Inspire Restaurant
23 reviews 144 Main Street Markham N #1, Markham, ON +1 905-554-2889 www.inspirerestaurant.com suggest an edit
10 December 2023 11:59
Busy busy! Small restaurant but we made a reservation. Menu is also quite small but they know what works! We got the duck confit tacos, fried chicken satay and the yuzu garlic shrimp! Food was super flavorful and we were surprised at how much fried chicken we got in an order! For drinks we got the Yuzu G&T and the el hablo tequila. Would recommend the el hablo tequila! Decor is nice and the service is good, check this place out if you’re in the area!
20 November 2023 16:29
Such an enjoyable and atmospheric dining experience, the staff were all very welcoming and our large 8 person table all got served swiftly and at the same time. Would definitely recommend checking this place out because the custom fried chicken and duck confit tacos were absolutely fantastic and well paired with unique and delightful cocktails
08 October 2023 12:09
From the onset when Inspire opened I have been here and must say the food and service has been consistently outstanding. Very friendly atmosphere and by far the best Burgers in town. Highly recommend and best to make reservations in advance as they are usually full. If you like a different spin on your food this is the place to try!
03 October 2023 11:25
Food was amazing. Had Duck Tacos and Yuzu Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl. Both were delicious! Service and atmosphere were great! Parking is available off Main Street, right beside the restaurant… very convenient. Will definitely be back.
14 July 2023 13:20
Went there for a quick dinner a few weeks ago and this restaurant offer Asian fusion style food. The restaurant is not new but the vibe is still great.
Food wise is ok in terms of quality. We ordered a salad and a chicken burger. The chicken in the burger is quite big and taste juicy and crunchy. But too much sauce for me in both the burger and on the fries. My preference would be the sauce on the side and let me decide how much I want.
The salad taste good but there are many tiny crunchy fries (I think they are fries) in this salad which abit excessive for me. Nice to have some crunch in the salad but too much… not from a salad, prefer more veggie
It’s still a positive experience as long as you don’t have too high of expectations. Included the bill, not cheap but still on the fair side in nowadays …
Food wise is ok in terms of quality. We ordered a salad and a chicken burger. The chicken in the burger is quite big and taste juicy and crunchy. But too much sauce for me in both the burger and on the fries. My preference would be the sauce on the side and let me decide how much I want.
The salad taste good but there are many tiny crunchy fries (I think they are fries) in this salad which abit excessive for me. Nice to have some crunch in the salad but too much… not from a salad, prefer more veggie
It’s still a positive experience as long as you don’t have too high of expectations. Included the bill, not cheap but still on the fair side in nowadays …
30 June 2023 21:42
Ordered the Hanoi greens, duck tacos, and the wagyu dish. So good! The restaurant should be updated a bit though. The floors were a bit sticky. But the food was so unexpectedly yummy!
30 April 2023 7:33
Amazing food and service! Will definitely be back to try different dishes!
Highly recommend the Shiitake Udon Carbonara!
Highly recommend the Shiitake Udon Carbonara!
08 January 2023 11:43
Absolutely amazing food, with great service and setting!
Taste: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Value: 5/5
The food here was great, and although the place was packed, the servers were quick to clean and set a table for us as soon as one was open. The menu was packed full of goodness that we are looking forward to returning to eat!
The fries were very well done, and paired excellently with the dipping sauce. The burger was perfectly medium rare and each bite was a delightful mix of Asian and Western flavors. Each ingredient was clearly well thought out and complimented each other for a very delicious meal.
The rice was very fragrant and all of the food was very fresh. Each ingredient had clearly been carefully selected to combine together for this dish, culminating in a dish that was full of flavors, yet did not feel heavy afterwards.
Overall, this is a restaurant that I strongly encourage people to visit, and I can't wait to go back again!
Taste: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Value: 5/5
The food here was great, and although the place was packed, the servers were quick to clean and set a table for us as soon as one was open. The menu was packed full of goodness that we are looking forward to returning to eat!
