Haven't been to Harbord street forever after graduating from U of T and I thought it's still a small street with not much going on.
Turned out I was wrong. In the recent year this neighbourhood has got some really great restaurants. Rasa is one of them.
The restaurant is inside a house at a intersection. Looks like it's got a bit patio (for the summer). Once you get in you need to walk a few stairs down. I was instantly impressed with the vibe and the decor. It felt like an indie restaurant almost. Dim light but not so much. People are talking but not so loud. Busy but not packed. I loved it. The seats we got are two super super comfortable high chairs side by side facing the window by the street. Very intimate setting great for close friends or a date.
We ordered 5 dishes - chop salad, octopus, braised lamb, duck breast and sticky bun. All of them came out really great. You can tell thoughts were put into the presentation, texture, and the taste. The sticky bun and the duck breast were especially incredible. The braised lamb very unique with a Persian touch. The octopus was tender and flavourful.
There were only two of us and we ordered 5 dishes because usually portions at tapas restaurants are small but this is not the case for Rasa. The portion is quite decent and we got so full! The bill wasn't exactly cheap or expensive but it think it's worth it and of great value.