentive and friendly. All in all, a good recommendation from a friend and a great dinner and evening. We will definitely be returning.

5. We were enthusiastic to try Ciao Wine Bar for our ladies night out. I arrived early and the hostess was lovely. However, as soon as we were seated right next to the kitchen and greeted by our awkward server, things started to go downhill. We did not understand why the servers were dressed so casually for such a nice looking venue. Our server really should go on the show “What Not to Wear”. Cutlery would have been helpful but thankfully after asking they brought us utensils. The service really was horrible and if the restauramt closes down we will not be surprised. Food was very boring and tasted quite inexpensive and canned. We will not be returning to Ciao Wine Bar.

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