Zach Kolomeir and Carmelina Imola: Montreal Heart, Toronto Soul
When a chef and a host team up — not just in life, but in business — magic can happen. That’s exactly the story of Zach Kolomeir and Carmelina Imola, the Montreal-born duo behind three of Toronto’s most beloved restaurants: Dreyfus, Bernhardt’s, and Vilda’s. Together, they’ve brought a new kind of warmth, authenticity, and joie de vivre to the city’s bustling dining scene — and Toronto diners can’t get enough.
Zach, a talented chef with a sharp palate and a big heart, got his start as a busboy at Joe Beef before heading to the Culinary Institute of America, then cooking under Eli Kulp at Fork in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Carmelina — known to everyone as Carm — was mastering the art of hospitality, first at Liverpool House, then working at the legendary wine bar Loïc.
Their paths crossed at Liverpool House in 2017. Friendship turned into partnership — first personal, then professional. And when it came time to build something of their own, they chose Toronto: a new city, a clean slate, and the promise of defining their future on their own terms.
Dreaming Up Dreyfus
Inspired by Zach’s Jewish heritage, European roots, and love for cozy, unpretentious dining, Zach and Carm created Dreyfus — a tiny, joyful restaurant where the kitchen is barely bigger than a walk-in closet, yet every plate sings.
Named after Alfred Dreyfus — the historical figure whose resilience against injustice resonated deeply with them — the restaurant reflects a belief in hospitality as a way of reclaiming culture, identity, and community. Here, Montreal-style warmth meets Parisian bistro soul. The plates are vibrant, generous, and crafted with ingredients from Ontario’s best farms. The service is personal, the vibe unmistakably homey.
Dreyfus quickly became a Toronto favorite, not for chasing trends, but for doing something increasingly rare: making every guest feel like they belong.
Building Bernhardt’s
Then came Bernhardt’s. Originally scheduled to open in June 2020, it pivoted mid-pandemic to survive — opening outdoors-only, dancing between takeout and dine-in as rules shifted weekly.
Where others saw chaos, Zach and Carm saw opportunity. Bernhardt’s became a cozy refuge: a place for roast chicken, beautiful vegetables, natural wine, and — always — generous hospitality. Inspired by Jewish comfort food and old-school Montreal spots like Chalet BBQ, it hit a nerve. Toronto wanted simple, soulful food — and Bernhardt’s delivered.
Their ability to adapt — and stay true to their philosophy — cemented their reputation as restaurateurs who lead with heart.
Enter Vilda’s and NL Ginzburg
When a tiny space opened across the street, they leapt at the chance to create Vilda’s — a laid-back sandwich shop that exploded on TikTok and quickly became a neighborhood institution. Big sandwiches, bright flavors, chill energy. Another love letter to casual, soulful eating.
The duo has since opened NL Ginzburg in Little Italy, which showcases the best of Italo-Jewish cuisine and is named after the Italian anti-fascist activist couple, Natalia and Leone Ginzburg.
A Family Grows
Through it all, Zach and Carm grew not just as entrepreneurs, but as partners and parents. Today, they juggle three restaurants, a vibrant community of loyal guests, and a beautiful new family of their own.
Their journey isn’t just about opening restaurants — it’s about building spaces that feel timeless. Places where food, service, and heart are seamlessly woven together. Places that feel, simply, like home.
If you’re in Toronto, their restaurants are more than a must-visit — they’re proof that real hospitality never goes out of style. Le Chaim!
Written by Élise Tastet
