Churrasqueira Martins

It pains me to have to give this place a two star review, because I feel like it at least deserves a three, but I have to be firm. Came here with my (Portuguese) family to treat my mom’s boyfriend to a restaurant lunch for his birthday. It’s in the area that we live in so it was very convenient. Throughout the duration of our meal, my mother was having forced air blown at her feet through a floor-​level vent that would alternate from hot to cold. Probably not the best place to put a table. We all enjoyed our meals for the most part but agreed they were nothing to write home about. I got the chilean sea bass, which still had bones in it. It was served with ‘risotto’ that wasn’t risotto at all, although I guess I should have anticipated that. Portuguese food, not Italian. The rice was undercooked as well, not al dente even. Our server was not friendly or attentive at all. Afterwards we were served by a different girl who brought us coffees and dessert; she was much nicer. I had the passion fruit mousse, which was very delicious and creamy. The biggest reason why I have to give this place a two star is the RIDICULOUS pricing on the menu. I paid $ 35 for my main dish, when I could have gotten the same thing elsewhere for half the price. My brother got a standard Portuguese dish, bitoque. It’s strip steak, fries and a fried egg with some rice on the side, and they charge $ 22 for it. Unbelievable. I don’t know how this place stays in business with these prices. Our bill came out to $ 160 for four entrees, a small decanter of the house wine, two desserts and two espressos, and that’s without tip added yet. Don’t get me wrong, that would be fine if the quality of the food made up for the price tag. For what it was, it definitely was not worth the price as most of the food on this menu is fairly standard Portuguese fare, no ‘gourmet’ ingredients or anything like that. Probably won’t be coming here again simply because it is a total rip-​off and there is better Portuguese food to be had elsewhere.

Having returned from Portugal in love with the seafood made there – whole fish, shellfish, all fresh – we began sampling the Portuguese restaurants around town. This one couldn’t be in a more obscure place but that doesn’t matter: it’s wildly popular and one can see why. The seafood is displayed for all to see and it’s fresh, fresh, fresh. Very friendly greeting and help, excellent wine list and even such rarities as fresh Dover Sole (haven’t seen that around town very much). Lively guitar player on Saturday night. Excellent experience all around.

Great authentic Portuguese food and spectacular friendly service. A must visit. its very hard to find authentic Portuguese food of high quality, that’s why Martins is the best the food and service are 5 star, but the price is more than reasonable, you must try it but its always busy so expect to wait

This review is in regards to the takeout side.
I’ve been for the half chicken dinner numerous times and while the product is undeniably really good, I’ve on more than one occasion had terrible, hostile service. An example was last night. On the menu board the half chicken dinner comes with a choice of sides from either hot or cold offerings. I chose rice and the cold bean salad and politely asked if I could get the salad in a separate container, which I’ve ordered before with no issues. The woman serving me screwed up her face and said «NO, combo is all one.». I asked if I could buy the container and she kept saying no it all has to be in one it’s a combo. Obviously I became a bit irritated because I just wanted the cold salad to stay, you know, COLD. Finally out of nowhere she said it would be $ 2 for the container which she previously wouldn’t sell me. $ 2 for a plastic takeout container?! Is it a time thing? Because it certainly can’t be a cost issue and in the time she spent abrasively arguing with me she could have filled 5 containers. I was hungry and annoyed so I just paid the $ 2. The bottom line is I really like the food and would like to come here often but as a customer I would like to LIKE coming to your place. The food doesn’t leave a bad taste in your mouth but the service often will.

Ok I ordered my food it can about 40 min. It’s ok understanding it’s busy inside. I asked the waiter bring some ice for my drink. He said ok, he went to the next table and started conversation with his friends about soccer so he forgot about us. Then he came to the table and I asked him can you bring the ice, he was embarrassed because his face turn red, he left and started talking to his friends again about soccer again. The food came and I didn’t have a chance again to ask him about the ice because he took off to fast by the time he came back the drink was gone down the tube. I asked him for ketchup for my fries and guess what. Yep! He forgot again so my girlfriend got up and got the ketchup inside for him. Then I asked another waiter inside if he can bring us to drinks and ice! He brought it fast. After all the food was delicious but the service ruined it all. Hope the owners read this and fix this problem. When you work work please! Don’t talk to your buddies.

