PUBLIC Kitchen & Bar in Kitchener

300 Victoria St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 6R7, Canada

★★★★★
(776 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant Bar

About

Retro-elegant spot serving creative tapas & cocktails, plus old world wines & Ontario craft beers.

Website
kwpublic.com
Address
300 Victoria St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 6R7, Canada
Plus Code
FG58+C9 Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
4 PM–12 AM
Saturday
4 PM–12 AM
Sunday
Closed

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace Great cocktails
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.6
★★★★★
776 reviews

Most Mentioned

tapas (97) smoked salmon (15) scallops (15) oysters (14) happy hour (11) beef tartar (9) intimate (9) rosti (8) foie gras (7) small plates (6)
5 stars
613
4 stars
100
3 stars
26
2 stars
14
1 stars
23
★★★★★
December 8, 2024

What a great place for a nice glass of wine and some tapas dishes. Located minutes from downtown Kitchener with lots of parking. Interesting that I was looking forward to our visit baswd on what I saw and read on the website. The place is nice and clean but not what I expected. The food made up for any reservations that is had based on my first impressions. Lots of choice with vegetarian options. My friends and I plan to come back. Well done!

★★★★
November 9, 2024

I can't remember the last time I've enjoyed such a large variety of food and loved each dish as much as the one before. Neither of us could pick a favourite because we loved it all. The service was great, the atmosphere and décor was lovely. The one and only thing which is likely a small thing to most but to us, coffee lovers, a big thing, was the huge disappointment with the espresso and cappuccino. Both tasted watered down and weak. We know some machines are fussy to use and require adjustments. We know sometimes the beans make all the difference. We don't know what happened but for the caliber of food, the coffee needs to be stepped up for sure. However, we will definitely be back.

★★★★★
October 16, 2024

My husband and I have dined here a few times for special occasions and we have yet to be disappointed with this place! The food has always been delicious and the service has always been excellent. The oyster special on Wednesdays is a fantastic deal. They don't serve as many condiments as they used to, but the oysters are so good that they're better enjoyed on their own with a little squeeze of lemon. The only thing I will say needs improvement is the lighting. We had to use the light from our cell phones to read the menu because it is incredibly dark and impossible to do so without.

★★★★★
October 13, 2024

Came to Public expecting to eat burgers but had tapas instead. Food was really good! They have a limited menu, but based from the food that we ordered, we could tell that they gave it a lot of thought and careful preparation. Service was stellar and the place has a cozy, date-night ambience. I will definitely come back (maybe then for the burgers!)

★★★★
August 22, 2024

Wednesday night's are (currently) buck-a-shuck where you can get $1 oysters or $2 oysters. We went with $1 oysters and copped two dozen. We wish they had more condiments, but the lemon and hot sauce were fine. In addition to the oysters we got their smoked salmon app, daily pasta and scallops. Everything tasted pretty good and we didn't have any complaints. I wouldn't say this meal was exceptional by any means, but we left satisfied. A solid 7.1, but not sure if we'd have to come back. #TomEatsYummyFoodBecauseWhyNot

★★★★
July 25, 2024

Really retro elegant style, but still some touches of homey decor. One of those places that has a lot of things everywhere? But it's very clean and not cluttered. Really trendy spot of Shareable plates. Went for the oyster buck a shuck they had a 1$ and 2$ oyster option, the tables are small for the huge oyster tray it comes out on. It was happy hour so we got mortadella and one of the focaccia, amazing and then the happy hour sangria, refreshing and not too sweet, with fresh fruits- not frozen. Oyster buck a shuk in Kitchener review. Not a lot of buck a shuk options in town, this is the most affordable. Heard about it from their Instagram page. Wednesdays. Shucking, not bad, some shell bits, and some missing their oyster water and others fine, ice was pretty melted by the time the one tray got to our table. Wait time, not bad, first 24 were in reasonable time after our happy hour plates. Next order of 12 came out quick. It was not busy when we went, we went pre dinner time/after work. $$$ this is a place where if you're eating here properly you're going to try a number of plates and a drink or two or more, so I would expect to be spending 35-65$ per person depending on how much time you have. Book a reservation when you can, we were 2 people and the hostess first let us know that we could be seated but the table was reserved at x time (2hours in advance and we knew we wouldn't be long). Will be back 🦪

★★★★★
November 24, 2023

Great place to meet with a friend or coworker after work for happy hour! Really comforting vibes (especially now that the days are shorter) and staff are all supremely friendly. One of them even came by to notify me that it was 10 minutes until the end of happy hour, which was a sweet gesture! Note that happy hour prices are $9 each now as opposed to $5 in older reviews. Our server mentioned that they frequently change their menu, so that’s exciting. I posted a picture of the new happy hour menu as of November 2023. Really enjoyed the Gin Fizz! Very refreshing, and paired well with the happy hour menu. Ranked in order of most favourite dish: 1. Roasted Butternut Squash (this was DIVINE and the tortilla crisps added such a nice contrast in texture—I would 100% recommend to get this dish) 2. Piperade Crepes (cream sauce was delicious) 3. Beef Poutine - replaced the Mussels on the menu that night (amazing flavour but a bit too salty) 4. Chicken Mousse Pate (it was OK, not much taste to it but great portion—also it includes pickles that they make in house! I saw the jars around the place) I hope they bring back the tacos! Or maybe it’s seasonal? I was looking forward to trying it.

