The Hot Pepper Bar & Restaurant Ltd

Amazing place located in financial district Toronto_The place is beautiful, it introduces you with the upscale to Japanese food culture.

Great location, but horrible food _Came here for lunch with a friend as it is conveniently located in the same building as my office.

Do try their Maple Teriyaki Salmon, that was delicious.

Service was painfully slow. It had to have been at least 1hour before the waitress asked us if we'd like anything. I wanted diet cola-they ran out. They also RAN OUT of Clamato juice, Caesar salad and quite a few other things on the back of the menu. This visit was not a surprise. Reservations were made at least two weeks in advance and verified twice more before our dinner. Bread on the table was at a bare minimum. We were a party of 16. It was almost laughable; but we were so hungry. It's unfortunate because when the finally did arrive, it was good. I would NEVER go back.

One star is too much !Reservations were made to celebrate my daughters birthday with 16 people. I praised this place for its good food at affordable prices. We were there at least twenty minutes before someone came to us to ask us if we wanted drinks. We ordered drinks which were all forgotten but two and which took 15 minutes to arrive. Another half hour passed by and I called Alicia over to order appetizers. I pulled Alicia aside and asked what the problem is and she said that we have a large group. I reminded her that it was no surprise and it was confirmed twice. I suggested that they should've had staff on tonight knowing full well. She said it wasn't her, it was the kitchen. Alicia was the only server in entire restaurant, one chef and one pizza maker. The bartender was clueless and didn't speak a word of English and thinks ice tea is Long Island ice tea. They were obviously expecting us as the table was ready. She was in such disarray and had what appeared to be no skills on service. AFter an hour We were served with one slice of bread each while waiting. She wrote everyones NAME down (not their seat position) and took orders. More than hour went by before some of us got our appetizers and food (pretty much the same time) and others for nothing. So up to this point we waited more than two hours since being seated. We were taking the last bite of our food as she asked if she should bring the cake over. Now we were being pushed out . When the bills came, she went to each person individually for payment. This took almost forty five mins. Seriously. When she gave me my bill I told her I'm Paying debit. She passed the maxchine an it was a totally different amount than that on the paper bill so I questioned it. She said they added a tip on. I was so annoyed. How dare you. Of course I spoke up and said there is no way in hell the service (or lack of) would've been rewarded with such a high tip. She said wel you know we brought the cake out and cut it blah blah and I said actually NO, I cut the cake then she came back but you dirtied dishes and we have to wash. Seriously people save your money and time that cannot be recovered. Find a restaurant that can satisfactorily accommodate and serve a group bigger than two people