The fries were very well done, and paired excellently with the dipping sauce. The burger was perfectly medium rare and each bite was a delightful mix of Asian and Western flavors. Each ingredient was clearly well thought out and complimented each other for a very delicious meal.
The rice was very fragrant and all of the food was very fresh. Each ingredient had clearly been carefully selected to combine together for this dish, culminating in a dish that was full of flavors, yet did not feel heavy afterwards.
Overall, this is a restaurant that I strongly encourage people to visit, and I can't wait to go back again!
01 January 2023 6:32
Authentic, one of a kind, fusion cuisine and juicy delicious dishes - I will definitely be coming back.
5 stars for excellent customer service, juicy original tasting burger, fair priced for high quality meals and large portions.
5 stars for excellent customer service, juicy original tasting burger, fair priced for high quality meals and large portions.
18 December 2022 1:17
Came here for brunch with elderly parents and sis. We ordered Hanoi Greens, Wagyu Loco Moco, OG Insp Burger and chicken and waffles. Good portion sizes and everything was tasty and well prepared. Chicken and Waffles is probably a staple dish to order. Nothing felt greasy surprisingly. The Loco Moco has a fancy/rich taste to it with its creamy risotto like rice and sauce. Would definitely come back again. Service was fantastic. FYI, tt's not a big restaurant and only one washroom is available
10 December 2022 0:43
We had heard great things about Inspire and finally got to try it. So glad we did.
The restaurant has a neat funky vibe and creative look inside.
We had a few dishes: the crab croquettes which were really tasty and a generous portion, the Hanoi salad which was also so tasty but next time we'll ask for less dressing, the salmon burger with fries (the fries come dressed with a shallot aioli which is the best aioli I've ever had! Addictive!) And finally the Loco moco which is a rice dish with coconut rice, shrimp, beef and more.
For two people this was more than enough, we ate about half of it because the portions are so large! Super tasty and creative. A rich meal for sure and a nice treat.
The restaurant has a neat funky vibe and creative look inside.
We had a few dishes: the crab croquettes which were really tasty and a generous portion, the Hanoi salad which was also so tasty but next time we'll ask for less dressing, the salmon burger with fries (the fries come dressed with a shallot aioli which is the best aioli I've ever had! Addictive!) And finally the Loco moco which is a rice dish with coconut rice, shrimp, beef and more.
For two people this was more than enough, we ate about half of it because the portions are so large! Super tasty and creative. A rich meal for sure and a nice treat.
07 December 2022 22:58
Decent fusion restaurant. Found the food a tad bit on the salty side. Started with the calamari fritti which was good and crunchy. For the mains we ordered the loco moco and 2 other mains.
10 November 2022 11:14
First time coming here. We ordered the chicken waffles and the Inspire burger. The burger was good, and the fries were crispy. Chicken and waffles was just average. The fried chicken was nice, but they added some kind of fruit jam which did not make it better. The waffles were also soggy. For $22 each, the portions were acceptable.
I had no issues with the service. The food came pretty slow though, considering we were the first table to place an order.
I had no issues with the service. The food came pretty slow though, considering we were the first table to place an order.
03 November 2022 18:33
Inspire never disappoints. Consistent quality and such friendly owner. Really delicious food and efficient service. We’ve been coming here for years for family dinners and never had a bad meal. They’re also very accommodating when we brought our toddler to dine-in. I love the crab noodles and udon carbonara. Generous portions, love it. Used to go for chicken & waffles until i tried the noodles. Duck fries also yummy. Flavourful food and they obviously know what they’re doing. Owner truly cares about customers experience and feedback. We always leave with happy tummies. Highly recommend. Definitely need reservations cause they’re always busy.
03 November 2022 4:00
UPDATE SEP3/2022
Vanessa will make you feel like your are family and is such a good owner. Food quality is even better than I remember. So glad this place survived the pandemic. That Sweet Chick (chicken) Burger is my go to everytime, never dissapoints.
Thanks for everything Vanessa. My wife and I loved the food and conversation.
Cowsi:)
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We are regulars of this establishment and have tried a variety of things.