★★★★★
June 10, 2023

Visited for the 4-6PM happy hour. Fish tacos were fantastic! I could have kept ordering them but 2 hit the spot. Hot and fresh French fries were a good side to share. The drink was alright; I’ll take the blame there as I tried a drink I don’t normally have (white sangria). The outdoor patio was the perfect place to sit, but the inside is also stunning.

★★★
Local Guide
December 19, 2024

We came here last night for a retirement party. The food was amazing but the server kept forgetting my items asked for. It was OK after forgetting one request but it actually happened 3 times within my time there. I was constantly reminding him and it began to get frustrating. At the end of the night my coworker and I were by my car sharing some work experiences when a car alarm kept going off next to us then stopping. My co-worker noticed it was coming from a staff member from inside the restaurant trying to get rid of us with their car fob. I guess paying customers who took a bit longer to say goodbye were considered loitering. I have never had that happen before for any establishment I visited, especially being in a strip mall and not the only place in the Plaza. I found it very rude and inconsiderate for paying customers saying goodbye. If there were concerns on their end they could have stepped out and let us know as we were just there as customers. Although the food was great, the service and people made this experience poor and I will not return.

★★★★★
November 24, 2024

Amazing food and service. Absolutely could not beat the quality, for the price we paid, we ate like royalty!

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Really enjoyed every starter on the menu. Fantastically tasty! Warm and inviting (not stuffy-posh) atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Pretty awesome stop. Just randomly selected it for a pre-show meal. Will be back. Awesome service and food to die for.

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Amazing Time AT public and Amazing service by Clarisse !

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

I really enjoyed the food! Steak was perfect and I absolutely love the salad with radicchio and pear . A must have Service was amazing , everyone is so nice. I highly recommend m Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Went in for oyster night , left thinking In had just when the best beef tartar I have ever had.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Writing this review as I m inhaling the chicken parm sandwich. Ordered pickup. Went in and was greeted by the most lovely waitress, she already knew what I was in for and said it would be ready soon, and urged me to sit at the bar. She then asked me if I wanted a drink and kept checking in. The chef walked by and also knew I was there for pickup, and also was so kind. I just felt welcomed and appreciated as a customer and not rushed. Was very very nice. This is my first time getting food there, and definitely won t be the last. The chicken parm was delicious and juicy, and the burger was so so good. Best I ve had in KWC.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

First visit as an anniversary celebration. Thank you to Talia for such excellent service...you were beyond charming. Kudos to the kitchen....everything was delicious....sad we didnt get a second order of pork belly but it was not possible..we were stuffed. Looking forward to our next visit.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

Easy 5 stars for me; their chefs choice menu was incredible. The food kept coming, great variety of vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes. Portions were great, sharing was easy. It was a great experience for my reso of 14. It felt like we were dining in someones cozy, eclectic living room the vibes were high.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

we love this restaurant. the food has always been amazing, the atmosphere is great for a date night or a group! its on the pricier side, but for the quality of ingredients and obvious love they put into their dishes im more than happy to pay the price! never had a bad experience yet. The service usually comes at a good pace, but it is spuratic at times when they are busier... but that being said this place isnt meant for rush service... its meant for shared plates, conversation and spending time together.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

An amazing night I will not forget. We came here for our anniversary, the service, accommodation and love they had for this night was over the top hands down the best place we ve ever been.

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

Went for my two year anniversary we ll be returning service was fantastic food was amazing overall 10/10

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

15/10 will be back asap lol

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Food service and vibe was beyond excellent. Weve been thinking to go here with my partner for a long while from Guelph and we will Definitely will be back.

★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

I wanted to share feedback on my recent visit to your restaurant for the buck a shuck promotion. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing for several reasons: 1. Oyster Orders: Our table of five was limited to ordering only 12 oysters at a time, resulting in a wait time of approximately 20-30 minutes per order. After our second order, we were informed that oysters were sold out, yet other tables continued to receive their orders. The restriction of 12 oysters per table, regardless of the number of diners, seemed unreasonable, especially when smaller tables were allowed the same limit. 2. Food Quality: I ordered sardines in spicy sauce for $20, but was surprised to receive a partially opened can of sardines served with hot sauce and toothpicks. The presentation and quality were not what I expected for the price. Additionally, the foie gras was excessively salty, and the beet salad consisted mostly of arugula with very few beets. 3. Dining Experience: The overall dining experience lasted almost three hours primarily due to the long wait times for the oysters. While the atmosphere was pleasant, the menu felt overpriced and limited. Cocktails priced at nearly $20 each added to the sense of poor value for money. Overall, I found the experience unsatisfactory and felt that the quality of the food and service did not justify the high prices. I hope this feedback is helpful for improving future customer experiences.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Went to the Gordon Ramsey tasting. It was fantastic.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

