Borrel

What is Borrel? Perched along Danforth Avenue just east of Greenwood Station, Borrel is Toronto's dedicated Dutch-Indonesian snack bar inspired by Amsterdam's historic *bruin cafés*. Founded by Alison Broverman and Justin Go after running a popular local pop-up series, the intimate room channels the Dutch philosophy of *gezellig*—unfussy, homey coziness. The interior features warm wood paneling, exposed brick, vinyl spinning on a vintage turntable, a casual front bar, and a compact Danforth sidewalk patio in the summer.

Borrel Menu & What to Order The kitchen balances crispy Dutch bar snacks (*hapjes*) with spice-rich Indonesian classics reflecting the Netherlands' long culinary connections. Must-orders include the scratch-made bitterballen—piping-hot beef ragout enrobed in a crisp breadcrumb shell and served with sharp Dutch mustard—alongside a standout vegan mushroom-broccoli variation. For larger appetites, the boerenkool stamppot (kale-mashed potatoes with rookworst and savory gravy) and chicken satay smothered in house peanut sauce hit the mark. Finish with a plate of fresh, buttered poffertjes dusted with powdered sugar, paired with genever cocktails or a cold craft pilsner.

Know Before You Go Reservations for parties up to six can be made via email, though walk-in seats at the bar and communal spots are common on Thursday and early weekend evenings. The kitchen runs an acclaimed monthly multi-course *rijsttafel* (Indonesian rice table) on select Sundays that requires booking seats well in advance. Located a two-minute walk from Greenwood TTC subway station, the restaurant has limited evening operating hours, with paid street parking readily available along Danforth Avenue.