Founder Restaurant

Name: Founder Restaurant
Address: 1282 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M6J 1X7
Telephone: (647) 348-1282
Price range: CAN$51 and over
Rating: 4.6

4.6

172 Reviews

CAN$51 and over

Global, International

Top tags:

Welcome to Founder Restaurant, a contemporary bistro located in Toronto's Dundas West. Our menu is led by the talented and charming Chef Kendall Collingridge, who has decades of experience in the Toronto culinary scene. He has worked in a variety of restaurants including Buca, Spirithouse, and Crush Wine Bar, and is known for his unique blend of flavours that cross borders and cultures. His famous Green Curry Fried Chicken is a must-try.

In addition to our regular menu, we also offer a Chef's Experience crafted by Chef Kendall. The Chef's Experience menu is updated daily.

Founder has also been voted Best Cocktail Bar by NOW Toronto, so you know our drinks are top-notch. So come on in, pull up a seat, and let us take you on a flavour journey that'll make your taste buds dance. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Global, International, Fusion / Eclectic, Modern European
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(647) 348-1282
Website
https://foundertoronto.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Kendall Collingridge
Catering
Birthdays, Engagements, Weddings, Work Events, Company Parties, Group Tastings, Toronto Private Events
Private party facilities
In the spirit of bringing people together, we'd be honoured to host your next gathering at Founder. We support full and partial private bookings to accommodate the needs of your event and specially curated menus to suit the tastes of your guests. Email us at events@foundertoronto.com to get started.

Location
1282 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7
Neighbourhood
Ossington
Cross Street
Dundas and Dovercourt
Parking Details
Green P 5 minute walk away on Dovercourt, first street north of Dundas.
Public Transit
Dundas and Dovercourt (NE/SW sides)
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wine

Popular dishes

What 172 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto / Ontario
Global, International