This was my first tapas experience! Not only did they fit us in on a busy night but the server was lovely, and the food was incredible. We got all sorts of dishes and each one was better than the last. The crispy pork belly was my absolute favourite. I already can t wait to go back

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Excellent, hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a great atmosphere. Service was excellent, and I love the tapas menu. Food was delicious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

We had heard a lot about this spot form a lot of people but finally got to check it out ourselves! Great service! Amazing food and a great atmosphere! Highly recommended! We will be. Con for the time nights soon!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Best restaurant in KW. The food is top tier: creative, exciting, delicious. And the best part is that the tapas style lets you try so many dishes! Run, dont walk.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Always a great experience

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Best food Ive ever had. Honestly nothing tops this place. Truely magical atmosphere. Its the only restaurant I will consider for a special occasion.

★★★★
March 22, 2024

1st time at Public. Restaurant is quaint and very esthetically appealing. Waiter suggested the Chefs choice menu which was $50. We were a group of 5. Drinks and cocktails are quite pricey. We asked for sangria and they were delish. Glass of wine starts at $17 for an 8oz I believe. The food was well prepared. Each dish came with a tapas amount for each person to try. I did expect a little more dialogue from the wait staff. Explaining the dishes. The food was tasty. We did expect a bit more seafood vs. bread, potatoes, and salad, which would have satisfied the value for money. However, all that arrived was yummy. Again, as a meal finisher, the chefs choice I think a small desert bite or two should have been included. Hard to say if we will be back or not, certainly worth a try none the less

★★
March 22, 2024

I m not sure if people in kw don t get out much or what. Very high ratings on restaurants that simply are not that good. Public food is pretty decent however my experience was very poor. Very busy and uncomfortable setting. Service was very poor, extremely slow and inattentive. We were there for two full hour waiting very long between each course, didn t really want to eat potatoes on their own. Drink rarely got refilled. Servers seemed uninterested. Keep in mind I m overly polite and generally have great reception from servers. Overall this just wasn t it. Compare this to any restaurant in Toronto it would be closed down in a week. Step it up public. Weak

March 22, 2024

Our party of four visited Public for the Anthony Bourdain 10 course crush in early February, expecting some of the food would be tapas quality. Public bombed with servings of hot dog, blood pudding, a so so sandwich and ramen soup that couldnt compete with the dollar store version. Their black beans with pork, beef bouguinon and poutine were good but pedestrian. The highlight of the meal was dessert (chocolate mousse) in advance of a bloated bill. The cost based on the quality of servings was high at $60 per person and we were charged with a bottle of pinot we didnt have. We caught that error but missed an overcharge of $5 pp for the meals. My partner posted a query about the overcharge on Publics FB page, thinking they might have increased their website advertised price for later iterations of the crush event. A month later, still no reply. Given the many good reviews of Public on google we will give them a second visit though first impressions didnt impress.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Great evening out with excellent food across the board. We had the chef choice flight pf food and the 6 + dishes and desserts were truly amazing! Definitely will be back!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Best dinner in Kw, hands down. The chefs choice gave us so many chances to taste the array of delicious eats, and they really made it tailored to all our various dietary needs! Can t wait to go back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

In my top 5 for Waterloo Region. Wednesday buck-a-chuck is awesome Dont eat all my oysters! Great food selection. Great craft beer selection

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Really nice atmosphere with great service. The food is great and the tapas style service is really great for sharing. Price wise the portions are a little small but forgivable due to the quality and flavour. Great date night, highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

My partner and I went here and the food is great. Highlights were the fried chicken, the scallops, and the pork belly. We also ordered off-menu and tried the poutine. Unfortunately the fries and gravy were cold. It was edible but certainly detracted overall. We finished up with the cheesecake which was divine. Drinks were okay. I had the Smoked Blueberry Margarita and the salt rim was way overpowering. Consider a half-rim. The other drinks were great though. Jive Hive was the stand out. Service was amazing from Sarah. The food was explained by the floor manager when he ran out the dish.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

This restaurant is a GEM!!! I don t know why it took me so much time to review them lol. I ve been going here for a year now. We go to this restaurant quite often and there was not a single time when they disappointed us. I mean Wow!!!!! Service, food, atmosphere everything 10/10. Must try their fried chicken, potatoes brava, hot sauce, cheesecake and house beers. John, Arthur, other staff members and even the owner, are really nice people and they know what your taste is and will always recommend the best. Can t wait for my next date here!

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Best restaurant in KW! A must visit!!!

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Stopped in randomly from out of town for a quick drink before a show. We were immaculately welcomed and looked after by both Jessie and Jack. Stellar drinks, food and service. Looking for reasons to visit KW again soon. Thanks!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Great staff Great food Great drinks Food : 4/5

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

First time and it was awesome! Will be back :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

My new favourite tapas restaurant. Everything tasted amazing and the prices are very reasonable. Creme brule is giant, def a must try!

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We tried their pre-set menu for dinner. We had a vegetarian person in our group, they reduced the price for that person instead of accommodating all courses for them. Overall food was okay. Drinks were really good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Nice place! Great weekly deals like the 10 course meal every other thursday!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great food, great service and a very pleasant atmosphere. Wed definitely go back and try the rest of the menu items. I absolutely loved the pork belly, fried chicken and the flourless chocolate cake. Bon appetit!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Enjoyed a wonderful meal in a relaxed yet trendy setting. The smoked salmon dish was amazing! I haven t seen a beef tartar on a menu these days and was my personal favourite. Wine menu is carefully chosen and you can really taste that. Service felt personal in a sense that they really care about your experience as a customer. This will be a staple for me when in the area. Thank you!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

One of the best places in KW for Tapas. Love getting their Chefs Dinner with friends. Also to note, they have an amazing mocktail menu that makes you feel cool when you cant drink as a preggo! Now they offer Happy Hour from 4-6pm! So awesome and such a great deal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The restaurant it was an amazing surprise because of the location (one of the most busiest streets in Kitchener). However the inside of the restaurant very classy and elegant. Menus didnt fit with the restaurant but have a special charm that proves that menu can vary easy. The service and the staff is exemplary close to perfection. The food is a dream. We had about 5 dishes and 2 deserts. It was an explosion of flavours in an amazing combination that nourish your taste buds. I will not describe the food because it will be an insult to my taste buds. The sfaff and service is on the same metric with the food, exceptional!!!! Amazing choice for an excuisit dinning experience. We will be back soon. Thanks Arthur.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I love the new larger location - hip decor, warm and romantic atmosphere. The menu has been updated since I last visited and was filled with great gluten, wheat and dairy free options. Everything tasted amazing and portion sizes were reasonable. We ordered 5 snacks/small plates between the two of us and were more than satisfied.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very unique experience. Really enjoyed the tapas and how they resembled the ones I ve tasted from Sevilla, Spain. Their happy hour from 4-6pm was great, great food and particularly enjoyed the earl grey gin fizz (the sangria was too watered down for my liking). Hope that they expand their happy hour menu in the future. Nicely decorated interior as well. Looking forward to returning!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Experienced the Crush event featuring Vegan Cuisine. It was such a fun experience. The food was amazing. The service was excellent. Will definitely try another Crush.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

We ordered the Family Day crispy chicken dinner special and it was fantastic. All our guests loved it and clean up was easy peasy!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

What an amazing experience! I went to their old location pre pandemic which was great but this spot is incredible! The vibe, service and food were 5 stars. I had the salad and cod cakes which were delicious. Our server was excellent! Cant wait to go back!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

What a nice place! Our friend recommended this restaurant to us, and we were impressed. Good food, very friendly and efficient staff. Definitely would go back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Came here on a Wednesday night, and WOW! They did not disappoint. It was my first time here, and I heard about their oyster deal on Wednesdays - buck a shuck. The oysters were excellent! Super fresh, and they came with three different sauces to try, and each was delicious. After the oysters, we decided to try the Flatbread with pancetta as well as the fried pork belly. Both dishes were amazing! The fried pork belly was a small dish, but packed lots of flavour. The flatbread was surprisingly filling, and while they ran out of pancetta, the substitute was delicious! Will definitely go back.

December 22, 2023

Will never go again . The only nice thing was our server and the atmosphere. Food was not worth it, lame actually. Took too long in between dishes . Menu choices were quite pathetic.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We have been to Public a few times now and every time we have had great food, drinks, and service! The staff are friendly attentive, and helpful. The food has been great, usually 4-5 plates is the perfect amount for two people.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Exceptionally delicious and interesting food, great atmosphere, friendly staff and servers. Great place to take friends. I want to read all the books you have on your shelves.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The staff are very welcoming and attentive. The food is delicious! Its a cozy spot thats perfect for a date. Every tapas weve had was innovative and yummy.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

We were 10 people celebrating a 50th birthday. We had a beautiful private room. The food was absolutely delicious so many tapas to share the service was excellent a beautiful night out at a lovely restaurant. I give them five stars. Vegetarian options: Good choices Parking: Plenty of free parking Wheelchair accessibility: Restaurant is All on one floor and large easy to access washrooms

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We had an amazing experience here 4/26/23. Highly recommend the shrimp, zucchini and steak tar tar dishes.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

