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John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown Reviews List

John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown

John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown is located in Toronto, our focus is on Oysters and Seafood but we do offer some non-seafood items.
See more John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown details
91 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(91 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 91 reviews
5 stars
(15)
4 stars
(60)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(70)
  • fit for foodies(44)
  • good for groups(18)
  • great for lunch(18)
  • hot spot(16)
  • special occasion(8)
John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown Reviews List
Review 1 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had a late lunch here on a

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Had a late lunch here on a Saturday, with a baby (plus stroller). Everything was great, both service and food. We would go again. One note, while we did have a baby with us, we also went at a time when it was not so busy."
Dined on 16/03/2013
 2011
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Review 2 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/22/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The only fault was the temperature. It would be to hot one moment and then we would feel some cool air for a bit."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food too salty!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The service was very good and the ambiance was nice. We tried the chowder, the shrimp and corn fritters, lobster salad, scallops and grilled shrimp. Food would have been better had the kitchen not been so heavy-handed with the salt."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 4 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fresh seafood and oysters.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was very good, so fresh! We did not sit outside, but the patio, which is somewhat protected from the elements, looked inviting."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 5 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/06/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"lovely wine, lovely raw oysters; fantastic lobster poutine."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was very good here,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was very good here, but it is not the spot for an intimate meal. The tables are very close together, so if you are reserving, ask for a booth!"
Dined on 20/04/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The Lobster Poutine was great!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Lobster Poutine was great! An the oyster selection was very good too. Friendly atmosphere and good food!"
Dined on 22/04/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We LOVE this place! The food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We LOVE this place! The food is always excellent - the freshest oysters! And the lobster poutine is to die for!"
Dined on 13/04/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Tuna tartare is a must!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I'm a seafood lover so was very excited to try John and Sons.We came before the hockey game on Saturday evening and the restaurant was still pretty quiet.We had a beer and a glass of prosecco-a bit overpriced.I was a bit disappointed that they do not offer an oaky Chardonnay by the glass.We ordered the tuna tartare as a starter and it was amazing.It is served 3 ways and will be the main reason we return.The lobster salad was pretty good, though the grapefruit gave it a bitterness that I could have done without.Blood orange would have been more enjoyable but I loved the coconut and lobster chunks.My husband loved the fish and chips and a half order was perfect.We skipped dessert but will come back for ice cream.$80 total for din was worth it"
Dined on 13/04/2013
 2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food was great- amazingly

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was great- amazingly efficient and attendant server. will definitely go again. With Mogette, Messis and Cravings now a go to."
Dined on 09/04/2013
 2004
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Review 11 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

great service and great food quiet

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"great service and great food
quiet because it was a MONDAY-we were welcome to sit as long as we wanted
everyone enjoyed the food
"
Dined on 08/04/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Was once again rushed by the

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Was once again rushed by the server.Felt like
they wanted to "turn" the table. Second time this
has happened to me there. It is a shame as it is a nice venue.
"
Dined on 06/04/2013
 2009
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Review 13 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Oyster sampler platter was

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Oyster sampler platter was excellent, fish and chips really good, mussels and frites excellent
The only disappointing thing was the donut dessert-- could have gone to Tim Horton's for that
I will come back but please -- if you're going to offer dessert please do it right
Overall a great evening
"
Dined on 05/04/2013
 2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 14 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great food - especially enjoyed

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food - especially enjoyed the variety of raw oysters available. The grilled calamari dish was very tasty but I was surprised by the skimpy offering especially considering how inexpensive squid is and the price of the dish did not reflect this nor the cooking method which is quite simple.
Although service was good I thought it could have been better - our waitress seemed to have more tables than she could serve appropriately. They should have more wait staff when they are so busy. On a final note the space is jam-packed with tables leaving little room for staff to efficiently move around while serving customers."
Dined on 04/04/2013
 2010
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Review 15 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service was lacking at times.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Service was lacking at times. Still a great environment! Will be back for more oysters."
Dined on 27/03/2013
 2011
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 16 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fish and chips were outstanding

