PUBLIC Kitchen & Bar

This place was amazing! Do not judge a book by its cover…I wasn’t sure based on the outside, but it is a vibe! My husband and I went for date night and it did not disappoint! We love sharing plates and we were able to try many dishes. The food was well balanced and seasoned well. We loved the diversity of dishes. Joseph was an amazing waiter! There wasn’t any real problems and he took care of us. The drinks were so well balanced. My husband said the mocktails were the best he’s had. I had the blue martini and loved the hint of lavender! I did not have a drink that tasted like flowers. We were blown away with the service, food, and ambiance. If we are back in Kitchener, we would definitely come back!

My girlfriend (at the time) and I attended the first Anthony Bourdain Crush Thursday two years ago, and we still talk about that night. Fast forward to this past Thursday: my now fiancée and I were able to attend again, and it felt meant to be — our first date night since our son was born. I can’t say enough good things about the entire experience. The menu was phenomenal: early dishes set the tone perfectly, while the rest took us through nostalgia, umami bombs, and fresh, balanced flavours, all curated with so much intention. (I could have easily eaten ten plates of the sisig & roasted bone marrow) There were a few returning dishes from last time, in the best way. I was so happy to see Public bring back the “Ripper” dog — whoever complained about it last time should get off their high horse and appreciate how brilliantly it celebrates a legend. Ben, our server, made sure we were taken care of from start to finish. At the end of the night — since my fiancée hadn’t been able to have oysters (one of our favourite foods) for the last nine months — I asked Jack if there was any way to get just two oysters to cap off our meal. Without hesitation, there were two waiting on our table before I even sat back down. We left completely stuffed and somehow still wanting more. Thank you to the entire team at Public for an unforgettable evening and for continuing to honour a true culinary legend.

I came to Public Kitchen with high expectations after several friends recommended it—and it absolutely exceeded them! The food was exceptional, and the tapas-style concept made the experience so fun. We loved sharing and trying a variety of dishes. I’ll definitely be returning!

I love all of public’s food, but the ghost kitchen they run called Gords Burgers might be my favourite. The attached photo does not do it justice. Available for seating at the bar or takeout only. It’s hard to say it’s the best burger I’ve ever had, but I can’t remember having a better one. The fries are also very good. You won’t have a bad experience if you are eating off their regular menu either. Staff is very friendly. 10/10 would recommend.

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

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.

5 stars on all fronts. The food is exceptional. Perfect sharing plates, which just means I get to try more dishes! The service is top-notch. Zero complaints. The atmosphere, although a bit deceiving from the outside, is extremely cozy, warm and inviting inside. Truly a gem. 💎 Can’t wait to go back.

I really wanted to love this place. the food was honestly fantastic and well-prepared, definitely what you’d expect from a fine dining restaurant. Unfortunately, the service completely ruined the experience. The bartender/waiter was drinking behind the bar (not very discreetly) and even more concerning, he was offering drinks and his phone number to my underage daughter. That’s completely unacceptable, especially at an establishment that’s supposed to be upscale. It’s a shame because the kitchen clearly knows what they’re doing, but management seriously needs to get their front-of-house staff under control. Until then, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a professional or family-friendly dining experience.