This place is great!! Tapas style and everything we had was excellent. Visited on a Thursday 4/20 and had the theme night which was a 10 course set menu. I highly recommend this restaurant.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Delicious tappas style food, beautiful and calm ambience and decor, friendly staff. Best sit-down restaurant in the KW region.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Been here just once but really enjoyed the experience. Everything we ate was delicious and the atmosphere was great. On the outside the place looks very bleak but dont be deceived by the looks.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Menu is not clearly marked for those with dietary restrictions. Tapas style food items were tasty but the portions were stingy for sharing. There were 4 of us and each plate allowed for bite site amount for each person.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Such a fun place for tapas and cocktails! Try everything, it is all delicious! :) Some of my faves were the pork belly and smoked salmon and patatas bravas!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Was here for buck-a-shuck night and I have to say the oysters were fantastic.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Exceptional food, great ambience

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Food was very good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

BEST FOOD & STAFF! FAV PLACE IN ALL OF TRICITIES Update: I wish you offered a little bit more selection like before. I use to come in weekly for the focaccia and blood sausage and have sadly not returned since you removed it. Las papas bravas also were not as good as when I came previously and there are limited options for people who are not vegan or vegetarian. Sucks because you were one of my favorite places to eat and now

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

They switched their menu recently... the food was great!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Amazing experience

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Can t say enough about this hidden gem! The food is full of flavour and shareable which means lots of morsels to try! Service was impeccable! Decor is swanky with comfy chairs. Perfectly dimmed lighting! Well done!!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Staff very helpful speedy . One of our guests liked chicken cooked more waiter with a smile quickly took it back and cooked it more. Always had a smile

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Happy hour menu is great. Delish tacos, beautifully plated.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Everything was lovely Vegetarian options: So plenty of Dietary restrictions: Everything is noted on the menu

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing restaurant, food is incredible. Would highly recommend!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Their salad is always good for some reason!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Nice atmosphere, very good service. Good cocktails ,Loved the food, atmosphere and service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

always so good!!!! This place is such a hidden gem, they should be way busier! Thanks again for an awesome experience

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

1st time eating there. It was a nice treat. The food was very good. The wait staff was very helpful and nice. Since we had never had this style of food before we needed some clarification. Over all everything was some of the best food that has entered my mouth. Mind you that its not cheap and need a larger date night budget for this one but well worth it.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Second time coming back and prices seem a bit high compared to last time. I always order the fried chicken which was 5/5 stars as always but portions are more expensive for less. Other dishes were just alright.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

We have always loved this place but hadnt been since pre-pandemic. Its better than ever. Drinks, wine, food...on point. Blew us away with every dish. Fantastic service. Go there now.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I cant say enough good stuff about this place. The service was timely, attentive, and appropriate. The food......wow. My girlfriend and I were amazed at the quality, Flavor and freshness of the plates.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

World most expensive Tapas!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Cute place with delicious food and outstanding customer service! The Espresso Martins were something else, and you have to try the deconstructed pear for dessert, so yummy! Food

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

A little gem just down the street from me that I didnt know was there.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Incredible. Went for happy hour and ordered everything on the menu. Every dish was delicious. We chatted for a while more and then split the 2 piece fried chicken. We finished with the creme brulee. Great food, great earl grey gin fizzes, and the food was a smorgasbord of fantastic different spices and flavors! Highly recommend for a relaxing evening out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love love love this place. You would never know that such a fantastical place was hidden behind such a non assuming exterior. The ambiance and welcoming/ homie feeling that you get is so heart warming, not to mention that their food is truly unique and flavorful. I had the beef tartar and Ive never had it before and it was absolutely addictive. Lots of love for this place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Date night here was perfect! Food and flavours was amazing, wine was good and crème brûlée with espresso was the perfect ending to wrap up a great evening. Very chill atmosphere. Great place and super friendly staff! Thank you! Vegetarian options: I m a vegetarian and my husband is not and they made the focaccia plate as half veg for me which was greatly appreciated and tasted amazing.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Julia Childs night was absolutely wonderful. Great range of flavour and progression through the tasting menu. Ive had tasting menus elsewhere which feel very pricey. Not the case tonight, wouldve gladly paid more for what we received. The entire team was awesome right from the first moment all the way through to the end! Great experience

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Outstanding food, service, ambiance. Visited on a special menu evening featuring Julia Child recipes and every dish was curated to perfection. Jack and Kayla provided exceptional service. I will be back often to enjoy this gem in Kitchener!

