89 Harbord St. is a storied address in the annals of Toronto restaurants. Once home to the beloved Harbord Room, a new eatery is now ready to wiggle its way into local foodies’ hearts (or, rather, stomachs) with elevated Canadian cuisine. Bar Eugenie — named after Eugénie Brazier, the legendary Lyon-born chef who became the first woman to earn six Michelin stars — has already built a lot of buzz in a very discerning city.
“I’m loving what’s happening now and upcoming,” co-owner and chef Rebekah Bruce said. “There’s a great movement where I’m seeing my peers open their own places and telling their stories. There’s also a strong sense of community — chefs supporting each other and building places that feel personal.”
So what story is Bruce trying to tell? The Alo alum is keen on classic cooking techniques, “filtered through my own background and the way I like to eat,” she says, turning out fine-dining delights like bone marrow and peppercorn squid.
Bruce also takes a lot of pride in making as much as she can in-house, from pickles to sausages and pasta. “Ingredients matter to me. There are so many local farmers and growers who share the same excitement and care for their products that I do in using them.” Her personal favourite is the restaurant’s mouthwatering sourdough bread, which Bruce dubs “a true labour of love.”
Want to fall in love with a new spot? Here are the restaurants that Bruce digs most these days.
Best date-night spot
Mhel, 276 Havelock St.
Best bakery
Castle & Coal, 108 Dovercourt Rd.
Hidden gem
Dnister food store, 93 Front St. E. in St. Lawrence Market