Best Portuguese food around by far! This place has great service and is usually full of people enjoying the excellent cuisine. But if your in a hurry you can call for a pick up or they just opened on the other side of the restaurant a quick take out spot where you can walk-​in and a few minutes later you’re walking out with your delicious food. Love it!

I utilized their catering service for work. Everyone I asked said the food was «truly excellent». Their delivery service is professional, on time, fast and they provide the items hot, the way they should be. I have not eaten in their restaurant but plan to — maybe tomorrow! VERY high standards and it is clear they take an interest in providing quality service.

Romeo had a few weeks off to recover from his belly button surgery. When I asked what the surgery was for; his exact explanation was: «You know how my belly button pops out? So, they popped it back in.» I grabbed Ricardo, and we all drove down to the restaurant without me asking many more questions.
As far as Churrasqueiras go in Toronto, it doesn’t get any fancier than Martins. I was confused as to why Romeo brought us to this particular Churrasqueira. As soon as we entered we were met by the six million dollar man; Romeo’s boss. We call him that because every year he makes approximately six million dollars. Immediately, I calculated how much cash I had on me, because I knew this was going not going to be a frugal affair.
We sat, and the waitress came, and it became clear to me why we had come here. Romeo’s eyes lit up like he’d seen a girl for the first time. My eyes lit up upon gazing at the menu as if I’ve just discovered food had prices. Let’s just say it wasn’t your typical Portuguese amount. Nothing ridiculous though. Tiger shrimp, olive and salami plate, and a whole bunch of other things that I didn’t recognize. The shrimp was sliced in half from its back, which made it a significantly less messy affair than regular seafood sessions. I ordered a bottle of Sagres, which turned out to be a mistake. So I corrected the mistake by ordering a bottle of Super Bock, and that will forever be the day that I discovered Super Bock, the delicious uniquely flavoured Quebec beverage of the distinguished broken-​English speaking gentlemen. It went perfectly with my pork, but it would have pair even better than perfect if I ordered anything else than the pork.
The sausage was disappoint, and I got a side of rice because the enormous chips that came with my meal was such an acquired taste that only someone who grew up eating it could appreciate. The steak however was satisfactory, and some of the fish dishes were very impressive. Somehow, I feel that this menu is better served during the summertime.
I asked the waitress how old she was, and she pretended not to speak English. I persisted and she gave in. My friends cautioned me on the very North American tendency of shying away from questioning a woman about her age, and I reminded that neither any of us or the waitress was born on this Continent, so just get real.
I got her age didn’t I, Romeo? You starry eyed lush. When we said no to dessert, I swear I almost saw Romeo shed a tear because it meant we won’t be staying for another minute longer. Not like he didn’t have his chance. Waitress girl came to our table at least right times speaking only to him in Portuguese while ignoring the rest of us. It would have been a beautiful love affair only if Romeo wasn’t Captain Flop.
It came out to $ 150 plus tips, and you can bet Romeo turned that tip from tip sized, to suggestion size. #shaft

Hard to get to in Toronto, not an outstanding purpose, but the food was decent. Maybe not worth the price tag. Servers uncoordinated and unhelpful. Food came pretty quickly

This is in regards to take out.
FRESH off the rotisserie chicken so tender it falls apart just looking at it paired with baked Parisienne potatoes, and seasoned rice. Yummy.
Also available are desserts — puddings packed with flavor — dark chocolate rich and creamy, eggs rice pudding, super intense passion fruit just explode your senses.
Note that they sell ala carte roasted pork buts, and fried pork skin — this is a serve yourself but be aware that these are $ 20/​kg — and the costs add up quick for these delectable goodies –

I’ve been to Martins 3 times in the last month or so. Suffice to say I really like this restaurant. Their is the closest thing that you will get to a restaurant in Portugal. I’ve brought friends from Portugal here and they were impressed. Everything I’ve had here was good.
Their Portuguese wine selection is also good.
If you want traditional Portuguese, I don’t think you will be disappointed going to Martins.
See you soon!

