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Merchants Oyster Bar features a warm and airy interior to compliment their fresh oysters, daily boards and a wonderful selection of small plates for any and all tastes.
I tried Merchant's Oyster Bar for the first time last week and overall, my experience was a good one. The restaurant is small and intimate with a half a dozen tables and some barstools. I sat at the bar and got a dozen oysters which were perfectly shucked, fresh and very tasty. I ordered a few small plates including confit pork belly, flat iron steak and the tuna poke. They were all very, very flavourful and well constructed dishes although a tad on the small side.
Overall, I managed to rack up a fairly hefty bill and was still a little hungry. The food was really good but it would be nice to see a few more filling options. It is possible I just didn't order the right dishes. Next time, I will come back for the buck a shuck which runs all day on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Went here on a weekend for dine out and reservations are a must during this event. Inquired about the buck a shuck they advertise on website and was told this was not being done during dine out. Wish they would of updated their website. Upgraded to a dozen oysters (+$13) to start. Good variety but a bit chincy on the horseradish and lemon. Then had the tuna poke - was good but maybe needed some avocado mixed in. Then upgraded to the steak (+$3). The steak was tender but the portion was very small and came with some greents. That was the $28 set menu which was very small and left hungry. Shared 2 desserts and again the portions were very small. I would say to pass on this place during dine out and only go during their oyster specials. Service was hit and miss with a few hiccups including incorrect wine being poured, incorrect food being served. Ambiance was ok, rather go to Chewies or Rodney's.
We really enjoyed our light repas here recently. Just done some shopping on the drive and not sure whether we were ready for dindins or just a little sumthin'... Well we wandered in kind of undecided, sat at the bar for a few minutes and as soon as we saw them shuckin' those oysters we were hooked. We sat on the patio, ordered a dozen, they passed muster with our fussy oyster palates, so we ordered 2 dozen more. With a nice Prosecco... How maaarvelos daawling. We also ordered the flank steak which was tender and nicely seasoned. Our waiter was normal, sincere, and knew how to do his job, we need nothing more. We have already recommended this place to others and they came away with good reports as well. If they can stay consistent here they might have a commercial drive success on their hands. We will definitely be back!
Went for brunch yesterday on the recommendation of friends and will definitely be back! The room is a great size and with the big glass windows it’s a great place to watch the Drive. The buck a shuck is a crazy good deal. I expected low quality oysters (like Rodney’s does for their low-tide) but was pleasantly surprised. All the oysters we had were small and delicious. I don’t like a ton of sauces ruining the taste of the oysters so what they provided was perfect. The lobster benny was to die for. All the food we ate was amazing. Considering the quality, the food is a really good value. It would have been nice to maybe have maybe one cheap wine options....for that third bottle but then again with the food being so reasonable it makes sense. The guy working was super friendly even though he was clearly really busy. This place being slightly more upscale than other places in the area but still well within reach is a great addition to the drive. We’ll be back soon!
Went there for the brunch today and it was one of the best I've ever had. The hash (potatoes, tomatoes, truffle oil and oh-so-tasty bacon lardons) were fabulous as was the lobster benny. And I had to have half a dozen oysters at just a buck each -- three types served with lemon, horseradish and a light vinegar sauce. I think I will be back many a time for brunch and the dinner menu looks so inviting that this could become an addiction.
I have only been there once, but I already love it. I am going again tomorrow with another friend to try more of the menu.
Great service actually makes food taste even better, I am convinced of it. The server was also a partner there, and he was great! Passionate and attentive.
I had the Tagliatelle. It was excellent.
Such a great addition to the Drive.
The food here is absolutely amazing. Food items are flavorful and well presented. If I could recommend one item you must try, get the tagliatelle. The server explaining this dish had passion in his eyes when describing how it is cooked. It was obvious that these guys know their menu! Servers are very knowledgable of their menu items and stop by for a friendly chat when appropriate.
The service is great. After coming in once they already recognized my partner and I and welcomed us as if we were family. We continuously return to this restaurant for the same great attitude from the servers and the consistent, great food.
Another perk to this place is their "buck-a-shuck" deal. Between 5 and 6:30pm and after 9pm oysters are a dollar each. Yes, $1 per oyster.
In summary. Go there. Now.
| 1. | Dolce Amore (7 m) |  |
| 2. | Avanti's Neighbourhood Pub (19 m) |  |
| 3. | Dime Road House, The (27 m) |  |
| 4. | Babylon Cafe (34 m) | |
| 5. | Arriva Ristorante Italiano (34 m) | |
| 6. | Libra Room (37 m) | |
| 7. | Caffe Roma (57 m) | |
| 8. | La Mezcaleria (58 m) | |
| 9. | Tim Hortons (64 m) | |
| 10. | Lombardo's Ristorante and Pizzeria (64 m) |  |
