Corner unit
Found it to be a Takeaway spot with a comfortable cosy fundamental dining room. The owner I believe it's Steve is a traditionalist in Portuguese food
Decor is delightful
Food is classic European with great value.
Service is simple. Location is a bit remote but having a couple of bottles of wine no rush to leave
Coolest thing, Japanese tabletop charcoal fired grill (winter hand warmer as well)
Mike Tazzeo
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August 19, 2024
This is my first one star review, I feel bad doing it…but I must be honest. We planned a nice dinner with our sons, and decided on Toma La. The Rymal road restaurant is closer, but I saw the the Upper James location had better ratings, so I ordered from there through Skip the Dishes. Oops.
I ordered 2 separate chicken dinners, with 2 sides each, and a 6 pack of natas. I got a phone call saying they didn’t have natas or French fries and to call and cancel.
I had my two sons try to help me cancel the order, but before we were could figure it out, the food (or half of it arrived). One chicken, 3 sides, no French fries, no second chicken, no natas.
Instead of enjoying our family dinner, I found myself calling Toma La and talking to a young girl, Lovua (sic) telling me it was my fault and I made a mistake and should’ve cancelled my order. I asked to speak to someone who could help me out, but she said the answer would be the same.
The only retribution offered was to come in and get a free chicken…the cost of gas to get there. I asked about my dessert and loss of money, but I was informed it was a skip the dishes problem and to call them and figure it out.
Be careful where, and how you order.
Michelle Chan
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August 03, 2025
I've tried Toma La twice and the first time, we were too early for their lunch menu but the items available for brunch were delicious. The staff was very friendly with their recommendations with what we could order off the menu so early (shortly after opening) and it was a good experience.
My most recent experience, however, has soured how I feel. We were originally told by the staff taking our order that we wouldn't get fries with the piri piri wings, which we said was fine since we were also ordering a poutine. The piri piri wings came with so few wings and in a huge container, so it looks like even less, and it did come with fries anyway. The fries in both the chicken poutine and the piri piri meal had some that were raw and crunchy, definitely under cooked.
We felt like we waited long for our order of two items when they were essentially two of the same things arranged differently when there was only one other customer who came in for pickup while staff chatted and restocked.
It's not the worst experience in the world but it definitely didn't feel like our money's worth this time around.
Ricardo Esteves
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June 23, 2025
This is the beast meal for 2 money can buy! Delicious and flavourful Portuguese chicken. Crispy on the outside and always juicy on the inside. Generous portions and those little potatoes…🤤 Toma La is a quick and nutritious meal that really satisfies after those late work days when cooking is not an option.
Wade Bennett
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July 19, 2025
10/10 across the board at the upper James location. Always smells delicious, the atmosphere is inviting and Rona’s caring and superlative service is always the highlight when ordering my meal.
Highly recommend the bbq chicken as it showcases how Toma La has perfected the basics of what makes a meal and built each dish on its authentic perfection.
Our Address
1550 Upper James St #21, Hamilton, ON L9B 1J5, Canada
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Corner unit Found it to be a Takeaway spot with a comfortable cosy fundamental dining room. The owner I believe it's Steve is a traditionalist in Portuguese food Decor is delightful Food is classic European with great value. Service is simple. Location is a bit remote but having a couple of bottles of wine no rush to leave Coolest thing, Japanese tabletop charcoal fired grill (winter hand warmer as well)
This is my first one star review, I feel bad doing it…but I must be honest. We planned a nice dinner with our sons, and decided on Toma La. The Rymal road restaurant is closer, but I saw the the Upper James location had better ratings, so I ordered from there through Skip the Dishes. Oops. I ordered 2 separate chicken dinners, with 2 sides each, and a 6 pack of natas. I got a phone call saying they didn’t have natas or French fries and to call and cancel. I had my two sons try to help me cancel the order, but before we were could figure it out, the food (or half of it arrived). One chicken, 3 sides, no French fries, no second chicken, no natas. Instead of enjoying our family dinner, I found myself calling Toma La and talking to a young girl, Lovua (sic) telling me it was my fault and I made a mistake and should’ve cancelled my order. I asked to speak to someone who could help me out, but she said the answer would be the same. The only retribution offered was to come in and get a free chicken…the cost of gas to get there. I asked about my dessert and loss of money, but I was informed it was a skip the dishes problem and to call them and figure it out. Be careful where, and how you order.
I've tried Toma La twice and the first time, we were too early for their lunch menu but the items available for brunch were delicious. The staff was very friendly with their recommendations with what we could order off the menu so early (shortly after opening) and it was a good experience. My most recent experience, however, has soured how I feel. We were originally told by the staff taking our order that we wouldn't get fries with the piri piri wings, which we said was fine since we were also ordering a poutine. The piri piri wings came with so few wings and in a huge container, so it looks like even less, and it did come with fries anyway. The fries in both the chicken poutine and the piri piri meal had some that were raw and crunchy, definitely under cooked. We felt like we waited long for our order of two items when they were essentially two of the same things arranged differently when there was only one other customer who came in for pickup while staff chatted and restocked. It's not the worst experience in the world but it definitely didn't feel like our money's worth this time around.
This is the beast meal for 2 money can buy! Delicious and flavourful Portuguese chicken. Crispy on the outside and always juicy on the inside. Generous portions and those little potatoes…🤤 Toma La is a quick and nutritious meal that really satisfies after those late work days when cooking is not an option.
10/10 across the board at the upper James location. Always smells delicious, the atmosphere is inviting and Rona’s caring and superlative service is always the highlight when ordering my meal. Highly recommend the bbq chicken as it showcases how Toma La has perfected the basics of what makes a meal and built each dish on its authentic perfection.