About
Welcome to Borrel, a charming culinary oasis nestled in Toronto at 1333 Danforth Ave. This delightful spot has quickly become a beloved gathering place for those yearning for a taste of Dutch and Indonesian cuisine. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Borrel captures the essence of community dining, where flavors intertwine and memories are made.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I’m excited to highlight the unique offerings of Borrel, often praised for its eclectic menu that beautifully marries classic Dutch dishes with Indonesian influences. Customers rave about their experiences here, describing Borrel as a haven during Dutch holidays and soccer games, making it a platform for cultural celebration.
One standout dish is the boerenkool, a traditional Dutch kale dish that captures the heart and soul of comfort food. As noted by loyal patrons like the Bos family, this dish is a must-try, perfectly complemented by the delightful bitterballen, which is sure to please both locals and newcomers alike.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! On special occasions, Borrel hosts events like Stroopwafel Sundays, where guests can enjoy this iconic treat, making a casual outing even sweeter. Marina Attia's experience highlights just how delightful these Sundays can be, encouraging visitors to keep an eye on their social media for upcoming events.
When discussing the dining experience, one cannot ignore the cozy atmosphere that Borrel offers. Joyce To describes the environment as a space filled with great vibes, where customers can even engage with fellow diners to share menu recommendations. This closeness fosters a sense of community, making every meal feel like a shared occasion.
Highlighting the Indonesian influence, the fried rice is a must-try, bursting with flavor as Joyce noted, "Super fragrant and the perfect combo of salty, sweet, and spicy." Combined with the tantalizing house-made satay sauce, it’s a dish that promises to linger in your memories long after your visit.
The dedicated service at Borrel, consistently praised as friendly and efficient, enhances the overall dining experience. With an affordable menu, it’s an accessible gem for groups and families. As Meng C pointed out, the capacity for takeout adds a layer of convenience, making it easy to enjoy Borrel's rich offerings from the comfort of your home.
In summary, Borrel stands out as a vibrant spot on the Danforth that embraces culinary diversity. Whether you’re indulging in nostalgic Dutch flavors or exploring the bold tastes of Indonesian cuisine, Borrel welcomes you with open arms and promises a meal worth savoring. Don’t miss the chance to discover your new favorite local eatery!
“ As a Dutch family living in Toronto for the past 2 years, this is our place to go for Dutch holidays, Dutch Soccer games & Dutch Kings day! Service always great! food is a great mix between classic Dutch dishes (boerenkool, snert, hutspot) and indonesian cuisine! We always love the dutch snacks for a guilty pleasure!! ”
“ We were lucky enough to pass by Borrel on a Stroopwafel Sunday. They apparently don’t do this every weekend, so watch on their instagram. It was absolutely amazing and a perfect treat while walking through the neighborhood. We’ll have to come back for dinner sometime ”
“ Cozy space with great vibes. Finally came to try the food after being curious about the space for awhile. We had a great time! The tables are close together but we got to have a nice chat with our table neighbour and share recommendations on the menu. We ended up ordering 2 appetisers and 3 mains - the Indonesian fried rice dish was our favourite! Super fragrant and was the perfect combo of salty, sweet and spicy. Definitely get this with the satay chicken skewers (that house made satay sauce - yum!). We can’t wait to come again to try the rest of the menu! Service was great and food came promptly! We spent less than 100 on the food for 2, and were stuffed! Highly recommend this local gem! Thank you to the team that served us and fed us!! ”
“ Cozy spot with a great vibe. Friendly and solid service. Loved the food and cocktails. Highly recommend! ”
“ We got the bitterballen and Boerenkool, both tasted great! Service was friendly and quick. Appreciated that they let us do takeout. ”
“ Having spending some of my childhood in the Netherlands, I grew accustomed to Dutch culture and some of the culinary offered. I’ve been coming here for sometimes mostly when I crave food from Febo, Indra pura or Fritz shops. They offer foods that’s very close to what I am craving for. Their bitter ballen, chicken satay, lekkerbek (fish and chips) are great delicious and well made 10/10 I did not like the frikandellen as much, I felt it was too tough and meaty, but it was close enough to satisfy my craving. 9/10. Service is very good, they work hard to make sure the guests have the best experience. 10/10. Over all it’s a great place to visit maybe call it home away from home? I think it’s a good idea to explore and try this place if you haven’t and as the Dutch saying goes “Verandering van spijs doet eten “ which means mix things up once in a while to keep things interesting. ”
“ What a great place! Dutch food... At first I thought it'd be bread and meat and bland... I was so wrong. The menu is a fun, easy introduction to many dishes I've never heard of before. We tried the Genever ( traditional Dutch spirit similar to Gin). We ordered two dishes from the Indonesian part of the menu as well. Mmmmmmmm. Peanut sauce. ”
“ Small cozy place, lots of good Dutch comfort food. Pretty legit, same as what I had in the Netherlands. A little on the expensive side, but that's Toronto for you. ”