172 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
The large plates are not for sharing. Great food and lovely service.
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AZ
ArthurZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the moment we walked in, Kendall and his great staff ensured my wife and I enjoyed the best culinary experience. Each dish was spectacular, with the signature KFC chicken living up to the hype and mushroom hand rolls and & pork belly buns serving as the perfect starters. Would definitely come back asap! Arthur
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P
Pris
Vancouver
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious and serve was outstanding! Will definitely go back. It’s a surprising little gem to experience.
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S
Sherviegirl
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely amazing. We had probably about ten dishes between us, and every single one was phenomenal! Standouts were the KFC chicken, the cauliflower, the gnocchi, the short rib, the sea bass. The drinks were also wonderful. We had the drink your greens, the cucumber basil smash, and a spicy mezcal margarita (not listed on the menu). All of them were amazing but the margarita was particularly memorable. Such a great experience!
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M
Marrod
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Food was good, but service was very very slow. It took an hour for drinks to come to our table, and our server didn’t take our food order until 1.5 hours into our dining experience.
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s
sheldong
Montreal
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Loved our visit to Founder - the cocktail to start was delicious and the food was very good. Loved the vibe too. Nice people. We’ll go back.
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GA
GabyA
Toronto
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Why was this place empty when I got there?? Toronto is missing out on great food and great cocktails! We were the only ones there on a Thursday night, but our server was top notch and the food was phenomenal. Highly recommend Founder
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t
thetravelmuncher
Toronto
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
The KFCC is really good. I would go back just for that.
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MA
MargaritaA
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and atmosphere! The gnocchi was fantastic. I’m looking forward to my next visit.
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VP
ValeriyaP
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Favourite place in the city! Food, cocktails, wine, staff - outstanding!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was all great. We booked the "Chef's Experience" and the Chef prepared the most amazing vegetarian menu for us. It was our second time there and we'll definitely go back.
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T
Tals
Toronto
25 reviews
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Nice quaint restaurant. Was there for 7pm and only 2 other couples were dining. Food was great, especially the seabass and short rib. I wasn’t thrilled about the oysters as I don’t think cilantro went well with it, but it was already topped. Service was great. It can be a fine balance on when to attend patrons ie. Fill glasses, clear table. Perhaps a little less of it so we can enjoy our conversation without distraction.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service is amazing! Bartender is 5 star! Love the quality drinks, food and atmosphere.
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M
Monza
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, drinks and service! Definitely coming back and highly recommend to give it a try! We had a lovely dinner experience. Ben is such a welcoming and experienced bartender.
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F
Foodguy4
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A little loud, good food, better cocktails
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an amazing time celebrating our anniversary at Founder. Chef Kendall served and explained all food and drinks, which was above and beyond. The ambience was spectacular, the staff an absolute joy, overall an absolute vending well spent! Definitely looking forward to returning. I highly recommend the Chef Experience you won’t regret it, trust me. Founder Restaurant was a top notch experience we won’t soon forget, kudos to the chef and team.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chef Kendall put together a fantastic experience and the food was unique that I hadn’t even heard of at other places. Lovely time - will be back!
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RP
RyanP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We tried the Chefs menu and every dish was amazing. Hospitality unmatched.
Is this helpful?
OO
OonOZ
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience with the chef's experience. Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Is this helpful?
Z
Zedzed
Toronto
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Relaxed vibe, beautiful interior, great food. Service was friendly and prompt.
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E
Ester
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a fantastic experience at this establishment. The cocktails were exceptional, the fried chicken was delicious, and the service was top-notch. I would highly recommend giving this place a try.
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CL
CindyL
Toronto
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have never been and we had the tasting menu. We asked for wine pairings. The food was top notch - one of the best we ever had! The waiter was amazing. We would go again soon.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience4
The staff are very friendly, nice ambiance. However, nothing worth to try on the menu. Especially for cocktails; both weren’t tasty.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely incredible. One of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time. Consistency in terms of quality, taste, presentation in every dish. Service is exceptional. Can’t wait to go back. Highly recommend.
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AC
AshC
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was exceptional and service great honesty I recommend giving this place a go.
Is this helpful?
P
Perfection
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A perfect meal! Can't wait to go back. And super delicious cocktails.
Is this helpful?
NW
NickW
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Tried nearly the entire menu (a small one). Dishes were a combination of both delicacy & excitement. Fried brussel sprouts were on the saltier side. Excellent overall restarurant.
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EC
ElleC
Memphis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic - each dish was expertly crafted with fresh ingredients that were bursting with flavor. From the appetizers to the desserts, everything was cooked to perfection. In addition to the incredible food, the service was top-notch. The staff was friendly and attentive. They were happy to accommodate our special requests and made great recommendations on what to order. The ambiance of the restaurant was also wonderful with just the right amount of lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great dining experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Felt rushed. Waiters were trying to force food on us and trying to get us out of there as soon as possible
Founder RestaurantResponded on April 5, 2023
Hello, thank you for your feedback. As we provide each of our valued reservations a minimum of 2.5 hours (3 hours for groups over 6) as opposed to an industry standard 2 hours, we would appreciate you emailing us with your specific details. Thank you
1 person found this helpful
SK
SudhirK
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Intriguing dishes with decent range, attentive service
Is this helpful?
LW
LisaW
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Founder exceeded my expectations. Great food (unique, tasty, perfect portions for sharing), great service (friendly and helpful), beautiful decor (well-decorated, nice ambiance) - I will definitely return and recommend it to others. 10/10.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience2
Food was good the space was small, prepare to be rushed by staff. Rushed to order, rushed to eat rushed to pay. They want people in and out. Possibly because the space is small but they will hover and ask if you’re ready like a teacher when you’re writing a test. Killed the ambiance for my friends and I. Gnocchi was good
Founder RestaurantResponded on March 23, 2023
Hello and thank you for your feedback. We are indeed a small well proportioned restaurant and bar that aims to give each of our valued guests a favourable experience. With that in mind, a month ago we increased our reservation times from the industry standard 2 hour sittings to 2.5 hours and 3 hours for groups of 6 or more as we want you to properly enjoy your time with us. Please feel free to reply to us with your reservation information and we would be happy to review further. Thanks!
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l
lizto
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious complex flavours in the food and drinks. Pleasantly surprised!
Is this helpful?
j
jmurray77
Toronto
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The mushroom gnocchi was incredible!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Came here for drinks after dinner. Really enjoyed their Black Magic Woman cocktail. Their house cocktail menu is somewhat limited, but they’ll make drinks that are not on the menu. Whisky selection is also good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall1food1service5ambience5
No food selections, but to be fair - i feel like this is more of a bar than a restaurant. The food was not good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday meal - delicious food, service and cocktails! Would recommend!
Is this helpful?
CL
CarolL
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We were a group of 5 for a celebration dinner. Had a dietary preference which was accommodated no problem. The Chef’s menu was something that we found out about from the Open Table app. 6 courses of unusual main ingredients, delicious combinations. Sunchokes, truffles, oysters, duck, cod cheeks, and a coconut tapioca pudding were each course highlights. The area of the restaurant we were seated in was quite dark, so we used our flashlights to see the presented food. Only service snaffu was a not finished bottle of wine cleared from the table when we had intended to finish. Excellent cocktails. Overall a great place for a special night out.
Is this helpful?
A
Average
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience3
Seated at 9:15 for 8:40 reservation and didn’t get out of the restaurant til almost midnight. The staff was pretty friendly but lack of planning and execution made the night a bit of a dud. Portions were small and the food quality was acceptable but not great.
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j
jojo
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
Seems like something went wrong on the Valentine’s Day as everything is super slow.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Founder Restaurant is rated 4.6 stars by 172 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

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 p.m.

1282 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7

Additional information

Cross Street
Dundas and Dovercourt
Neighbourhood
Ossington
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 6:00 pm–12:00 am
Cuisines
Global, International, Fusion / Eclectic, Modern European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Parking Details
Green P 5 minute walk away on Dovercourt, first street north of Dundas.
Public Transit
Dundas and Dovercourt (NE/SW sides)
Payment Options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Kendall Collingridge
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wine

Website
https://foundertoronto.com/
Phone number
(647) 348-1282
Catering
Birthdays, Engagements, Weddings, Work Events, Company Parties, Group Tastings, Toronto Private Events
Private party facilities
In the spirit of bringing people together, we'd be honoured to host your next gathering at Founder. We support full and partial private bookings to accommodate the needs of your event and specially curated menus to suit the tastes of your guests. Email us at events@foundertoronto.com to get started.

Founder Restaurant

Make a reservation

Additional information

Popular dishes

Gnocchi

Octopus Salad

Kendall's Fried Curry Chicken (KFCC)

Menu

What 172 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

How is Founder Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Founder Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Additional information