Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 11

It’s-Never-Too-Late Last-Minute Gift Guide: Toronto Restaurant Cookbooks

🕘 5 min read

In search of great gifts for the food-lovers on your list? In need of cooking inspo for the holidays and/or new year? Either way, you’re in luck as top Toronto chefs and restaurateurs have released stellar cookbooks boasting signature dishes and drinks you know and love alongside exclusive creations straight from their home kitchens.

There are plenty to choose from. Discover over 35 titles exploring an array of cuisines and ingredients, and offering everything from vegan and vegetable-forward options to meat-centric selections, with everything in between. (Pro tip: Save room for dessert.) Many are new, with some older and even old school selections. Visit the restaurant, bar, bakery or shop your local bookstore in-person or online (Independent bookstores are THE BEST. See list below.) to stock up on these covetable culinary compendiums that will keep you inspired all year long.

TORONTO RESTAURANT, BAKERY + CAFE COOKBOOKS

Bobbette & Belle: Classic Recipes from the Celebrated Pastry Shop: A Baking Book by Allyson Bobbitt and Sarah Bell

Bunner's: Simple & Delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Treats by Ashley Wittig and Kevin MacAllister

The Depanneur Cookbook by Len Senater (For pre-order. Release date: March 5, 2024)

Earls The Cookbook: Eat a Little. Eat a Lot. 110 of Your Favourite Recipes Edited by Jim Sutherland

Super Fresh Super Natural, Super Vibrant Vegan Recipes: A Cookbook by Jennifer Houston and Ruth Tal

Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand by Nuit Regular

Kitten and the Bear Cookbook: Recipes for Small Batch Preserves, Scones, and Sweets from the Beloved Shop by Sophie Kaftal and Bobby Zielinski

Langdon Hall: A Cookbook by Jason Bangerter and Chris Johns

Maman The Cookbook: All-Day Recipes To Warm Your Heart by Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte with Lauren Salkeld

Hot off the shelf: The second Mandy’s Gourmet Salads cookbook just dropped.

Mandy's Gourmet Salads: Recipes for Lettuce and Life and More Mandy's: More Recipes We Love by Mandy Wolfe, Rebecca Wolfe and Meredith Erickson

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen Out to Brunch by Doona Dooher and Claire Stubbs

The Real Jerk: New Caribbean Cuisine Book by Lily Pottinger and Ed Pottinger

OLD SCHOOL PICKS

The Bamboo Cooks: Recipes From the Legendary Nightclub by Richard O’Brien and Patti Habib

Centro Cooks: A Celebration Of The Seasons by Barbara Prevedello

The Southern Accent: Cajun & Creole Cookbook by Elena Embrioni and Frances Wood

COOKBOOKS BY TORONTO CHEFS, RESTAURATEURS, BARTENDERS + SHOPKEEPERS

For the Love of Cocktails: The Everyday Guide to Delightful Drinks for Anyone, Anytime by Evelyn Chick - Simpl Things

Hearth & Home: Cook, Share, And Celebrate Family-Style by Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk and Farm to Chef: Cooking Through the Seasons: A Cookbook by Lynn Crawford - The Hearth by Lynn Crawford

A Generous Meal: Modern Recipes for Dinner by Christine Flynn and How to Eat with One Hand: Recipes and Other Nourishment for New and Expectant Parents by Christine Flynn and Emma Knight - iQ Food Co. and The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.

The Hunter Chef Cookbook: Hunt, Fish, and Forage in Over 100 Recipes by Michael Hunter - Antler Kitchen + Bar

What’s cookin’? How ‘bout Green Curry Duck Legs or Lobster Thermidor with Béarnaise and Salt and Vinegar Chips à la Matty Matheson.

Matty Matheson: A Cookbook and Matty Matheson: Home Style Cookery: A Home Cookbook by Matty Matheson - Cà Phê Rang, Fonda Lola, Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club, Prime Seafood Palace, Rizzo’s House of Parm

Dolce Famiglia and David Rocco’s Dolce Vita by David Rocco - David Rocco Bar Aperitivo

The Last Schmaltz: A Very Serious Cookbook by Anthony Rose and Chris Johns - Fat Pasha, Fet Zun, Schmaltz Appetizing

Cooking Meat: A Butcher's Guide to Choosing, Buying, Cutting, Cooking, and Eating Meat by Peter Sanagan - Sanagan’s Meat Locker

The Bar Chef: A Modern Approach to Cocktails by Frankie Solarik - BarChef, Prequel & Co. Apothecary

Dad in the Kitchen: Over 100 Delicious Family Recipes You'll Love to Make and They'll Love to Eat by Cory Vitiello and Chris Johns - FLOCK Rotisserie & Greens

Learn to make mouth-watering fare from Cory Vitiello’s new cookbook ‘Dad in the Kitchen’. Start with Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cardamom, Cinnamon, Blood Oranges & Fresh Cream.

OLD SCHOOL FINDS

Susur: A Culinary Life by Susur Lee - Lee Restaurant

Mark McEwan's Fabbrica: Great Italian Recipes Made Easy by Mark McEwan - Bymark, Fabbrica, McEwan Fine Foods

3 Chefs: The Kitchen Men by Jason Parsons, Massimo Capra and Michael Bonacini - Peller Estates Winery, Capra’s Kitchen | Boccone Trattoria Veloce, Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality

French Food My Way by Marc Thuet - Petite Thuet

COMPILATIONS

Toronto Cooks: 100 Signature Recipes from the City’s Best Restaurants and Toronto Eats: 100 Signature Recipes from the City’s Best Restaurants by Amy Rosen

INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES

For new books: A Different Booklist, Another Story Bookshop, Ben McNally Books, Book City, Good Egg, Queen Books, TYPE Books.
For secondhand books (may also carry new titles): ABC Books, Balfour Books, Circus Books & Music, D&E Lake Ltd., Doug Miller Books, A Good Read, The Great Escape Book Store, The Monkey’s Paw, Re: Reading Used Books, Sellers & Newel Second-Hand Books, She Said Boom Records & Books.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 21, 2023-January 3, 2024

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 15 min read

The exhaustive list of 60 establishments below - 38 new, 22 closures - actually represents a fraction of the frenzied activity of late, so expect a wild Q1 in 2024.

Note: There will be no OPEN/CLOSED next week, returning January 4, 2024. In the meantime, stay tuned for more articles and posts on social. You don’t want to miss out. Insider tip: Want to be the first to know? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates.  

And reminder for TR Newsletter subscribers: Use your exclusive discount code to stock up on last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers and other great items from Gotamago. And more exciting discounts and offers from other great local spots are coming in the new year. p.s. Want to get in on the fun and promote your business to food-lovers across the GTA? Get started now.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

For drinks, dancing and ‘za, head to Little Italy’s new 4,000 sq. ft. event venue and night club Amore Resto Bar (559 College St.) in BLND TGER Restobar’s stead.

