The Haifa Room
The Haifa Room is a Middle Eastern restaurant located in the Ossington Avenue neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is notable for being co-owned by individuals with both Palestinian and Jewish heritage, with the restaurant concept aiming to reflect the historical co-existence of these communities in the city of Haifa. The restaurant was founded by Fadi Hakim, Joseph Eastwood, Waseem Dabdoub, Mark Kupfert, and Daniel Suss.
Concept and cuisine
The Haifa Room's concept is rooted in the founders' shared Middle Eastern background and their desire to showcase the culinary traditions of the region, drawing inspiration from the diverse flavours and dishes found in Haifa. The restaurant started as a take-out window in the summer of 2021 and has since grown into a sit-in dining spot. The menu features dishes like Yaffa shawarma and falafel, representing the broader Middle Eastern culinary landscape. The food is intended to transcend cultural, political, and religious divides.A key aspect of The Haifa Room's identity is the partnership between its Jewish and Palestinian co-owners. This collaboration is intended to embody a spirit of co-existence and highlight the shared cultural elements between the two communities, particularly through their culinary traditions. The restaurant's name itself references the city of Haifa, a historically diverse port city in present-day Israel where Jewish and Arab communities have long resided. The co-owners see the restaurant as a "love letter" to their shared roots.