Just went for brunch at Starving Artist and had high hopes for a decadent waffle breakfast (similar in style and standard as the original resto on Lansdowne).
While service was decent and the space beautiful, there were a couple of key missteps that will make me think twice before returning. First, the waffles were unimpressive. I ordered the 'starving 4 waffles' and they were short of special. they were fluffy, but clearly from a mix and my major complaint was the watered down fake maple syrup. It was plunked down in a large container at every table. Call me crazy but I expect real maple syrup when I am out in Toronto - anything less is just cheap an cutting corners in the wrong places. The waffles were also bland and generally uninspiring. I appreciated the fact they had vegan and gf options but would have enjoyed more creativity in the dish selections overall. To round it all off, the americano I had was overly bitter and actually difficult to drink. Though the waffles weren't amazing, a solid delicious coffee would have improved the overall experience and invited us to stay and chat. Unfortunately it did the opposite.
All in all, the decor is lovely, staff friendly and overall vibe warm, inviting and chic. The waffles were disappointing and I left somewhat irritated. Hoping they get spruced up and real maple syrup is added, then I might be back!