Amelie CameronEven though Harbord Village is right in downtown Toronto, it’s probably one of the most underrated neighbourhoods for me. I’ve overlooked it many times because it’s in between the Annex and Little Italy, two of my favourite areas in the city.
But recently, I’ve made it my mission to explore the neighbourhood, and it has definitely surprised me. The houses feature an interesting mix of Victorian and modern architectural styles, and some streets are lined with amazing restaurants and charming artisanal shops.
If you’re planning to visit Harbord Village soon, here’s a guide to help you plan your itinerary.
Where is Harbord Village in Toronto?
Harbord Village is located just west of the University of Toronto. Its most commonly accepted borders are Bloor Street on the north, Spadina Avenue on the east, College Street to the south, and Bathurst Street to the west.
What is the main street of Harbord Village?
Harbord Street is the main street of Harbord Village. It’s precisely in the center of the neighbourhood, and it’s where most of the commercial establishments can be located.
How to Get to Harbord Village
By Public Transportation. Harbord Village is well-served by public transportation. Firstly, it has two subway stations: Bathurst and Spadina. It also has a regular streetcar service along College and Bathurst Streets, and you can find bus services along Harbord Street.
By Car. If you choose to drive, there are also many parking lots in the neighbourhood. I recommend the ones on 720 Spadina Avenue and 320 Robert Street.
What to Do
Check out several murals
From: bdlesser
Where to find them:
- David French Lane
- On the side of Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffle on Bloor Street
- Bagpipe Lane
- Barbara Barrett Lane
The most surprising thing I learned about Harbord Village when I started exploring it is that it has many amazing murals that are mostly tucked away on a side street. From what I’ve heard, these murals are done by local artists to celebrate the neighbourhood’s vibrant community.
As of right now, my favourite mural is the one on David French, which features a bird on a garage door, and the fence right next to the door is painted to look like the bird’s feathers. I thought that was such a creative use of space!
There are many other murals out there, so I recommend taking a walk around the neighbourhood and slipping into unassuming side streets. You never know what you might come across.
Visit the Ukrainian Museum of Canada
From: umcontario
Address: 620 Spadina Ave, St. Volodymyr Institute
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday—10 am to 4 pm
- Thursday—1 pm to 7 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14169239861
There is a strong Ukrainian community in Toronto at large, so it’s not a surprise that the Ukrainian Museum of Canada has their Ontario branch here, right at the heart of Harbord Village. It’s one of the coolest museums in the city, too, so I highly recommend checking it out.
It has over 8,000 artifacts of Ukrainian origin, and this collection includes traditional pysanky (eggs with brightly colored, usually geometric, designs; kind of like Easter eggs!), wood carvings, ceramics, and sacred objects.
As a fibre artist, I’m very much interested in the fabrics that are up on display. The embroidery is just so intricate, and the knitted works are so complex, I can only hope to replicate that someday.
Where to Eat
The Harbord House
From: harbord_house
Address: 124 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—12 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169229191
If kicking back to relax and enjoy a good meal is all you want, then you’ll love The Harbord House. One of the best gastropubs in Toronto, it has such a chill vibe, and the menu is full of hearty comfort meals.
The lamb and rosemary sausages are my favourite things to order here. I love how savoury and juicy the lamb and sausages are, and the gravy makes everything taste even richer. This dish comes with mashed potatoes, which are thick and luscious.
Pig Out BBQ
From: pigoutbbqspadina
Address: 650 Spadina Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 9:45 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 10:45 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 8:45 pm
Contact Number: +14167926120
Pig Out BBQ is the perfect name for this restaurant because you’ll definitely be tempted to pig out. I usually come here with my friends and family so that I won’t be the only one to go all out on delicious (albeit not really healthy) food!
The titular Pig Out Platter is my go-to order here. It’s jam-packed with all the good stuff—a full rack of ribs, two smoked sausages, pulled pork, wings, and beef brisket—and everything is smoky, savoury perfection! Every bite puts me closer to heaven, but I have no regrets.
Piano Piano Restaurant
From: pianopianotherestaurant
Address: 88 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169297788
Italian cuisine is a classic, and if you’re a big fan of it like I am, then you need to stop by Piano Piano Restaurant. Not only does this restaurant serve tasty traditional Italian fare, but it also has a vibe that’s warm and intimate, making it a great date night idea.