Tired of traipsing around town to a dinner spot then somewhere else for drinks? And/Ore (1040 Queen St. W.) offers a twofer - two spaces, two experiences under one roof: “Picnic-inspired” share plates and snacks on the mezzanine, with seasonal plates and classic cocktails below. (And it’s great to finally have something in the space after all this time. Did you know? The building’s storefront was boarded up for ages - nearly a decade - from 2012 until 2021.)

Atelier Pasta at Queen and Bathurst (167 Bathurst St.) is the latest spot to get in on the current Parmesan wheel pasta trend.

Casa Lugo Mexican Cuisine just launched in The Annex (394 Bloor St. W., Unit 101) and is already receiving rave reviews for its authentic fare. Find it nestled next to new arrival, The Chulo.

Chocolate and Love (96 Dunn St.) arrives in downtown Oakville with organic fair trade Swiss chocolate, just in time for the holidays,

Pizza, beer and cocktails are the focus of Cherry's High Dive (488 Wellington St. W.), taking over Marben’s former stomping grounds.

Indian chai cafe chain Chaiiwala of London continues to expand its footprint across the GTA with a branch in Etobicoke (1780 Albion Rd.). Discover enticing winter warmups including Karak Coffee, Pink Chai, Cinnamon Tea, Garam Chocolate, all day Shakshuka, Desi and English-ish brekkie, and assortment of buns, roll, wraps and bowls.

The focused menu at The Fall Bright Tavern (840 Bloor St. W.) features sophisticated starters (Cauliflower and Tarragon in Pistachio Vinaigrette, Gougères with Mustard Cheese Sauce) and cozy mains (Chicken Stew and Herb Dumplings, Salt Cod and Leek Pie with Frisée) in the space recently home to Little Sito.

Goldstruck Coffee #2 touched down at York and Richmond (133 Richmond St. W., Entrance on York). In addition to the usual suspects, find Vanilla Raf and unique lattes (Halva, Cayenne), with food spanning from savoury (Butter & Leek Croissant, Meat Pies) to sweet (Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf, Marlenka Napoleonky). Fun fact: The brand debuted seven years ago in Yorkville.

Tracking Gong Cha’s movements in the GTA these last few years has kept me hopping, and the international bubble tea chain shows no signs of letting up: Check out their latest boba shops in Oakville (2333 Taunton Rd., Unit 1), North York (320 Wilson Ave.), and Liberty Village (49 East Liberty St., Unit 1).

Psst. Hidden underneath Cherry's High Dive (488 Wellington St. W.) find Goodnight Cocktail Club, previously home to The Cloak Bar.

On the lookout for healthy eats on the go downtown? Green Box at Yonge and Richmond (33 Yonge St.) in Tractor Foods former stead.

Grillies is doling out tacos, burgers, burritos and bowls around the clock at its tenth location: 10626 Bayview Ave. in Richmond Hill.

Hakka Ren (4555 Hurontario St., Unit C2) is so popular in Mississauga, they opened a second. Get in on Yunan Chicken, Kung Pao Beef, Manchurian Tiger Prawns, Szechuan Fried Rice, Hakka Chow Mein, and other offerings at Dundas and Winston Churchill (3145 Dundas St. W., Unit 2).

Introducing Port Credit’s newest eatery, Hello Bangkok (62 Lakeshore Rd. E.), boasting Chef Yod’s Bangkok-style Thai specialties including Labb Tofu, Pad Ga Prao, and if you dare - Southern Suicide.

Perennial bffs Holy Shakes and T.O.’s Kathi Roll Eatery continue their rapid rollout with outposts in Mississauga (Heartland Town Centre 6045 Creditview Rd., Unit F3) and Markham (9830 Markham Rd.).

I gave you head’s up last month Joyous Chinese Cuisine was coming to North York (5505 Leslie St.). Newsflash: Doors are now open.

Swiftly following a recent launch in Vaughan, Kinton Ramen adds to its legion of local noodle shops with a spot at Don Mills and Eglinton (900 Don Mills Rd., Unit 12). Bonus: Enjoy a free gyoza and pop with every ramen purchase at this location until grand opening.

La Ciel, the latest Indian fine dining resto in Etobicoke, does everything from Mirch Baigan Ka Salan to Goat Roganjosh, at Hwy 27 and Finch (6628 Finch Ave. W).

After unveiling its cafe concept in Scarborough last year, Mabu Generation brings their OG Taiwanese fusion resto stacked with deep-fried chicken, Taiwanese style hot pot, and sizzling hot plates to Mississauga’s Golden Square Centre (1177 Central Pky W., Unit 9).

Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine (825 Britannia Rd W.) got underway yesterday. What to expect from the Mississauga destination? “A luxury, multi-sensory culinary experience, inspired by nature.”

Pretzels have been a thing lately. Get your hands on Mr. Pretzels’ freshly baked variety with assorted toppings at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr., Lower Level) next to Cinnabon.

Following a debut in Richmond Hill last year, Pho Anh Vu has expanded all over the GTA recently: Markham/Unionville (8360 Kennedy Rd.), Scarborough (3280 Midland Ave.), and as of December 16, North York at Yonge and Finch (5588 Yonge St.) - Enjoy 10 per discount at this location until December 21. Conditions apply.

Raftaar Kitchen + Bar kicks off today in Greektown in Bar Hop’s recent digs (681 Danforth Ave.) with Indian fusion fare (Chicken Tikka Bao, Butter Chicken Burger, Tres Leches Gulab Jamun Milkcake) alongside more traditional dishes (Dal Makhani, Chicken Korma, Railway Mutton Curry).

In the mood for brunch? Banana Bread French Toast, Guacamole Bacon Burger, and much more await at Ramona’s Kitchen new setup in Richmond Hill at Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St., Unit J005 - Entrance 2) This marks the third location for the local chain, following a launch in Leaside last summer.

Sakana Sushi & Oyster Bar (1450 Clark Ave. W., Unit 12A-14) is the dine-in counterpart for take-out venture Sakana Sushi To Go (7509 Yonge St.), both in Thornhill.

SOSO Tacos & Brews softly opened in Etobicoke (680 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 23). A beer in one hand, taco in the other - what’s not to love?

Tahini's Restaurant has been opening all over but clearly has an affinity for the west end See: Last month’s opening in Meadowvale (6040 Glen Erin Dr.) and Port Credit this month (515 Lakeshore Rd. E., Unit 102).

Shawarma, pides, boxes and wraps are happening at King and Dufferin, thanks to Toronto Shawarma (1210 King St. W.).

I told you Oakville’s The Wine Bar (100 Bronte Rd., Unit 9) was reopening. Find them in their new digs on Oakville’s main drag (2362 Lakeshore Rd. W.).

The northwest corner of Queen and Parliament has seen a lot of movement lately: Afghano Restaurant earlier this year, for a brief time Queen Subs (344 Queen St. E., Unit 1), and now 33’s Delights, the latter which is receiving high praise for everything from their Chicken Tikka Masala to the Aloo Tikki Burger.

