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Toronto’s Riverside is home to plenty of hidden gems that offer something a little different, from a multi-floor vintage mecca to a Portuguese food joint operating out of a shipping container. Sometimes, the most delightful things are hiding in plain sight. Check out these spots in the neighbourhood you might have yet to discover:

Photo credit: Instagram user @joeharm

Elvira’s (@elviras.to)

Address: 639 Queen St E (Rear)

Located in a bright red container behind 639 Queen St E, Elvira’s is every bit a hidden gem. Serving up delicious Portuguese eats, a must-try from the menu is the Francesinha, a hefty sandwich packed with an assortment of meats and smothered with a rich sauce.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

“Along the Riverbanks” Mural by Nick Sweetman

Address: Retaining wall at south end of Baseball Place

This 2000-square-foot mural by Nick Sweetman depicts the story of our connection to the Don River and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. You can learn more about the mural here. On a related note, you’ll also find (temporary) sidewalk murals by Nick for Queen East Eats in select businesses in Riverside this summer!

BLOG: Queen East Eats Sidewalk Mural Project – Nick Sweetman

Photo credit: Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe 

Glass House Garden Centre and Cafe (@glasshousecafe.to)

Address: 771 Queen St E

True to its name, this garden centre has a cafe nestled in a charming glass house in the middle of the space. Aside from refreshing beverages and pastries, Glass House also serves gelato by the scoop, the perfect treat for those sweltering summer days.

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

The Vintage Hall (@thevintagehallto)

Address: 754 Queen St E

From the outside, The Vintage Hall looks like your ordinary vintage shop — but looks can be deceiving. In addition to the vendor market on the second floor, the 2,700-square-foot retail space has a basement level with more vintage goods, including furniture and fixtures.

Photo credit: Aura

Aura Cafe (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E

PSA: Aura has become a day-to-night hangout. Before it transforms into the cocktail bar we know and love, it now operates as a cafe from 7am-3pm, where you can get your coffee/matcha fix while working remotely or doing some light reading.

BLOG: Onto Greener Pastures: Where To Get Matcha in Toronto’s Riverside

Photo credit: ēst Restaurant

ēst Restaurant – Second Floor (@est.restaurant)

Address: 729 Queen St E

Did you know that ēst Restaurant has a second floor? It’s perfect for small gatherings and special occasions, whether it’s a corporate dinner or a birthday celebration. Enjoy ēst’s contemporary French cuisine in the privacy of this sleek space.

For more lifestyle content like this from Toronto’s Riverside, make sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly!

This week on Riverside BIA We’re Growing, business is blooming. 

Located at 31 Saulter St in Riverside, Stemz Inc is a full-service floral and event design studio that specializes in transforming weddings, corporate events and special celebrations with awe-inspiring floral arrangements and installations.

Known for its whimsical designs and meticulous attention to detail, the team works closely with clients to bring every vision to life, whether it’s a chic Sicilian-inspired al fresco bridal shower or an exclusive fall-themed dinner for the Blue Jays.

Stemz prides itself in bringing an unmatched sense of artistry to its work, from elegant bouquets to breathtaking backdrops, making any event an unforgettable one. With over 20 years of experience, Stemz Inc has become a trusted name for events across Toronto. 

For inquiries, send an email to studio@stemz.ca or call (416) 686-8526. Follow @stemz_inc on Instagram to see more of the studio’s beautiful work!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood!

Photo credits: Stemz Inc

We have some paw-some news: Knick Knack Paddywhack, your one-stop shop for premium pet supplies, is now open in Riverside! After six years in Corktown, Knick Knack Paddywhack has found a new home at 768 Queen St E in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Founded in 2017, this locally owned business has become the trusted source of many pet owners for its extensive but thoughtfully curated selection of pet products, from natural food options and supplements to apparel and accessories. The signature dog collars, leashes and harnesses are handmade right in the store, too!

Knick Knack Paddywhack currently has three locations in Toronto, including Riverdale, Upper Beaches and now Riverside.

“I started Knick Knack Paddywhack to offer a curated selection of quality dog foods, treats, toys and supplies. I often felt overwhelmed in pet stores by the sheer volume of choices that offered little to no apparent difference. I wanted customers to shop confidently, knowing we provide 5-6 top-tier brand names instead of 20 indistinguishable options,” said Knick Knack Paddywhack owner Kieran Burger.

Knick Knack Paddywhack carries a wide variety of Canadian brands such as Acana, Orijen, Carna4, Crumps Naturals, Tilted Barn, just to name a few.

According to Kieran, Knick Knack Paddywhack’s move to Riverside was a long time coming.

“Nine years ago, when opening the first Knick Knack, I wanted to be in Riverside because I had lived here for nearly a decade and knew the area and its people well. However, few commercial vacancies were available then, so I opened the flagship store in Riverdale. I’m really happy that nine years later, I’m coming full circle.”