★★★
December 22, 2023

Food was phenomenal but service very slow; took my girlfriend and I over three hours to eat on a Friday night

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Looked super shady from the outside but so glad i tried it out. Excellent Tapas. Go from 4 to 6 for happy hour and they have a special menu of budget selections. I had the porceetta crostini, pork shoulder tostadas and cheesy rice balls for around $20. Loved it and cant wait to return for one of their tasting menus.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I found it a bit surprising that the outside doesnt match the actual vibe inside, and I loved it. Service was outstanding: very few places offer a service like theirs; food is simply delicious with a great variety for all tastes; atmosphere, just the right place for dinner with friends. Some orders took too long to come, and thats why it gets 4 stars.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Beer prices were a bit pricey but over all a good experience

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing local tapas restaurant, one of my favourite restaurants in Waterloo region. Staff are professional and helpful in providing suggestions bases on your personal tastes. The food is fresh and well prepared, there are interesting dishes to try with a combination of textures and flavours.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

incredible dining experience and the food is

December 22, 2022

The staff dont wear masks. Nice people, but I wont be back.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Top quality food and service. Support local!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

One word : WOW Amazing staff, amazing environment and amazing food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Nice ambiance, great food and excellent service. Well be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Wonderful service, great atmosphere and delicious food. Prices were very reasonable. Will definitely return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food bussin

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

My wife and I decided to try Public for the first time on Valentines Day after hearing so many great things from friends. We were not disappointed. We tried most of the dishes on the menu and all were perfectly prepared and delicious. Highly recommend the smoked salmon, scallops, and fried chicken. The desserts were fantastic as well. The staff was warm, friendly, welcoming, and very attentive. Overall, in the top 5 meals weve ever had. Well certainly be back!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Delicious, family style restaurants with an ever changing menu. Great place for a date night or to take anyone new to Kitchener

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delicious, friendly and INCLUSIVE. Highly recommend!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Greatest restaurant in KW with the friendliest staff, tastiest food and a love and care for ALL people. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Exquisitely normal Thank you!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Food was spectacular! The atmosphere/decor is beautiful. Looking forward to coming back real soon. Our new favourite place to dine, and we ve dined A LOT PRE-2020!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Excellent food very reasonably priced. Very friendly service. We took 4 plates for 2 and it was plenty. The scallops were fantastic. Will definitely go back.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Hands down THE BEST restaurant and bar in KW! If you re looking for a place to go for a date night or girls night, THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Absolutely delicious food, phenomenal drinks and exceptional service. I cannot thank you enough for such a BEAUTIFUL and heart warming experience. Thank you so much for creating such a welcoming, inviting, friendly and comforting space that feels like home

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Incredible atmosphere, food and staff. Ladies night and Tapas was amazing. Will be coming back soon.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food, awesome atmosphere and lovely staff and superb prices.The complete deal!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Excellent place. The ambience, staff, food and most of all the owner. She was fantastic and hosted a group of us on 3/11. Being new to the area, it was great place. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Absolutely love Public! I went with 8 others for a birthday dinner last Saturday. Food was spectacular as usual, service was great and ambience is just right. Will be back once again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing food. Never disappoints! Gords has the best burgers! They were exceptionally kind to my daughter making her another plain burger! Awesome place and the kindest owners and staff!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Such a vibe! Delicious food and cocktails, excellent service, fantastic setting and mood. Perfect for date night or night out with friends. We had so much fun on DJ night. Please have a DJ dance night again and again! There is no where in KW to enjoy some drinks, converse with friends and dance for young at heart people like myself

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent food. Im not a big eater so the break between dishes helped me settle so I enjoyed the food and could eat more.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing food. Every single dish was fantastic. The flavours were literally mouthwatering. Exceptional service. Everyone at our table was thoroughly impressed. We will definitely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Menu changes from time to time ... Very well made dishes ...

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Food was terrific - we shared our plates and found that two dishes plus dessert filled us right up! Great portion sizes! The pasta dish that was simply amazing, the roasted beet salad was scrumptious, and the cheesecake was light and decadent! The servers were friendly and the ambiance was wonderful. Definitely coming back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing food, friendly staff, great ambiance, lovely experience. Will definitely be back again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Visited Public Kitchen and Bar recently and due to no fault of their own, they could not give us the order we requested. They instead offered anything else on their menu and paid for our lunch. The service was excellent and the food was great! I will be visiting again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

A lovely little spot for tapas. Our server, Nina, was an honest to goodness peach, just a lovely person who curated a wonderful dining experience. All the dishes were beautiful and complex. Excellent wine selection. The cutest interior.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Last Thursday was an 11 course vegan night and even though I am not vegan it was pretty good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great place, great food, great people!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing tapas and great fried chicken

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food !