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Fish and chips were outstanding as always!"
Dined on 23/03/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great selection of oysters,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great selection of oysters, excellent seafood dishes, friendly service. Looking forward to the patio opening."
Dined on 19/03/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Well thought out restaurant,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Well thought out restaurant, not to big but also not intimate. Service was graet food was very good as well. Very pleasant dining experienec will be back soon."
Dined on 15/03/2013
 2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Service seemed chaotic and

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Service seemed chaotic and servers confused, overwhelmed and stressed. Ordered Oysters, beet with goat cheese cake salad. What we got was a lot of arugula heavily dressed, with a few beet shreds and something that tasted more like tofu than goat cheese. We returned and they credited the bill, next was the so called clam chowder that was more potato than anything. We both ended up with major stomach problems that have stayed with us for the past three days. Needless to say we won't recommend or return. Great location, hope they get it together..."
Dined on 01/03/2013
 2007
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Review 20 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

75th Birthday Party!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Enjoyed our evening, will be back!"
Dined on 28/02/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 21 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Wonderful meal with excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wonderful meal with excellent service. Will go back soon!"
Dined on 01/03/2013
 2011
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Review 22 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

keep the love going. always

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"keep the love going. always solid."
Dined on 28/02/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

John & Sons seems to have

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"John & Sons seems to have worked out the kinks they encountered in the first month or two. We've been a few times and, except for a service hiccup early on, have always enjoyed ourselves. Great oysters; good food; and competent amiable service. A very comfortable, pleasant evening."
Dined on 15/02/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

bowl of chowder is the price

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"bowl of chowder is the price performer. oysters great and fresh but pricey. cod delicious."
Dined on 15/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Can't wait to go back for Oysters!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The oysters were fantastic 4.5/5 - they have a great selection with some tasty sauces (Their hot sauce is volcanic)
Their cocktails were descent, but not great, though we only had Manhattans and NY sours. 3/5
We had shrimp and the raw tuna for appetizers. Shrimp was unique, but the flavors were not balanced, tuna was great. 2.5/5 and 4/5.
Dinner had the fish & Chips 4/5, and the Scallops (they were underdone (which I'll take vs over), and accompanied w/ sprouts, mushrooms and water chestnuts... 4.5/5
For desert we had the mini ice cream cones 4.5/5 - just delicious
P.S. their coffee is from Kicking horse, and its awesome!
Over all... can't wait to go back for more oysters!!!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food. Service was horrible.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food. Service was horrible."
Dined on 06/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our server was extremely knowledgea

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu (including their specialty cocktails) and that's what elevated our dining experience from good to exceptional. We ordered fresh oysters to start. She knew the flavour details of each and made solid recommendations based on what we wanted. The oysters were fresh and skillfully shucked (nothing worse than having a crunchy shell piece when trying to enjoy the smooth texture of an oyster.) The stand-out item of the night was the special chef feature tuna appetizer. Foodies take note - this was outstanding! I hope they add it to the regular menu. By 7pm, there wasn't an empty table and the place was buzzing...good times!"
Dined on 31/01/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 28 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A great place. Energetic,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A great place. Energetic, great food, fabulous oysters and engaging staff."
Dined on 31/01/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fabulous Oysters --- just

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Fabulous Oysters --- just wonderful! The Fish Cake on a bun was great too and my hubby said the mussels and frites were the best! Check it out."
Dined on 19/01/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 30 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Everything we tried was excellent.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Everything we tried was excellent. We had oysters, clam chowder, scallop bisque (special), lobster cake, lobster poutine, fresh lobster w/ a side salad, and the doughnuts. The items that stood out the most were the scallop bisque and lobster poutine. This place is a must-try!"
Dined on 26/01/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Pleasantly surprised

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We booked a table here on a whim because Winterlicious made tables scarce elsewhere and the location happened to be convenient. We were very pleasantly surprised by the food. We tried the tuna BLT (where the bread of the "sandwich" is fried green tomatoes), the lobster poutine (huge!) and and black cod with miso broth and oriental vegetables. All three dishes were creative and very well prepared. We'd definitely return."
Dined on 26/01/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for John & Sons Oyster House - Uptown
Based on the average of (60) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic