Parklawn and Lakeshore may be towering with condos, but dining options in this end of Etobicoke have long been limited to outdated eateries and fast food chains. Lucky for Humber Bay residents, there’s been a lot of movement this year, due to increasing population and outrageous per-square-foot prices in Toronto.

One of the newest arrivals: casual, friendly “gastro bar” Rustic Social House. 

Backdrop

The narrow eatery features a small open kitchen at front, with lengthy bar set mid-space that leads to an intimate dining area nearest the water’s edge.

As the name suggests, décor leans towards rustic finishes, with touches of wood throughout. The long stretch of windows along the outer wall adds a modern edge. 

Since you can’t see the lake from here (though it’s just a short walk), a dramatic mural by noted artist Denial showcases a women looking out to the water -  Humber Bay at one end, the city skyline at the other - in warm autumnal reds.

Provisions & Tipples

The all-day menu features snacky share plates and fuller sized options utilizing “in-season, locally-grown ingredients.” Flavours skew international, so dig into Italian, Korean, and Mediterranean dishes all in one sitting.

One item that stands out – a bowl of cereal ($4). And because the question gets asked so often, “Yes, literally a bowl of cereal” follows the name of the dish on the menu.

 Brunch, catering, and grab and go menus, as well as retail items, including: Mama Hot Sauce ($9), Protein Balls ($2), and Dog Treats ($8), are also available.

For libations, a small list features vino from around the globe, while cocktails are slight twists on classics, such as Rustic Charred Cedar Manhattan ($15) with cedar bitters. In place of bottled mixes, fresh purées made in-house infuse libations with vibrancy.

Food Diary

Korean Fried Cauliflower ($11)

 Sweet, sticky and slightly spicy, you get a chicken-wing vibe delivered via the plant-based powerhouse. Set in an artful crescent along the metal plate’s edge, each deep-fried floret is dotted with thick, creamy Kewpie mayo for extra oomph.

Korean Ribs ($15) 

A pile of grilled short ribs is never a bad idea. Studded with heaps of pungent kimchi and finished with sesame bean sprouts, you get the added bonus of balancing your gut health while leaning into your carnivore tendencies.

Mediterranean Pescatorie ($16)

A seafood medley of grilled calamari, shrimp, and mussels is set in a light tomato broth, with two toast points to sop up every drop.

Pan Seared Sea Bream ($25) 

A duo of tender fillets, draped over roasted butternut squash and sautéed spinach, get punctuated with lemon fennel and caper butter.

Mediterranean Buddha Bowl ($18)

Two creamy, cumin-scented falafels are set mid-bowl, framed with rainbow slaw kale, roasted pickled cauliflower, seasoned couscous, hearty dollop of hummus, finished with a sprinkle of crunchy chickpeas.

No Regrets ($15)

Aviator Gin (recently procured by Canuck actor Ryan Reynolds), Grand Marnier, lemon, strawberry and ginger beer result in a fruity libation with a gingery kick.

Island Fever ($15)

Scotch whisky and rum add heft to this tropical vibe.

Names

At the Pass

Chef Josh Millar

At the Bar

Jesse Lappe

Higher Ups

Owner/chef Ryan Wilson-Lall and wife Lisa

Numbers

Please be seated

The restaurant accommodates 62 guests, with room for 40 on the patio. Guests enjoy free parking.

Drop a pin 

2083 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Ring, ring 

(416) 251-5100

Come on in

Mon + Tue 11:30am–10pm

Wed + Thurs 11:30am–11pm

Fri + Sat 11:30am–12am

Sun 11:30am–10pm