Budda boom budda bing! East Side Mario's is known for great value, but what keeps people coming back is the quality of the food. And let's not forget the fun. So come on in, bring the family, sit down and get ready for the good time that comes with a great meal.
Waited over an hour for our meals. The establishment was not even full. When we asked for our bill the waitress said she will try and push our orders through??? They waived 5he food from the bill but charged us for the bread and salad. We advise there are plenty of better restaurants in Whitby to eat at!!
It's been years since I had been to an East Side's, as I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh, quick, and the service was good. The food wasn't as heavy and bland as I expected, but light and flavourful. I judged too quickly, and will give this place another shot when we crave some Italian.
Great restaurant, we go here with the family all the time. Exceptional value with unlimited soup and salad is great! You can't find value like this anywhere else in Whitby - trust me, we've looked. To everyone elses comments, you do get what you pay for - this is not a fine dining restaurant.
Keep up the Good Work ESM!
I went here with my family and the service was terrible! Drinks took forever and the only time our waitress came over was to check we were finished to clear. There was no bringing the food out, no bringing the check...by the end of it I wasn't sure who I was supposed to tip. My daughters pasta was barely warm and the loaves of bread seem to be shrinking. But you get what you pay for.
I go here with my family on and off. Chain Italian place that while no means is exemplary usually does a good job. Last night had to wait 15 minutes to be seated even though restaurant was maybe 10% full. No hostess on duty but I counted 7 waitresses. After being seated the confusion continued as a couple of servers tried to take our orders.
I notice the Garden Salad is almost all iceberg lettuce now. It was quite unappetizing. The bread is hilarious. What used to be a small loaf is now no bigger than a roll. The entrees came out but all were obviously overcooked. I had the suspicion mine (the scallops carbonara) was a mistaken order from earlier that was put aside and re-served to me. I base that on the indelicate observation that I have been up all night with terrible stomach cramps and you can guess the rest. I know, I know. Ordering shellfish at a chain restaurant means you get what you deserve.
Overall the restaurant was very very dirty. Lots of unbussed tables left lying around. I noticed that people coming in were continually being sent to the same 5 tables which were the only ones being cleaned. Washroom was comparable to one you would find at a bus terminal. Although I have enjoyed ESM in the past, after some previously so-so visits and this current terrible visit I think I am done with them for good.
Visited this place twice last year in 2009. 4 months apart.
Only thing I can say is, after they serve the food and drink. Server just comes back when they see your plate is empty. But they gave you a smile when you walk out.
We stopped coming back because the service was never changed on the second visit.
I don't know how anyone can give ESM a rating on...
I don't know how anyone can give ESM a rating on their food above average and mostly, it is poor. I went there (for the last time) last night . Knowing the cheap portion sizes, I asked the waitress to tell the cook to "not go cheap on the spaghetti" ( I ordered Spaghetti and Bolognese sauce). When the meal arrived, my plate contained a very chintzy portion of (cold)spaghetti noodles and a miniscule amount of sauce. I sent it back asking for more sauce, which was still barely enough. I mean c'mon, spaghetti and meat sauce for $11.00, and that's what you get? Never again..
I'm not a HUGE fan of Italian food, however I absolutely LOVE the atmosphere at this place. The entree was ok... nothing spectacular but the bread and caesar salad make up for that!!!
Our server was...doing her job; however it must have been close to the end of her shift because toward the end, we got the feeling she was rushing us out a bit (ie. didn't offer dessert/coffee just sort of cleared the plates and brought us our bill in a prompt manner).
Overall a pleasant experience. The kids loved it, and we had a great time. Will definitely be going back.
Previously there had been enticing entrees that, while not cheap, were enjoyable and good value for the meal provided. The new menu's narrowed on Pasta and Pizza have retained some favourites, but popular items such as Goat Cheese Chicken have been removed. It seems that ESM is moving towards a more corporate driven menu.
Small touches like the garden salad have been reduced to mostly iceburg lettuce and very little else. This is disappointing. Not to be trite, but this has all the hallmarks of an MBA think tank finding the way to reduce costs while not caring a whit for the customer experience or satisfaction. The new "captivate tv" which broadcasts ads for local muffler shops, etc. to the dining room goes a long way to lowering the dining experience. There is no justification for its intrusiveness and any attempts to rationalize this could only reasonably be met with incredulity. I defy you to find one patron who would say that they like being advertised to during their meal.
I am not trying to be argumentative or overly negative. In fact, I am saddened to see what has become of a restaurant my family greatly enjoyed. The changes that have been made are disappointing and give me very little reason to visit again.
this is by far the best ESM i have been to yet. cheese cap. is always awesome just the way MAMA and NONNA makes it!!!!! I am Italian and I will only eat pasta in a restaurant at ESM. I am very PICKY and I will take my "famiglia" there for dinner for sure! Keep up the good work! Oh yeah and by the way, the place is clean, the service pleasant and quick! Great atmosphere with true Italian Charm!!!!!!!
It was my birthday and we decided to celebrate at...
It was my birthday and we decided to celebrate at this location due to local opinions of how good it is. It was great and we were very please.
Thank you...
We went to this restaurant on a Saturday night with about 25 people, so I was expecting poor service, but actually, it was okay! Dont get me wrong, there was a few foul ups, and it took longer then normal, but for a table of 25, they did pretty well considering! I'd go back for the same sort of event.
