Diana's Oyster Bar and Grill Restaurant

Tonight we had a strong craving to go seafood munching so naturally we decided to go to Diana’s Oyster Bar and Grill Restaurant.  We have always periodically shopped at the store in the back where they have fairly fresh seafood in their mini market but this was the first time we had entered their restaurant. 

The night unfortunately did not start off on the right foot.  We were not allowed to make reservations because their restaurant policy is that it is only for those with more than 8 people coming.  When we arrived, our friend had been patiently waiting but due to some crazy confusion, our table was given to another group by accident who had come in after us.  We were told to wait another 15 minutes however 15 minutes turned into 65 minutes.  What was worse I observed while standing at the door, many families who came and went and a group of 8 who actually made reservations left because their table was taken by someone else or was not ready at all. 

Raw Oysters

Steamed Mussels

 

When we were finally seated, they gave us some bread to start off.  The bread unfortunately was cold, wet and dampish.  Probably not the best bread in the world but it was complimentary.  Since there were four of us, we decided to try a little bit of everything on the menu.  We ordered 4 different types of raw oysters, steamed mussels, yellow fin tuna and mango tartare, clam chowder and lobster risotto.  Of note, we wanted the steam lobster but they were out? As well, one of our colleagues mentioned that the crab cakes were not very good at all so avoid it if possible. 

The oysters arrived first.  We had shigoku, virginica, kumo and kusshi.  Now when it comes to raw oysters, everyone has their own preference as to what they like the most.  After our initial order, we actually enjoyed the kumo and shigoku as they were quite tasty so we ordered a dozen more for each one. 

The rest of the food arrived soon afterwards.  It is best to describe it from best to worse.  The steamed mussels were probably the best out of the kitchen tonight.  They were rather large and quite fresh and the white wine they cooked it was pretty good.  Personally I thought they could have made it a little more zingy.  Just a little too bland for me.

Clam Chowder

Yellow Fin Tuna and Mango Tartare

Next best I probably say was the clam chowder.  There were small bacon bits and potatoes in the bowl and what appeared to be small bits of seafood in the chowder.  I have purchased the clam chowder from their cans before and I am near certain that this is the same stuff. 

The yellow fin tuna and mango tartare was next.  The tuna was covered by cucumbers and vegetables and as one friend said, the pictures certainly make it look so much bigger.  The entire dish was drench in sesame oil.  Personally I thought it was a little bit too much because the sesame oil certainly killed the rest of the dish’s tastes. 

Lastly was the lobster risotto.  Probably one of the worse risotto’s ever in my mind.  Gordon Ramsay would probably have this dish sent back to the kitchen.  It was quite gooey, very thick and a bit too creamy.  There was lobster taste to it however even with the four us, there was still some leftover. 

Lobster Risotto

 

In the end it was a pretty bad experience from start to finish.  Total price was about 65 dollars per person.  My personal advice is that this place although great, needs to set up a system of either take down names at the door or go strictly on a reservation basis.  They simply can not take everybody in and it was somewhat painful watching people, both with reservations and not, leaving this place without having to eat at this place.  Don’t get me wrong they do serve fresh seafood at the market which makes good food when you bring it home to cook however the restaurant dining experience still has a long ways to go, especially for the price one is paying for.  The raw oysters they served tonight were good and probably the only thing that was worth the price.  Otherwise there really wasn’t anything else that I would say earned high marks whether it be the food or the service.  For tonight I give it a 2 out of 5.

Diana’s Seafood Restaurant

2101 Lawrence Ave East
Scarborough, ON M1R 3C3
(416) 288-9286