Cafes
Caffe Brasiliano
When I posted about the rise and fall of Dundas West, commenter Eli Budd rightly pointed out that I had failed to give props to Caffe Brasiliano. In fact, Eli's exact words were Caffe Brasiliano appears to be neglected from this blog for well too long. If more places were like Brasiliano, the world would be a better place.
While bettering the world might be overstating its case, there is no denying that Cafe Brasiliano is something of a neighbourhood gem, so I promised myself the next time I ate there I'd be sure to bring me camera along for the ride so I could pen this long overdue review.
So there I was, out on the patio at Musa last week enjoying a pint with a couple of friends when one of them suggested we head next door for some post-patio eats at Caffe Brasiliano. Finally my chance had arrived; so we downed our beers, paid our bill and sauntered over to 849 Dundas West to gaze at the chalkboard menu.
It was Monday and the special of the day was the filet of sole (pictured above). For $9 it came with as many sides that could fit onto the plate which in my case amounted to a good helping of chickpea salad, a basic green salad and some tasty-enough melange of vegetables. A friend of mine went for the same dish, but swapped the vegetables for some spaghetti with tomato sauce. The filet was fresh and delicious and not too greasy.
Elsewhere around the table, another friend was in an Italian mood and plated the aforementioned mixed vegetable and salad with three pieces of cannelloni. It came out a bit on the cool side at first but after a quick trip back to the kitchen it returned hot enough to his liking.
All and all it was another good meal at Caffe Brasiliano, a cheap and cheerful spot that doesn't try to do too much expect deliver hearty portions and good value. We're talking comfort food here, not some creation by a former sous-chef of Susur Lee. It's important not to walk in here expecting the world, and I wouldn't go as far as to say this is a destination place; but for a meal around $10 or less it's definitely a worthy option.
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A review is only useful when it provides some guidance to the reader as to whether a dining experience is worthwhile. Here you give a qualified endorsement (not a "destination place") to a place that serves bad food is, in a word, terrible. Your refusal to take a bad restaurant to task undermines your credibility when giving a good review. Readers may reasonably conclude that you don't know the difference.
But just because it's not a great destination place, doesn't mean it can't be a great local option. Caffe Brasiliano is the kind of place you go when you just want a cheap and filling meal out. With no fuss. Or if you don't feel like cooking.
It's the kind of place that is great to have around the corner from your home.
Brasiliano has great veal. Yeah, the place isn't Tati Bistro or Barberion's, but overall it's a good experience for the people who live in the area and need a place to eat and relax while reading the paper.
Plus, it's well known that Brasiliano has the best coffee in the city.
Also, just because you can get a plate of food for $10 doesn't make it good value. Just about anyone can cook a piece of sole and a plate of frozen veg, for less than $10 and with just about the same amount of effort it'd take to walk a few blocks, place an order, wait, then pay the bill. Of course, dining out is also great... but there are countless places in Toronto where you can get a scratch-cooked (rather than pre-packaged and reheated), filling meal for $10-$12, and it's also served hot.
What would set blogto's reviews apart from other blogs is by doing what newspaper reviewers do, that is, realistically judge a place on its merits, with a thoughtful inclusion of prices. A place with excellent food, service and terrific decor can be found for cheap and is worth seeking out. A place like Caffe Brasiliano doesn't sound like it is.
The vegetable medley aside, there's plenty here that's fresh and home made, even is this wasn't covered in my review.
I am highly critical diner, I have worked as sous in fine dining restaurants. That is not what I expect from this type of place, and it has it's place.
Thank you for the review. I've only had the coffee there (and for $8 / lb takeaway the columbian is SUPERB) but I'll be back for some inexpensive home style comfort food soon.
Brasiliano is not so much a 'destination' restaurant (as mentioned by Tim), but rather the cultural hub of a transitional community. Brasiliano attracts all sorts of clientele. From cab drivers starting their late night shift, to twenty somethings who have just moved into the neighborhood, to locals who have lived here for generations.
Brasiliano serves comfort food, for good value. Yes, it is a bit of a cafeteria, but that's part of the attraction. Their coffee is some of the best in the city, and is sold an affordable price. It should also be noted that all the prices on the menu include tax.
Every time I walk into the place I feel like I've come home. The people there are friendly and genuine. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, it's worth checking out.
The food IS homemade in the kitchens of the caffe.Many of the locals like the so called "frozen sides" because they grew up being frugal and enjoy the taste of good food without the snobbery.Those that have posted here to complain are afraid to add their names and remain anonymous.Easy to throw it when nobody knows who you are.So I believe those posts are just by somebody who may have some other interests in mind instead of a good meal and a great coffee.
This type of dishonesty isn't appreciated.
Don't forget those pies!.
A reliable establishment with good food, nuff said
the coffee omigad. the people who work there are so nice, i want to kiss them on their faces. everyone is in such a good mood in there--patrons and employees. and the fish! the fish!
i love you brasiliano! don't know what i'd do without you!
the fact that the staff treats you like family you can't go wrong. you're not jus a cu$tomer to them, you turn into part of the FAM :)
and the coffee is GLLLLOOOORRRIIIOOOUUUSSS
ps. they carry lactosse free milk which many places don't!
Where are you going to get seriously fed comfort food for $9 in Toronto with all the food groups and very tasty too boot.
Don't eat the side of frozen vegetables if you don't like them and stop complaining.
Try their espresso, they do a great job.