Harbord Room, Toronto

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  • Harbord Room, Toronto

    Don Ellis | Last Updated: September 03,2009 8:57:05 pm
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    The street address is self-evident and it's been open just a few months, but word-of-mouth is keeping the tables filled at The Harbord Room. Opened in late January by Dave Mitton (co-owner of Czehoski's), this latest piece of demographic bait is a combination neighbourhood bistro and generation-gap venue that proves Mitton really puts thought into how to tap the restaurant zeitgeist; it’s just that he’s right behind the curve.

    The restaurant - which takes over the old Eduardo's space - is a ready-made rendezvous spot on what is slowly becoming a little restaurant row. Joining the other quality-centric eateries in the area - Splendido, Boulevard Café, Messis and Tati Bistro - the dark, cozy room is outfitted with the kind of vintage details that have made Czehoski's on Queen Street such a success, but here they're more contained. In fact, this entry may actually feel more Queen Street than anywhere else in the area at the moment, with as many expats at the tables as on the restaurant staff.

    Leather banquettes and chairs, hanging globe lights, marble tables, tasteful salmon-coloured walls and a long cocktail bar set the scene for serious drinking and dining. Serious meaning a solid menu of small and large plates, a supply of top-shelf local produce, and Chef Cory Vitiello - who has been lured over from the Drake Hotel.

    Made of a long thick slab of dark wood and stocked to the rafters, the cocktail bar lures its own scene. Anton Potvin from the Niagara Street Café has been brought in to make up the drink list and he has left them with a work of art. The signature Harbord Room Manhattan is made with Wild Turkey, port, bitters and maple syrup and is aimed to knock your socks off.

    The menu is not revolutionary— I spot the usual bistro suspects alongside some modern tapas-sized dishes. It’s all rather predictable, yet prices are fair, and so pleasant is this low-lit space – with its votive candle-lined walls and gentle buzz coming from a room half-filled with a scenesters – that I’m eager to get munching.

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    AT A GLANCE
    Harbord Room
    89 Harbord St, Toronto, ON, Canada
    416-962-8989
    Contemporary
    Harbord
    Venue:
    Restaurant
    Hours:
    Daily from 6pm - 2am
    Price Range:
    $$$ (within reach)
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa, American Express
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    39 Reader Reviews

    We've been there 3 times and never had a bad thing to say. Service is kind and friendly and the food is excellent.

    1. RAN's Review :: March 17, 2010
    RAN's Rating: Stars
    Had dinner there last night with friend and I have to say the food was a real pleasure. He enjoyed the tuna burger and I had the salt cod fritters and risotto. As with most places I've had risotto, there's always a little bit that they don't get right such as the parts that are always slightly under-cooked, no surprise there. However the cod fritters were just perfect, filling enough with just enough batter to make it yummy without leaving a greasy aftertaste. Be warned about the drinks, they are quite expensive (glass of house wine @ $10 vs $13 cocktails), but the food for the most part was worth the value. We sat on the patio that emptied out quickly after the temperature dropped to nothing, but it was still beautiful and laid out nicely with the lanterns and parasols. On a warm night, it makes a lovely date spot. Service was down-to-earth and not rushed, so it's not a good choice if you're in hurry, but slow enough to have a good conversation and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars. Will definitely try it again.

    2. Curvy's Review :: September 12, 2009
    Curvy's Rating: 3 Stars
    Disclosure: My cousin is a bartender here, who seriously makes the best martinis ever! They're so good the club decided to add the recipe to the drink menu. Hang out at the cocktail bar, a great cast of local characters always find their way in to hang out with the bartenders.

    3. Brenda G.'s Review :: July 14, 2009
    Brenda G.'s Rating: 4 Stars
    Harbord room is wonderful. We always sit at the bar and love the drinks and the atmosphere. The bartender offers friendly, warm service and is a joy to chat with every time we go. The Steak Frites is the best I have had so far in the city, it's only rival might be Torio. The beef is tender, well cooked and the fries are perfect. Keep up the great work! We'll be back!

    4. Sylvia's Review :: April 24, 2009
    Sylvia's Rating: 4 Stars
    I had a wonderful experience. Sat at the bat and bartender was helpful and fun to chat with. Cod fritters were delicious and perfect for sharing with a one other. The trout I had was incredible and the best dish I have eaten out in a long time. Comparable in flavour to Scaramouche dishes. I think the trick is ordering the right dish.

    5. Allison M's Review :: April 20, 2009
    Allison M's Rating: 4 Stars
    I've been to Harbord Room on a few occasions now, twice for dinner and once for drinks. I have to say I've fallen in love with the place. The atmosphere is darling and the staff make me feel like I've known them for years. My taste-buds are always smiling when I leave Harbord Room. Nicely done everyone!

