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The Friendly Society, Elora, ON

The Friendly Society

4.6
4.6
689 Reviews
CAN$30 and under
Canadian
The Friendly Society is Elora's best-loved neighborhood restaurant. The decor is romantic yet rustic, the vibe is hip and comfortable, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. It is located on the river, steps from the Elora Mill, with a licensed patio and live music in the summer.

Chef Marc Gebran offers classic elevated comfort food with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Our well-stocked bar offers a wide range of beers, a lovingly-curated wine list, and a full cocktail menu.

Highlights include Sunday brunch, summer cocktails on the patio, a romantic date night, and dinner with friends.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 23 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Canadian, French / Canadian, French

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–7:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (226) 384-8452

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive Chef

    Marc Gebran

  • Neighbourhood

    Guelph

  • Parking Details

    Street parking is available.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

What 689 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Southern Ontario

    Great for brunch

  • Southern Ontario

    Canadian

Sort by

  1. EdwardO

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our first time at The Friendly Society. Steven was great, food was excellent and atmosphere was very good. Will be back.
  2. MariaT

    Toronto

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    The concept is great but the execution needs some work. Super quaint and cute restaurant. Friendly! The portion sizes are miniscule albeit yummy.
  3. CindyC

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was amazing! Very friendly and efficient. I love the concept of their Sunday brunch. Small.portions so you can sample multiple items from the menu. Food was delicious.
  4. CHERYL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    This place was so cute with great decor and the friendliest staff. We went for the all you can eat brunch and it was a unique experience. We did find it overpriced for what you get but it was fun to try.
  5. JeremyM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The food and service was great but the noise level was a little too high music wise and had trouble carrying a conversation comfortably.
  6. Mark

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Thank you for a great meal, music could of been turned down when became busy
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Had a decent experience! Was disappointed that we weren’t able to be seated outside, but that’s okay. The food was OK, didn’t feel like great value and we found our server to be a bit curt with us and not attentive. Also didn’t offer dessert and we felt pushed out - which after spending over $100 in under 40 mins doesn’t feel good.
  8. LesleyH

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Loved this restaurant - food was lovely, coconut shrimp curry, staff were great and outside patio had a lovely atmosphere.
  9. DonnaD

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our most favorite places to meet up with friends and family. Always delish!
  10. MeMe

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great place to eat, so much variety on the menu. Our waitress was very helpful in helping us what to choose. The food was delicious and the service excellent.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best spots in Elora. Great food and great spot!
  12. SheilaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ended up sitting on the patio because it was so nice out. Wonderful service, so patient & kind as we got lost in our chit chat. Food was great. A perfect summer night in May!😊☀️
  13. ColletteL

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Had a great brunch experience, food selection and variety was good, Service was awesome. Everyone was attentive and friendly. Highly recommend this place regardless of the drive. Elora is a beautiful town
  14. ZoeJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food4service3ambience4
    Great little spot! Dishes were unique and delicious and thought it was a very good price for the quality and quantity. Service was understandably different compared to a regular restaurant since you’re ordering multiple times at different intervals. Dining area had great ambience.
  15. jennine

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our very favourite spots in town, Becky has done such a fantastic job creating this gem. The Friendly offers colourful, delicious food from a menu with fresh, unique and varied options. The service is always wonderful; truly living up to the name. Down the stairs, the decor is a beautiful mix of original character with modern touches making it comfortable, open and airy while still offering a cozy ambiance. Outside on the patio you feel as though you're dining al fresco in Europe. Make a reservation long in advance - especially if you'd like to try the Sunday brunch!
  16. Shoegal1

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    The food was just ok. Chicken was super dry in everyone’s dishes. Barely edible. Great cocktails. Great patio.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    super welcoming, very aesthetically pleasing, food was great!
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Always enjoy coming to The Friendly Society. Grace served us and she was adorable and efficient.
  19. BradR