CLOSED

Bar Catalina (231 Lakeshore Rd. E.) gave word of its impending closure earlier this month.

Fusaro's East (294 Richmond St. E., Unit 102), the companion to Fusaro’s Italian Kitchen (147 Spadina Ave.) has shuttered after 14 years. DId you know? The family-owned and operated biz was founded 25 years ago.

After nearly a decade, The Gaslight (1426 Bloor St. W.) is closing at the end of the month.

On Saturday, Donut Hive announced the sudden closure of all locations: 724 Lakeshore Rd. E. in Mississauga debuted last year and CF Sherway Gardens a few months ago. The first store opened in 2019 at Square One, then in RBC Path, followed by a number of popup shops. The flagship dropped at Yorkdale in March 2020, but thanks to world events, didn’t get a chance to get off the ground until November 2021. Doors closed this past summer.

The Gem Bar & Grill (1159 Davenport Rd.) is temporarily closed after a grease fire on Sunday. No injuries were reported.

A block of boarded up businesses on Yonge north of Lawrence, many which were fixtures for decades, include restaurants Joy Thai Restaurant (3192 Yonge St.), Noon Eatery (3190 Yonge St.), and Parmigiano (3186 Yonge St.); gelateria Your Gelato (3184 Yonge St.), and health food store Ottway Herbs & Vitamins.

Add ‘Visit Toronto’s smallest brewery Laylow (1144 College St.) by December 24’ to your to-do list.

Plant-based Lyfe Cafe, complete with meditation studio above, opened in Leslieville (998 Queen St. E.) during the pandemic. Doors closed for a final time last month.

Mean Bao’s second location on Bathurst south of Queen (167 Bathurst St.) has come to an end and the space is already home to another concept. Details above.

Like many restaurants these days, Parka Food Co. (424 Queen St. W.) has closed up shop, but luckily it’s not the end for the plant-based biz.

Pizzeria Libretto came to the Junction (3011 Dundas St. W.) during the pandemic. Service winds up Saturday, just before the third anniversary. Four locations in the city remain.

Revelstoke (195 Carlton St.) arrived in Cabbagetown late last year. The Peterborough biz is wrapping up things up here in the 6ix on January 1.

You’ve got until the 31st to get in your last goodbyes at The Rosedale Diner (1164 Yonge St.).

Sempre Pizza and Pasta (3038 Bloor St. W.) started serving the Etobicoke Kingsway community back in 1994. The space about to become Indian and Hakka eatery, The King’s Curry.

The Social Blend’s Korean-style macarons, dacquoises, and cloud cookies are available at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr.) until the end of the month.

Uncle Betty’s (2590 Yonge St.) was a mainstay in North Toronto for over a decade. That’s it for last year’s addition Jane & Dick's Bistro as well. Moving in: Mehfill Indian Cuisine.

NEWS

Palestinian Lebanese pizzeria Levant Pizza (899 Bloor St. W.) called out Uber Eats for listing the restaurant in the Israeli food category. [UPDATE 22.12.23: Beginning January 14, 2024, Uber Eats will “introduce a global Palestinian category on their platform.”]

A sixth death and more than 150 cases has been confirmed in the recent cantaloupe Salmonella outbreak in Canada. [UPDATE 22.12.23: The death toll has risen to seven.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 21-January 3

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 15 min read

The exhaustive list of 60 establishments below - 38 new, 22 closures - actually represents a fraction of the frenzied activity of late, so expect a wild Q1 in 2024.

Note: There will be no OPEN/CLOSED next week, returning January 4, 2024. In the meantime, stay tuned for more articles and posts on social. You don’t want to miss out. Insider tip: Want to be the first to know? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates.  

And reminder for TR Newsletter subscribers: Use your exclusive discount code to stock up on last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers and other great items from Gotamago. And more exciting discounts and offers from other great local spots are coming in the new year. p.s. Want to get in on the fun and promote your business to food-lovers across the GTA? Get started now.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

For drinks, dancing and ‘za, head to Little Italy’s new 4,000 sq. ft. event venue and night club Amore Resto Bar (559 College St.) in BLND TGER Restobar’s stead.

Tired of traipsing around town to a dinner spot then somewhere else for drinks? And/Ore (1040 Queen St. W.) offers a twofer - two spaces, two experiences under one roof: “Picnic-inspired” share plates and snacks on the mezzanine, with seasonal plates and classic cocktails below. (And it’s great to finally have something in the space after all this time. Did you know? The building’s storefront was boarded up for ages - nearly a decade - from 2012 until 2021.)

Atelier Pasta at Queen and Bathurst (167 Bathurst St.) is the latest spot to get in on the current Parmesan wheel pasta trend.

Casa Lugo Mexican Cuisine just launched in The Annex (394 Bloor St. W., Unit 101) and is already receiving rave reviews for its authentic fare. Find it nestled next to new arrival, The Chulo.

Chocolate and Love (96 Dunn St.) arrives in downtown Oakville with organic fair trade Swiss chocolate, just in time for the holidays,

Pizza, beer and cocktails are the focus of Cherry's High Dive (488 Wellington St. W.), taking over Marben’s former stomping grounds.

Indian chai cafe chain Chaiiwala of London continues to expand its footprint across the GTA with a branch in Etobicoke (1780 Albion Rd.). Discover enticing winter warmups including Karak Coffee, Pink Chai, Cinnamon Tea, Garam Chocolate, all day Shakshuka, Desi and English-ish brekkie, and assortment of buns, roll, wraps and bowls.

The focused menu at The Fall Bright Tavern (840 Bloor St. W.) features sophisticated starters (Cauliflower and Tarragon in Pistachio Vinaigrette, Gougères with Mustard Cheese Sauce) and cozy mains (Chicken Stew and Herb Dumplings, Salt Cod and Leek Pie with Frisée) in the space recently home to Little Sito.

Goldstruck Coffee #2 touched down at York and Richmond (133 Richmond St. W., Entrance on York). In addition to the usual suspects, find Vanilla Raf and unique lattes (Halva, Cayenne), with food spanning from savoury (Butter & Leek Croissant, Meat Pies) to sweet (Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf, Marlenka Napoleonky). Fun fact: The brand debuted seven years ago in Yorkville.

Tracking Gong Cha’s movements in the GTA these last few years has kept me hopping, and the international bubble tea chain shows no signs of letting up: Check out their latest boba shops in Oakville (2333 Taunton Rd., Unit 1), North York (320 Wilson Ave.), and Liberty Village (49 East Liberty St., Unit 1).

Psst. Hidden underneath Cherry's High Dive (488 Wellington St. W.) find Goodnight Cocktail Club, previously home to The Cloak Bar.

On the lookout for healthy eats on the go downtown? Green Box at Yonge and Richmond (33 Yonge St.) in Tractor Foods former stead.

Grillies is doling out tacos, burgers, burritos and bowls around the clock at its tenth location: 10626 Bayview Ave. in Richmond Hill.

