Ristorante Donato is described as a refined Italian dining spot with a chic, modern ambiance that suits everything from business meals to special occasions. Dishes range from arancini and fennel salad to seafood specialties and pastas, with many noting flavorful, well prepared plates and highlights such as mushroom pasta, branzino, octopus, and the tiramisu. Service is frequently praised as efficient, attentive, and considerate, with staff able to adapt to guests rhythm and even offer thoughtful touches like candle desserts and prompt refills. The atmosphere is often lauded for its decor and lighting, though the space can be noisy and busy at peak times, which can affect the dining experience. Pricing and portions receive mixed feedback, with some calling prices high for the amount of food and others finding the quality and setting worth the cost. Overall, Ristorante Donato emerges as a reliable choice for high quality Italian fare, elegant design, and strong service, while visitors should be mindful of possible pacing, crowding, and price relative to portions.
Last Sunday evening, without a reservation, we were graciously welcomed into Donato, & what followed was nothing short of perfection. The setting is beautiful-refined yet warm-& the staff's polished, kind, & deeply accommodating service elevated an already exceptional dining experience into something unforgettable. Every member of the team exudes genuine hospitality, making us feel not just welcomed but honored to be there.
We shared what was easily the best Chablis I've ever tasted, a crisp & elegant pairing that I enjoyed with my soon?to?be 100?year?old mother-a moment I'll cherish. The calamari was a revelation: light, delicately breaded, & perfectly fried so that it tasted almost baked-crisply golden yet never oily. The Branzino with pearl pasta was pure elegance on a plate-light, delicate, & balanced to perfection.
We were so utterly impressed that we returned the following Saturday, again without a reservation, & were once more accommodated with grace & remarkable hospitality. The service, if possible, seemed even more polished, & every dish lived up to the same impeccable standard. The tuna tartare was beautifully presented & bursting with freshness, while the filet mignon, draped in a black truffle, foie gras, & rosé dressing sauce, was simply the best I've ever had-unparalleled in tenderness & depth of flavor.
Each visit to Donato has been a masterclass in refined cuisine & first?class service. It is rare to find a restaurant that achieves perfection on every level-but Donato does, effortlessly.
I'm writing this review although I didn't go to this restaurant, but to tell you how bad is their service! I had a reservation for 5 people, I called to cancel same day because we are not able to make it cause my son was sick, the receptionist was very helpful to cancel my reservation but didn't tell me that if she cancel it they will charge me 250 CAD. The next day I see on my bank statement that I was charged 250! I call the restaurant I'm like why did you charge me they were like yeah that's open table rule if you cancel same day we will charge you 50 per person! They put the blame on open table although I canceled by phone & the receptionist didn't mention anything on the phone! They told me the manager call next day to see how they will make it up but of course he didn't so I followed up & after a long conversation he said that they can't refund the money but they will put it on my account for next visit as if it's a favor he is doing it for me 😂 This happened in June & I never went back & I'm really not willing to after this bad service but at the same time I don't want to loose my money! We have been to many many may restaurants here & I have booked a lotttttt through open table & that's the first time this have ever happened to me! BAD BAD BAD service from receptionist who didn't inform me with cancellation policy to the manager who didn't give my money back! ( please note that reservation for 5, out of the 5 people were 2 kids! So charging 100 CAD for kids that didn't show up lol) so I'm here to tell you that if you ever book to go to donato don't cancel same day cause maybe that they won't tell you when you cancel that they will charge you 50 per person because that's easy money they will gain!!!!! & to Donatooooo it's not I didn't show up I canceled & you still charged me 250! Shame on youuuuu
Mar 21, 2026
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If I could get anyone who ventures near this restaurant to walk in the door I would. We ended up coming here because another restaurant fell through & it was meant to be. The atmosphere was absolutely beautiful & chic. The service was incredible with an amazing shout out to our serve Hoye (apologies for spelling if this is incorrect!) he was the perfect server who had many great suggestions & pairings for us to try. Being tourists he also gave great advice on the best way to spend our time visiting the city. If- WHEN I return, I hope to be met with him again.
