Essence of Unionville

Name: Essence of Unionville
Address: Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites 8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON, Canada, L6G 1A5
Telephone: (905) 470-8500
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

280 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Unspecified

Top tags:

The restaurant has a tradition of serving up delicious meals, great experiences and creating memories. Its contemporary décor is the perfect venue for any occasion.

Celebrating holidays, special occasions, engagements, birthdays and accommodating groups of all sizes.

Begin, engage and refresh your taste buds with an eclectic mouth-watering fusion menu paired with a comprehensive beverage menu and wine list appealing to every taste and budget. Conclude your meal with a selection of delectable dessert creations made in-house by their very own pastry chef. Located off the main lobby inside the Four Diamond Hilton Suites hotel.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 6:30 am–2:00 pm Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 6:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(905) 470-8500
Website
http://www.essenceofunionville.com/?y_source=1_MTAxOTc5OTkzNi04NjAtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ==
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Jitin Gaba
Catering
Ask about customized menu options.
Private party facilities
Essence of Unionville is the perfect venue for any occasion. Celebrating holidays, special occasions, engagements, bridal showers, anniversaries, birthdays and accommodating groups of all sizes.
Private party contact
Private Event Coordinator: (905) 470-8500

Location
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites, 8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON L6G 1A5
Neighbourhood
Markham
Cross Street
HWY 7 & Warden
Parking Details
Complimentary parking for dine-in guests.
Public Transit
Warden Avenue at Hwy 7
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Mistletoe Lunch Buffet
$52.00 per person
Dec 7 - Dec 8, 2023
Yule love it! Join us for the Mistletoe lunch buffet, a Hilton Suites holiday tradition. This seasonal favorite features all the holiday classics. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the holiday season with friends, family and coworkers - a great venue for a Christmas celebration!
Festive Season Afternoon Tea
$55.00 per person
Dec 9, 2023 only
Celebrate this Festive season with your family, friends and loved once with a Festive Season Afternoon Tea with us at Essence of Unionville. Price: $55/adult & $24/child (5-10 year) [Tax & Gratuities Extra]. From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call us at 905-415-7611 or email us at dinehilton@markhamsuites.com to make your reservation now.
Festive Afternoon Tea
$55.00 per person
Dec 10, 2023 only
Celebrate this Festive season with your family, friends and loved once with a Festive Season Afternoon Tea with us at Essence of Unionville. Price: $55/adult & $24/child (5-10 year) [Tax & Gratuities Extra]. From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Call us at 905-415-7611 or email us at dinehilton@markhamsuites.com to make your reservation now.

What 280 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto / Ontario
Great for brunch
York
Great for brunch

