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Riverdale

Why we like it.

Reaching from the Lake Shore all the way up to the Danforth, Riverdale is one of the greenest neighbourhoods in Toronto. Riverdale Park East, Withrow Park, Kempton Howard Park are only a few of the parks in the area, and the communities in between are not to be outdone with lush gardens complementing the well-kept Victorian homes. Primed to be the next West Queen West, Riverside is a bustling stretch of Queen St. E., packed with hip bars, restaurants, shops and amenities.  The once infamous Jilly’s is slated to be transformed into a city landmark, completing the area’s transformation from dodgy to desirable.

Avg House Price # of Sales Yr/Yr Change
Detached $1,372,673 40 -10%
Semi-Detached $1,181,837 113 18%
Row $1,032,977 39 4%
1 Bedroom Condo $754,366 29 27%
2 Bedroom Condo $740,307 14 4%

Best Eats.

Aft Kitchen & Bar

Owner Paul Campbell’s goal was to create a friendly, neighbourhood spot where patrons can enjoy some of the best BBQ in Toronto alongside carefully chosen drinks in a warm, inviting room. We’d say he’s hit his goal and then some!

Ruby Watchco

Celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford brings her international experience to a unique dining experience in Riverdale. Every evening features a set menu, leaving you in their capable hands to be wined and dined.

Bonjour Brioche

A Riverdale institution, be prepared to wait in line for Gallic classics for breakfast and lunch. If you can’t wait, be sure to pick up a croissant and a cappuccino to go.

Tabülè

At the other end of Riverdale, belly dancing compliments the authentic, fantastic Middle Eastern Cuisine in a stunning dining room. With lots of options for vegetarians (like the unbelievable cauliflower that we’re addicted to!), this is a fantastic option for families, a girls night out, or a cozy date.

Batifole

Tucked into Chinatown East, this classically French restaurant has been one of the best in the city for the past ten years. In 2013, Chef Pascal Geffroy took over the helm and began introducing his lighter, Provencal fare to the menu alongside the Brittany favourites that have customers coming back time and again.

Caffeine Fix.

Dark Horse

With five locations across Toronto, this coffee shop is clearly doing something right. Atmospheric rooms compliment the perfect espresso, making this the perfect spot to do some work or have a coffee date.

Merchants of Green 

A bit of a different type of place, they deal exclusively in 100% premium Arabica beans; grown organically and shipped green to preserve freshness and maintain quality control over the roasting process. Fair trade and eco-mindful, this bCorp’s goal is to brew a sustainable, delicious cup of coffee and to teach the city how to roast their own beans through workshops and memberships.

Rooster Coffee House

Even though Rooster isn’t along the Queen E strip, it’s too fantastic to ignore. Halfway up Broadview with a view of the park, this cosy cafe hits all the right notes. Great coffee, decadent treats and a warm, friendly staff that will treat you like a regular whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth.

Drink Here.

HiLo

A dive-bar for the Eastern hipsters, HiLo boasts a ton of tall cans, interesting cocktails, and very well done snack food. Pairing the Hi (carefully selected rock’n’roll) with the Low (pinball) it’s designed to appeal to the neighbourhood regulars that haunt the bar every day of the week.

Grocery.

You’ll need to go a bit further afield for groceries in this neighbourhood, restaurants and bars are this neighbourhood’s markets. Head up to Chinatown East for the freshest seafood in Toronto and plenty of greengrocer options. 

Riverside Market

Really just a giant variety store, you’ll find (almost) everything you need in a pinch.

Butchers of Distinction

Providing a direct link to the farm, these butchers will help you to pick the perfect cut for weekend grilling sessions or the perfect weeknight pre-made dinner.

Bill’s Lobster

For the freshest seafood in Toronto, locals head straight to Bill’s. An expert in choosing only what’s in season (yes, fish and shellfish are seasonal) and the best quality, they take great pride in serving their loyal customers outstanding seafood at unbelievably low prices.

St John’s Bakery

Bread that you can feel good about – not only do they use traditional French methods to make delicious loaves; they also use the bakery as a program to help those with challenges (disability, addiction, mental illness) find meaningful work and purpose.

 

Shopping.

Empire

This store has a long history in the city, moving from hot neighbourhood (Queen W) to hot neighbourhood (Danforth) to hot neighbourhood (Riverdale). It’s a destination shop for all things British, this is the perfect stop for gifts, home decor and snacks from the Empire.

MacFab 

MacFab has been a home-decor powerhouse in Toronto for almost 70 years. Multiple locations along Queen E serves everyone from the homeowner looking for new curtains to the decor professional sourcing exotic fabrics, and will help you to kit out your new home!

Culture.

Ralph Thornton Centre

The community centre for the area, Ralph Thornton has been serving Riverdale since 1980. With everything from political meetings to yoga to personal development this is a vibrant addition to the area, as well as a natural meeting space.

The Opera House

Built in the 20’s as a vaudeville stage, the Opera House has entertained Toronto for almost one hundred years with stage shows, movies and most recently musical acts. Drawing headliners and private events, line-ups around the block are a common occurrence.

Well Being.

Quad East

Forget squats, lunges and jumping jacks, Quad East will spin you into shape and turn your legs to jello faster than you can say “I need to get to the gym”. Top-notch instructor challenge you while keeping it interesting and we love what the bikes do for our butts!

Energy Xchange

More than just a gym, fitness classes run alongside health care practitioners (Naturopath, chiro, physio, and massage) and spa treatments. Truly a “one-stop-shop”, be pampered from head to cardio.

Jimmie Simpson Centre

Classes and facilities for the whole family, the rec centre and park features a ball diamond, multipurpose sports field, lit hockey rink, two lit tennis courts, basketball courts, a wading pool and a children’s playground.  Parents can brush up on their dance moves while the kids learn swimming or cooking skills.

Schools.

Elementary Schools

Rating 9Pape Avenue Junior Public School

Rating 8.6Frankland Community School 

Rating 8.3Withrow Avenue Junior Public School

Rating 5Blake Street Junior Public School

Rating N/ADundas Junior Public School

Secondary Schools

Rating 7.8Riverdale Collegiate Institute

Transit.

Subway

Broadview Station – Map

Chester Station – Map

Pape Station-  Map

Donlands Station-  Map

Streetcar:

501 Queen – Map

505 Dundas – Map

506 Carlton – Map

Bus:

8 Broadview – Map

Time to Union Station by TTC: 18 Minutes

Time to Yonge and Bloor by TTC: 15 Minutes