Had dinner here on a Friday night. It’s in an area that looks a little sketchy, but the inside is really nice — I was impressed. Found within a mall, it’s an unassuming restaurant. The ample amount of parking was a bonus. A reservation on Friday is a must as it gets quite busy. We arrived at six o’clock and within an hour the place was packed. The menu is extensive with both surf and turf items. It’s a little more pricier than other Portuguese joints, but you also get amazing service, a long Portuguese wine list, and a dining area that is nicely decorated.
Good for: Portuguese

One of the best restaurants nobody knows about!
This gem is hidden off Rogers street in a strip mall. You would never find it driving by. But this place is full every weekend dinner, you must make reservations!
I’ve been here several times, and I have very little to complain about. One time I waited 45min for our food after realizing the waitress forgot to put in the order. It was busy, shit happens. But that’s was once out of many times I’ve been there.
They give u bread, goat cheese, and olives to start on the house, and it’s all fresh and delicious!
All the food is cooked perfectly, presentation is flawless too. The servers are very professional — they make it feel like a real 5 star restaurant.
I once had dinner there with a group of about 12 people. They allowed us to bring our own cake at no charge.
The best portuguese restaurant I’ve been to in Toronto so far.

No disrespect to other posters, but ordering filet mignon at a Portuguese restaurant is like getting pasta at East Side Mario’s. If you’re going to a Portuguese place you need to get seafood, or a meat dish you wouldn’t eat anywhere else.
I’m not here to critique the restaurant, which is fantastic by the way, but I’d like to comment on the chicken and the takeout.
The chicken from this place, is hands down the best in the city. I have a close family member that works for another VERY REPUTABLE Churasqueira and I would go to Martin’s 10x over
They cook it the way I grew up eating it as a kid. Rotisseried over hot coals (except our rotisserie was built using an old washing machine motor). That’s the Portuguese way to do it LOL
This method ensures a juicier chicken and even the white meat is moist. I find a lot of other places use gas and it dries up the bird.
One issue I have is that the piri piri sauce is a little too greasy sometimes, but the taste of seasalt and real fire on that chicken more than makes up for it.
Everyone must try this place.

I had a friend visiting from Vancouver along with his wife and they wanted to experience true Portuguese cuisine and culture. Churrasqueira Martin supposedly had all of this and more.
I was very disappointed as were my guests. Firstly, we had made a reservation, which didn’t get recorded. So after finally waiting for a table, the server (the first of 4) recommended the Octopus, which they were apparently out of. I had ordered a wine from their wine list, which they didn’t have. It was only 8:30pm, and they were out of main dishes and wine?
I had ordered the lobster tail with Filet Mignon, my wife ordered the grilled squid, my guest ordered bacalhau abras.
The presentation was incrediable! Unfortunately, that’s were it ended. The lobster tail was pleasantly seasoned to cover the gooey texture of raw seafood. I nearly threw up in my mouth. I brought this to the attention of my server., She promptly returned the dish to the chef who responded with a sneer. How dare I return uncooked lobster tail! It was the last I saw of that server. My dish was returned with a rubbery lobster tail, crisp at the edges, and a filet Mignon that could of been used as a hockey puck at the next leaf game.
Asking for water to try and wash this sludge down was chore in itself. The servers were to busy playing around then paying proper attention to their customers.
At the end if it all, we were served up with luke warm cappuccino’s. The best part of the night, was walking out the door. If you are looking for bad food, and horrible service then this is the place, however; Authentic Portuguese cuisine and culture, it is not.