Hirut Cafe And Restaurant in Toronto

2050 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1J6, Canada

★★★★★
(152 reviews)
Categories: Ethiopian restaurant
Website
hirutjazz.ca
Address
2050 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1J6, Canada
Plus Code
MMPP+6F Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Sunday
2–6 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5–10 PM
Wednesday
5–10 PM
Thursday
5–10 PM
Friday
5–10 PM
Saturday
5–10 PM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Live music
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Paid street parking

Photos

Reviews

4.7
★★★★★
152 reviews

Most Mentioned

live music (18) prices (9) atmosphere (7) comedy (6) evening (4) coffee (3) entrees (2) parking (2) vegetarian (2)
5 stars
120
4 stars
25
3 stars
6
2 stars
0
1 stars
1
★★★★
November 3, 2024

We really didn't like the food, left most of it on our plates. The service, the atmosphere, and performance were great though.

★★★★★
April 28, 2024

A perfect place to find yourself soaking up some lovely jazz played by some of Toronto's best hidden talents. I'd only had Ethiopian food once before this and it wasn't the best experience, but this experience was altogether different. The ribs were, on their own, perfection. The accompaniments were all also delicious in their own right, but in combining the flavours you can meet God, truly. I haven't had food that good in many years, and only ever homemade things! The amount of passion that goes into cooking food that delightful is rare to find, and I would highly recommend coming here to experience it. This place is 6 stars out of 5 stars, 25 hours a day and 8 days a week.

★★★★★
January 7, 2024

Great jazz in a friendly small venue. Dinner delicious and quite affordable. Nice listening-room vibe with audience respectful of the band. Good TTC access. Cash preferred for band cover charge.

★★★★★
June 29, 2023

Great cultural music, food, and service is more than homely. I so recommend this place for good vibes, smiles, and a warm atmosphere.

★★★★
September 22, 2022

Great place to listen to music (nearly every evening), and comedy (once a month). Home cooked Ethiopian food on offer plus drinks and a rich cup of coffee, all at very reasonable prices. A family owned place where the vision is to create a welcoming music venue in the east end! Easy to get to and plenty of street parking.

★★★★★
July 21, 2022

Very quaint little place. Food was excellent. Prices are very reasonable. Saw a jazz quintet there. Great night out for dinner and some live music.

★★★★
June 9, 2022

Hirut combines their restaurant with a venue for entertainers - jazz, comedy etc from a small stage in the restaurant. Great if you're looking for entertainment with your meal (I guess not so great if you aren't), so check the schedule. Very small menu with a handful of items, all Ethiopian staples.

★★★★★
February 27, 2022

It was great to be out for some live music and a drink or two but the food....a simple plate in itself but sooooooon amazing! The flavours and the spice coupled with the traditional style of eating, really so very good. I wish i had taken photos but they wouldn't do it justice you just have to try it! UPDATE: I have now added some photos from a second visit, this time family style.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Great line -up of Jazz artists passing through....

★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Nice atmosphere nice people, nice music jazz and African Nights. Nice food, good chefs Delicious meals Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Amazing place for live music!

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Great jazz, excellent food, approachable staff, humble neighborhood setting.

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Hidden gem!! Great family run, excellent place for jazz lovers!!

★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Good music, I like that they ask for quiet during the music. Very limited menu but adequate for the purposes. Inexpensive.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Went for the comedy, it was fantastic, would definitely go again

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Great jazz! Good food and family atmosfere. Parking: Sunday free on a nearby street, also at a grocery shop în the area. There is paid parking on Danforth but it was full when we came. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Loved this place. Two thumbs up for Ethiopian cuisine. Never had it before. Great ambiance, reasonable prices, and excellent entertainment.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great food and live music! I really recommend this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I have enjoyed a number of Tuesday Jazz nights at Hirut. It attracts the best musicians in a city known for its excellent performers, but if you love music, youll love the respectful atmosphere at Hirut. The host encourages prompt, quiet arrival, and silence in the smallish room during performances. Come early, though! Seats sell out fast, and parking nearby is not easy. Vegetarian options: Light spicing, and homemade options. Dietary restrictions: I cant have sugar, and restrict carbs. The hostess seemed delighted to be able to offer me food which respected my needs.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Cuban Live band was extraordinary Food is just okay

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best food and music experience together!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food is very tasty! Gluten free injera is available if you call in advance, everything else is naturally gf.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

What a special place! Delicious food, the friendliest people and fantastic music!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great live Jazz

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We go here to hear Jazz and to enjoy great Ethiopian dishes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great place to listen to live jazz

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Went to hear the Dave Young Trio with Reg Schwagger on guitar. They were great. Limited menu, but food was delicious. Very reasonably priced: entrees $18 to $20. Service was excellent. Small informal venue so every seat is ideal to see and hear live jazz. Green P parking only minutes away for $3 after 7:00. Definitely will go back. Parking: Green P parking lot 021 is right by corner of Danforth and Woodbine, $3 flat rate in evenings after 7:00 and a short walk to Hirut Jazz Bar.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great small venue with good acoustics. Everyone was having a great evening! Fergus and Hermina were at their best as they give it all to their supporters. Fergus has been WOWING Toronto for over 40 years! Jason was super and Sly and Robbie did a great job keeping it all together Service

December 22, 2023

Absolutely worst service EVER! RUN AWAY!!! I had to wait for 1 hour 15 min for the plate of beans to be served. No apologies, terrible attitude of the only waitress who was serving. We arrived 1 hour BEFORE the jazz concert starts to eat dinner and made an order immediately. The waitress ignored all my attempts to remind her that we were not serbed the food and finally almost 1,5 hours lates she threw a plate of beams on my table. Did not apologised, did not show any sympathy, just disgusting attitude!. WILL NEVER COME BACK ! feel that I just wasted 3 hours of my life going to this place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Tibebe is such a wonderful person. After living in the area for almost a decade, we discovered Hirut for the first time on a whim. It s such an unassuming hidden gem. The live music here is an experience unto itself. It s an up close and personal experience with some of Canada s most talented and acclaimed musicians. I m glad to be no longer missing out on one of the city s best jazz lounges.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Warm hospitality and excellent cuisine. You ll feel right at home here.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I had a spectacular evening at Hirut ICafe, the live music was sublime and the food divine. The owner treated us like family!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Love Tibebe and Hirut. Thank you.

