Mercer Hall - Stratford

Phenomenal find in Stratford. We understand this place changed ownership & chefs. We just happened upon this place - had a fantastic dinner, both vegetarian and a meat dish and had such a great experience we talked my folks into joining us the next day for lunch. Stratford is full of amazing restaurants but Mercer's has a delectable menu for a mid-range price (and you could go less or more expensive - the menu is expansive enough). Loved it!

We stopped by the Mercer for lunch prior to attending a play at the Avon theatre. service was quick, friendly and efficient. The food was very good with generous portions. Prices are very reasonable.

Stopped in for lunch with a colleague. The menu is almost unnecessarily varied, but fun. I did appreciate that the dishes are divided by size - small plates to full meals. My chicken kaarage appetizer was delicious, but the sweet potato curls were disappointing. It was like eating a bag of chips at a restaurant. It pays to ask a lot of questions! Colleague's order was not quite right, but staff were helpful in sorting it out. Wasn't able to try the beer, but I can see that many of the meals would be great with a brew.

Friendly staff. Fresh good food. Intimate setting. Small restaurant but big on taste. Best to have a reservation but not alway necessary.

The menu is varied and offers plenty of surprises - usually good ones. They keep on experimenting with new items on their small plate menu, and that is to be applauded in a place where too many restaurants are just coasting. The steamed pork bun was excellent, but the chicken skewers were quite dry and overcooked. The tempura plate had a nice light, ungreasy batter that's uncommon, even in most Japanese restaurants, and the salads were very good also. It's a beautifully decorated interior space and they have a wonderful range of beers (and decent wine too). Unfortunately, and atypically, this visit the service was rushed and inattentive.