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great spot. Good food. Nice people

December 22, 2022

I was here last week and it was the worst dining experience I have ever had. Our dishes took just over 2 hours to arrive one by one to the table. We were charged for plates that didnt arrive at all. I sent my feedback to the restaurant and I was completely ignored. Wont be returning anytime soon.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Friendly staff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent presentation. Unique menu. Fabulous food both in presentation and flavors. A great dining experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Tonight was exceptional. The drinks, the food and the service exceeded all of our expectations. I m getting emotional as I write this because what began as an unexpected date night, turned out to be the nourishing exhale we ve needed. Public has always been very special to us and it was our first time back since the world turned upside down and we left feeling right side up again. The patatas bravas and chicharron were the best they ve ever been and scallops and shrimp chowder was delicious! I was full to the tippy top but I couldn t resist the pillowy texture of the basque cheesecake. Thank you for a truly incredible evening and for doing what you do so well.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

We ate at Public last night and as usual the food was absolutely delicious. They have done a wonderful job with the patio. Staff was super friendly. Would highly suggest the white sangria, fried chicken and toasted focaccia with hummus. So yummy! We will be back.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff, lovely atmosphere, tasty mocktails, and phenomenal food. Not a cheap date spot, but a worthwhile one. We will definitely be back!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

This place is fabulous. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable but on the classier side. The food is excellent. The wait staff is attentive. Everything you could want. Looking forward to returning soon.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I was gonna give this a 4 star cause it wasn t perfect (it was still incredible) but then I remembered I spent as much here as Jack Astors and the difference in quality of food is out of this world. Very nice semi -expensive fancy place which is perfect for dates

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food was very tasty, the customer service was very bad, I dont recommend it.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Came here for tapas. The plates were okay but none were really exciting. Fried chicken was super good but I wish their menu had more fun things on it.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

We have been here several times with friends and family. We have always enjoyed the amazingly delicious food, friendly and attentive staff, and great value - especially with the new happy-hour prices for tapas.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great tapas and cocktails. Outdoor dining area is very comfortable and great indoor ding room. Friendly staff and reasonably priced.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

My experience at Public was absolutely amazing. All the dishes we tried were delicious but the stars were the fried chicken and the feature dessert (brioche style doughnuts). What really made this place stand out was the staff. Everyone was so friendly which really added to the overall atmosphere. I highly recommend coming here.

★★★★
December 22, 2022

Apps were decent. Fried chicken was the best I ever had which is why Im giving 4. Cheesecake was not good, caramel tasted burnt. Patio needs work

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Try the donuts!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great happy hour tapas. Loved the Black Swan IPA. Will become a regular.

December 22, 2022

My family and I celebrated my mothers birthday last week and the service here was beyond disappointing. Our waiter made us feel left in the dark. He never checked in on to see how we were doing, he never came to see if all our food had arrived, he never came too check on our water supply, and ultimately he showed any sign he was ever going to come back. Even after notifying him we felt we had been forgotten he was unapologetic and took no ownership. I wish my mothers birthday dinner could have been better. PUBLIC, you have lost 4 customers and any positive recommendations.

★★★★
December 22, 2022

Excellent food. A little samey if you go a lot. Great cocktails

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The Tappas experience done right in a quirky yet elegant atmosphere. The food was exceptional! The wine list..incredible! You must go!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

My partner and I went here for a date night, and we couldn t have had a better time. The food was incredible, the staff were beyond welcoming and the atmosphere was inviting. Cannot recommended enough.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Visited this place on a friday and was extremely satisfied. Atmosphere is very nice and the food is delicious. Can be expensive but it is well worth it especially considering the service and the quality. Steph was a great server and will definitely be coming back again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

My gfs and I had a beautiful meal at Public last night. We had a reservation and our table was ready when we got there for 7. Our server was super friendly and attentive, we didnt have to ask for water refills a single time and our food and drinks came out at a perfect pace. To start, the cocktails are very reasonably priced and they have a fun menu with spirits for everyone! I find it difficult to find a good cocktail at a reasonable price almost anywhere in Ontario right now so that was a welcome surprise. The food was absolutely delicious, however if youre planning on sharing between more than 2 people youll need double orders of almost everything. However I found this place to be super romantic so if youre headed for a date night youre in luck. We tried almost everything on the menu and we loved every dish. Ill definitely be coming back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Nice atmosphere, very good service. Good cocktails but not much variety of whisky, cognac, etc. The food is great. It used to be even better but Id guess Covid hit this restaurant as well. Its like a fancy tapas bar, so if you should order some dishes and share. Usually a little bit expensive (depending on # dishes and drinks). It would be great if they can go back to their previous exotic menu, with more variety (rather than fried chicken...)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Went there for my birthday, its a tapas restaurant. Pretty much everything on the menu was delicious. The fries were amazing, probably the best fries Ive ever had. The potatoes were a bit of a disappointment, not bad but not as good as everything else. The prices are pretty reasonable for the quality. Ill definitely be back

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

What a great time. Was blown away by the food. So many delicious choices. Our group of four had trouble not ordering a second of each item. Service and atmosphere were also on point.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Absolutely wonderful place. The tapas places are wonderful and the fried chicken is out of this world good!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Warmly served by all the staff. The food is the best in town.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food is delicious. Great for drinks and snacks or full meal. Would highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Such a warm and inviting atmosphere with delicious food and drinks. Happy hour is a great option, highly recommended. We ordered the prosciutto crostini, chicken nuggets (they re amazing), potatoes bravas, scallops, and salmon rosti. Sangria was refreshing as well. Happy hour is a great option.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