    6. Dana's Review :: April 13, 2009
    Dana's Rating: 4 Stars
    God awful! Horrible service because they are understaffed. When I informed the server she delivered the wrong order to me, she was both rude and argumentative. I won't be back.

    7. Robert Tomlin's Review :: April 13, 2009
    Robert Tomlin's Rating: 1 Stars
    My wife and I are currently recovering from a nearly 36 hour bout of food poisoning after having eaten the steak frites. the other night. I have attempted to call the restaurant on several occasions, but no one ever picks up the phone (even during work hours), and nobody has returned the voicemail I left yesterday. Too busy, I guess?

    8. Dave McNeil's Review :: April 02, 2009
    Dave McNeil's Rating: 1 Stars
    A small little room, neither funky nor hip with a too big bar is how I would describe the space. The positive vibe is what saves it. I felt comfortable, despite the fact that we were six at a four top and the gusts of cold air every time the door opened. A menu divided into small, medium and large plates is Canadian inspired but fails to excite. Salt Cod Fritters with celery root and fennel remoulade were good, really good but not great. The Flat Iron Steak Frites were way over salted. Flat Iron is a terrible cut and tasted so strong that I was having visions of liver. They claim to have house made catsup but when I request it for my frites, I am handed a bottle of Heinz. C'mon. If you go, try the Pappardelle with beef cheeks, winter greens, squash, sour dough crumbs and Queso Seco. A bit pricey at $29 but was by far the best dish. If you are like me and have to hit all the new spots then go but don't expect too much.

    9. Rita Ricchio's Review :: February 25, 2009
    Rita Ricchio's Rating: 2 Stars
    The food was good (especially the lamb) but the service was not great. Our server obviously knew nothing about the wines and was way too laid-back. Obviously hired for his great hair and not his professionalism!

    10. Samantha's Review :: February 22, 2009
    Samantha's Rating: 2 Stars
    Great atmosphere and people, the lamb was perfect! I'll definitely be coming back to try it again soon!

    11. Anonymous's Review :: November 21, 2008
    Anonymous's Rating: 4 Stars
    The food was amazing, although it felt like they went a bit overboard with the herbs.
    The service was also amazing, although we had to wait one hour for our reserved table.
    It was a great experience, I would definitely recommend it and go there again.

    12. Marianne's Review :: November 17, 2008
    Marianne's Rating: 4 Stars
    enRoute magazine's top pick for
    Canada's Best New Restaurant 2008 goes to
    1. Nota Bene (Toronto)
    The other excellent restaurants included among
    Canada's Best New Restaurants 2008 are:
    2. Le Local Montreal, QC
    3. Harbord Room Toronto, ON
    4. Chef's Table Calgary, AB
    5. Boneta Vancouver, BC

    13. Kerry's Review :: October 28, 2008
    Kerry's Rating: 4 Stars
    It's Czehoski all over again. That's not a terribly bad thing... I'm just saying.

    14. Anonymous's Review :: July 03, 2008
    It's Czehoski all over again. That's not a terribly bad thing... I'm just saying.

    15. John Nguyen's Review :: July 03, 2008
    John Nguyen's Rating: 3 Stars
    I'm reading the reviews of this restaurant and wow, people love complaining. The Harbord room is my #1 place to go to in this city. The staff, food and ambiance are all exceptional.

    16. Anonymous's Review :: June 23, 2008
    I'm reading the reviews of this restaurant and wow, people love complaining. The Harbord room is my #1 place to go to in this city. The staff, food and ambiance are all exceptional.

    17. Laura's Review :: June 23, 2008
    Laura's Rating: 4 Stars
    The reason I am sending you this review is that the staff were rude, indifferent and totally lied to our faces. What a shame that none of us will go back again, and we will tell all our friends not to go there unless they want to be treated poorly. The meal itself was delicious.

    18. Anonymous's Review :: June 20, 2008
    The reason I am sending you this review is that the staff were rude, indifferent and totally lied to our faces. What a shame that none of us will go back again, and we will tell all our friends not to go there unless they want to be treated poorly. The meal itself was delicious.

    19. Rachel Sydney's Review :: June 20, 2008
    Rachel Sydney's Rating: 1 Stars
    The hostess seemed a little mean; she told us we'd have to wait for a table when we could see that there were empty tables - I figured we should just give her the benefit of the doubt that those empty tables were reserved. We did eventually get one of those same empty tables. That made the overall service a little akward but the place has a great vibe and the food was good. The chocolate cake is baked fresh and yum!

    20. Anonymous's Review :: June 05, 2008
    The hostess seemed a little mean; she told us we'd have to wait for a table when we could see that there were empty tables - I figured we should just give her the benefit of the doubt that those empty tables were reserved. We did eventually get one of those same empty tables. That made the overall service a little akward but the place has a great vibe and the food was good. The chocolate cake is baked fresh and yum!

