The building at 91 Geary Avenue was once a working firehouse, and its industrial bones remain central to the experience. The name Urban Fireside reflects the contrast between the city's raw energy and the warmth of a shared hearth.
Reserve a tableThe original firehouse layout—tall ceilings, exposed brick, and steel beams—was preserved and adapted rather than erased. Walking through the front doors, you can still trace the bones of the building: the wide engine bay, the heavy lintels, the sense of a space built for purpose.
The main dining area occupies the former engine bay, where the large doors now frame views of Geary Avenue. Original brick walls were cleaned and sealed, while new steel and concrete elements were added to support modern functions without hiding the past. The open kitchen sits where the firehouse's equipment once stood, making fire a visible part of the dining experience rather than something hidden behind a wall.
The design palette—soot black, raw concrete, burnt orange, and oxidized copper—mirrors the building's industrial past and the warmth of fire. Exposed brick and blackened steel create a dramatic backdrop, while warm ivory and copper accents soften the space. Dramatic overhead lighting mimics the focused beams of a firehouse, casting pools of light on tables and the card room. The result is a space that feels both rugged and welcoming, like a modern hearth in the city.
A modern hearth in the city.
The kitchen centres on a wood-fired grill and hearth, using flame to develop deep, smoky flavours in Canadian ingredients. Dishes are built around seasonal produce, wild game, and freshwater fish from Ontario and across Canada. The open kitchen allows guests to see the fire and the chefs at work, reinforcing the connection between heat and craft. Techniques are modern but rooted in tradition: smoking, ember roasting, and cast-iron searing.
Menus change with the seasons, reflecting what is available from nearby farms and producers. Partnerships with Ontario farmers and foragers bring ingredients like ramps, wild mushrooms, and heirloom vegetables to the table. The kitchen minimizes waste by using whole animals and preserving surplus through pickling, fermenting, and smoking. This commitment to locality supports the regional economy and reduces the restaurant's environmental footprint.
The menu is a modern expression of Canadian cuisine, drawing on the country's multicultural influences and natural bounty. Dishes might pair bison with juniper and wild blueberry, or lake trout with cedar and maple. The culinary team experiments with Indigenous ingredients and techniques, always with respect and collaboration. The result is food that feels both familiar and new, rooted in place and open to innovation.
The card room is a physical space within Urban Fireside, designed for face-to-face poker in a comfortable, social setting. The room features professional-grade tables, quality cards and chips, and attentive service—but no screens or online interfaces. It is a place to read opponents, share stories, and enjoy the game as a social activity, not a solitary digital pursuit. The design uses dark denim blue and warm lighting to create a focused yet relaxed atmosphere, avoiding casino clichés.
The card room operates with clear rules and a commitment to responsible play, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.
A chef with deep roots in Canadian cuisine, leading the kitchen with a passion for fire and local ingredients. Trained in Toronto and honed skills in wood-fired kitchens across Canada. Believes in cooking that respects the land and the people who produce the food. Oversees the daily menu and the open-fire techniques that define the restaurant.
A seasoned poker enthusiast and hospitality professional who ensures the card room runs smoothly and responsibly. Has organized live poker events for over a decade, focusing on fair play and community. Trains staff to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all players. Designs the tournament schedule and manages the room's operations.
The operational backbone, ensuring every guest feels at home from the moment they walk through the firehouse doors. Brings extensive experience in Toronto's hospitality scene, from neighbourhood bistros to large venues. Focuses on service standards, staff development, and the seamless integration of dining and card room experiences. Champions the restaurant's values of craft, community, and responsible hospitality.
Geary Avenue has evolved from an industrial corridor into a hub for artists, makers, and independent businesses. The street is home to galleries, studios, breweries, and design shops, creating a vibrant, creative energy. Urban Fireside fits into this landscape as a gathering place that celebrates craft and community. The restaurant's firehouse roots connect it to the area's history of industry and hard work.
A gathering place that celebrates craft and community.
Urban Fireside is not just a restaurant; it is a reason to explore Geary Avenue and experience Toronto's creative side. Guests can combine a meal with a visit to nearby galleries or a pre-dinner drink at a local brewery. The restaurant's evening atmosphere, with its warm firelight and dramatic architecture, makes it a memorable stop. The card room adds a unique dimension, offering a social activity that complements the dining experience.
91 Geary Avenue, Toronto, ON M6H 2B8, Canada
We honour the craft of cooking and hospitality, from the fire in the kitchen to the service at the table. Every dish is prepared with intention, using techniques that respect the ingredients. Our team is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, treating each service as an opportunity to refine our skills. The physical space itself is a testament to craftsmanship, with its preserved brick and steel.
We are a gathering place for the neighbourhood and the city, fostering connections over food and play. We support local producers and collaborate with nearby businesses to strengthen the Geary Avenue community. Our card room is designed for social interaction, bringing people together in a shared physical space. We host events and gatherings that celebrate Toronto's diverse culture and creative spirit.
We are committed to operating responsibly, from our sourcing practices to our card room policies. We minimize waste and prioritize sustainable ingredients in our kitchen. Our card room enforces age restrictions and promotes fair, responsible play. We create a safe and welcoming environment for all guests and staff.
Whether you come for the food, the cards, or the atmosphere, Urban Fireside welcomes you to Geary Avenue. Reserve a table to enjoy contemporary Canadian dishes cooked over open fire. Visit the card room for a friendly game of poker in a physical, social setting. Our team is ready to make your evening memorable, from the first flame to the last hand.