280 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Service was excellent! Nice bread to start and squash soup and the Unionville salad were delicious. Veggie pizza with artichokes was just average. Too much thick cheese. Could have been more delicate. Will return!
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DD
DannyD
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The service was absolutely impeccable. The staff was very professional and friendly, and made sure to check on us every few minutes. Our main server Paul was very helpful as well and took the time to talk to us even during the rush hour. As for the food, very delicious and fresh; luckily we were early enough after they opened. The omelette and meat carving food stations were good. Would recommend to separate them a bit to avoid long line-ups and/or confusion as to which station is being waited. Overall very pleasant experience.
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M
Molly
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The brunch was very nice Good food Great service Music was nice but to loud I felt we were rushed out
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NT
N8TVCALIGIRL
Los Angeles
10 reviews
vip
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
Unfortunately, this was disappointing and also is a case for misleading advertising by the Hilton. They advertise as an upscale afternoon tea in pictures along with a price that reflects an upscale experience…(which I don’t mind paying at all, if it is truly upscale service and food ) the service was not done appropriately for an afternoon tea, (the robot is cute but shouldn’t be used on this occasion ) the worst part and important part was Tea sandwich bread was stale …. Not one sandwich, all three of our sandwiches were stale…! Also I noted it was a birthday and there was no recognition at all! So for $200 total for 3 people we were not impressed ! I suggest Windsor arms or the old curiosity tea shop!
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c
cdb1
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
good service, good attention to allergy restrictions, nice ambience, good food
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SY
SorYing
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
everything from the venue to the service to the food is above average quality. 2 items needed improvement though: 1) switch the Tropicana orange juice to fresh juice or Mimosa 2) crab legs are a bit skinny
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SG
ShawnG
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
When got to the restaurant at 2pm they said the restaurant is closed from 2-6:30pm. There is a disconnect between opentable and Hilton about working hours
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F
Falice
Toronto
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice restaurant with outstanding customer services. Food tasted good and well presented. Will definitely go back for any type of celebration.
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EA
EverettA
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Very pleasant environment. Good food and great service.
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F
Firefly
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Disappointing. The sandwiches were not very creative and lacked flavour. Some dessert tasted stale while others were not as described (e.g. salted caramel Madeline was not a Madeline and did not taste like salted caramel. The cream with with scones was more like cream cheese icing flavour and consistency.
1 person found this helpful
J
Jacob
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience2
Food selection and quality is average by far. The price exceeds the value in my opinion. We've been to other brunch places around the same price points, and the food quality was higher for sure. We've visited Essence of Unionville 5+ years ago, and the quality of food was higher then.
1 person found this helpful
S
Sunsun
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Afternoon tea was wonderful I would recommend this!
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T
Tony
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience3
Food was ok but probably about triple the price it should have been.
1 person found this helpful
s
sarahj
Miami - Dade
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Father's Day Brunch...exceptional, very good food selections and great service. Everyone very friendly and attentive. Piano player was even better!
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IK
IrinaK
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We booked restaurant for my mom’s birthday and had to change reservations a number of times because more guests were arriving. The staff at the restaurant was extremely helpful, and we got notifications from the Open Table almost instantly. We pre-ordered food in consultation with the manager, and he made excellent suggestions. Food arrived promptly by a robot, which was very entertaining for my mom’s elderly guests. Food was great and everyone had a wonderful experience. The restaurant is not cheap, but worth it for a special occasion.
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SM
StephanieM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
I a great time. Wasn’t to busy but busy enough. Lots of food and the salad bar was good, especially since I don’t eat meat. The seafood could have been better( lots of brown salmon). Crab legs were a bit salty but still tasty. I would go back.
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GJ
GiftsonJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food.. great service. Would definitely visit again
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E
Erin
Toronto
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience1
My four calls to this location asking about altering the reservation went unanswered. Even after I left a voicemail, they didn't return my call. The interior was extremely dim and decorated in a mediocre fashion. Once the food arrived, I requested smaller dishes when placing my order, but the waitress suggested in a loud, booming voice that we should take the plates directly from the stand and start eating. I had to explain why each person would need a smaller extra plate. After justifying, she dropped the three plates at our table. We tried to continue enjoying our high tea despite being perplexed and realising it might have been a matter of personal preference and character. It was time for the bill, which I paid for and I gave my mother her early Mother's Day gift. The server tapped me on the shoulder and said gratuity is not included in the bill and made a remark about the fact that I didn't tip as I was recording my mother's joyful reaction to her gift on my phone. I had to pause the camera, put the phone down, and explain that the main reason I left no tips at all was that I was dissatisfied with the service for this Mother's Day high tea. She left after hearing an answer she didn't want to hear, appearing unhappy. Overall, Barbara made it quite difficult for us to enjoy this special occasion while having high tea at the Hilton, which disappointed me. As I understand it to be a four star hotel, I'm anticipating better high tea serving instruction and service at this site.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoyed our birthday celebration with Family and relatives. Food, ambience everything was great and the pianist was giving special touch, we had guest who’s voice is amazing and the pianist gave the opportunity to him to sing, there was other guests played piano to us so family friendly and there is something to everyone. Waiters are so kind and respectful You can feel the luxurious atmosphere and hospitality Definitely worth visiting
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KG
KGim
Toronto
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice selection of sandwiches and desserts. A Good place for an enjoyable afternoon tea.
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KA
KarenA
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The waiter was wonderful - probably the best part of our experience was his service. The mains were dry, toppings were thin. Desserts were better than mains. Tea was decent. There are people walking through the restaurant to get to other parts of the hotel, so ambiance was also just ok. Overall we enjoyed ourselves, though I probably wouldn't come here again.
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C
Celine
Toronto
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
The food was ok, the omelette station and beef station were exceptional. Nice place for a get together or family brunch. The prices are a little high but the food is good
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AT
AfternoonTea202304
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall2food4service3ambience3
