This Hidden Toronto Eatery Is A Gateway to Montreal's Epic Food Scene

It may look like a shabby little convenience store from the outside, but this hidden Toronto gem is churning out some of the tastiest Montreal eats the city has to offer.

Taverne Bernhart’s just opened in Toronto and is serving up a rotating menu of mouth-watering sandwiches, pastries, crispy chicken, and some impeccable vino. And it's all totally affordable.

Carmelina Imola and Zach Kolomeir, formerly of Montreal’s iconic Joe Beef restaurant, got lots of buzz when they opened their first bistro, Dreyfus in Toronto last year. After the success of their Harbord Street restaurant, the duo decided to take the plunge and purchase Julie’s Snack Bar, tucked away on Dovercourt Road.

Editor's Choice: 11 New Restaurants Boldly Opening In Toronto's Red Zone This Month

It’s stuff we’re stoked about right now. Like a mushroom compote ham melt, I’m so down for that you know.” Carmelina Imola, Taverne Bernhart’s

Following this week's announcement of the new red zone restrictions, Imola and Kolomeir have decided to close Dreyfus until next spring and focus on their Bernhardt's x Dreyfus take-out menu. 

 “We’ve been doing a little bit more Quebecois, Jewish deli-style. It all falls into that same sort of comfort food thing that rotisserie chicken is for us, and it’s a fun lunch thing too,” says Imola.

The team knows it's tough times for everyone right now, so Taverne Bernhardt’s is providing locally-sourced ingredients and dishes that won’t break the bank.

“I want something that’s not $25, that feels still wholesome, that still has care put into it and that’s consistent. It doesn’t feel cheap and it’s stuff we’re stoked about right now. Like a mushroom compote ham melt, I’m so down for that you know,” says Imola. 

Taverne Bernhardt’s, 202 Dovercourt Rd.