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Great food and drink options. The restaurant was quieter than I expected for a Thursday, which led to a pleasant conversation experience. Service was a little off for what we're used to but nothing really wrong, just not the normal warm experience we're used to...more transactional.
  20. RELR

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything is always amazing here, we love this spot and frequent it regularly. Our server Amanda was great and we will definitely be back!
  21. SandyT

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful place; tasty food and beautiful setting.
  22. AnnM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cool atmosphere! Friendly staff. Yummy food. More coffee refills would be perfection.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our experience for brunch, great service and fun music! Great drinks and such a wide variety of food to order, you won’t leave hungry. Only thing I’d say is the French toast pudding could be served a bit warmer! Still tasty though:) will definitely be back.
  24. PamS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience from quality service to delicious food!!
  25. RyanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food, service and atmosphere! We are booked again
  26. JessyP

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed great service and had a really good time for dinner. Despite a technology mishap this team did not skip a beat. They are truly living up to their name. We found the service to be warm, welcoming and very friendly. I’m looking forward to coming back and recommending this place to anyone visiting Elora. Thank you to our server Emma!
  27. TiffanyF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The brunch was exceptional, small plates of various delicious menu items. Service was superb, offering tips and checking in. Overall a wonderful experience
  28. SophieW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    I’m annoyed! Someone claimed to be me and took my table… not happy
  29. CathyG

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The noise level is high but everything else was excellent
  30. JaniceT

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dining experience! Love the cocktails and food! Great ambiance!
  31. Junco

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Service was prompt and staff, from the hosts and servers to the kitchen personnel, were all very accommodating. The food was prepared with good quality; however, while I enjoyed my meal considerably, my dining partners did not share my sentiments and felt the fare was rather mild. Otherwise, and perhaps I am biased owing to the pleasant weather on the day of visiting, the atmosphere of the venue was delightful, the design a treat, and the amenities were spot on.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Good food but the drinks were not consistent . It seemed like the servers acted as bartenders . Ambience was nice though it was kind of loud in the restaurant proper
  33. JeanP

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing meal! The food was hot, tasty and looked great too. The service was lovely, as always. Thank you!
  34. LovesCanadian

    Toronto

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Visited with my Mom for an early Mothers day lunch. Great flavours, artfully presented, arrived very quickly. Expertly served by Gabby H. I'm a fellow long time server ---- she's a credit to her profession. Looking forward to our next visit. Many thanks!
  35. Snell

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Been there a number of times with friends and clients. Always has been a great experience. Was really disappointed in our last outing there though. Booked ahead of time and indicated that it was a Special Anniversary and was stuck in a small two person table in front of the washrooms. Not impressed, couple who walked in ahead of us with no reservation was given the quiet corner.?? I had the lamb, it was very small and a little over done. Not worth the value charged. Think that there menu has changed and haven't gotten it quit figured out yet. Will still go back, great little hole in the wall but will probably order something that is more stable on the menu.
  36. StaceyC

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great brunch with lots of options. The tapas style allows you to try a bit of everything. Will definitely be back!
  37. HollyG

    Toronto

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    Service was very slow. Food seems to be made ahead of time and warmed up. Drinks were good. Overall not worth the price.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Such a cool idea and many options for brunch! I would prefer if they have a few more meat options but it’s not necessary. It is quaint, but uniquely designed, and the decor is chic. It even has Gucci brand wallpaper. The food came out quick , and you really can order until you are full. Great concept! Would recommend to a friend. We also booked again!!
  39. LaurenM

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing place! Loved it. I highly recommend the cubano sandwich. Outstanding service
  40. Gerard

    Toronto

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience3
    Excellent and friendly service, very clean and good value.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

The Friendly Society offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (226) 384-8452.

The Friendly Society is rated 4.6 stars by 689 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 23 times today
Google Map for The Friendly Society

8 Mill Street West, Elora, ON N0B 1S0

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood

    Guelph

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–7:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Canadian, French / Canadian, French

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Street parking is available.

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Marc Gebran

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

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