Satisfy your appetite in Toronto's Bloordale neighbourhood
Blandsdowne no more! New and noteworthy restaurants are popping up along the stretch of Bloor between Dufferin and Lansdowne, transforming this once-gritty neighbourhood into one of the city’s best destinations for food and drink. From samosas to sticky buns to Scandinavian smorgasbords, there are plenty of places to satisfy your appetite in Bloordale.
Emerson Restaurant
1279 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N7There are plenty of meaty mains on the food menu at this buzz-worthy restaurant (think fall-off-the-bone lamb shank, flat iron steak with béarnaise) but it’s the diverse array of vegetable sides that’ll win you over. Your best bet: order your choice of five sides (for $25) and sample a vegetable medley featuring flavourful rapini seasoned with chilies, lemon and garlic and a pile of shaved Brussels sprouts cooked with pancetta and Asiago. The local spot is also known for its night specials: buck-a-shuck oysters on Monday; tartare on Tuesdays and hearty roast dinners on Sundays.
Brock Sandwich
1260 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N5A visit to Bloordale isn’t complete without a stop at this much-hyped sandwich joint where the epicurean sandwiches have taken on legendary status. Almost every item on the menu — from the smoked pastrami to the grainy mustard to the pickles — is prepared and cured in house. The bestselling Chicken Piri Piri sandwich sees a crispy piece of fried buttermilk chicken layered with Piri Piri sauce, charred onion and lettuce served atop a soft herbed bun. The made-from-scratch sandwiches can take a little while to prepare, so call ahead to place your order if you’re in a hurry.
Home Baking
1242 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N5There’s no telling what you’ll find on the counter at this charming dessert spot, but we can guarantee your sweet tooth won’t be disappointed. The inviting spot features exposed brick walls, warm woods, marble tabletops and friendly staff who are happy to guide you through the various sweet indulgences on offer that day. The desserts are made-from-scratch and nostalgic in nature, especially the gooey butter tarts and the homemade triple-decker carrot cake — a recipe passed down to owner Chris Stopa from his grandmother. In the summertime, visitors can customize their own ice cream sandwiches with gourmet cookies.
South Indian Dosa Mahal Restaurant
1262 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N5This casual family-run spot specializes in affordable prices, friendly service and traditional South Indian cooking. The menu (available to dine in or take out) features roti, thali, pakora, soups and other Indian dishes made with complex flavours and honest ingredients. Locals love the signature masala dosas (a crepe-like wrap prepared with lentils and rice) that are served with your choice of meat or veggies and flavourful chutneys on the side. If you’re looking to grab a snack on the go, the 10 samosas for $3 special is a great bargain.
The Four Seven
1211 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N4Named for the number 47 TTC bus (which runs up and down Lansdowne Avenue), this cool neighbourhood bar offers craft beer on tap and eclectic eats that are designed for sharing. A hip crowd nibbles on a smorgasbord of upscale snack plates from Executive Chef Daniel Usher. The inventive tapas-style menu features grilled squid, ricotta gnocchi and socca (chickpea flour crepes) topped with lamb, red onion and tahini. Open ‘til 2 a.m. from Tuesday through Sunday, this late-night spot is definitely a tastier option than the nearby fast food joints.
Karelia Kitchen
1194 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N2This bright and airy Nordic smokehouse brings a bit of Scandinavia to the Bloordale ‘hood. The delightful café serves lunch, brunch and dinner and also sells prepared foods like smoked meat and cheeses to take home. You’ll find plenty of seafood-focused dishes on both the main menu and the lighter smorrebrod list, including Smoked salmon tartare, dilled seafood stew, herring and fishcakes. If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, stop in for Fika (a Swedish coffee break) and enjoy fresh pressed organic coffee or an herbal tea paired with sweet treats like cardamom buns and buttermilk sponge cake.
My Twitter
My Instagram
