Borealis Grille & Bar

Went when they first opened and was not impressed with the menu or the prices. Had the flatbread and a bottle of wine (chilean) and with tip was $50.00. Went back a couple of weeks later with some friends for lunch and thank god we had the day off as the place was not busy and it took 20 min for drinks then another 40min for our lunch???

We arrived for Sunday lunch. It was seriously understaffed. We waited 20 minutes for our drink order to be taken and another 15 to order food. The food was ok but not great. The prices are a bit high for what you get.

Our visit to Borealis was quite enjoyable. While a bit pricey if you order a complete meal (appetizer, main course, dessert and a glass or two of wine), it is still decent value considering the freshness and quality of everything we ate. Menu was decent, but not extensive. Service was good but not exceptional. Food was great and it feels good to eat local. I applaud them for such an undertaking.

First visit -- I liked it.
Went for lunch with some co-workers; I had the special of the day: a sopressata panini and upgraded my fries to poutine.
The fires were freshly made and very good -- a nice change from the bland, mealy factory-fries at most places. The sandwich was quite good, maybe a trifle greasy, but I still enjoyed it.
Nice selection of beer, lots of dfraught (yum!). Suprprisingly large and varied menu -- even a prix fixe option (cool)
I'll be back -- good to see an independant bistro-style place like this!

We were at Boreealis about a week ago and the food was just OK, but the waitress was very annoying. She was very unprepared and wouldn't stop talking. It seemed like she was always at our table endlessly jabbering about nothing important. It was incessant and made for a really annoying dining experience. She would inform us of her every move-- almost like she was trying to remember what her job was. I spoke to a friend who had a similar experience and is also not keen on returning.

If this place wants to have a more fine dining experience (which they do not) then they need to hire better service staff.

We will not return until they do.

P.S. It was also rather pricey for the quality of the food.

I've eaten twice at Borealis, and both meals were very good.

For Sunday brunch I ordered a traditional breakfast of eggs, home fries and peameal bacon. It was beautifully presented, perfectly cooked, hot and just the right portion (i.e. filling but not stuffed). They had just opened. The service was very good. The staff are very enthusiastic about the restaurant and are happy to tell you about the unique stonework and their philosophy of buying from local sources (which means everything is very fresh).

For my 2nd meal (lunch) I had the ravioli (stuffed with squash), caramelized onion and asiago cheese dish. It was so delicious that 4 days later I'm still thinking about it! The service was everything you could ask for - prompt, courteous, helpful and friendly.

I'm looking forward to returning for another terrific meal. Next time I'll eat on their lovely outdoor patio.

Never go again...the place was cold, did not offer a range of beers (that we liked)
They where out of the special, which did not help, We had never been to the place before and where investigating, I had the white fish and it was served on top of sticky white rice just not nice, and no appeal. My husband cannot remember what he had but it was some kind of steak...he said it was just ok but did not like the fact that they only offered a very limited beer selection
Lets face it no need to run the A/C when we have come thru a such a cold winter...thanks

Good place and a great service we received at borealis but they were out of many items so our choices became very limited. Our food was OK not really great but very pricy though. we might go back next month.

I have been to Borealis twice now... and will continue to return. This restaurant is exactly what Guelph is lacking in.... local, non-franchized restaurants. I am so sick of places disguising prepackaged fast food as "homemade", just because it is accompanied by table service (ie, East Side Mario's). It seems that some do not recognize that real food takes time as well.
There were a few hiccups with service, but it wasn't due by a lack of effort or a bad attitude. Salads are fantastic, our table ordered 2. Buffalo 'tusks' (?) appetizer was a huge portion. Pulled pork is fabulous... guy at the next table asked what I ordered when it came out. The portion was huge. Beer can chicken did not have quite the same wow factor... perch fish and chips were great.
Love the effort to keep the menu local, while not running a stuffy establishment.
One half of the restaurant is hidden away it seems... I didn't even know it was there. Makes the place seem smaller than it is.
Can't wait for them to develop a lunch menu.

We were very disappointed by the food, price and atmosphere. We were seated at an awful bar stool style seat, roasting next to the fireplace. You were crammed against the neighboring table. The food was overpriced and was average. We will not return.