Skylon Tower

'You get what you pay for'...and in this case, you're paying for the view, plain and simple. The view from the Skylon is incredible and a must-see for everyone. But the food? No way will I come back to dine, nor recommend it. The quality of the food was below average, certainly not worth the high price we forked out for this 'dining' experience. Niagara Falls is an experience of a lifetime - please do not spoil it by eating at the Skylon.

So to begin with a little perspective, setting the scene, let's state that one does not visit Niagara Falls very often. In fact as we live in the UK we have done so twice in our lives, once in the 90s and once last year, and perhaps we'll do so in another ten years' time. This was a big trip for us, very expensive, very special - or that's what we wanted it to be. In fact, the 'expensive' part was easier to achieve than the 'special'.

We'd eaten at the Skylon once before, a decade ago - we'd had a buffet lunch there, and at the time it was very nice. This time, I had $250 earmarked for an anniversary dinner there. All arranged, very exciting... and then? Well, the food was unexciting, just about OK but nothing special - sort of the calibre of my local pub rather than an actual restaurant. If anything was good, it was the ice wine, the major reason why the food isn't a 1*.

The view is good, of course - phenomenally good - but you are best advised to concentrate on it as hard as you can in order to avoid having to pay attention to what is going on in the restaurant with you. The staff seem to have no idea of how to run a restaurant at all. Like various other money pit locations, they even hire someone to snap a picture of you and to try to sell you the result for some ridiculous quantity of money. For over $100/person, I expect staff to understand something about good restaurant service; which is to say, if you wish to run an entertainment ride at Disneyland, then please market it accordingly. Don't pretend that you're running a restaurant... As I dug out my credit card to pay the bill, our waitress baldly and loudly stated a figure as to the size of the tip that I should add to the bill; apparently she thought that I was likely to be a cheapskate, and thought that attempting to start a row in front of my partner would embarrass me into paying her a fat bonus. As a result, I halved the size of the tip that I chose to leave behind (my partner, who was utterly disgusted, suggested that I leave nothing at all), so it was a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The result: our anniversary evening was spoiled. I was furious. Should we visit the area again, we will probably stay on the American side, because they don't seem to have quite the same tendency to see tourists as giant cash machines, who just need somebody to relieve the pressure on their wallets by removing the contents therein.

Holy man is this place expensive. You feel you are literally paying for the whole darn thing to circle the sky. Well, I guess you (your husband) is. The fodd is great. The servcie is considerate and I love looove the dessert. We could see our hotel from the window and I loved it

Well I have to say this resturant had a tough task on it's hands. I had just eaten perhaps the best meal of my life the night before at the watermark at the top of the fallsview hilton.

We took the elevator ride which was really nothing out of the ordinary but the view from the top was fantastic.

I had a double cognac as I normally have and my wife had a fruity girl drink. She started with a salad and I had the scallops which were amazing.

We both had the prime rib which was fantastic, I had the big prime rib and it was filling.

We both had the creme brule for dessert and it was actually quite good.

The bill came out to about $180 with the tip.

I look forward to my next visit.

My wife and I just got back from the revolving tower. The steak was exquisite and terrific. It was one of the most gorgeous pieces of meat ever. The salad and desserts were beyond good.The view and the service are equal to the $100/person that the food costs here but that is the catch readers: the food here costs $200 for 2. Add alcohol and you get to $350 for 2 people. Skylon is only for very special times.

We just got back from our dinner at the Skylon's Revolving Dining Room and I wanted to share our experience.
We came down for my Birthday and to spend a special night in Niagara Falls. I just want to thank everyone at the Skylon for making such a memorable evening for me and my family. The view is the best in the city. The service was so personable and the food was great. We had the Salmon, Lamb and the kids had the Prime Rib and Chicken fingers. The kids were treated so well. Thanks again for making my Birthday so special.

It was my wife birthday and as such I was running around to find a fine restaurant with romantic environment to share the moment together. I booked the Skylon revolving dinning room 2 weeks in advance and specifically told the waitress that it would be my wife birthday and I hope something special can be done, like a small special dessert of some sort. And she said no problem, will make it up to the chef on that date.

The day we got to there, as all reviews had stated already, crowded with people, all lining up to confirm the reservation. I could actually see a couple of families which didn't reserve for any tables managed to reserve it on the spot which made me a little mad because the restaurant needs reservation in advance. Anyways, we cramped into the so call "yellow bug" and scary squeeking sound was heard a few times. After we reached the top, the horrifying scene was within sight. Such a small revolving dinner room was packed with approximately 200 people! We end up not even getting the windows seat and had to sit extremely close to the next table. (there is about 2cm b/w the tables) My wife was scared, and there was nothing to choose from the expensive menu. We ordered 2 martinis and they both taste like plain alcohol but nothing else. The salmon filet had bones in the filet! how could you call it a filet when you have bones in them? The filet was dry and dull, the bread that comes with it was hard like a rock. Nothing was appealing. There was no mood to even look out the window for the falls. Paid the $130 bill, nothing was done for my wife from the restaurant. Will definitely not go and will inform our relative and friends never to go again.

I worked at this place for a while, it is very pricey but it's a great once in a lifetime thing. Until I read this site, I had never heard a complaint before.
Food was great, especially the desserts which weren't that expensive. Server was very friendly and attentive. View was amazing and we sat there for 2 hours without being rushed. The piano player was very nice and played the Beatle songs I requested for my boyfriend.

However, having worked at the tower, I know most people's major complaint was waiting time. I suggest going for the early special at 4:30. Its actually a great money saver and you get the same food and portions (just less to choose from). Also you'll get a window seat;) Week days are a lot quieter as well.
If you cant make 4:30 go at 9 or later. And if you REALLY don't want to wait, ask a staff member when they have bus groups coming for dinner, waiting behind them can take a while.

Overall, had a great time, great food, great service and a great view. The price however, makes it a once in a lifetime occasion.

PS. parking is usually 5-10$/car (best deal you'll get near the falls), elevator ticket and observation deck are free with your meal. Average entrée about 50$ for dinner, 30$for lunch. If you're on a budget do the buffet, same food and view, but it's all you can eat and you'll save a whack of money!

We are locals, ate here for my 40th birthday with my family. Food was pretty good, not amazing. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Expensive to be sure, but the view is amazing. As the dining floor revolves, you have an expansive view of the city, falls and stateside, which all kept changing as the sun was setting and lights on the falls were illuminated. People would leave notes on the ledge as the dining room rotated which was good fun. It was a memorable experience that we loved, but because of the price I won't return. But for anyone else, I would recommend you give it a try!

T was great! Food was mediocre at best. Get rid of those annoying people who take your picture at every opportunity and the place will improve.