You can’t go wrong with their pasta dishes. My favourite is the Lobster Casarecce, which has plump and slightly sweet Nova Scotia lobster meat and a sauce that perfectly blends cheesy, garlicky, and tangy flavours.
Their pizza is also phenomenal. I recommend The Sweet Hornet, which has tomatoes, soppressata, Moroccan black olives, mozzarella, fior di latte, and hot honey. Sweet and spicy flavours are the first things you’ll taste, followed by tangy and salty notes.
Yasu Toronto
From: yasu_toronto
Address: 81 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—6 pm to 11 pm
- Friday to Sunday—5 pm to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169448212
Yasu Toronto is a sushi spot I love recommending. To be more specific, this is a place for sushi lovers who want an elevated dining experience!
This restaurant follows the omakase setup, which means you’re letting the chef choose what you’ll be served with. I know this may seem intimidating (I used to feel that way, too), but it’s also pretty thrilling!
In my experience, the seasonal nigiri and sushi always taste fresh, and the chef tries to go for interesting flavour combinations (think like umami and sweet). I also love that I get dessert after everything. It’s almost like a reward!
Dreyfus
From: dreyfustoronto
Address: 96 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163231385
Dreyfus is a French restaurant that would appeal to adventurous foodies. The menu here is pretty limited, and the choices change every day, so you never know what to expect until you come here!
The food combinations are also unique. It never occurred to me that fries and pâté could work together or that a lightly sweet donut tastes good when paired with the smoky and tangy smoked trout dip garnished with roe. But now, I’m a changed person!
If you do want to dine here, I recommend booking a reservation ahead of time. Walk-ins are allowed, but the place gets full pretty fast, so you need to ensure your spot.
RASA
From: rasarestaurantto
Address: 196 Robert St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—5 pm to 9:30 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—5 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16473508221
You may have heard of the restaurant SARA, which has been recommended by the Michelin Guide, but did you know it has a sister restaurant named RASA? Well, now you do, and it deserves just as much love and hype.
I’m obsessed with the steak frites here. The steak is wonderfully tender and savoury, and the bearnaise sauce adds a punch of tanginess. The potatoes are also well-seasoned and soft, and they have a slight beefy flavour because they’re cooked in tallow.
If you love burgers, the RASA Burger is a must-try. The patty is juicy and has a distinct beefy taste, and the sauce is zesty and spicy since it’s made with gochujang.
Ohiru Cafe
From: eatzoftoronto
Address: 370 College St
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday—9 am to 3 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 3:30 pm
Contact Number:
If you’re looking for a good brunch spot, I can’t recommend Ohiru Cafe enough. This restaurant is relaxing, and the menu is filled with tasty Japanese-inspired dishes and coffee.
I’m obsessed with the Matcha Adzuki French Toast. The bread used is milk bread, so it tastes subtly sweet and has a luxurious mouthfeel. Each toast has a filling made with red bean, condensed milk, and matcha cream, and then it’s topped with miso syrup.
This description may seem like the treat is intensely sweet, but that’s actually not the case. It also has a hint of earthy flavour, which I think adds a nice contrast.
Zafoon Middle Eastern Restaurant
From: bouffager
Address: 384 College St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14164134936
Every time I pass by Zafoon, I’m lured in by the smell. The aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen is so irresistible!
The lamb shank with rice is my ultimate recommendation. The meat is so tender that it’s practically falling off the bone, and the savoury and earthy flavours penetrate deep, so you can enjoy them with every bite.
The rice is also infused with the same flavours as the lamb, so I can eat it on its own.
Aifam
From: popcorn_monsterz
Address: 102 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 4 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16478020130
If you’re hungry and in a hurry, you might want to stop by Aifam first. This shop specializes in sandwiches that are not only tasty but also hearty.
My favourite thing to get here is the Il Padrino, which is jam-packed with ingredients like salami, prosciutto, provolone, and Italian spicy peppers. It’s also slathered with roasted red pepper aioli, so the flavour profile is complex. Salty and spicy are the prominent flavours, but there are also garlicky and tangy notes.
Almond Butterfly Bakeshop and Cafe
From: almondbutterflycafe
Address: 100 Harbord St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14167927994
Almond Butterfly Bakeshop and Cafe is another spot I like to go to for brunch. This place is also perfect for people who love desserts because their pastries and sweet treats are top-notch.
They have one of the best cinnamon buns in the city, in my opinion. They’re soft and smothered generously with cinnamon sugar and topped with a delectable powdered sugar frosting. The buns are also gluten-free and vegan, so more people can enjoy them!