Hakka Ren (4555 Hurontario St., Unit C2) is so popular in Mississauga, they opened a second. Get in on Yunan Chicken, Kung Pao Beef, Manchurian Tiger Prawns, Szechuan Fried Rice, Hakka Chow Mein, and other offerings at Dundas and Winston Churchill (3145 Dundas St. W., Unit 2).

Introducing Port Credit’s newest eatery, Hello Bangkok (62 Lakeshore Rd. E.), boasting Chef Yod’s Bangkok-style Thai specialties including Labb Tofu, Pad Ga Prao, and if you dare - Southern Suicide.

Perennial bffs Holy Shakes and T.O.’s Kathi Roll Eatery continue their rapid rollout with outposts in Mississauga (Heartland Town Centre 6045 Creditview Rd., Unit F3) and Markham (9830 Markham Rd.).

I gave you head’s up last month Joyous Chinese Cuisine was coming to North York (5505 Leslie St.). Newsflash: Doors are now open.

Swiftly following a recent launch in Vaughan, Kinton Ramen adds to its legion of local noodle shops with a spot at Don Mills and Eglinton (900 Don Mills Rd., Unit 12). Bonus: Enjoy a free gyoza and pop with every ramen purchase at this location until grand opening.

La Ciel, the latest Indian fine dining resto in Etobicoke, does everything from Mirch Baigan Ka Salan to Goat Roganjosh, at Hwy 27 and Finch (6628 Finch Ave. W).

After unveiling its cafe concept in Scarborough last year, Mabu Generation brings their OG Taiwanese fusion resto stacked with deep-fried chicken, Taiwanese style hot pot, and sizzling hot plates to Mississauga’s Golden Square Centre (1177 Central Pky W., Unit 9).

Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine (825 Britannia Rd W.) got underway yesterday. What to expect from the Mississauga destination? “A luxury, multi-sensory culinary experience, inspired by nature.”

Pretzels have been a thing lately. Get your hands on Mr. Pretzels’ freshly baked variety with assorted toppings at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr., Lower Level) next to Cinnabon.

Following a debut in Richmond Hill last year, Pho Anh Vu has expanded all over the GTA recently: Markham/Unionville (8360 Kennedy Rd.), Scarborough (3280 Midland Ave.), and as of December 16, North York at Yonge and Finch (5588 Yonge St.) - Enjoy 10 per discount at this location until December 21. Conditions apply.

Raftaar Kitchen + Bar kicks off today in Greektown in Bar Hop’s recent digs (681 Danforth Ave.) with Indian fusion fare (Chicken Tikka Bao, Butter Chicken Burger, Tres Leches Gulab Jamun Milkcake) alongside more traditional dishes (Dal Makhani, Chicken Korma, Railway Mutton Curry).

In the mood for brunch? Banana Bread French Toast, Guacamole Bacon Burger, and much more await at Ramona’s Kitchen new setup in Richmond Hill at Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St., Unit J005 - Entrance 2) This marks the third location for the local chain, following a launch in Leaside last summer.

Sakana Sushi & Oyster Bar (1450 Clark Ave. W., Unit 12A-14) is the dine-in counterpart for take-out venture Sakana Sushi To Go (7509 Yonge St.), both in Thornhill.

SOSO Tacos & Brews softly opened in Etobicoke (680 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 23). A beer in one hand, taco in the other - what’s not to love?

Tahini's Restaurant has been opening all over but clearly has an affinity for the west end See: Last month’s opening in Meadowvale (6040 Glen Erin Dr.) and Port Credit this month (515 Lakeshore Rd. E., Unit 102).

Shawarma, pides, boxes and wraps are happening at King and Dufferin, thanks to Toronto Shawarma (1210 King St. W.).

I told you Oakville’s The Wine Bar (100 Bronte Rd., Unit 9) was reopening. Find them in their new digs on Oakville’s main drag (2362 Lakeshore Rd. W.).

The northwest corner of Queen and Parliament has seen a lot of movement lately: Afghano Restaurant earlier this year, for a brief time Queen Subs (344 Queen St. E., Unit 1), and now 33’s Delights, the latter which is receiving high praise for everything from their Chicken Tikka Masala to the Aloo Tikki Burger.

CLOSED

Bar Catalina (231 Lakeshore Rd. E.) gave word of its impending closure earlier this month.

Fusaro's East (294 Richmond St. E., Unit 102), the companion to Fusaro’s Italian Kitchen (147 Spadina Ave.) has shuttered after 14 years. DId you know? The family-owned and operated biz was founded 25 years ago.

After nearly a decade, The Gaslight (1426 Bloor St. W.) is closing at the end of the month.

On Saturday, Donut Hive announced the sudden closure of all locations: 724 Lakeshore Rd. E. in Mississauga debuted last year and CF Sherway Gardens a few months ago. The first store opened in 2019 at Square One, then in RBC Path, followed by a number of popup shops. The flagship dropped at Yorkdale in March 2020, but thanks to world events, didn’t get a chance to get off the ground until November 2021. Doors closed this past summer.

The Gem Bar & Grill (1159 Davenport Rd.) is temporarily closed after a grease fire on Sunday. No injuries were reported.

A block of boarded up businesses on Yonge north of Lawrence, many which were fixtures for decades, include restaurants Joy Thai Restaurant (3192 Yonge St.), Noon Eatery (3190 Yonge St.), and Parmigiano (3186 Yonge St.); gelateria Your Gelato (3184 Yonge St.), and health food store Ottway Herbs & Vitamins.

Add ‘Visit Toronto’s smallest brewery Laylow (1144 College St.) by December 24’ to your to-do list.

Plant-based Lyfe Cafe, complete with meditation studio above, opened in Leslieville (998 Queen St. E.) during the pandemic. Doors closed for a final time last month.

Mean Bao’s second location on Bathurst south of Queen (167 Bathurst St.) has come to an end and the space is already home to another concept. Details above.

Like many restaurants these days, Parka Food Co. (424 Queen St. W.) has closed up shop, but luckily it’s not the end for the plant-based biz.

Pizzeria Libretto came to the Junction (3011 Dundas St. W.) during the pandemic. Service wraps up Saturday, just before the third anniversary. Four locations in the city remain.

Revelstoke (195 Carlton St.) arrived in Cabbagetown late last year. The Peterborough biz is wrapping up things up here in the 6ix on January 1.

You’ve got until the 31st to get in your last goodbyes at The Rosedale Diner (1164 Yonge St.).

Sempre Pizza and Pasta (3038 Bloor St. W.) started serving the Etobicoke Kingsway community back in 1994. The space about to become Indian and Hakka eatery, The King’s Curry.

The Social Blend’s Korean-style macarons, dacquoises, and cloud cookies are available at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr.) until the end of the month.

Uncle Betty’s (2590 Yonge St.) was a mainstay in North Toronto for over a decade. That’s it for last year’s addition Jane & Dick's Bistro as well. Moving in: Mehfill Indian Cuisine.

