By Shannon Delmarco
When a major publication like the Toronto Star shines a spotlight on neighbourhood restaurants, it’s worth paying attention. Recently, the Star highlighted five standout food spots along the new Finch West LRT — and it was great to see two of them right here in Emery Village.
As the LRT continues to connect communities across the northwest end of the city, it’s also opening the door to discovering local businesses that have long been favourites with residents. Now, they’re earning well-deserved attention beyond the neighbourhood.
One of those stops is Yardy’s Jerk, located at 2201 Finch Avenue West, Unit 3, near Finch and Arrow Road (416-749-9273). The closest Finch West LRT stop is Signet Road Station, placing riders just steps from the plaza. Yardy’s has built a loyal following for its bold take on Jamaican street food, especially its smoky jerk chicken. The menu keeps things focused, letting flavour lead the way. One of its most talked-about offerings is jerk chicken served on sweet hardo bread — a simple pairing that surprises first-timers and keeps regulars coming back. Yardy’s also offers a creative jerk chicken banh mi, a nod to the diverse food cultures that define the Jane–Finch area.
A short ride west brings you to Flower Lantern Vegetarian Restaurant, located at 2437 Finch Avenue West, Unit 1, near Finch and Jayzel Drive (416-661-8688). The nearest Finch West LRT stop is Milvan Drive Station, followed by a short walk into the plaza. Flower Lantern stands out for its thoughtful approach to vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine — still relatively uncommon in the GTA. Rather than simply removing meat from traditional dishes, the restaurant recreates classic flavours using house-made mock meats crafted from bean curd, wheat gluten, and vegetables.
Popular dishes include vegetarian versions of bún bò hu? and comforting rice noodle soups that show how rich and satisfying plant-based cooking can be when it’s rooted in tradition. Even diners who don’t usually eat vegetarian food often leave impressed.
The Finch West LRT isn’t just about moving people across the city — it’s about connecting them to places worth visiting. With Yardy’s Jerk and Flower Lantern earning city-wide recognition, Emery Village continues to show that its food scene is well worth the stop.