Essence of Unionville

The staff were very friendly and helpful, which is expected from a restaurant located within a hotel. However, considering the price of $100 per person (plus tips and no taxes for now), the selection at the open buffet was underwhelming. The quality of the meat products, charcuterie, and sushi was disappointing. Comparatively, you can find a much wider variety of dishes with better-quality ingredients at places like Dragon Legend or Mandarin, all for about 40% less.

December 28, 2024 on Google

Myself and a friend of I, go out for Christmas brunch every year. We thought we would try Essence of Unionville, it was one of the worst restaurants I’ve ever been to. At $92 a plate, you think you’d walk out of their feeling satisfied. The roast beef was horrible. They had no potatoes, they had some type of vegetable au gratin, which I couldn’t finish because I didn’t like it their desserts were even worse. They had different cakes and pastries, most of the cakes were hard and dried out because they’re sitting there uncovered. Needless to say we will not be returning to this restaurant.

December 28, 2024 on Google

Food: 1/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Value: 2/5 We visited for their Christmas Eve dinner, and at over $90 per person, we left feeling disappointed and honestly a bit scammed. Initially, the ambiance was impressive, and the staff were warm and welcoming. However, once we explored the food offerings, the experience began to unravel. The variety was underwhelming, with fewer options than a typical buffet. This could have been acceptable if the quality justified the price, but unfortunately, it didn’t. For example, the shrimp cocktail wasn’t peeled, the salmon Wellington had an unpleasantly fishy taste, and the roast beef was the driest I’ve ever had. To add to the disappointment, their hot chocolate was served in flimsy mini disposable cups, which ran out halfway through our meal. The entire dining experience felt more akin to a well-decorated airport lounge or a fundraiser event—not a $90 Christmas Eve buffet. The atmosphere within the hotel was the only saving grace, but even that only holds up when compared to other restaurants in Markham. In comparison to downtown hotels, the decor falls short. I don’t enjoy leaving negative reviews, and I truly wanted to have a wonderful evening. Living nearby, I was hoping this could become a go-to spot. Sadly, I can’t justify spending $90 on what felt like slightly elevated airplane lounge food.

December 27, 2024 on Google

We came here for a holiday brunch. The dining room was on the side of the hotel lobby. You'd need to register your license plate with the host if you drive so that you don't need to pay for parking. The ambiance of the dining room was not bad. Live music was performed on that day. The buffet had cold crab legs, sushi, salads, cold cut and a number of hot dishes. They had an egg station and they made omelettes and fried eggs. The meat table had striplion roast, a pork roast and a turkey. The striplion was cold and not tender, pork roast was okay. Crab legs and other salad dishes were pretty good. Sausages and eggs were not bad. The desserts were the best. Orange juice and coffee were included. Service was excellent and our server was very friendly.

December 26, 2024 on Google

love the weekend buffet!! lots of options! high-quality food. organic salads. love spending time with my friends and family there.

December 22, 2024 on Google

3 stars means good. Grilled Strip loin is good in medium rare. Lobster pasta is creamy and fresh. Halibut fillet did not overcook, and it is not too salty. You can taste the freshness of the seafood. The cheesecake is just average, so so. Anyway, if you want to have an ok meal and don't need to line up, this is a good option.

September 1, 2024 on Google

Quiet weekend brunch spot that serves up delightful dishes in the heart of Markham. Afternoon tea set is ~$50, it includes 5 x finger sandwiches, a scone with homemade cream cheese and raspberry jam preserve, plus a small selection of sweets. I liked my PEI lobster roll, it's on a homemade brioche and the lobster meat was fresh and had right amount of mayo mixed in. Cappuccino in almond milk was normal, decent coffee blend was used. The beef shank risotto had the perfect amount of cream and it's not overly seasonsed. High ceilings, lots of space and tables to choose from. No background music is played. Makes conversations with your table mates a breeze. Decor is contemporary, all the dining ware and furniture are clean. Servers were friendly and courteous. I prefer the Essence of Unionville brunch/lunch experience more than nearby IG worthy brunch spots.

February 26, 2024 on Google

We’ve been to brunch at Essence of Unionville many times and for the most part it is a great experience. The food layout is organized and attractive. Everything is kept clean and tidy around the buffet areas. There is something for everyone from seafood, salads, hot entrees (fish, chicken and roast beef) to breakfast with made to order eggs or omelettes. Finishing off with fruits and various desserts. Overall the food is delicious. Wait staff is attentive and accommodating. I would recommend brunch here on a Sunday to mellow out from a hectic weekend.

November 25, 2023 on Google