If you prefer something savoury, you can’t go wrong with any of the flatbreads. I personally recommend the bacon cheddar one; it’s salty, savoury, and cheesy. It’s also slightly tangy, thanks to the marinara sauce.
Where to Shop
Curiosa
From: curiosasociety
Address: 320 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16473410394
Curiosa is one of my favourite shops in Harbord Village because of its vibe. It feels like I’ve stepped into a fantastical world full of whimsy. I love getting lost in the shelves and buying a trinket or two.
This is where I bought the Hobbiton backpack, which I’m so obsessed with. It’s made with rich khaki brown cotton, so it looks rustic and durable. It also has many charming details like delicate embroidery on the side and an acorn-inspired zipper.
Wearing this backpack makes me feel like I’m going on an adventure with the fellowship, which is all I’ve ever wanted since I watched the films as a kid.
Things Japanese
Address: 128 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Saturday—12 pm to 4 pm
- Wednesday to Friday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169679797
When I went to Japan, I fell in love with the traditional Japanese tableware, clothing, and decorations. I didn’t purchase a lot, which I regretted, but fortunately, Harbord Village has Things Japanese!
I bought several tea sets and ramen bowls here, and I’m obsessed. These ceramics are durable, and they also look pretty with their geometric and floral designs.
Next time, I’ll snag one of those matcha tea bowls and accessories!
The Rock Store
From: the_rock_store
Address: 154 Harbord St
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14165162191
If you believe in the power of crystals and spiritual healing, then you’ll love The Rock Store. Even if you don’t, this store is still a must-visit because the atmosphere is peaceful, and the crystals and rocks on display are so pretty to look at.
This shop also sells jewelry, and I’ve purchased a few items that I really like. In particular, I love the amethyst rectangle pendant; it’s pretty simple, but the deep purple hue of the stone is hypnotizing.
I also really like the flourite bracelet. The stones come in several colours (white, light purple, and dark purple), and they shine in the light.
Bakka-Phoenix Books
From: bakkaphoenixbooks
Address: 84 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 7 pm
- Saturday to Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169639993
As a book lover, I’m always on the hunt for amazing bookstores that I can support, so I was thrilled to discover Bakka-Phoenix Books in Harbord Village. Readers of science fiction and fantasy will love visiting this store because it specializes in these two genres.
I’m mostly a romance reader, but I do love a fantasy read from time to time, and I’ve found many gems here. My current favourite read is The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, which actually inspired me to dive into the author’s works.
Even though sci-fi and fantasy are the most popular genres here, you can still find books in other genres like literary fiction, young adult fiction, and comics. There are even used books available here as well.
Canvas Cannabis
From: canvas.cannabis
Address: 94 Harbord St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14165519456
I’m not even a weed enthusiast, but I have to hand it to Canvas Cannabis: they really know how to beautify their space to attract customers. This shop has the aesthetic of a cozy cottage with a garden, and as a cottagecore lover, that appeals to me.
My friend and I actually tried their cannabis edibles, and I liked them! I love the chocolates, in particular, because they taste like regular chocolate. For a moment, I forgot I was eating an edible, and I only remembered when I started to relax and giggle.
Where to Stay
The Annex Hotel
From: annexhotels
Address: 296 Brunswick Ave
Contact Number: +16476949868
You don’t just stay at The Annex Hotel; you also experience it. The rooms here are chic, stylish, and vibrant, which matches the vibe of Harbord Village (and Toronto at large).
The best room to book here is Daniel’s Room, which looks like an artist’s retreat. It houses a variety of books, vinyls, and artwork, so not only will you feel rested and relaxed here, but you can also be inspired to create some art.
This hotel also has its own bar and restaurant. So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious meal and some good wine, you don’t have to travel far.
The Planet Traveler Hostel
From: planettravelerhostel
Address: 357 College St
Contact Number: +16473528747
For people who are on a budget, The Planet Traveler Hostel is a good place to stay in Harbord Village. I love that this hostel combines old-school charm with modern technology. I mean, it runs on renewable energy (solar panels); I have to commend that!
You can also enjoy other perks like free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to lockers. This place also has a rooftop patio where you can socialize with your fellow travellers and watch the sunset paint the whole city golden.
If you want to explore the city, you might be interested in renting one of their bikes. Biking around Toronto is a blast, so feel free to do that.