Now onto the star of the show, the food. This goes down as my husband & I's best meal EVER. Which is hard to say seeing as he is a french winery chef with high standards. The food was fresh & flavorful & presented beautifully. Each serving was portioned perfectly that we left having an appetizer (Burrata was 11/10 as Burrata connoisseurs) getting two meals & splitting them (the Gnocchi & the Beef Pasta special) & lastly the Orange Cake. Despite having & finishing all this food we left perfectly full. No more no less.
Please if you are a local or a tourist go & see how incredible this restaurant is for yourself. You will truly thank yourself later.
I've been coming to this Italian restaurant for a while because I live close by & I've always enjoyed the food & the atmosphere. It's usually one of my go-to places for dinner or a date night, & I've recommended it to friends before.
However, during my last visit I had a very uncomfortable experience. While I was dining with someone, one of the waitresses made a comment to another staff member at the bar, & they both looked at us & laughed. It was very clear that the comment was about me & the person I was with. It made the situation awkward & honestly took away from what should have been a pleasant evening.
As someone who lives nearby & comes often, I expect to feel welcomed & respected. I hope the management addresses this with the staff so that other customers don't feel the same discomfort.
Mar 13, 2026
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Nous sommes allés au restaurant Donato & l'expérience a été excellente du début à la fin. L'accueil était magnifique & le service tout simplement impeccable. Les drinks étaient délicieux & très bien préparés. La nourriture était exceptionnelle… des plats de grande qualité, très savoureux & bien présentés. Commander le tartare! Le restaurant est également très beau & l'ambiance est vraiment agréable. Une très belle découverte, nous y retournerons certainement!
What an incredible experience. The owner was extremely friendly & welcoming, which made the whole evening feel special from the moment we walked in. The food was absolutely amazing… everything tasted fresh, authentic, & beautifully prepared. Order the salmon tartare & the rib-eye! The decor is stunning & created such an elegant atmosphere. On top of that, the service was a solid 10/10. The waiter was attentive, professional, & genuinely kind. We'll definitely be coming back.
We had an amazing evening at Donato. The restaurant itself is beautiful & has a great atmosphere, & the staff made us feel welcome right away with attentive & friendly service throughout the night. The drinks were excellent, & the food was just as impressive. The ribeye steak was cooked perfectly. Very tender, juicy, & full of flavor. We also tried the burrata salad, which I highly recommend. Overall, the quality of the food & the level of service made it a fantastic dining experience, & it's definitely a place we look forward to visiting again.
Experience here was triple A. Toa who manages the restaurant was super kind & observant when it came to our experience. Gabriel who is our server was excellent & provided a dining experience we will never forget. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone trying to have a fun or casual time, the dining experience is dynamic & perfect for any type of night!
Mar 11, 2026
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Unbelievable experience! Amazing host staff led by Tao. My server Gabriel was excellent & knowledgeable. Overall would recommend to anyone looking for a fine dining experience. Will definitely be back.
I have been here a couple of times now & it's become one of my go-to's. Not necessarily just for italian food but for a good vibe, drinks, date wtv. The first time left abit of a sour taste in my mouth service wise. The waitress was very pushy & wanted to sell us on every single thing possible but no complaints about the last couple of times. Pasta dishes are great, Steak is fantastic. The pizza's are pretty good as well. They have a good dough. Bar is nice too. It definitly ain't cheap but what is these days. At least you don't leave there feeling scammed.
I went to dine at this restaurant & had a great experience. We ordered the salmon tartare, the octopus, & the porterhouse, & everything was delicious. The food was well prepared & full of flavor. I will definitely be going back.
Mar 3, 2026
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Service TOP ! Rapide efficace ! Bouffe wow 100% seul bémol manque une petite sauce style poivre pour le steak !!! Sinon calmar wow ! Pates a la vodka wow ! Salade cesar wow !
