Harbord House

150 Harbord St.
Toronto, Ontario
647-430-7365

Type of cuisine: Pub
Date of Review: Sept, 2010

Overall Quality Ranking: Excellent

Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Somewhat restricted
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: Cautiously Comfortable

Description:  A self proclaimed gastro pub, Harbord House takes it's food more seriously than most North American pubs.  The liquid refreshment is not the only draw here.  Although the menu is a little tight for gluten free eaters, it appears quite appealing on the comfort food side, and you don't pay top dollar.  Note that the fries are off limits on account of floured foods sharing the same oil.

First, if you are of the persuasion, the bread was rated as good.  The oysters were also fresh and yummy.  For an appetizer, I tried the buffalo mozzarella salad with chorizo.  A touch on the too cold side, this was nonetheless a fruity, fresh, and tasty start.  A culinary comrade took up with the cobb salad and was pleased.  Oddly, perhaps, it included onion rings, but these were light and crisp. 

Part of the team continued on with the tomato soup, which was reported to have a rich roasted tomato flavour with hints of garlic.  The arctic char with hazelnut gnocci and pickled radish was chosen by three diners, and rated highly by all.  I went with the halibut, which came with chorizo and a smokey harissa sauce, and I cleaned the plate with delight.   

Service was friendly and patient, although our waiter was quite busy.  The decor was comfortable while not being overly dark.

In sum, this would be a fine place to have in your neighbourhood.  Although the menu is somewhat restricted for the GF eater, the food is prepared with care and the prices are reasonable.  Cheers.