Blacktree - Burlington

After getting fed up with the hustle and bustle of the Toronto dining scene, the chef/owner and his wife decided to open their own upscale restaurant.

I had dinner at Blacktree restaurant last night and enjoyed a 7-course meal prepared by the talented chef Mateo. The dishes were so delicious that they left me wanting more.

Three of us went to the Black Tree restaurant on a Wednesday night so it was not busy, only a total of 5 diners (including us) while we were there. Pros:1- The dishes were cooked perfectly2- The presentation (plating) was artistic and the meals were flavourful3- Waitress was attentive and very polite 4- Décor was interestingly different 5- The dishes were served at just the right time, the spacing was perfect. We could talk a little between servings. Cons: 1- It was a bit pricey for what we received2- The waitress although very pleasant, did not listen or understand when I asked her to repeat the choices on the menu a little slower for me and our friend from Switzerland. She speaks too fast. I had to ask her several times to repeat what she said3- Conversation was a bit difficult because of the loud music.4- Chairs make it difficult to eat at a table. The chairs are designed so you can lean back in them, therefore it is uncomfortable to have to sit at the edge of your chair to get close enough to the table to eat.6- The main course was miniscule. The other courses were very small but that is to be expected at some fine dining establishments. But our main course should not have been that tiny.7- Did not feel that the experience was worth the money. The meal was good, but I did not feel the wow after.

Had the pleasure of going to blacktree for my 40th birthday the other day with some friends and we can't stop talking about how wonderful every was. Food was amazing and the service was fantastic.

I can't believe I haven't written a review of Blacktree earlier. I have been coming to this restaurant and bringing people with me to "experience" the ever changing menu. My first visit was 8-9 years ago and I was blown away. I recall speaking with Matteo (chef/owner) after my first meal and saying that this wasn't a meal it was an experience! Matteo is an artist and a scientist who comes up with whimsical menus and dishes. The attention to detail on each plate that comes out of that tiny kitchen is Michelin Star quality. I've eaten at several three Michelin star restaurants in Europe (including the #1 restaurant in the world Osteria Francescana owned by chef Massimo Bottura) and the Blacktree holds its own. My eyes and my tastebuds are always entertained and it's one of my favourite ways to spend a few hours with my fiancé. It's always a pleasure talking with Matteo after dinner and complimenting his genius like always;)If you are a foodie living near Burlington and haven't been to the Blacktree yet, you aren't a foodie! Do yourself a favour and go for a true dining experience, your eyes and tastebuds will thank you.