Great Restaurants on Harbord Street in Toronto

Dining in the Annex and Where to Eat when Visiting TO

Oct 21, 2009
Allison Anthony

DT Bistro on Harbord St. - A. Anthony

Harbord Street has become one of the hot spots for Toronto gourmands. The eclectic neighbourhood is reflected in the many restaurants all located along one city block.

Eating out is an integral part to any vacation and in a large city, such as Toronto, the task of choosing where to dine can be daunting. All of these restaurants are between Bathurst and Spadina Street and within walking distance (directly south) of the Bloor subway line.

Where to go for Lunch and Brunch in TO

DT Bistro – 154 Harbord Street, 416-916-8155

Quite possibly the best pastries and desserts in the city, DT Bistro also serves rich quiche, decadent sandwiches and duck eggs. Ask for a table away from the windows on colder days, they can get a little chilly at times.

Pros – Spectacular pastries and desserts.
Cons – Closed on Monday and Tuesdays.
Price – $20.00 to $40.00, brunch for two with wine.

Chabichou – 196 Borden Street, 647-430-4942

At first, Chabichou was simply a gourmet cheese shop but now small meals, such as sandwiches and soup are also available in addition to the delicious pâtés and cheeses sold here.

Pros – The croque monsieur and fabulous chocolate croissants.
Cons – Limited seating and closed on Monday.
Price – $15.00 to $25.00, lunch for two with coffee.

Affordable Dinners in Downtown Toronto

Messis – 97 Harbord Street, 416-920-2186

Popular with University of Toronto professors and graduate students Messis is never empty. Generous portions and meals that range from healthy to sumptuous will always be on the menu here.

Pros – Consistently good food and affordable wine list.
Cons – Saturday reservations are for 6:30 or 8:30 only.
Price – $45.00 to 80.00, dinner for two with wine.

Harbord Room- 89 Harbord Street, 416-962-8989

This tiny restaurant often has a lively atmosphere making Harbord Room a delicious spot for people watching and eavesdropping seven days a week.

Pros – Late night menu and intriguing cheese selection.
Cons – The tables are very close together here.
Price – 50.00 to $80.00, dinner for two with wine.

Toronto Fine Dining Restaurants

Loire – 119 Harbord Street, 416-850-8330

Intimate and chic, everything on Loire’s wine list has been chosen to enhance the food. The menu is French cuisine but features local favourites such as mussels cooked in Steam Whistle beer and Ontario rainbow trout.

Pros – Daring menu and interesting taste combinations.
Cons – Small portions and closed Sunday and Monday.
Price – $80.00 to $120.00, dinner for two with wine.

Splendido – 88 Harbord Street, 416-929-7788

Hip and exclusive, this restaurant has recently reopened and is under new ownership. The best part is that the chef and manager are the ones who purchased Splendido. If impressing a dinner guest is the main objective, this is where to book a table.

Pros – Valet parking and formal service.
Cons – Extremely expensive wine list.
Price – $140.00 to $200.00, dinner for two with wine.

This area of the Annex may be slightly off the beaten path, but it is still within close proximity to all of the major attractions in the city. Harbord Street offers a restaurant for any taste or budget making it an excellent culinary destination when visiting Toronto, Ontario.