In my reservation, which had been made 4 hours, in advance, I had requested that the server be masked. En route, the maître d called to inform me that "the server is refusing to mask. She is the only server. Do you still want to come or cancel?" We were a few minutes away and had been looking forward to the day, so we proceeded. Kudos to the server, who was willing to don a mask on her own accord, when we arrived. But she stated to us, "I'll put on a mask for you. There is no mandate anymore and it is my human right". I am shocked that the manager and leadership of a Hilton-affiliated hospitality establishment would allow the situation to escalate to that point, where a RETURNING customer who requested this hours prior, receives an off-putting call moments before arrival and is then told by an employee, in response to a CUSTOMER request, of her PERSONAL right. It is not about a government mandate or personal belief. You are in the food and hospitality industry interacting with a customer. It is about accommodation, visitor's experience and service standard. The meal and the rest of the service were good and, yes, compliments to the server who ultimately de-escalated the situation. But I am taken aback by the preceding events.
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ME
MichelleE
Toronto
92 reviews
vip
4.0
92 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great location. The soup and salad tasted great. I’m
1 person found this helpful
KM
KaytM
Exclusive
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went here for our New Years Day brunch, & loved it, so we decided to return for the Easter Day Brunch. It was outstanding, so much selection & the staff are friendly, helpful & fast.
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JB
JoyB
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
5 stars for food, service and ambience! We enjoyed my birthday lunch here: had crab cakes, tenderloin, risotto, and fettuccine. We had brunch here before and loved it!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
Poor food quality - cold roast beef, oysters sitting their drying out. No waffles, pancake or bread. Some deserts taste like they came from a box. For this price expect much better. Don’t waste your money
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KC
KayC
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great atmosphere to have a family gathering for Sunday brunch. Staff were so welcoming and helped family navigate thru food allergy concerns with ease. The selection, presentation and quality of food was outstanding. We will make this our family gathering spot to come celebrate special occasions in the future.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience4
Seafood is not fresh. I’m unhappy about my lunch today.
Is this helpful?
SC
ShelbyC
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Service for special jazzlicious event. Would recommend. Despite sitting in the partial obstructed view area, still able to enjoy the performance and have a lovely evening. Very good specials and offers on wine for the event. Because of the nature of the event, seating and table space was limited - would have preferred an ice bucket to keep our white wine chilled. Other table was offered extra bread to dip their mussels, we were not. Overall food quality was high but average. Nothing special about crab cakes, but a good portion size. Mussels were delicious but not enough bread standard. Crisp truffle fries and flavorful dip. Tangy compote accompanying cheese plate served at correct temperature made this overall a great sharing dish, but again lack of crackers. Would recommend for a casual sit down or event, as overall we had a good time and atmosphere and effort was evident in the overall experience.
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P
Paul
Toronto
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server is very friendly and the music is outstanding.
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AY
AnnaY
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience4
The food and ambience was good, however, the service was a little lacking.
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m
maryb
Toronto
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and presentation very attractive! Service was very friendly and polished!!! Live entertainment was a real treat.
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GD
GailD
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Enjoyed the meal and the following music. Unfortunately, we could hear noise from the bar nearby, which took away from the enjoyment of our concert, but overall, it was an enjoyable evening.
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C
Christine
Toronto
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first visit to Essence. The restaurant was hosting Jazzalicious. Their menu was quite extensive but they also had a Prix Fixe menu for the show at a very reasonable price. The wine list was very good and the prices for the wine were also very reasonable. Our server for the evening was Raul, an extremely knowledgeable and friendly gentleman. All-in-all the evening was wonderful and I am looking forward to going back to the restaurant again.
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U
Upbeat
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
At first the wait staff were very attentive. The food was good but very overpriced. As we had already been charged a surcharge for the event I was not pleased to see another extra charge on our food bill. If Markham ias trying to increase tourism this is not the way to do it. My friend and I would not return. Half her order of mussels had not opened but telling a waiter was a waste of time. Not a good advertisement got the chef!
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BL
BillL
Exclusive
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Made a mistake in booking and ended up with 2 tickets for Wed and 2 for Fri. Needed 4 on Friday and after calling to try to correct, was told no, and no refunds. Did not attend and very disappointed that I was not refunded. Won't be booking through this site again for anything involving tickets.
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IV
IlmarV
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
Our family really would of liked to have a table inside of the restaurant instead of being outside and almost on the walkway of other hotel guests. Had too much interaction from them. Made a comment about it to a Manager(s) and there was no solution to offered to this problem. Enjoyed the energy of the performance, but missed the real vibe and satisfaction of the concert due to the noise of passing hotel quests. Cannot rate very highly the service of the hotel restaurant Management. Had almost the feeling that they were not willing to come forward and to provide the service, that would of left us with good feeling even considering the circumstances we were having the family night out.
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JD
JohnD
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
wanted seats near stage; or the stage could be raised for better viewing; we were table 38 , I think, right at back Food was amazing , good value, prix fixe menu, house red wine excellent, can Beronia Spanish be bought at LCBO? Overall a great experience! Hope there will be another Jazzlicious soon.
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MP
MichaelP
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience4
Too many speeches. Don’t want to hear from politicians at these events - didn’t pay to see them
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Essence of Unionville offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (905) 470-8500.

Essence of Unionville is rated 4.2 stars by 280 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 3 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites, 8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON L6G 1A5

Additional information

Cross Street
HWY 7 & Warden
Neighbourhood
Markham
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 6:30 am–2:00 pm Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 6:30 am–10:00 pm
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Complimentary parking for dine-in guests.
Public Transit
Warden Avenue at Hwy 7
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jitin Gaba
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.essenceofunionville.com/?y_source=1_MTAxOTc5OTkzNi04NjAtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ==
Phone number
(905) 470-8500
Catering
Ask about customized menu options.
Private party facilities
Essence of Unionville is the perfect venue for any occasion. Celebrating holidays, special occasions, engagements, bridal showers, anniversaries, birthdays and accommodating groups of all sizes.
Private party contact
Private Event Coordinator: (905) 470-8500

Essence of Unionville

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Experiences

Mistletoe Lunch Buffet

Festive Season Afternoon Tea

Festive Afternoon Tea

Menu

What 280 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Essence of Unionville offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Essence of Unionville restaurant rated?

Is Essence of Unionville currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information