Rabba Fine Foods

Two stars for convenience, because it’s open ²⁴⁄₇ and happens to be right next to my apartment. But I would describe Rabba as a No Frills with Whole Foods prices. Seriously, I have bought cheaper milk/​eggs/​other staples from Whole Foods. But if it’s three in the morning and you’re having a craving, or if you’re baking a cake and run out of flour halfway through, this is your go-​to place. But I would stay away from the produce — some of it is really not good, and I have found lettuce on the shelf that expired the day before. Stick to packaged foods, always check the date, and do the bulk of your shopping elsewhere if you can.

It is a typical grocery/​convenience store open ²⁴⁄₇ hrs. Some produce is cheaper than bigger grocery chains but the rest of their items are usually priced a bit higher since it is like a convenience store. I gave an extra star to this Rabba (otherwise it would have been just 3 stars), because I really like their falafel combo deal which is served until 7pm. It includes a falafel, fries, and a drink — all for just $ 4.99. The falafel maker is always generous with the toppings, fries are usually freshly made, and both are very tasty. Another bonus at this location is that, if you are lucky, you will be served by this one extra friendly chap, who always makes the grocery shopping experience more pleasant!

I love how convenient this Rabba is. This shop looks tiny but is actually really big. Their cooked food is fairly priced and actually pretty good (perfect for cheap and starving students!). They also have daily on site sushi makers, so you know that its fresh to eat. Prices are higher than larger grocery stores because it’s more of a stop and shop. I don’t mind because it’s open 24 – 7 and I can get stuff at obscure hours. I’m really surprised by the things you can get here (from fresh cut flowers to pingpong balls for beer pong!). There’s also an RBC ATM as well.
Service isn’t terribly friendly, but they get the job done.
Tip: Make sure you check the best before dates on the baked goods since they aren’t always that fresh. Always take it from the back for extended expiration dates.

Rabba is a notch above the no-​frills and price-​choppers in terms of the quality of food and the prices.
I often buy their muffins which cost the same as the awful ones served by Tim Hortons but are way more tasty and baked in-​house. (The muffins are date stamped which might be a double edged sword because why would anyone buy older goods?)
Few months ago they also opened a fast food section with the selection being slightly better than the neighbouring Ali Baba’s. Junk food ho!

The place is bigger than I thought. I was looking for avacados and salad. none of the salad boxes/​bags looked fresh enough to eat, and the organic ones that looked better was $ 3.99.
Avacados, there were only 4 of them.
Walked out empty handed. I checked out another Rabba on Isabella it was the same thing, more avacados at 0.99 for 2, probably not at Kat F. s standards though.
Seems overpriced and not much selection. Not a fan.

I have recently been contacted by management with an apology and they have invited me back to try the store again. I will do so and report back.