Little Ethiopia on Danforth (5.2 km)

Toronto has a substantial Ethiopian and Eritrean population that sustains two enclaves. This hike goes through the larger one along Danforth Avenue, centered on Greenwood Avenue. There are solid mid-range restaurants along this stretch. Ethiopian, obviously, but also a "Toronto-style" pizza restaurant, Venzuelan arepas, and Toronto's only Dutch restaurant. Not forgetting the largest outpost for Kawartha Dairy ice cream in Toronto.

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The cafes and restaurants in this neighbourhood are a good opportunity to sample the acidic blend. Don't miss out on Ethiopian food if you've never had it before. It's unlike any other cuisine, featuring fermented spongy bread (injera), paprika and cardamom-laced curries, and even raw beef (kitfo).

The Ethiopian restaurants along The Danforth are similar, so we'll pick one based on consensus. Good or bad news: there is no cutlery; you are expected to eat with your hands.

Highlights

1. Greenwood subway station (depart 6:30pm)
2. Borrel
3. Wazema / The Wood Owl / Rendez-Vous
4. La Cigogne / La Vegan
5. Pomarosa
6. Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant
7. Mofer Coffee (depart 7pm)
8. The Rail Garden / Monarch Park
9. Garage murals along Felstead Avenue playground
10. Desta Market (depart 7:40pm)
11. Danforth Dragon / Square Boy / Abyssinia / Danforth Pizza House / Kawartha Dairy
12. Makkah Restaurant
13. Lalibela
14. Sala Modern Thai Kitchen / Blue Nile Restaurant (arrive 8:15pm)

Neighbourhoods
East Danforth > The Pocket > Danforth

Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1xMFInNTjuFLMqhW2YDa5dOvpxtsay0w&usp=sharing

How it works
Hike starts punctually. Late or can't do the whole route? Meet us at scheduled checkpoints.

We'll browse many food places but won't linger long. Grab ready-made food, or see the route in advance, organize takeout, then pickup along the way.

Not sure what to try? Join our omakase for $5, which gives a tiny sample from different restaurants. Payment on the day of event by cash or e-transfer to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com. No refunds after orders are placed. Details of sampled food will be uploaded after the hike.

Limited cutlery provided. Highly recommended to bring cutlery and containers for omakase and bringing back leftovers.

See our About section for more info.