★★★★
December 22, 2022

Very friendly place and the food was great. We enjoyed the live music immensely!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Truly a local community place to be. Friendly people, service and good food. The stand-up comedy show was a treat and we really enjoyed our night out. Will be certainly going back again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food was tasty, very crowded for special Tuesday evening.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food is really good, its like home made food

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Excellent food and entertainment

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

We had an annual birthday party and filled the restaurant with musicians (on-stage and off) and friends. The Ethiopian cuisine is delicious and abundant. Tibebe is a warm-hearted and accommodating host.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Tasty Ethiopian food in a great atmosphere!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The owners were so sweet, the food was amazing, healthy, delicious, felt homemade. We loved the personalized experience.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing place with authentic Ethiopian dishes and a stage for performers and. musicians to entertain

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Went there on a Thursday night for dinner and live music. It was quiet, and we were the only diners. It is a husband-wife run restaurant so pace is easy. The food was delicious. At 8 the nights trio started playing, and regulars started streaming in to hear the band. It was a warm and friendly atmosphere. There was no cover charge that night, so we tipped the band directly. The menu is limited but sufficient to try out all well-known Ethiopian dishes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Incredible food and great vibe

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing shows and food. Owner was so kind and friendly.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Delicious Ethiopian food, right around the corner. 5 stars - and definitely ordering from here again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Very friendly service. They had a live jazz band.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

In the Ethiopian restaurant there is a live music. The food is really good one too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Food is delicious! We got the special which includes both meats. The musicians here are also great! Really good weekend go to place!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Went for the music, had the vegetarian entree and it was amazing. Very delicious! Looking forward to going back for more of both.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great music ... Great staff ... Manager is a cool dude ..

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Very warm place . The people are very excellent. the food and the music are also wonderful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great food. Cozy atmosphere. Good live music

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Great music and even better food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

This is an amazing family run Ethiopian restaurant with great food and amazing atmosphere. If you want to see great jazz musicians and great comedy, this is the place to be. Truly a gem on the Danforth.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Hirut is a neighbourhood gem! The owners are an absolute delight. The Ethiopian food is soooo flavourful and delicious. And they support Live Music! A great night out!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Wonderful food, excellent service and we we enjoyed the live music

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

The food is great! Been here before do a comedy night. Finally had the food.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Nice and cozy place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Specially there traditional food and coffee attract me more.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Excellent Ethiopian food. Life music.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Such a nice owner and the open mic crowd is top shelf. Chill and fun environment and great coffee!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Wonderful owners, great comedy night and very reasonable prices. Id never tried Ethiopian food before, but I will be back. Great little place on the Danforth.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Delicious food, and the staff is very friendly. Been there twice and will be going back again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Food here is AMAZING, very reasonably priced and good portion sizes. We had never eaten Ethiopian food before, server was patient, explained all menu items and showed us the proper way to eat the bread and food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Place very convivial, the cook waited on us hand and foot. There will have a concert at the end of this month there

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Food was good. The owners are wonderfully cheerful people. Entertaining evening!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great live music

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Tasty food, great atmosphere, great price, friendly service, wonderful Saturday night jazz. Highly recommend.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Tasty, fast, and a great people-watching patio for steamy summer sunsets.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

AUTHENTIC AMAZING ETHIOPIAN FOOD MADE BY SUCH A LOVELY COUPLE-NICE VENUE

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Authentic Ethiopian fare, well priced drinks in a cosy welcoming atmosphere with live music on some nights. Owners and staff are friendly and great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great food and lovely service, reasonable prices and amazing live music! Overall an excellent dining experience. (The menu isn t vast but it gets 5 stars for pricing)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

The food is great. Hirut is lovely.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Good Ethiopian comfort food. Good jazz.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Have good restaurants

★★★★
December 22, 2018

Iam eating delicious food &good services

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

I always have their vegetarian dish, its inexpensive and enjoyable; although the taste is not always consistent. They have the best injera (sour flatbread made with teff flour), they also have amazing jazz artists playing live on select nights.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Delish

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Great music

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great food. Excellent venue for live music.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great food, once you know how to eat it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

#JAZZNIGHT

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Great food, music. Friendly and hospitable hosts creating beautiful atmosphere.

★★★★
December 22, 2017

The food is delicious!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Fun little place. Went for live comedy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Tasty food, there was a live band playing too... Fun time.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Good place and they have very good food. The service can be a bit slow at times but the good food makes up for it. They also offer frequent entertainment as well.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

good stuff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Love the Franklin Avenue Swingtet on the first Thursday of every month!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

I love this place! The owners are amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2016

Great music

★★★★★
December 22, 2016

Great food, definitely recommend!

★★★★★
December 22, 2015

The food and staff were great.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2012

Tasty food prepared using classic recipes. Hirut is a wonderful hostess as well, had a great time at the open mic too!