No Love Greater Than the Love of Food

As time progresses the expectations of the hospitality industry are constantly changing and the recipe for creating and maintaining a successful business has become more and more complex. In fact, without experiencing it for yourself, it is tough to imagine that a restaurant is one of the most complicated businesses you can run. Many other businesses are comparatively pretty easy to operate, whereas restaurants fall under a completely different category.

Owning a restaurant is more of a calling rather than a job. Even those who think they are skilled enough to be called to it are often times completely unprepared for the amount of work and stress that comes with being a restaurant owner. Nevertheless, if you manage to succeed in the restaurant business you can be considered one of the best entrepreneurs of our time.

Carlos Martins, owner of Churrasqueira Martins, has earned the respect and love of many faithful clients as he continues to provide a quality dining experience in Toronto. Mr. Martins has been involved in the restaurant industry for quite some time; he first opened Churrasqueira Martins in 1994 and it has been a hot spot ever since. “It has always been my dream to own a restaurant”, Mr. Martins shares with Top Choice. The capability to use love and passion as his tools to success is why the public has selected Churrasqueira Martins as the Top Portuguese Restaurant of 2011.

At the heart of Portuguese cuisine is the use of quality ingredients prepared to present a plate filled with tasty and distinctive flavours. In fact, Churrasqueira Martins offers us with the rare opportunity to explore the wealth and spirit of Portuguese culture through his love of food. Often confused with Spanish cooking, it is, in fact, quite distinct. The best of Portuguese food is often impeccably prepared based on local produce and emphasizing fish, meat, olive oil, vegetables and spices. At Martins they have a rich variety of delicious, exciting meals to set your taste buds on fire. The wide variety of dishes makes it a local favourite that can satisfy even the pickiest of palettes.
In fact, this typical restaurant rises above its competition and it has never been considered just an average Portuguese chicken place. Churrasqueira Martins Grill House takes pride in its dishes and satisfies customer after customer. The restaurant is filled with people who express love and friendship through their service and cooking. Portions are large and guests are always welcome at the table.

”The quality of the food is extremely important but all of these fundamentals will not be delivered unless the chef enjoys and respects his line of work”

With that being said, this family-owned business is here to offer various Portuguese dishes, whether it’s take-out or dine-in at the location, each order is carefully mastered by the head chef. Mr. Martins reveals his secret to success and mentions that “food is the most important element that is needed.” As easy as that may sound, you must first acknowledge the hard work and process behind every delicious dish. Where there is good food there is always a good chef; an obvious necessity to a restaurant. “Marcio Rebeiro is the head chef here at Churrasqueira Martins and he is great at everything he does; he is always accurate on his seasonings and more”, Mr. Martins proudly presents one of the strongest components to the restaurant. “The quality of the food is extremely important but all of these fundamentals will not be delivered unless the cook enjoys and respects his line of work”, Mr. Martins continues.

Churrasueira Martins offers a wide range of meat, fish and seafood dishes that are all influenced by traditional Portuguese cuisine. The steaks and fish are the most recommended dishes by the owner and many of his loyal customers. Some of the dishes included within the menu are grilled cod fish with baked garlic potatoes and rapini, cod fish mixed with eggs & thin hand cut potatoes, grilled rib-eye with two jumbo shrimp and hand-cut chips topped with our house sauce, grilled AAA angus steak served with hand-cut chips topped with sunny-side-up egg and house sauce. Last but not least, Churrasqueira Martins has a succulent barbeque chicken made on charcoal and topped with the unique and famous Martin’s BBQ sauce. “You must take time to try each plate at least once”, a sentiment shared by many of his clients.
Finally, to conclude, “whether you are looking for a traditional Portuguese cuisine or fine dining, Churrasqueira Martins is the place to visit”, Mr. Martins informs Top Choice. During your meal you will experience the Portuguese character and attitude within your food - simple and imaginative, traditional and inventive. Above all, if you are in need of that social aspect of eating out, at Churrasqueira Martins you are guaranteed to enjoy good food and great service.

To get a real taste of Portugal, call or visit Churrasqueira Martins today!

416.657.4343
605 Rogers Rd. Unit #1 in Toronto