NEWS

Palestinian Lebanese pizzeria Levant Pizza (899 Bloor St. W.) called out Uber Eats for listing the restaurant in the Israeli food category. [UPDATE 22.12.23: Beginning January 14, 2024, Uber Eats will “introduce a global Palestinian category on their platform.”]

A sixth death and more than 150 cases has been confirmed in the recent cantaloupe Salmonella outbreak in Canada. [UPDATE 22.12.23: The death toll has risen to seven.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 14-20, 2023

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘  11.5 min read

Think things were hectic last week? Strap in: This week I uncovered over 30 establishments, more than half in closures.

Pro tip: If you haven’t already subscribed to the TR Newsletter, get on it. In this week’s edition, there’s an exclusive offer for subscribers to help with holiday shopping for all the food-lovers in your life.

Psst. Want to be the first to know what’s happening? In addition to the newsletter, keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good starting point) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Italian sandos are the name of the game at Little Italy’s new La Bella Sangweech in Little Italy (584 College St.). That’s not all. Keep reading.

Since its arrival late last year, celebrity chef Vikram Vij and Eat Up Canada’s Bombay Frankies has largely been an out-of-town adventure. The latest outpost filled with frankies, salads, bowls, and kulfi debuted Friday in Etobicoke across from Sherway Gardens (197 N Queen St., Unit C), right next to one of Eat Up’s other ventures. Details below.

Mercado had an eventful fall last year - shuttering, then moving into their former Casa Portuguesa spot (682 Caledonia Rd.). Great news: Casa Portuguesa has returned with its classic homemade Portuguese fare, this time south of the 401 near Yorkdale (180 Bentworth Ave.).

All about grilling your own food and AYCE spots? Head to Chako BBQ & Izakaya’s new digs in Scarborough (14 Lebovic Ave.). This marks the fifth branch, second in Scarborough, for the Asian chain.

“Toronto’s first keto restaurant” Ketodelia Restaurant (3187 Yonge St.) just added a second location. Shop gluten-free, sugar-free, and low carb items at Jane and Annette (403 Jane St.).

LA LA Bakeshop, known for its buns, croissants and cakes, softly opens in Mississauga tomorrow. Discover the modern Vietnamese bakery’s third destination inside Oceans Fresh Food Market (4557 Hurontario St.). Bonus: To celebrate, enjoy 10 per cent off your order this weekend.

Psst. Last Call Cocktail Club just launched behind La Bella Sangweech (584 College St.).

Lima Charlie (189 King St. E.) has replaced what was forever Gabby’s across from George Brown College. Don’t worry, pub classics are still in effect, including mozza sticks, burgers, wings, pizza, salads, fish and chips, and chicken tenders.

Los Compas Tacos (140 Spadina Ave., Suite A101) moved into a former weed shop at Queen and Richmond. Grand opening is happening Saturday, complete with free tacos (4pm-6pm) and mariachis.

I told you Maverick’s Donuts Parkdale (1618 Queen St. W.) was on the way. Doors opened Friday.

There’s a new Mexican resto, tapas and agave bar in town. Mezcantina kicks off service at Church and Bloor (640 Church St.) on Saturday with an array of tacos, enchaladas, botanas, and especialidades - house specialities.

Old Flame Brewing Company launched in the Distillery District (45 Tank House Lane) around this time last year, however closed temporarily in May. Newsflash: OFB’s back, just in time for The Distillery Winter Village.

In addition to coffee, cakes, Korean Street Toast, and bingsu, Yonge and Finch’s The Peachy (5650 Yonge St.) offers lattes you don’t see everyday. See: Super Sweet Corn, Real Sweet Potato, Mugwort, and 5-Grain.

After “coming soon” for over a year, Hawaiian concept Pokeworks finally arrived in Etobicoke in a former Panera Bread (197 N Queen St., Unit B) p.s. Stay tuned. Another is slated for March at The Well. Did you know? The poké bowl co. is part of Eat Up Canada’s portfolio - recent additions include MightyBird and frankie eatery noted up top.

Find Italian fishmonger Rimini De La Mare by new resto Rimini Rimini in Leaside (1543 Bayview Ave.) where De La Mer’s seafood shop stood.

ISO an aesthetic cafe to fill your feed? Look no further than The Tiny Cloud Café at College and Spadina (439 Spadina Ave.).

Turkish bakery Solmaz Patisserie debuts a second location in Etobicoke today at Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall, Unit 1108) teeming with lokum (aka Turkish Delight) and baklava.

“High-vibe, come-as-you-are, open to all walks of life” LGBTQ+ bar and resto The Well (not to be confused with the new mixed-use development downtown of the same name) was hatched in Hamilton and over the years has grown throughout the province: London, Windsor, Waterloo (coming soon) and until recently, here on Church St. Confetti bomb: They’re back in the 6ix, now on the Queen West strip between Bathurst and Spadina (482 Queen St. W.).

CLOSED

Forest Hill Village’s Aroma Espresso Bar (383 Spadina Rd.) has closed up shop. Coming soon: Café Landwer.

GTA born and raised Burrito Boyz has been adding to the fam lately, but after nearly two decades, said goodbye to its long-standing home in the Entertainment District (224 Adelaide St. W.). The reason for the closure? A common refrain these days: “The upcoming condo development on this piece of property.”

Dice launched in Yorkville (162 Cumberland St.) during the pandemic. The fruit bar and cafe’s moving online for now.

Salvadorian pupusa destination El Pulgarcito’s digs in Scarborough (20 Nugget Ave.) have come to an end.

Encounter Tea’s Chinatown location (439 Spadina Ave.) is home to another cafe concept now. Details above. It turns out ET’s venture in Markham at Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E., Unit E65), has also shuttered. Both launched during the pandemic.

While the King East Gabby’s (189 King St. E.) may already be gone, 12 locations are up and running.

Halaleez Chicken & Gyro (1733 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 5) came on the scene last year. It temporarily closed for “winter maintenance” until earlier this year, however it’s been marked as permanently closed on Google.

Sam and Wan’s authentic Thai restaurant MongKut Thai Gold landed in Greektown in 2002 - originally as Mong-Kut Thai at 596 Danforth Ave. (now Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant), followed by a spot across the street (471 Danforth Ave.). After 21 years of service, the couple announced they’ve decided to “take a break to return home to be with family for an extended period of time.” Opening soon in its place: Menali Kitchen – Nepali MoMo, Indian, and Hakka Cuisine. Did you know? MongKut was the first Thai resto on the Danforth.

Mr and Mrs Bao’s Vaughan outpost (9200 Weston Rd., Unit 12) debuted in 2019. Husband and wife Julia Hou and Steven Mao started the biz in 2017 with a food truck, eventually growing to brick-and-mortar establishments - five locations as of 2022 - but faced multiple break-ins last year. A food truck and location by the name of Mingle by Mr. & Mrs. Bao remains in London, Ontario, along with a Hawaiian venture, Poke Poke. They launched a Kickstarter campaign but the project failed to meet its funding goal last month.

