Dufferin Grove Area

This neighbourhood section covers Bloor St. from Christie to Landsdowne, and College and Dundas west of Ossington to the railway tracks. Within this area is Bloorcourt Village and Little Portugal. At the center of this area is Dufferin Grove Park, a small but very community-focused park on Dufferin south of Bloor. There is a playground, skating rink, performances, organic gardens, two brick ovens, make-your-own pizza days, community dinners and the Thursday farmers market (see below). The park even has a webpage: Friends of the park.

African Palace
834 Bloor St W (at Shaw), 416-588-7819
www.africanpalace.ca
››› Experience our traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine with a large selection of vegetarian dishes. We use only the freshest ingredients, choosing locally grown produce as much as possible. We serve dinner 7 nights a week and lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday.

Calico Cafe and Catering – k O c
1226 Bloor St W (w. of Dufferin), 416-536-1883
www.calicocafe.ca
~~Healthy lunches, gourmet dinners and delicious brunches.Handcrafted vegetarian and vegan fare.
››› We believe food should be healthy, sustainable and delicious.Lunches during the week and brunch on weekends.Our menu items are local and organic whenever possible.Come and check out our selection of: Freshly made juices and smoothies.Fair trade coffee and espresso. Seasonal salads. Rotating sandwiches on house baked breads. Homemade desserts and treats. Daily and weekly specials. Dine in or take out! Check out our website for updates and ask about our catering and meal delivery services.
~~"Serving mostly vegan tasties, they make their own desserts (all vegan, some GF), breads, smoothies, and juices. The spiced cappuccino is amazing! And if that wasn't enough, they grow their own herbs and some vegetables in the garden out back." from Sara via Veg.ca.
~~Hours (9/17/2009): Mon. & Tues--closed. Wed & Thurs & Friday--11-5(lunch) 5-9(dinner) Sat.---11-4(brunch)5-9(dinner) Sun.--11-4(brunch).

Queen of Sheba – L c d
1051 Bloor St W (e. of Dufferin), 416-536-4162
www.queenofsheba.ca
~~Ethiopian cuisine – satisfying array of vegetarian stews and purees with injera (sourdough crepes).
~~A visitor from Detroit wrote: “I have eaten at several Ethiopian restaurants around the Continent and this one is by far the best.”
~~Hours (9/17/2009): daily noon-11pm.

Rikishi – L d
833 Bloor St W (w. of Christie), 416-538-0760
~~Traditional Japanese vegetarian menu. Note: the miso and noodle soups contain bonito fish flavouring.
~~A visitor writes: The most delightful Japanese restaurant with good veggie options, is Rikishi. Their veggie bento box comes with seasonal delights, such as okra or asparagus, their brown rice is genuine and their fruit platters are masterpieces of design.”
~~Hours: Closed Mon.

White Lotus – Vietnamese Vegetarian Cuisine – k c d
303 Lansdowne Ave (n. of Dundas W), 416-539-8488
››› We serve a wide variety of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Offer dine-in, take out and cater for any occasion. Open daily from 10am to 10pm
~~Shawn writes "Their lemon grass-chicken is very tasty (a little spice and lots of lemon) it came with rice with sauce, some pickled vegetables on the side and a little onion/coriander soup on the side. It's comes the closest in taste to one of the best Vietnamese veggie places "Lotus Garden" that was on Dundas but long gone. Most dishes are around $7.99 and appetizer in the $3-$5 range. "

The Nutritionista – o
1255 Dundas St W (e. of Dovercourt), 647-427-5081
www.thenutritionista.ca
~~Small natural food store with healthy packaged foods, Little Stream bread, and more. Pretty much entirely vegetarian.
››› A cozy little shop, carrying your ‘Natural Necessities’ – organic eggs, cheese, yogurt and milk in glass; fair-trade coffee and chocolate; natural snacks; chlorine-free diapers; fresh bread; natural cleaning and much more! We now offer The Good Food Box, fresh local produce, delivered weekly. Call or email to order.
~~Run by a holistic nutritionist.

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market – O
Dufferin Grove Park.
www.dufferinpark.ca/market/market.html
~~North west corner of Dufferin Grove Park which is a block south of Bloor and just east of Dufferin.
     Join local farmers for an excellent selection of fresh, mostly local and organic vegetables, fruits, baked goods (including vegan pies, squares and cookies), grains, fair trade coffee and chocolate, and much more. On Sept. 21, 2006 there were 92 varieties of produce available.
     Breads and simple vegan pizza slices are served fresh from Dufferin Grove’s wood-burning brick ovens. Veggie meal offerings also include an organic (usually vegan) soup; vegan rotis; wraps, salads and crepes.
~~Hours (9/17/2009): Thursday 3pm-7pm, year round.