We are regulars at Public and just visited again last night. Such a vibrant and cozy atmosphere. Impeccable service, casual yet professional. The food is always amazing. We had the fried chicken which was cooked perfectly; the mussels in a saffron cream sauce - I could not get enough of the delicious sauce! We had the hand cut fries and the caramelized onion dip, which was delicious. We also had the grilled veggie/goat cheese with crostini. The attention to detail with cocktail menu is so lovely. I had a Gold Rush, which came in a beautiful ornate glass with gold etching along with an orange ice cube that had herbs frozen inside. I just love Public - from start to finish, they rock. And, the owners are two wonderful people. Thank you for this gem of an establishment in KW. I recommend it to everyone I know

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Just got takeout at Public for a special occasion meal. My spouse is vegetarian, I am Pesci veg. Public is one of the most creative places to get vegetarian in the KW region. The tapas plates are perfect for sharing or making a meal out of a bunch of small dishes. Food is divine, and they never let us down. I hope people remember to order from some of our spiffy restaurants during lockdowns. If we don t, they may not be able to make it. I sure hope Public does.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Incredible food, the server was very helpful with my GF requests and the dining experience was everything.. felt like the world was normal just for a couple hours. THANK YOU!!!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Excellent cheese selection. Creative cocktails. Exemplary service. They update their menu regularly, so theres always something new and delicious. Stick to fine dining choices and avoid dishes like burgers and fries, as theyre underwhelming and not worth the price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Went here with my 16 year old daughter and my son for her birthday it was amazing!!!! Everything was cooked perfect, amazing flavours and such a unique spin on things. We literally ate everything. Staff were super attentive and friendly, atmosphere was relaxing. The whole vibe was great. They managed to follow all protocol while still making everything enjoyable and comfortable. Can t wait to visit again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Delicious food, great atmosphere

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Love it here, classic experience

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

One of the best restaurants in KW! Great food and amazing people. I highly recommend the lunch menu - Buffalo chicken sandwich and classic cheeseburger are phenomenal. Just for the record, I am a former vegetarian that now enjoys burgers :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

We ve been coming to this establishment since they opened up the original location on Lancaster and have been in love since. The atmosphere is great and the owners are just so down to earth. If you want a tapas experience that feels like home, this is your spot!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

The food was INCREDIBLE! The depth of flavour was like nothing I ve ever tasted. Not only that, they were able to accommodate my dietary needs with no issue and the food was still amazing. The staff knew the menu inside and out and the food was truly cooked fresh because of how easily dishes could be modified. The chefs clearly take pride in their creations. Also the fact that it s tapas is so fun! The cocktails were so unique and delicious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Cozy tapas style dinner spot, takeout lunch also a good option

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

I went for Public s lunch for the first time and LOVED it! The Gord s Single Cheese Burger was awesome. It was delicious and the perfect size. So many restaurants go over the top with too many toppings or a gigantic patty and I leave remembering it was dry or bland. This burger was juicy, flavourful and simple. The sauce is fantastic. The Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was also killer! The poutine was a generous portion and I could tell using quality ingredients. The Crisp Green Salad, man! So good and again, generous portion size. I ordered it all again for takeout and the food held up really well until I got home. I could tel it wasn t sitting in a heat window staying warm, it was made fresh for the exact time I ordered to pick it up. The owners are lovely! Carly is friendly, genuine and really these folks just want their guests to enjoy simple, quality food in good company. Highly recommend and can t wait to go for lunch there again soon.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Hands down the best food in the Region! The atmosphere is inviting and warm and food is absolutely delectable. Thanks for a lovely evening out with my husband and our friends!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great Tapas food. Everything we have tried is top notch. Great atmosphere! They dont rush you so this restaurant is a nice place to have relaxing meal and converse with friends. The owners and staff are exceptionally friendly.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

We were warmly greeted by Carly and the Public Kitchen staff. The food was amazing delicious flavours. We had the fried chicken. I cant recommend it enough. Thanks for the great food and experience!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Delicious and excellent service. All of the tapas we ordered were delicious. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and made excellent suggestions. Prefect descriptions of both food and drink. Cant wait to go back and try more tapas!

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Disappointed with the Lunch Fried Chicken Meal. I was told I would receive a call when my food was ready - I did not, so I waited the full 40 mins as recommended, and my food was cold. Chicken cooked well, but it felt like I was eating potato chips with how salty it was. Fries, although still as salty as potato chips, might have been good had they been warm...

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Great food and atmosphere!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

I can say nothing negative. The small plate tapas style is fun and delicious. Everything was beyond what you would expect. The Pot-de-foie was amazing. I will be doing the take-out fried chicken dinner many more times. First time doing it with the 3 kids and we had leftovers! Also, it is run by a great couple and have hired great staff to support them. Please try it if ever in the area.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

So sad used to be a favorite place Food no longer good staff inexperienced and very slow. Will be while before trying again