Peter Pan’s wine bar and shop next door, Peter Pantry (371 Queen St. W.), arrived Fall ‘21. Doors close for good January 1.

That’s a wrap for Sausage King by Bespoke Butchers at St Lawrence Market (93 Front St. E.). While the local links shop has drawn to a close, Bespoke Butchers continues operations in The Annex, on the Danforth and in Leslieville. Did you know? Sausage King was a fixture at the world-famous food hall for decades under various owners including Oliffe Butcher Shop, who acquired it in September 2011, followed by Bespoke in 2019.

One week after I reported the closure of TuckShop Kitchen’s Leslieville outpost, owners Robb Eng and Jake Taylor announced the remaining and original outpost (1640 Dupont St., Unit 3) is shuttering Friday December 22. Being awarded a $20,000 grant earlier this year by Desjardins and starring in their commercial wasn’t enough to keep doors open. They cited the pandemic’s emotional and financial toll as the driving force for the closure.

CHANGES

Recent arrival Le Conciliabule Lab (350 Berkeley St.) goes by the name Bisou now.

NEWS

Convenience stores finally got the go ahead to sell beer and wine, however it’s not coming into effect just yet.

Toronto City Council approved CaféTO program improvements “to better support restaurants, diners and a longer outdoor patio season.”

The complete 2024 Winterlicious lineup, 211 restaurants in all, has been released.

Have you been keeping up with the food recalls? The latest additions: Certain Little Gourmet Organic Mealtime Bowls recalled due to pieces of wood. And last week’s Cantaloupe recall has been updated to include Loblaw banner stores: Loblaws, Superstore, Zehrs, Valu-Mart, Fortinos, and Your Independent Grocer. [UPDATE 15.12.23: Golden Mushroom Enoki Mushroom recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 14-20

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘  11.5 min read

Think things were hectic last week? Strap in: This week I uncovered over 30 establishments, more than half in closures.

Pro tip: If you haven’t already subscribed to the TR Newsletter, get on it. In this week’s edition, there’s an exclusive offer for subscribers to help with holiday shopping for all the food-lovers in your life.

Psst. Want to be the first to know what’s happening? In addition to the newsletter, keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good starting point) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Italian sandos are the name of the game at Little Italy’s new La Bella Sangweech in Little Italy (584 College St.). That’s not all. Keep reading.

Since its arrival late last year, celebrity chef Vikram Vij and Eat Up Canada’s Bombay Frankies has largely been an out-of-town adventure. The latest outpost filled with frankies, salads, bowls, and kulfi debuted Friday in Etobicoke across from Sherway Gardens (197 N Queen St., Unit C), right next to one of Eat Up’s other ventures. Details below.

Mercado had an eventful fall last year - shuttering, then moving into their former Casa Portuguesa spot (682 Caledonia Rd.). Great news: Casa Portuguesa has returned with its classic homemade Portuguese fare, this time south of the 401 near Yorkdale (180 Bentworth Ave.).

All about grilling your own food and AYCE spots? Head to Chako BBQ & Izakaya’s new digs in Scarborough (14 Lebovic Ave.). This marks the fifth branch, second in Scarborough, for the Asian chain.

“Toronto’s first keto restaurant” Ketodelia Restaurant (3187 Yonge St.) just added a second location. Shop gluten-free, sugar-free, and low carb items at Jane and Annette (403 Jane St.).

LA LA Bakeshop, known for its buns, croissants and cakes, softly opens in Mississauga tomorrow. Discover the modern Vietnamese bakery’s third destination inside Oceans Fresh Food Market (4557 Hurontario St.). Bonus: To celebrate, enjoy 10 per cent off your order this weekend.

Psst. Last Call Cocktail Club just launched behind La Bella Sangweech (584 College St.).

Lima Charlie (189 King St. E.) has replaced what was forever Gabby’s across from George Brown College. Don’t worry, pub classics are still in effect, including mozza sticks, burgers, wings, pizza, salads, fish and chips, and chicken tenders.

Los Compas Tacos (140 Spadina Ave., Suite A101) moved into a former weed shop at Queen and Richmond. Grand opening is happening Saturday, complete with free tacos (4pm-6pm) and mariachis.

I told you Maverick’s Donuts Parkdale (1618 Queen St. W.) was on the way. Doors opened Friday.

There’s a new Mexican resto, tapas and agave bar in town. Mezcantina kicks off service at Church and Bloor (640 Church St.) on Saturday with an array of tacos, enchaladas, botanas, and especialidades - house specialities.

Old Flame Brewing Company launched in the Distillery District (45 Tank House Lane) around this time last year, however closed temporarily in May. Newsflash: OFB’s back, just in time for The Distillery Winter Village.

In addition to coffee, cakes, Korean Street Toast, and bingsu, Yonge and Finch’s The Peachy (5650 Yonge St.) offers lattes you don’t see everyday. See: Super Sweet Corn, Real Sweet Potato, Mugwort, and 5-Grain.

After “coming soon” for over a year, Hawaiian concept Pokeworks finally arrived in Etobicoke in a former Panera Bread (197 N Queen St., Unit B) p.s. Stay tuned. Another is slated for March at The Well. Did you know? The poké bowl co. is part of Eat Up Canada’s portfolio - recent additions include MightyBird and frankie eatery noted up top.

Find Italian fishmonger Rimini De La Mare by new resto Rimini Rimini in Leaside (1543 Bayview Ave.) where De La Mer’s seafood shop stood.

ISO an aesthetic cafe to fill your feed? Look no further than The Tiny Cloud Café at College and Spadina (439 Spadina Ave.).

Turkish bakery Solmaz Patisserie debuts a second location in Etobicoke today at Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall, Unit 1108) teeming with lokum (aka Turkish Delight) and baklava.

“High-vibe, come-as-you-are, open to all walks of life” LGBTQ+ bar and resto The Well (not to be confused with the new mixed-use development downtown of the same name) was hatched in Hamilton and over the years has grown throughout the province: London, Windsor, Waterloo (coming soon) and until recently, here on Church St. Confetti bomb: They’re back in the 6ix, now on the Queen West strip between Bathurst and Spadina (482 Queen St. W.).

CLOSED

Forest Hill Village’s Aroma Espresso Bar (383 Spadina Rd.) has closed up shop. Coming soon: Café Landwer.

GTA born and raised Burrito Boyz has been adding to the fam lately, but after nearly two decades, said goodbye to its long-standing home in the Entertainment District (224 Adelaide St. W.). The reason for the closure? A common refrain these days: “The upcoming condo development on this piece of property.”

Dice launched in Yorkville (162 Cumberland St.) during the pandemic. The fruit bar and cafe’s moving online for now.

Salvadorian pupusa destination El Pulgarcito’s digs in Scarborough (20 Nugget Ave.) have come to an end.