It's a cozy place with elagance and a personal touch. You'll find a small menu that's specific enough to make your selection hard and a diverse enough menu to spark your appetite. The inspire word in the name of the restaurant lives true to its name, featuring unique clashes of different food groups; like the waffle and fried chicken. As odd it may seem, these chefs can compete with the best of them. My wife and I spend ample time tasting and trying out new restaurant's ranging in all prices and places.
No matter what, nothing ever deserves 5 stars, because there is always room for improvement.
To start, the beer selection is really poor but unique. They change up their selections of beer with only one or two varieties, along with a mystery import/domestic beer. I'm a huge beer fan-wishing for a wider selection.
The only other negative aspect to this restaurant that my wife and I found, was the space around us while seated at our table was limited-unless you sit at the corners or ends of the restaurant, near the walls.
The atmosphere & interior design was unique and had a pleasant and soothing vibration that made the dining experience exquisite. The food is served quickly without compromise to its quality, presentation and care. I find the little touches like the real cotton towels in the men's bathroom to dry your hand-not only environmentally responsible but also a high class experience. Oh! Don't worry, you throw the towel into a basket-bin below, so non are re-used
Pricing of the food for two people, with two drinks, two appetizers and two entrees is about $90 on average with the tip of 10% included.
I would recommend this place to anyone without a doubt, because I know your dining experience will blow you away.
Good luck getting a reservation though!
Make sure you call first before you drive down.
Cheers!
Cowsi
Vanessa will make you feel like your are family and is such a good owner. Food quality is even better than I remember. So glad this place survived the pandemic. That Sweet Chick (chicken) Burger is my go to everytime, never dissapoints.
Thanks for everything Vanessa. My wife and I loved the food and conversation.
Cowsi:)
-
We are regulars of this establishment and have tried a variety of things.
It's a cozy place with elagance and a personal touch. You'll find a small menu that's specific enough to make your selection hard and a diverse enough menu to spark your appetite. The inspire word in the name of the restaurant lives true to its name, featuring unique clashes of different food groups; like the waffle and fried chicken. As odd it may seem, these chefs can compete with the best of them. My wife and I spend ample time tasting and trying out new restaurant's ranging in all prices and places.
No matter what, nothing ever deserves 5 stars, because there is always room for improvement.
To start, the beer selection is really poor but unique. They change up their selections of beer with only one or two varieties, along with a mystery import/domestic beer. I'm a huge beer fan-wishing for a wider selection.
The only other negative aspect to this restaurant that my wife and I found, was the space around us while seated at our table was limited-unless you sit at the corners or ends of the restaurant, near the walls.
The atmosphere & interior design was unique and had a pleasant and soothing vibration that made the dining experience exquisite. The food is served quickly without compromise to its quality, presentation and care. I find the little touches like the real cotton towels in the men's bathroom to dry your hand-not only environmentally responsible but also a high class experience. Oh! Don't worry, you throw the towel into a basket-bin below, so non are re-used
Pricing of the food for two people, with two drinks, two appetizers and two entrees is about $90 on average with the tip of 10% included.
I would recommend this place to anyone without a doubt, because I know your dining experience will blow you away.
Good luck getting a reservation though!
Make sure you call first before you drive down.
Cheers!
Cowsi
02 November 2022 11:59
Will come back to try more dishes!
We had Hanoi salad, OG inspo and loco moco. Absolutely fav is the duck confit fries. Everything is flavour and super satisfying.
We had Hanoi salad, OG inspo and loco moco. Absolutely fav is the duck confit fries. Everything is flavour and super satisfying.
25 October 2022 4:36
Always met with such fantastic and caring hospitality by the owner. Makes you feel like family. The food is always beyond our expectations. The perfect go to gem in Markham. Our definite go to for all of our special occasions!
21 October 2022 14:54
Always wanted to try here.should've come long time ago. Not sure how often the menu change but the vegetarian option (only one) was amazing, Sesame Fig Napa Slaw!
17 October 2022 15:44
Food and service was amazing. Chicken and waffles was literally the best I've ever had and such a generous portion size. The duck confit tacos were exceptional, the taro added beautiful crunchy texture. The crab with noodles was light but still full of flavour. Will definitely be back.
