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Neighbourhood Spotlight: The Danforth

March 22, 2021

Situated just east of the core, the Danforth is a great little family pocket that runs from Broadview to Greenwood along Danforth Ave, and running slightly north and slightly south. Home to many great parks, restaurants, boutiques and Toronto’s beloved Greektown, the Danforth is a desirable neighbourhood to call home. We love how accessible this area is (having the DVP and Gardiner access), but also how removed from downtown it feels. It is also situated along the Bloor subway line, which makes it even more convenient for those commuting into the core.  One of our top hoods (we have perused for houses here!), we’re excited to share some of its highlights. And when we say some, we really mean it - there are many, many things missing from this list. We encourage you to explore and get to know this awesome neighbourhood for yourself!

Eat + Drink


Pantheon

407 Danforth Ave, pantheondanforth.ca @pantheondanforth

With a plethora of Greek restaurants to choose from, it is hard to feature just one,but Pantheon has been one of our staples for many years. Located near Chester,you can’t go wrong with any dish here. We love the dips and gigante beans -paired with a horiatiki salad, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the coast of the Aegean!

Photo of a plate of food
Photo: Pantheon

Cafe Fiorentina
463 Danforth Ave fiorentinarestaurant.ca @fiorentinaresto

A restaurant and cafe that focuses on locally inspired farm-to-table cuisine, this is a great place to grab a bite or a coffee and croissant. And the croissants really can’t be missed, one of the flakiest and butteriest we’ve had!

Pizzeria Libretto
550 Danforth Ave pizzerialibretto.com @libretto_danforth

This well-known pizzeria probably needs no introduction, but their delicious neopolitan pizzas can’t be overlooked! Contrary to their other locations, the location on the Danforth has a real neighbourhood feel with many families seated at the tables. Make sure to go early and put your name down, as the waits can be long (but you can always pop into Moss or iQ Living which are just next door!)

Mocha Mocha
489 Danforth Ave mochamocha.ca @mochamochatoronto

A little nondescript cafe that serves some of the most delicious food in the city! A real range from all-day breakfast to chicken enchiladas, their brown rice salad and black bean burrito cannot be missed. On Fridays they also have a tuna potato cake special that we are truly addicted to! Grab a bottle of their salad dressing to take home and really up your lunch game!

Photo of a plate of food
Photo: Mocha Mocha

Allen’s
143 Danforth Ave allens.to @allensdanforth

This Irish-inspired saloon will be sure to blow you away with their delicious menu and beautiful backyard patio. Head here for one of Toronto’s best burgers and enjoy a pint (or two!)

Photo of Allen's menu board
Photo: Allen's

The Wren
1382 Danforth Ave thewrendanforth.com @thewrendanforth 

An old-school saloon with a rotating tap of Ontario craft brews and delicious Southern food, you’re always guaranteed a good time when you stop in at The Wren. Make sure to try the pulled pork chimichanga! 

Shop


The Big Carrot
320 Danforth Ave thebigcarrot.ca @thebigcarrot

A Toronto staple, The Big Carrot offers produce, grocery, bulk, body care and a holistic dispensary committed to local, organic, non-GMO and sustainable food.One of our favourite places for a grocery shop or to pick up a pre-made meal,it is a huge draw for living in the neighbourhood!

Photo of Big Carrot vegetables and fruits section
Photo: BlogTO

August Kinn
1374 Danforth Ave augustkinn.com @augustkinn

This adorable baby store located near Greenwood, is every parent’s dream. Opened by two former-roommates-turned moms, the store has a great selection of apparel,toys and nursery decor. Definitely a must for any new parents to find some unique things for little bebe. 

Photo of August Kinn store
Photo: August Kinn

Moss 544
Danforth Ave mossgardenhome.com @mossdanforth

Moss Garden home specialises in Canadian-made homewares. Head here for some unique home furnishings for both your home or cottage - with a wide array to choose from!

 

Body Blue
199 Danforth Ave bodyblue.ca @bodyblue_toronto

A staple in the neighbourhood (its been around for 25 years!), for all your denim needs. Think brands like Citizens of Humanity, Nudie, J-Brand and Paige -you’ll never have to go downtown to get outfitted for the season!

 

iQLiving
542 Danforth Ave iqliving.ca @iq_living

One of our favourite kitchen supply stores in the city, you can find over 500 brands packed onto their shelves! A great selection, it is our go-to for all our kitchen needs. 

Photo of iQLiving store front
Photo: DesignLines Magazine


Services


Tips Nail Bar
848 Danforth Ave tipsnailbar.ca @tipsnailbar

A great little spot to get your nails did that specialises in all kinds of cool designs (think various emoji faces or even pot leaves!) 

 

bob + paige Salon
239 Danforth Ave bobandpaige.com @bobandpaigesalon

A top Toronto salon, bob + Paige is a full-service salon for all your hair cutting needs (for both men and women!)

 

Albany Medical Clinic
807 Danforth Ave albanyclinic.ca

Offering family medicine as well as walk-in services, this is a great clinic to have in the neighbourhood.

 

Blue Cross Animal Hospital
132 Danforth Ave bluecrossanimalhospital.ca

Nothing more convenient than being able to walk your dog to the vet, and this one has been around for over 50 years. 

 

Schools/Daycares


Blue bird Montessori School Cooperative/Bluecrest Montessori
958 Broadview Ave bluebirdmontessori.ca

Located just south of Danforth on Broadview, this Montessori offers both daycare and school options. 

 

Chester Jr. YMCA/Chester Elementary School
115 Gowan Ave schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/chester

This elementary school has been around and servicing the East York area for 125 years.

 

Jackman Community Daycare/Jackman Ave Jr. Public School
79 Jackman Ave schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/jackman

A highly sought after elementary school also offering French Immersion programs.

 

WithrowAve Public School
25 Bain Ave schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/withrow

Located close to Riverdale Park East, Withrow also offers French Immersion programs. 

 

Things to Do


Zed*80
185 Danforth Ave zedeighty.com

A fun addition to the neighbourhood, Zed*80 is the arcade bar you didn’t know you needed in your life! A large selection of video games and pinball machines, you won’t be bored here. 

 

Lower Donland Park
Pottery Rd

A huge draw of the neighbourhood, is that it borders the Don Trails. Easily accessible, there is a multitude of walking trails to take advantage of. 

Photo of lower donlands bridge over river
Photo: TripAdvisor

Riverdale Park
550 Broadview Ave

Located just south of the Danforth (with its counterpart, Riverdale Park East), this park has an outdoor rink, outdoor pool and tennis courts. It also has a great track for any running enthusiasts. In the winter, you’ll find one of the biggest toboggan hills in the city. 

 

Withrow Park
725 Logan Ave

A great park located in the heart of the Riverdale area with an ice rink, wading pool, tennis courts and leash-free area. A perfect place for the whole family! 

Photo of Withrow Park sign
Photo: Beach Metro