Encounter Tea’s Chinatown location (439 Spadina Ave.) is home to another cafe concept now. Details above. It turns out ET’s venture in Markham at Pacific Mall (4300 Steeles Ave. E., Unit E65), has also shuttered. Both launched during the pandemic.

While the King East Gabby’s (189 King St. E.) may already be gone, 12 locations are up and running.

Halaleez Chicken & Gyro (1733 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 5) came on the scene last year. It temporarily closed for “winter maintenance” until earlier this year, however it’s been marked as permanently closed on Google.

Sam and Wan’s authentic Thai restaurant MongKut Thai Gold landed in Greektown in 2002 - originally as Mong-Kut Thai at 596 Danforth Ave. (now Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant), followed by a spot across the street (471 Danforth Ave.). After 21 years of service, the couple announced they’ve decided to “take a break to return home to be with family for an extended period of time.” Opening soon in its place: Menali Kitchen – Nepali MoMo, Indian, and Hakka Cuisine. Did you know? MongKut was the first Thai resto on the Danforth.

Mr and Mrs Bao’s Vaughan outpost (9200 Weston Rd., Unit 12) debuted in 2019. Husband and wife Julia Hou and Steven Mao started the biz in 2017 with a food truck, eventually growing to brick-and-mortar establishments - five locations as of 2022 - but faced multiple break-ins last year. A food truck and location by the name of Mingle by Mr. & Mrs. Bao remains in London, Ontario, along with a Hawaiian venture, Poke Poke. They launched a Kickstarter campaign but the project failed to meet its funding goal last month.

Peter Pan’s wine bar and shop next door, Peter Pantry (371 Queen St. W.), arrived Fall ‘21. Doors close for good January 1.

That’s a wrap for Sausage King by Bespoke Butchers at St Lawrence Market (93 Front St. E.). While the local links shop has drawn to a close, Bespoke Butchers continues operations in The Annex, on the Danforth and in Leslieville. Did you know? Sausage King was a fixture at the world-famous food hall for decades under various owners including Oliffe Butcher Shop, who acquired it in September 2011, followed by Bespoke in 2019.

One week after I reported the closure of TuckShop Kitchen’s Leslieville outpost, owners Robb Eng and Jake Taylor announced the remaining and original outpost is shuttering Friday December 22. Being awarded a $20,000 grant earlier this year by Desjardins and starring in their commercial wasn’t enough to keep doors open. They cited the pandemic’s emotional and financial toll as the driving force for the closure.

CHANGES

Recent arrival Le Conciliabule Lab (350 Berkeley St.) goes by the name Bisou now.

NEWS

Convenience stores finally got the go ahead to sell beer and wine, however it’s not coming into effect just yet.

Toronto City Council approved CaféTO program improvements “to better support restaurants, diners and a longer outdoor patio season.”

The complete 2024 Winterlicious lineup, 211 restaurants in all, has been released.

Have you been keeping up with the food recalls? The latest additions: Certain Little Gourmet Organic Mealtime Bowls recalled due to pieces of wood. And last week’s Cantaloupe recall has been updated to include Loblaw banner stores: Loblaws, Superstore, Zehrs, Valu-Mart, Fortinos, and Your Independent Grocer. [UPDATE 15.12.23: Golden Mushroom Enoki Mushroom recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 7-13, 2023

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 7.5 min read

Whatever your budget and/or mood, this week’s arrivals cover all the bases - from fast casual comfort fare to sophisticated selections. And the closures continue to pile up.

Insider tip: Want to be the first to know? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates.  

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

O&B’s latest destination isn’t only one of its splashiest - it’s also one of the highest. Aera debuted Tuesday on the 38th floor of The Well (8 Spadina Ave.), the new neighbourhood complex everyone’s talking about. “Reinvented classics” of elevated American fare are at the heart of the steakhouse vibes menu, e.g. Wedge Salad ($21), Shrimp Scampi ($28), Stuffed Chicken Breast ($39), 8oz Australian A8-9 Wagyu ($40), in addition to sushi ($8-$30), Caviar ($165), and Seafood Tower Raw Bar ($250).

Souvlaki and all the trimmings are the focus of Chefs Hall’s newest occupant, Aphrodite’s Taverna (111 Richmond St. W.).

Obsessed with Korean corndogs? Arirang Hotdog is in soft opening at Bathurst and Wilson (320 Wilson Ave.).

Following additions last summer, local coffee chain Dark Horse Espresso Bar embarks into retail with an outpost inside Indigo at Manulife Centre (55 Bloor St. W.)

Psst. Diavola Pizza (3 Glebe Rd. E.) is dishing out Roman style ‘za on a side street in Midtown.

Doors opened Friday for Corktown’s new F Mondays Coffee (368 King St. E.) in Tandem Coffee’s former digs. On the agenda: Coffee and carefully selected books.

Hot tip: Glass Kitchen (505 HWY 7 E, Unit 98-99) softly launched yesterday. Chef Keith Pears’ expansive eatery in Markham designed with Hexagon Studio is the latest spot for modern Asian-fusion fare.

Hand-rolled Montreal bagels are happening round-the-clock at Yonge and Eg, courtesy of Kettlemans Bagel (40 Eglinton Ave. E.). This marks the third location in Toronto/GTA, ninth in Canada, for the Ottawa bagel shop.

Head to Kyushu Yakitori Izakaya just north of Steeles (7181 Yonge St. Unit 31-32) for authentic Japanese eats.

Maestro's Gourmet Pizza softly opens in Leslieville (903 Queen St. E.) tonight. Note: Takeout only. The local pizzeria boasts four locations in the province - two in east Toronto- offering a variety of styles using four-ingredient dough (flour, spring water, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, Mediterranean sea salt), resulting in a crispy crust and minimal bloat.

Mr. Puffs is relatively new to the scene here, but since its entry, has been making serious moves. Hey Vaughan: It’s your turn to get your fix of MP’s loukoumades - aka Greek doughnuts - at Major Mac and Dufferin (1440 Major MacKenzie Dr. W.).

Osmow’s continues its journey across the GTA with an outpost downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St., Unit F019).

The Rooster Rotisserie and Grill’s time-honoured spot at Bloor and Ossington (942 Bloor St. W.) has been temporarily closed for years now. Good news: The restaurant is up and running at Yonge & St. Clair (1395 Yonge St.), complete with signature Portuguese dishes including their famed roto chicken, roasted fish, and homemade lasagna. Grand opening festivities took place Tuesday.

Wanas Shawarma in Greektown (449 Danforth Ave.) has an assortment of Syrian fare: mixed bbq plates, Syrian style wraps, salads, and the like.

CLOSED 

The last day of operations for Bar Catalina (231 Lakeshore Rd. E.) is December 23. Chef Humberto Sanchez has sold his Spanish eatery that debuted a few years ago, but not all is lost. “We have a plan for a re-opening at a new location somewhere down the line,” the announcement reads in part. “We plan to be back and better than ever.” In the meantime, you can visit sister restaurant Cafe Panchita (152 Lakeshore Rd. E.) and the Gourmet Guyz food truck.