If you can’t come to the store, Knick Knack Paddywhack will come to you! Order online and get free local delivery on orders over $39. Aside from pet supplies, Knick Knack Paddywhack also does grooming services. You can find more information about rates and how to book an appointment here.

Welcome to Riverside, Knick Knack Paddywhack! Follow @knickknackpaddywhackdogs on Instagram for updates!

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog regularly so you’re always updated on new businesses in the neighbourhood!

Photo credits: Riverside BIA

Mark your calendars: Afraspektion is back for its 5th year on August 15th from 2pm-7pm at Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E)!

Curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA, Afraspektion is an annual celebration of the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora and a commemoration of Emancipation Month in Ontario.

On August 1, 2021, Canada officially (according to Parliamentary Motion) recognized Emancipation Day, when the Slavery Abolition Act was enacted in 1834 to free enslaved Africans and their descendants in colonies of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.

If you’re new to Afraspektion, you’re in for a treat because it’s going to be an exciting afternoon with many fun family-friendly activities. You’ll find the official schedule at the end of this blog post. 

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of a few of the performers and local vendors that will be at this year’s Afraspektion:

Entertainment

Photo credit: Ace Dillinger

DJ Ace Dillinger (@ace_dillinger)

DJ and radio show host known for seamlessly blending nostalgic favourites with her own unique club, global and house finds

Photo credit: Babarinde Williams

Babarinde Williams a.k.a. “Baba” (@babari6216)

Award-winning motivational speaker, singer, percussionist, recording artist, trumpet and saxophone player, ethnomusicologist, music director, writer and Griot (African historian and storyteller)

Photo credit: Dr. Rawbyn Diamonds

Dr. Rawbyn Diamonds (@rawbyndiamonds)

Drag artist, scientist and co-founder of “Science is a Drag”

Local Vendors

Photo credit: HueMan Brand

HueMan Brand (@hue.manbrand)

Premium, organically sourced skincare products centered around raw African shea butter and authentic African black soap

Photo credit: Nya’s Creations Co

Nya’s Creations Co (@nyascreations.co)

Acrylic art on canvases, wooden panels, glass, stickers and other mediums

Photo credit: Hook and Peel Crochet

Hook and Peel Crochet (@hookandpeelcrochet)

Crochet plush toys, bags, keychains, pouches and kindle cases

Other activities at Afraspektion 2026 include:

• Face painting
• Food and refreshments
• Arts
• Giveaways
• Cosplay

Follow @oddsidearts and @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on Afraspektion leading up to the event on August 15th. Don’t forget to RSVP and get your FREE tickets to Afraspektion by clicking on the button below!

Thanks go to the City of Toronto’s Cultural Festival Funding Program, Hullmark, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and the Government of Canada Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative for their support of Afraspektion 2026.

A key piece of the programming for the recently concluded Game On East End was an incredible community mural ‘State of Play’ by artist Phillip Saunders at 33 Davies Avenue, here in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood – and we’re excited to share that it’s now complete! 

Artist Phillip Saunders (at right) with a community member painting the mural

Check out this vibrant sports-themed mural located at 33 Davies Ave in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Mural Art by Phillip Saunders, Photo credit: Cass Rudolph and East End Arts

Seen in the mural are two large-scale soccer players battling for the upper hand in an intense moment of competition. An exaggerated low-angle perspective creates a powerful sense of scale, movement, and energy, placing the viewer directly in the action. Within the globe-like frame is a soccer stadium set beneath a beautiful blue sky filled with clouds, with the sun positioned just behind one of the players’ heads. Together, these elements create a dynamic backdrop that reinforces the excitement of the game. This mural is designed to inspire joy, excitement, and community pride while celebrating the passion, teamwork, and spirit that soccer brings to people of all ages.

Phillip Saunders in front of his mural at 33 Davies Ave in Riverside Toronto

Phillip Saunders is a Jamaican-born multidisciplinary artist and arts educator based in Toronto. His practice spans oil painting, charcoal drawing, mural-making, and digital illustration, and is rooted in an exploration of cultural identity, visual storytelling, and the relationship between tradition and contemporary expression. As an arts educator and community-oriented muralist, he is deeply committed to making art accessible and reflective of the communities it inhabits. His public works prioritize connection, representation, and shared cultural experience.

Watch this Reel of Phillip talking about “State of Play”. Check out @ps.loveishere on Instagram and his official website to see more of his work!

Special thanks to the City of Toronto’s Community Celebration Support Fund and World in a City Small Business Grant for financial support; to East End Arts and the Riverside BIA for project coordination and funding support to make this public art project possible; and to building owners for providing the wall space for public art. On behalf of all the project partners, thank you to the nearly 60 children, youth and family members from the neighbourhood and beyond who helped to paint many sections of this mural!

Head over to Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood and check out Phillip Saunders’s new piece! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and check the Riverside Blog for regular updates on public art in Riverside!

You can also read about “Where the Sunlight Meets the River” by Cesar Alonso, another new mural in Riverside.