Best Restaurants with a Fireplace in Bayview

Today was wintery and cold with a blowing wind. A day to be inside. A day for lunch at the Amsterdam. As always, the staff at the front door were welcoming and efficient, directing us to a table for two beside the fireplace. Bonus! Samantha (Sam) was our server today. She was friendly and chatty and seemed pleased to see us. We ordered “our usual”, as regulars to the Amsterdam (perhaps we are boring) and without much delay we were enjoying our fish and chips (for her) and the Tai chicken curry (for me), washed down with Diet Coke and an Amsterdam Blonde. The food was hot and nicely presented, particularly the curry, resting on a palm leaf in a custom earthenware (?) dark bowl. The beer, even on a cold day, was great. Although there are giant screen TVs in one section of the dining area showing (today) live tennis, the sounds and images were not intrusive. Ditto the musical ambiance. Although I would prefer NO music in a restaurant, the Amsterdam’s choice was reasonable acceptable and allowed for an audible conversation (I often wonder if the “music” in restaurants, or the grocery store, is targeting the customers or the staff). No desert today. Stuffed. But there was a little room for a cappuccino before paying the bill. Goodbyes from Sam who provided great service and who maintained a pleasant chatty presence throughout today’s encounter. We will be back. Jack H Toronto

My husband and I attended the even for Valentines Day and it was amazing! Our server Jacob was so attentive with us and truly made the experience unforgettable.

The only thing is the table (like a coffee table) is too small for two for fine dining.

We came for a birthday celebration. We had some caviar and champagne to start which was excellent with nice presentation. Everything was really sweet the whole way through and we enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Only note was when it came time to get our coats, the host was gone so I asked a woman in the office/coat room and she seemed a bit inconvenienced by my request to receive our coats back. Not quite hospitable. Everything else was excellent.

We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Reign, and the service was excellent. Our only negative is the music it was far too loud. You go to a restaurant to talk with friends or family not to have loud spoil everything.