The Local Cafe and Restaurant, Scarborough, ON

The Local Cafe and Restaurant

Name: The Local Cafe and Restaurant
Address: 937 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON, Canada, M1G 3T8
Telephone: (416) 289-5000 ext. 6897
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

316 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Top tags:

The Local Cafe and Restaurant was created to offer experiential learning opportunities for our students. The Local is located on Centennial College, Progress Campus. At the Local, the hospitality, culinary and baking students learn in the restaurant as part of their embedded courses as well as their field placement's under the direction of our Faculty, Chef and Restaurant Technicians.

Our menus are inspired by the international flavor profiles that represent the incredibly rich diversity of those who call Scarborough home. While sourcing locally available ingredients from the bounty of this Province, we are proud to provide our students with the opportunity to develop the skills that hospitality employers demand.

Thank you for your support!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 9, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Canadian, Global, International
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–1:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:30 pm–5:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 289-5000 ext. 6897
Website
http://www.thelocalrestaurant.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Lilian Cardoso

Location
937 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8
Neighbourhood
Scarborough
Cross Street
Markham and Progress
Parking Details
Monday to Friday parking will not be eligible for validation at the restaurant. The Local guests can use the Pay and Display Parking available directly in front of the restaurant, or park in Lot #2 or Lot #3 just north of the building and pay for parking with a credit card at the exit gate. Saturday & Sunday brunch guests can receive parking validation with purchase of a main course.
Additional
Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 316 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toronto / Ontario
Best Value
Toronto
Best Value
Toronto
Great for brunch
Toronto
Canadian

