I was a bit put off by the polarizing reviews here. But I came to Ursa with an open mind.
I was impressed. The food here is a breath of fresh air from the scores of "modern comfort food", (pathetically inauthentic) gourmet Mexican joints and rustic Italian clones that litter Toronto. Plating, composition, and creativity are superb -- only Momofuku offers an experience this original in Toronto.
Portions are not small, unless you're used to eating family buckets at KFC. Sure, the "bread" may be a little steep at $6 for 6 thin pieces of flatbread, but my stinging nettle spaghetti appetizer was the size of most restaurants' pasta mains, and my lobster entree featured a meaty claw and tail along with a pork tamale and cornbread (or polenta -- but it was something firm and cornmealy).
Bottom line: Ursa is not nearly the best food I've ever had. But it's really good. And the honest effort and skills put in here are miles above most restaurants in Toronto, which has the most derivative and behind-the-curve food scene of any major city I've ever visited. After coming here, I'm sure half the negative reviews are from people who just don't "get it."
Extra points for the surprisingly unpretentious service and excellent cocktail and wine lists.