12 October 2022 6:13
Inspire Taro, taro, taro chips.
144 Main St N #1, Markham, ON L3P 5T3
Item (s) Ordered:
Duck Tacos (2)
$16.00 CAD
8/10
These tacos are loaded with pulled duck confit, jicama orange salsa, duck egg curried mayo and feta all in a flour tortilla and topped with taro. The crispiness of the taro contrasts well with the juicy shredded duck. For $8/piece, these tacos are on the pricier side for what you get but even as an entree, I can see it being filling.
Shiitake Udon Carbonara
$24.00 CAD
8/10
This dish is an umami bomb made with bacon, beef, and mushrooms. While it's not a true carbonara, the creamy sauce pairs nicely with the thick noodles. The dish was what you'd expect it to be abeit a bit salty.
INSP Loco Moco
$25.00 CAD
9/10
Another flavourful dish that leaves you wanting more (and more water but it's also on the saltier side). This take on loco moco is made with grade prime beef ontop of coconut rice and shiitake demi glace. A satisfying textureal contrast is present from the addition of crispy onions and taro slivers. The sunny side egg adding to the creaminess of the sauce.
Overall, Inspire puts out umami bombs. Abeit on the salty side, you can't go wrong with any of the options available.
P. S. Please consider changing the font on your menu, it's not very reader accessible.
144 Main St N #1, Markham, ON L3P 5T3
Item (s) Ordered:
Duck Tacos (2)
$16.00 CAD
8/10
These tacos are loaded with pulled duck confit, jicama orange salsa, duck egg curried mayo and feta all in a flour tortilla and topped with taro. The crispiness of the taro contrasts well with the juicy shredded duck. For $8/piece, these tacos are on the pricier side for what you get but even as an entree, I can see it being filling.
Shiitake Udon Carbonara
$24.00 CAD
8/10
This dish is an umami bomb made with bacon, beef, and mushrooms. While it's not a true carbonara, the creamy sauce pairs nicely with the thick noodles. The dish was what you'd expect it to be abeit a bit salty.
INSP Loco Moco
$25.00 CAD
9/10
Another flavourful dish that leaves you wanting more (and more water but it's also on the saltier side). This take on loco moco is made with grade prime beef ontop of coconut rice and shiitake demi glace. A satisfying textureal contrast is present from the addition of crispy onions and taro slivers. The sunny side egg adding to the creaminess of the sauce.
Overall, Inspire puts out umami bombs. Abeit on the salty side, you can't go wrong with any of the options available.
P. S. Please consider changing the font on your menu, it's not very reader accessible.
24 September 2022 6:41
Inspire is on Markham legendary status
Owner is a Markham native
Menu is as original as it gets
Something for everything
The creativity you would find in Kensington market here on Main Street Markham. Chicken and waffles are huge and deliscious. Also had the seafood pasta. Everyone had salmon and chicken.
Everything is A1 just go with it it’s natural and shout out to Chris for making this restaurant an absolute gem and a one of one original. Markham is proud of you.
Owner is a Markham native
Menu is as original as it gets
Something for everything
The creativity you would find in Kensington market here on Main Street Markham. Chicken and waffles are huge and deliscious. Also had the seafood pasta. Everyone had salmon and chicken.
Everything is A1 just go with it it’s natural and shout out to Chris for making this restaurant an absolute gem and a one of one original. Markham is proud of you.
21 September 2022 12:56
I was interested to try this place as it had a few dishes that piqued my interest. The place is small but nicely decorated. Having recently returned from hawaii where loco moco is abound, I was excited to try an elevated version of it. My sister and I ordered the wagyu loco moco and the Hanoi greens. We were not disappointed! Both we’re delicious and we would order it again. Our friends had mushroom udon carbonara - which was so flavourful! I would return again to try out the other dishes. Service was prompt and friendly.
11 September 2022 22:25
Food was honestly mind blowing and the portions are insane! Loved everything, udon carbonara and the hanoi salad are my fave, husband goes for the OG burger every time!