Review of Chef Tommy’s on Bayly – Ajax

Is it Bayly Restaurant or is it Chef Tommy’s?  A touch confusing given the different names on the building and on the sign, but after eating here, there’s no doubt that our family will be coming back to this Greek restaurant.  Here’s what you need to know with some tips to make your family meal more enjoyable!

Details: Chef Tommy’s on Bayly / Bayly Restaurant, 325 Westney Rd. S. at Bayly St, Ajax ON, 905-427-9933, www.bayly-restaurant.com.

Ambience:  Very upscale feel to the place, so much so that I had to ask if it was ok if we brought our kids in.  (I think it was because the lights were dimmer than in the picture below and the party room was set up with lights on the head table).  We were warmly greeted by one of the owners (Cathy) and once we settled in, we felt comfortable.  Part restaurant, part banquet hall, the place was clean and welcoming.

Inside the restaurant.

Kids Stuff:  There weren’t any colouring pages or activity sheets so we spent our time playing “Guess Who” and taking a tour of the restaurant.  Wait time was longer than what we were used to at other Greek restaurants (but maybe that’s the price you pay for more authentic food?).  Washrooms were clean.  Hostess was astute enough to ask us discreetly before giving the kids lollipops at the end of the meal.

Kids Food:  The home-made Pitas were the hit of the dinner, spiced just right and warm from the oven… YUM!  The kids wanted more after we polished the first batch off in no time but you only get one Pita per adult meal then its $1.50 per Pita after.  Book Boy and Ballet Girl shared one kid’s Chicken Finger meal and, after sharing our Greek salads and some rice off our plates, was more than enough to satisfy their tummies.

Coolest Thing About Restaurant:  Pitas, authentic nature of meal and friendliness of the staff.

Worst Thing About Restaurant:  I like my Greek Salad with more lettuce but Clean Mom says that the way they served it was more authentic… ah well, call me brain-washed by The Friendly Greek and Mr. Greek…

Tips to Consider: Note that they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays.  We went on a Wednesday night so it wasn’t busy but the hostess suggested that if we’re thinking of coming on a Friday or Saturday, to make sure we call ahead to make reservations.

BYOC (Bring Your Own Colouring): If you want to take along your own Greek-themed colouring pages, take a look at these links:

Ancient Greek Gods and Heroes

Ancient Greece Colouring Pages

Maps of Greece

Clean Mom Commentary: “The food was tasty.  It felt more home-cooked.  It was Greek food but felt healthier and not as greasy as other places.  The staff were welcoming and it felt like you were at their house for dinner.”

Overall Experience:  Chef Tommy’s is a nice little gem located in Southern Ajax with delicious, authentic Greek Food at slightly premium prices.  Total cost (tax and tip incl) came to $49.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

June,2010 Update

Went back and ordered WAY too much food (a meal per child)… I should have read my own review before hand… sheesh…

Anyhoo, food was great as usual.  Price point is just a bit too high though to go regularly with the family.  Maybe for our kids’ first communion!

Rating maintained at 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Other Posts That Might Interest You:

1. Review of Swiss Chalet – Ajax
2. Review of Michael’s Eatery – Ajax
3. Review of The Mount Everest Restaurant – Ajax