316 Reviews

RL
RochelleL
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Very affordable 3-course meal, delicious and fresh ingredients are used.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Student servers were very pleasant and attentive. 5⭐️ Loved the dessert (profiterole). fries was crispy and nicely salted but cut too small to eat with fingers. Taco was tasty but a bit soggy. Ambience and price is unbeatable. Will have to come back for the bouillabaisse. Heard from the table beside me that it was excellent!
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I
Ivyy
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Student staff were accommodating, but there's room for improvement.
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LB
LucianaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The students are doing a great job! It will help them in the future
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C
Crab
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Water need to be hotter for the tea. Because the table was close to the bar . There were too many stuff conjugated there and it feels noisy .
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S
Susanne
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was lovely as always! The students are eager to provide the best service experience, which is greatly appreciated. I love the atmosphere; the food is elevated and delicious!
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R
Red99
New Orleans
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Such great food. Chocolate mousse is to die for. It's a training restaurant, everyone is over the top trying to keep you happy. Price point can't be beat , especially for the quality of the food. I wish they would open up for dinner again.
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MS
MaryS
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 7, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good place to eat. Parking is expensive $9 for 1 hr and 15 minutes.
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S
Susanne
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love The Local; the food is fantastic, and the students are phenomenal! I love the lively atmosphere - it's a happy place to enjoy a tremendously elevated meal for any occasion!!
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RT
RobT
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Interesting menu that changes frequently. The staff are all students and they do a great job. Also...a take out freezer and a cafe on the way out, lots of options. It's a unique experience., not to be missed.
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S
Susanne
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Great atmosphere! The servers were a little overzealous when clearing our dishes, not leaving enough time for those of us who like to linger and pick while we chat - my bread came and went before I even got the chance to taste it.
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N
Nina
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The Pizza needs work in my opinion, pesto sauce was very bitter and drizzled far too much on the pizza, also it would be nice to know the portion size maybe show a photo on the menu as I ordered 2 thinking it was on naan bread but ended up being very large. The slices were difficult to cut through as the dough was not easy to break perhaps cutting it like a normal pizza would help, rather than in 4 slices. The cauliflower bites were amazing on the other hand and great latte!
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D
Danielle
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had such a great birthday lunch celebration at the local! The food was great and our server couldn’t do enough for us. This is a student run restaurant but you wouldn’t know it. There are so many servers who are always available to get you something. The food portions were great and the value is phenomenal! We can’t wait to try the next menu!
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LX
LanX
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
- 4 times coming to ask if everything was good was too much interruption - waitress touching the biting end of cutlery when handing them out was poor hygiene knowledge - we like last year’s menu and food better
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K
Kimberly
Toronto
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
It's a restaurant gem in the heart of Scarborough...the food is nicely plated and delicious too!!! It's important to support the culinary and hospitality students in our community with encouragement and appreciation...great job!!!
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B
Babs
Toronto
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food at the Local was delicious from the bread & herb butter to main course mushroom pizza finishing with fantastic tiramisu 😋 Student servers did a very attentive, friendly job.
1 person found this helpful
JA
JessieA
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Need new food mean items and need to add the chicken burger.
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CV
CarolinaV
Toronto
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the short ribs... so good! The sides were fantastic as well. Service was perfect.
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J
Joce
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great food! Had the tacos and pistachio ice cream!
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PH
PingchunH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great setup. Excellent ideas for training purposes!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Since it was the last day of summer semester I took my friend to the local, since she always wanted to try it , but always went by it. Since it was my second time here, I went for lunch instead of dinner. And everything was super tasty . From the bread to everything I had. Was incredible. Definitely will be back again to try the local’s new menu
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F
Foodie
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and the plating and value beyond expectation. The service was fine. The staff are learning, so this is understandable and the food and value more than made up for this. Will definitely be back!
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P
Penn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the experience. I went there to celebrate my husband's birthday. We love the fish and mushroom and ice cream. Would definitely come back again！
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CC
CindyC
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Loved it and will be dining there again. My only complaint would be that you cannot purchase the complimentary bread to go. I love the bread and the herb butter that is served with it.
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CM
CaroleM
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were made welcome and greeted with humor. Enjoyed our visit.
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B
Billie
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was delicious and great value for main meal, side, and dessert. But one should keep in mind that it is run by students in a learning environment.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The specials that are not on the menu are so good. The rack of lamb was the best but too bad I can’t get the special appetizer of the eggplants, tomatoes and cheese. I got a tiny taste of it. it’s so good and refreshing. I had other people with me. They said some dishes are little small portion size. I was happy with mine though. Also can you please put back the cranberries ginger drink back on the menu?
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MT
MehnazT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and amazing customer service by the students. Everything was served on time with no delay. Must try pistachio gelato. I've been here 3 times in the past 2 months catching up with co-workers.
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C
Charyn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very good service, excellent food and excellent value.
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F
Flowers
Toronto
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent meal as always. Drinks took a long time to make though.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was delicious and services are very good. We will go again and again. Thx for the hard working students and teachers!
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w
willisl
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice clean restaurant with excellent service. Friendly staffs and students.
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B
Brianna
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every time I come to this restaurant my jaw is on the floor. Such amazing food, with even better prices. This is a five star restaurant. The taste is incredible, to the point where i can close my eyes and move my finger to any item on the menu and I would trust them wholeheartedly to bring out a phenomenal dish. The plating, is one u would see in a magazine. Not to mention how much is included for such a small price. Bread, that I could eat everyday for the rest of my life(not even kidding is so delicious) and a meal, side, and dessert. For only around 16-21$. The students working in the facility are so kind. The service is incredibly fast, and they all have amazing manners! I wish I could tip them here. I would 100% come here every day if I could. I have family flying from another country on Friday and I am very excited to bring them here! I hope this place never leaves.
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L
Louis
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We have 7 people and being hanged 2 menus and it said all.
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MO
MOHITD
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food & Service was excellent I don't have words to express.
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C
Carol
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I always like their bread & desserts. This time the BC snapper is very tasty - fresh & juicy with a thin crispy crust.
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E
Emma
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another excellent dining experience. Food was fantastic and the student servers were extremely friendly and helpful. Great value for money,
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P
Pearl
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Menu selection wasn’t as good as a year ago. Not too exciting. Waitress is very nice and pleasant. It would be better if she told us snapper was not available when she hands out the menu. We had the beef taco, the portion was a bit small. The mushroom Arancini is so good. I enjoy the side dish more than the main dish. Parking is not included is a draw back for us not to come back as often.
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AM
AnnisaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Having eaten here a number of times I truly say that everything is delicious and the students are wonderful and well trained.
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VF
VeeF
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
It was our first time at The Local and we were very impressive with the presentation, portion and quality of the food during the weekend brunch service. All 3 main entrees were delicious and portion was huge that we had leftovers. We especially love the baked goods, fried chicken and waffles. The restaurant ambiance was great. Great natural lighting with pops of colours. Overall a very welcoming and relax environment. Since it was a student run restaurant, we expected some hiccups in service given it was many students' first time experience. We loved the students cheerfulness, energy and great attitude. We look forward to come back for lunch and dinner soon.
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FAQs

The Local Cafe and Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (416) 289-5000 ext. 6897.

The Local Cafe and Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 316 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 9, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Local Cafe and Restaurant

937 Progress Ave, Scarborough, ON M1G 3T8

Additional information

Cross Street
Markham and Progress
Neighbourhood
Scarborough
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–1:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:30 pm–5:00 pm
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Canadian, Global, International
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Business Casual
Parking Details
Monday to Friday parking will not be eligible for validation at the restaurant. The Local guests can use the Pay and Display Parking available directly in front of the restaurant, or park in Lot #2 or Lot #3 just north of the building and pay for parking with a credit card at the exit gate. Saturday & Sunday brunch guests can receive parking validation with purchase of a main course.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Lilian Cardoso
Additional
Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thelocalrestaurant.ca/
Phone number
(416) 289-5000 ext. 6897

The Local Cafe and Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 316 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does The Local Cafe and Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Local Cafe and Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is The Local Cafe and Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information