S. Lefkowitz, Toronto's first hummusia is now open where Ezra's Pound on Dundas West once stood. Still owned by Ezra Braves, the space has been refreshed and converted from coffee to hummus-making facilities. Whole ingredients are proudly displayed in glass vessels while sepia-toned portraits of Braves' grandparents overlook the room.

Scrawled on black boards, the menu is simple and straightforward: hummus, tahini and labneh spread onto plates and topped with spice blends, oils and selections like spiced meat or warm olives. Toasty pita is supplied on the side while extra orders are half a buck each.

The house-made hummus is sold in two sizes: regular ($6.75) and snack ($5.35). Pulverized seasoned chickpeas blended throughout the day are back-spooned into a swish on a plate. Ordered with warm olives ($8.25), the spread is drizzled with olive oil and topped with braised green olives, lemony chickpeas, za'atar and a dusting of dry harissa seasoning.

The tahini ($6 regular, $5.5 snack) is substantial too, not some runny dressing but a thick creamy spread dressed with smokey harissa oil. Tart and creamy labneh is priced the same and topped with mint and oil. Assembling a filling meal is easy and the assortment of dips and nibbles are incredibly satisfying.

Strong pour-over coffee ($3), an organic Guatemalan bean from Ezra's Pound, is on the menu along with loose black teas ($3) spiked with handfuls of fresh mint or liquorice root. Medjool dates served with toasted walnuts and a sticky drizzle of rosewater orange syrup is finished with a hit of fresh mint.

S. Lefkowitz, is open daily from about 10:30am. There are about 20 seats inside while the side patio will double that once the weather turns for the better. The entire menu is available to go sold by weight.

Photos by Andrew Williamson