Luma - Toronto

Food was very mediocre.. actually I couldn’t finish one dish because it was so unappetizing. Way overpriced for what I got!!! Service was good tho. So many other restaurants in area to choose from that I have been to where food, ambience, and value is way better!

The corn on the Cornish hen was tough to eat as it should have been cut into smaller pieces. It was awkward having to handle the whole quarter cob with knife and fork. The steelhead trout with green sauce was lacking in flavor and the portion size of the fish was small and underwhelming.

I have been a long-time fan of dining at Luma, so I was excited to try their updated menu with more seafood options. Unfortunately, my recent visit was a bit disappointing. While the host was welcoming and helpful, our server seemed busy and distracted. There wasn't much friendly conversation. I enjoyed my non-alcoholic cocktail, but my partner had to return his Old Fashioned as it was too sweet and carbonated. The focaccia and desserts were delicious as always, but the main courses fell short. The green curry sea bream had too many green beans and lacked creativity in flavor and presentation. The tenderloin was nearly raw and had to be sent back for proper cooking. Despite the manager's efforts to fix it, it still wasn't cooked to my liking. Overall, considering the high price point and my previous positive experiences at Luma, this visit did not meet my expectations.

Went during a quiet time and experience was still iffy: flat Prosecco in my cocktail; we ordered two nicoise and they only brought one, then when they brought the second, it was missing the egg. They also charged $6 for flat water served in carafes. We assumed flat meant tap. Perhaps they should point that out. Our server was lovely, though and everyone was friendly. Dessert was also delicious. Not a total write off.

We chose this restaurant responding to its August oyster promotion which was great. We went early on Thursday, August 31, because of the disclaimer that oysters would be available only as long as their oyster stock lasted. The place was nearly empty when we arrived at 5:30 and still so left after 8 PM. It was sad that they were hurting. It is a great place and we were unsure why it was not full. It will do better presumably once the film festival is on, but some may stay away fearing the festival crowds. Luma is on the second floor of the TIFF Lightbox building. We were seated with a view over the street and to the CN Tower. The ambience was lovely and our guests were comfortable, enjoyed dinner, and all were animated in the setting and with a great dinner. Menu choices were wide, with prices moderate to high. It was a lovely evening.