    21. Savi's Review :: June 05, 2008
    Savi's Rating: 3 Stars
    Way way overrated. The colour of the walls gave me a headache. The bartender/server(?) seemed kind of mean, or that he didn't want to be there. Became friendlier as the night wore on, but there was a certain awkwardness in the air. Probably wouldn't go back by choice.

    22. Anonymous's Review :: June 04, 2008
    Way way overrated. The colour of the walls gave me a headache. The bartender/server(?) seemed kind of mean, or that he didn't want to be there. Became friendlier as the night wore on, but there was a certain awkwardness in the air. Probably wouldn't go back by choice.

    23. Chase's Review :: June 04, 2008
    Chase's Rating: 2 Stars
    We've been there 3 times and never had a bad thing to say. Service is kind and friendly and the food is excellent.


    24. Anonymous's Review :: May 30, 2008
    We've been there 3 times and never had a bad thing to say. Service is kind and friendly and the food is excellent.


    25. Randy Everett's Review :: May 30, 2008
    Randy Everett's Rating: 3 Stars
    I went to Harbord Room expecting excellence. What I got was mediocrity the whole way through. I guess the atmosphere is nice if you're under 30 or enjoy the feeling of eating inside a China cabinet.

    26. Janice Dobson's Review :: May 06, 2008
    Janice Dobson's Rating: 2 Stars
    Great drinks! (I'll try the food next time)

    27. Anonymous's Review :: May 01, 2008
    Great drinks! (I'll try the food next time)

    28. Randi C.'s Review :: May 01, 2008
    Randi C.'s Rating: 4 Stars
    Slightly over-rated. I actually thought that about Czehoski's too.

    29. Anonymous's Review :: April 24, 2008
    Slightly over-rated. I actually thought that about Czehoski's too.

    30. Mark Logan's Review :: April 24, 2008
    Mark Logan's Rating: 2 Stars
    Where do I start, The food is superb and above that, the service is truly great. It was efficient and they were really concerned about us having a great dinner. The staff knew what they were talking about!! for a change. It is definitely worth a shot to try.

    31. Anonymous's Review :: April 06, 2008
    Where do I start, The food is superb and above that, the service is truly great. It was efficient and they were really concerned about us having a great dinner. The staff knew what they were talking about!! for a change. It is definitely worth a shot to try.

    32. Trey D.'s Review :: April 06, 2008
    Trey D.'s Rating: 4 Stars
    The ambiance is nice and the use of space quite interesting as my buddy and I observed from above while sucking on a couple of cocktails. The martinis though were kinda disappointing... not the best I've had and pretty much the most expensive I've had.

    33. Anonymous's Review :: April 03, 2008
    The ambiance is nice and the use of space quite interesting as my buddy and I observed from above while sucking on a couple of cocktails. The martinis though were kinda disappointing... not the best I've had and pretty much the most expensive I've had.

    34. Chris D'Angelo's Review :: April 03, 2008
    Chris D'Angelo's Rating: 3 Stars
    My girlfriend and I dined at The Harbord Room last Thursday and we both left very impressed. Spacing is a little tight, but the atmosphere is wonderful - warm, funky and earthy all at the same time. Service was excellent and the food was truly fabulous and I am a bit of a harsh critic. I ordered both specials, sweet breads wrapped in chicken skin on a lovely salad and skate and both were cooked perfectly with well thought out sides and nice simple presentation.
    I walked away from our experience feeling happy and spoiled!

    35. Anonymous's Review :: March 25, 2008
    My girlfriend and I dined at The Harbord Room last Thursday and we both left very impressed. Spacing is a little tight, but the atmosphere is wonderful - warm, funky and earthy all at the same time. Service was excellent and the food was truly fabulous and I am a bit of a harsh critic. I ordered both specials, sweet breads wrapped in chicken skin on a lovely salad and skate and both were cooked perfectly with well thought out sides and nice simple presentation.
    I walked away from our experience feeling happy and spoiled!

    36. Amanda Ford's Review :: March 25, 2008
    Amanda Ford's Rating: 4 Stars
    Actually, I was very surprised at how well this place has been put together. I was never a fan of Eduardo's or the Harbord place before that (or even czehozkis, for that matter). But Harbord Room is a quality-driven, little place.

    37. Anonymous's Review :: March 20, 2008
    Actually, I was very surprised at how well this place has been put together. I was never a fan of Eduardo's or the Harbord place before that (or even czehozkis, for that matter). But Harbord Room is a quality-driven, little place.

    38. Derek Matar's Review :: March 20, 2008
    Derek Matar's Rating: 4 Stars
    Tried it for the first time last weekend and I will most certainly be returning! A little pricey, but as for atmosphere, it is exactly what the area needs. It will be nice to have a return visit when all the renovations are complete, I can't wait! And did I mention, that chef Cory is just so yummy!

    39. Douglas's Review :: January 29, 2008
    Douglas's Rating: 4 Stars
    Click here to view all 26 reviews

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