Roland's Steak House

Good Food, Bad Business.

Went back to Rolands after years for a family dinner. Nice to see the atmosphere had been freshened up. What wasn't so nice was the dying wasps trapped under glass ornaments on the windowsills behind our table. Also the server probably could have left out the bit about the restaurant having just been sprayed because they suspected there was a nest. The food was great. Loved the prime rib (some of the best I've ever had) and ceasar salad - so delicious! Everyone in our party had issues with not being told upfront about the added 15% (after tax) gratuity for large parties - we were not told until we were receiving our bills. This should clearly be stated either beforehand or in writing on the menu. In fact on the menu it states that taxes and gratuities are not included. We all felt sympathetic for the servers who lost out on more generous tips due to the the poor decision of management not to be clear about the facts.

Expensive Disappointment

What an awful, awful disappointment! My brothers + their wives + their kids + grandchildren brought my mother to Rolands, for her 80th birthday. We ordered it all - from the appetizers to dessert. Perhaps I have been spoiled dining in Montreal but, in my humble opinion, "fine cuisine" means that the rolls should not come wrapped in cellophane. It also means that the house wine should not be more expensive than wine from the wine list. It also means that the bathrooms should be cleaner and fresher smelling than that of a tavern/legion. Lastly, the prices should reflect the quality of the food. The quality of Roland's fare is similar to that of any corner diner. My brothers and I are now planning Mom's 85th birthday dinner. Suffice to say - we will NOT be going back to Rolands.

consistency is key

There is a huge difference between a family owned restaraunt and a box shop. If you want bagged meat and pre portioned specials then do not go here. My family and friends have been coming here for upwards of 10 years. Since we have been coming, they have had the same 2 chefs, same owners, and same front house staff, we always know that our experience will be fantastic. They are always willing to accommodate (and remember ) my families various likes and dislikes, seating us at our favorite table, and make us feel like we are truly welcome. The food is hot, homemade, traditional, delicious and worth every penny. The service is knowledgeable, delightful, and efficient. My family, guests and I love this place and we love to support a family owned business. This is a place where you can tell people actually care, consistently.

Setting was bowling alley like. Slightly dirty and worn setting. Food was served on the warm side. Steaks were of poor quality. Waiter shrugged off our concerns. Asked to speak to owner who was busy drinking with other customers. He was very arrogant and slightly tipsy. Explained that is how we serve steaks in Peterborough. Rude jerk. Here's 4 people that will never dine at this dive again.

Roland's is time after time an amazing experience, I go at least once a month, and have had bigger groups there and they are very accommodating, all their staff is consistently very knowledgeable and attentive. The owners are there the majority of the time to make sure everything is perfect. The food is consistently the best you can get in the Peterborough area. The steak is always cooked right to order and is always so tender. The garlic mashed potatoes you can get on the weekends are to die for. The people I always bring there are always satisfied. Roland's is always a treat for me to go to and I look forward to my next visit!

Consistent, professional

I've been to Roland's quite a few times, and while the food is very traditional, it is also consistently good. I would suggest one of the specials, in particular, the prime rib, which always seems to be on special. I don't think there is a better prime rib in peterborough. The meat is excellent, well marbled, and it's always cooked right. The yorkshire pudding is done right and the gravy and horse radish are great. That being said I'm not sure why you can't get it with mashed potatoes. What keeps me coming back to Rolands is probably the service. It's very professional and attentive. They are very accommodating and never understaffed. They have a good wine list and they serve their wine in proper Riedel glasses. The decor - like the food - is not hip or cutting edge. It's comfortable, consistent, traditional. It's a good place for family meals and special occasions, especially if you have family that would be uncomfortable in some trendier restaurants.