Harlem Restaurant Toronto Reopening This May
After six years of being away, Harlem Restaurant Toronto reopening is making a heartfelt return this May. The Queen Street West spot was once a beloved fixture in the city’s dining and cultural scene, known for soul food and a warm, vibrant atmosphere. The man behind it, Carl Cassell, closed the original Harlem Underground to support his wife’s wellness business. Now, he’s stepping back into the restaurant world — and bringing Harlem back with him.
At a child’s birthday party, Carl was reminded of the restaurant’s impact when three couples said they had their first dates at Harlem. That moment sparked something. Carl and his wife sat down and made a decision: the city still needed Harlem, and it was time to return.
Harlem Restaurant Toronto Reopening to Original Roots
The revival stays true to Harlem’s legacy. It celebrates Black culture through music, food, and history, just like before. But this time, there’s a twist: a simpler, more flexible menu. Harlem will now offer a tapas-style setup, letting guests order soul food favourites à la carte.
- Location: 745 Queen St. W.
- Style: Tapas-style soul food
- Concept: Community, culture, and comfort
- Co-owner: Carl Cassell
- Partner: Carl Allen
“It’s like the cosmos willed it,” Carl says. “There was no resistance.”
He and longtime partner Carl Allen felt that now was the right time to bring Harlem back. Everything lined up — even the Queen Street location became available again after a previous tenant dropped out.
Why Toronto Needs Harlem Back
For Carl, the reopening isn’t just about food. It’s about reconnecting with the city and filling a cultural void that’s lingered since Harlem closed. “We brought a vibe to the city,” he says. “There’s been a hole since we left.”
Carl wants to make sure the new Harlem is “rock solid” before reopening, so the team isn’t rushing. The goal is to launch sometime in May, giving enough time to refine the menu, space, and experience.
Toronto’s food scene is ever-evolving, but Harlem’s comeback is one rooted in nostalgia, community, and soul.
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