Aera

Food was decent but definitely a bit overpriced (paying for the view). The steak tartare was a bit bland and I've had better for less. The lobster spaghetti was very creamy with small chunks of lobster and tasted great, although pretty expensive for a pasta ($52). Cocktails were great too. Aera also has great views (if it's not too foggy) and dimly lit but great atmosphere.

December 31, 2024 on Google

First of the space is stunning. Great view of the city etc etc. however the black guy that greeted us with the fake van cleef should not be working in customer service. He did not even greet us and acted like we were a bother to him for showing up at the restaurant he should however take classes from the brown guy with the beard working at the bar who was our server. He was super enthusiastic and always checked up on us and very kind. He 1000% deserves a pay raise for Christmas. Cocktails were okay ish. I’ve had better French 75s but can’t say it was bad. Good restaurant will try again in the future

December 21, 2024 on Google

Aera offers a stunning view of the lake, city, and an incredible perspective of downtown Toronto and the CN Tower. The location at The Well is excellent, and the restaurant’s design and decor are elegant and luxurious, creating a beautiful atmosphere. The food was of high quality and tasted great. The steak, in particular, was very good tender and flavorful. However, despite ordering both medium rare and medium well, the steaks came out almost the same, closer to medium rare. The mushroom soup was a standout rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Unfortunately, the overall experience was let down by poor customer service. We visited as a group of 20 and felt that the service lacked professionalism and warmth. The waitstaff seemed rushed and uninterested, only doing the bare minimum without engaging with us. There was no personal touch – just a focus on completing tasks quickly. The flow of service was also disappointing. Despite choosing the set menu, the wait times between courses were excessively long. From appetizers to the main course, the table remained empty for long periods, and we were left just waiting. For such a large group, the staff seemed overwhelmed and unable to manage the timing of each course smoothly. While the girls at the entrance were friendly and welcoming, our server felt distant and disengaged, making the overall experience less enjoyable. We visited on a Thursday night, and the live music was quite loud and the venue was busy, which may be something to consider if you prefer a quieter setting. Although the bar and interior design are impressive, Aera didn’t feel like a true high-end restaurant. For the price, the experience didn’t match expectations, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for exceptional service to match the upscale ambiance.

December 21, 2024 on Google

Pros: Beautiful venue Friendly service Cornbread was a surprise hit Cons: Price points were a little high Not all tables get a great view Slow service I love O&B restaurants, but this place missed the mark for me. It is a very pretty view of the city though. Go for a drink and an app. Go somewhere else for a meal.

December 5, 2024 on Google

I personally love this restaurant. I loved everything I had and I would definitely go back!!!! It’s a very big restaurant much bigger than it looks and in terms of service yeah the waiters were pretty busy so it’s understandable when they took a while to come to our table, but with the size of the restaurant and how packed it was considering it was a weekend night. I wasn’t too upset about that. Other than that the atmosphere is good. The food was good. The cornbread is a little over hyped but I still enjoyed it and I loved the sushi.

December 5, 2024 on Google

A Perfect Birthday Celebration – Aera Restaurant Aera on the 38th floor of The Well is an unforgettable experience. With stunning views and an elevated take on 21st-century American cuisine, the food was creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was outstanding—special thanks to Scarlet and Dillon, who ensured every detail was perfect. My niece had a blast celebrating her birthday here, and the night was made even better by the incredible music—the DJ was absolutely slamming! If you’re looking for exceptional food, top-notch hospitality, and a vibrant atmosphere, Aera is the place to be! My only issue was parking. When you are parked on P-3 and you see the sign for Aera….. Make a left then proceed to the elevator

November 23, 2024 on Google

My girlfriend and I made a reservation at this restaurant a few days in advance for a nice dinner with a view. Our server, Milan was a wonderful young lady who was willing to explain the menu thoughtfully as well as help us with photos. I ordered the bacon steak (pictured below) while she got the maritime lobster spaghetti (also pictured). We both enjoyed the meal, atmosphere, view and everything else. No bad points although, I think it’s important to emphasize that there is a time limit on your table (about 2 hours and 1/2 if that makes a difference). Open kitchen, no overbearing music while also being able to talk to your company. You pay for good service, a nice view, good food. Price is higher, but that’s high end in the city for you.

November 6, 2024 on Google

I didn’t know this place existed because I usually check restaurant reviews that are over 4.2/5.0 before deciding where to go. Naturally, I wouldn’t have come here based on its rating. However, when I entered, I was pleasantly surprised by the venue’s setting, with a beautiful view of the lake and city wrapping around the restaurant. The food was also surprisingly good, considering the O&B chain can be hit or miss. Be warned, this restaurant will burn a hole in your wallet, but it’s probably a place you’d visit for a special occasion anyway. It’s a great spot to bring visitors to Toronto to show off the city. I was told you have to pay extra to be seated on the CN Tower side, which I found odd and distasteful. We ordered quite a bit, and all the food was delicious. Unfortunately, the service was a bit slow. Drinks took a long time to arrive, and we had an overpayment issue, but they kindly corrected it and gave us a discount on our drinks because of the inconvenience. Overall, I shouldn’t judge this place by its reviews but give it a chance. It’s worth a visit at least for the view and to have a snack or drink here.

September 24, 2024 on Google