Bin 23 Restaurant

As with likely many readers, I found the previous reviews pretty bipolar...it seems like Bin 23 is a love-it-or-hate-it place. I went there for the first time last night for a dinner with my fiance, and frankly, found it a wonderful place. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I didn't find the background music too loud, and had no problem conversing with my fiance, even though we were seated directly across from the kitchen. The ambience was quite pleasant and polished - my only real complaint is that the place definitely needs a better ventilation system. As the night progressed, there was a very noticeable haze of cooking fumes throughout the restaurant. Our server was pleasant and helpful without being intrusive, and consistently popped by to refill our wine/water glasses and check in with us.

The food was very, very good - maybe not the "best ever", but still quite well worth it. The onion soup could've used a more aromatic broth, but otherwise no complaints. Both the striploin (ordered rare) and the scallops (the day's special) were cooked perfectly and truly were "melt in your mouth". We had a delicious cheese plate after our meal, which had four cheeses paired with crisp apple slices and rosemary crostini. The cinnamon bun bread pudding with vanilla ice cream was a well-balanced combo, while the lemon tart had a nicely tangy, if somewhat "eggy" tasting custard filling.

All in all, both my fiance and I were very pleased with our meal - both in terms of food and service. Some of the negative reviews really seem puzzling based on our experience - it seems like perhaps Bin 23 has a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality?!? At any rate, I would certainly return, and hope that my next experiences are as good as my first was.

I had read both good and bad reviews and decided it was worth a try. Glad we did. We had a wonderful lamb shank and a lovely Malbec to go with it. I agree that the restaurant is a little noisy and we did ask to move to a quieter area. However, I would recommend this bistro for a great lunch any time. Cost $60 with wine soup and entree.

tried it again and no way...how can these people still be in business. Food was cold, waiter did not care, we had a reservation and the didn't have it ready....the place was not busy and like the other reviewer I miss Dougs Place...at least the food came it was great and where are you Doug these dudes could use some manners and help

We were the only ones in the resaturant and were seated by the kitchen. Food was recieved quickly, but the food poisoning we recieved was quick to come as well. When I phoned the restaurant to tell them about it they said they were too busy to deal with it right now.

You should know this is a small noisy restaurant, with little or no atmosphere, food is adaquate, staff are rushed and if you are like us you get seated by the kitchen door. We asked for quiet, we get noisy very noisy and it spoiled the night. But not to worry we will not go back and I'm so glad that this website allows me to tell lyou what to expect. I would eat someplace else. My food was ok but my friends was salty and she did not enjoy it at all. We will not recommend Bin 23 to anyone nor will we ever go back.....peanut butter at home is much better

The Best Restaurant in Guelph!
My experience at Bin 23 last Tuesday was amazing, the waiting staff were superb and our meals were cooked to perfection.
My wife had the salmon as her main and I sunk my teeth into a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin.
Definetly will return in the new year!

I went to this location with friends and it was my first visit...As soon as we walked in the door my dinner companions were greeted by their first names...and we were taken to our table promptly. The restaurant is compact and our table for 4 was acceptable...but I hate when tables are placed so close together...this was my only complaint...We all ordered different meals and everyone was more than satisfied. My steak dinner was superb and one of the best I have ever had. The service staff were also excellent in their style and performance..I cant wait to be able to go back there for another meal

The food is absoutely amazing. The staff is more than willing to accomodate varying diet requests. Gus has a way of making everyone feel very special. Everyone is extremely courteous and accomodating. This is definitely our favourite restaurant in Guelph.

I unfortuantely had not read the reviews before dining, and agree after eating there with every negative thing said.
We were greeted rudely, left to wait to be sat for 30 minutes when the restaurant was not full on a Wednesday night. The service was slow and unfriendly. The food was hit and miss. The restaurant is cramped and akward.
I could have lived with the other faults, and would have come back if it were not for the terrible service. It really is just unacceptable to have people like the two we dealt with running the front of a restaurant. The owner who so many other reviewers mentioned was not in the night we went as so perhaps the staff don't personally care.
Bottom line, will gladly take my business elsewhere.

This is my new favourite fancy place in town. I loved it here and will definitely be back. The food was amazing, the wine was great, the owner was so nice and the atmosphere was fantastic. Plus the server was super hot, as well as being good.