Earlier this week, The Gaslight in The Junction Triangle (1426 Bloor St. W.) announced after nearly a decade, doors are closing at the end of the year.

Hermie’s landed at Queen and Broadview (701 Queen St. E.) almost a year ago, but the location wasn’t meant to be. The Filipino and Canadian resto is on the move, heading soon to Leaside (1595 Bayview Ave.).

Leslieville’s OK OK Diner (1128 Queen St. E.), established in 1952, announced immediate closure earlier this week, but hints it’s not the end.

My Roti Place at Yonge and Davisville (3 Glebe Rd. E.) may have wound things up, however 20+ Ontario locations are open to serve you.

The final day to get in on all the goodness of The Tuck Shop x Breadhead (1265 Dundas St. W., entrance on Dovercourt) is December 31. p.s. Stay tuned for a new concept launching Spring ‘24 by Lucy Kirby and team.

Speaking of tuck shops, home of the handhelds TuckShop Kitchen’s Leslieville venue (1022 Queen St. E.) - two blocks from OK OK Diner - shuttered November 29. The OG location (1640 Dupont St.) remains.

NEWS 

David Illiatovitch-Owen, owner of recently shuttered local fish markets De La Mer, died after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 48.

The 2024 grocery forecast? Expect to pay more.

Yesterday, 13 leading organized labour organizations representing the brewing sector from the brewery to distribution and retail joined together to publish an open letter to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Honourable Chrystia Freeland. In the letter, the beer sector unions urge the government to cancel the upcoming automatic 4.7 per cent federal beer tax increase. Beer Canada says, “Raising beer taxes by nearly five per cent when Canada already has the higher beer taxes in the G7 would harm consumers, workers across beer’s added-value supply chain as well as the hospitality and tourism sector.”

In the latest recalls: Good Enoki Mushrooms recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, GE 30” Knob-Controlled Electric Radiant Cooktops recalled due to burn hazard. [UPDATE 08.12.23: Fresh cut cantaloupe products recalled due to Salmonella, Kopi Thyme Sauces and Soup Bases recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

 

 

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 30-December 6, 2023

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 7.5 min read

After last week’s flurry of activity, you might expect a significant dip in arrivals. Not when I’m on the case. This week is nearly as frenzied with a whopping 20 new destinations offering global fare from Levantine cuisine to Uyghur eats, and more closures to take note of.

Psst. Want to be the first to know what’s happening? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN 

Dinner and a show. BeLeaf Vietnamese Cuisine (45 Carlton St., Unit 2) lands across from Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton St.) just in time to catch all the holiday flicks.

Reasons to visit Woodbridge’s new Cappadocia Bakery & Cafe (9000 Weston Rd., Unit 1): An assortment of savoury items (pides, kumpir - aka Turkish stuffed baked potatoes) and sweet (cookies, cakes).

In 2007, Linh Dung established a vintage-style Vietnamese cafe, Cong Caphe. It’s since blossomed into 70+ locations in Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia. And now Canada. Discover a wide array of Vietnamese coffee, tea, smoothies, and other beverages in a cafe aesthetic at the first Canadian branch nestled in the heart of the Annex (424 Bloor St. W.).

Delphi Levant, the “first Khaleeji restaurant in Toronto,” is serving up chef Suman Ali’s Khaleej-inspired Levantine cuisine boasting Canadian ingredients at Finch and Dufferin (1000 Finch Ave. W., Suite 199).

Eva's Original Chimneys
brings its signature freshly baked chimney cakes and ice cream cones to Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr., Food Court).

Hot tip for subway commuters: Frida’s Market (788 Broadview Ave.) across from Broadview Station has got you for Latin American groceries, pantry items, candy and sweets galore. Find it in El Charro’s former stead.

Around the corner, pop into Gelateo Cafe (189 Danforth Ave.) for hot drinks and cold treats in the space where De La Mer used to be.

Gus Tacos continues its jaunt across the GTA with a seventh taqueria in Bloorcourt at Bloor and Dovercourt (1028 Bloor St. W.).

ISO more bang for your buck these days? All-you-can-eat restos are the preferred method for some. Gyu Kyou is doing AYCE Japanese BBQ for lunch and dinner in Mississauga (Heartland Town Centre 5955 Latimer Drive, Unit 7).

IK Bar (2055 Dundas St. E., Unit 100-200) is Mississauga’s latest spot for upscale eats and craft cocktails.

Dig into everything from Indian hot dogs and curries to gulab jamun and suji halwa at Khatta Mettha in Mississauga (1 Glenn Hawthorne Blvd., Unit 3).

Need noods? Kinton Ramen adds to its growing portfolio with a debut in Vaughan (8099 Weston Rd., Unit 6) on Saturday, complete with grand opening offers.

Modern Afghan chain Naan Kabob’s tenth location (240 Queen St. W.) kicked off Tuesday, moving into what was until recently, Me Va Me Kitchen Express.

Plant-based Nuttea’s third Canadian outpost just landed in Koreatown (637 Bloor St. W. ) with drinks featuring their signature nut milk and cream made from five varieties of baked and cold-pressed nuts.

Oguz Uyghur Cuisine (1110 Finch Ave. W.) has arrived in the Great White North with food from the Xinjiang region. Think beef fried with hand-pulled noodles, lamb kidney kebabs, and Quail Quardak.

Get a jump on your 2024 health goals at Qwench Juice Bar (Heartland Town Centre 5985 Rodeo Dr., Unit 9).

Australian iced coffees, hojicha lattes and iced Spanish lattes are happening at North York’s SPACE Coffee & Stars (5463 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.).

Thai Barn Na, a relative newcomer in Etobicoke, just added a sibling in Mississauga (888 Dundas St. E).

Egg-centric brand from Brampton Uncle Omlet claims to be the “best Indian-style Desi eggetarian eatery in Canada.” See for yourself at the new set up in Etobicoke (1771 Albion Rd.) filled with omelettes, fry-ups, egg bites, momos, sandos, chaat and more.

U.S. chain Wetzel’s Pretzels is doling out its signature warm pretzels and hot dogs at Union Station (65 Front St. W., Unit 447A). Did you know? The first Canadian outpost touched down at West Edmonton Mall in 2014.

CLOSED

While Hotopia’s downtown location (45 Carlton St., Unit 2) has come to an end, locations in North York, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, and Mississauga remain.

Kibo Sushi House’s “first upscale sushi house” Kibo Secret Garden in Yorkville (154 Cumberland St., Upper Level), is wrapping things at the end in January, slated to reopen elsewhere in the city mid-2024.

You’ve got until December 24 to visit Laylow Brewery at their Brockton Village digs (1144 College St.) until ‘Phase 2’ - which you can help finance via LB’s GoFundMe Campaign.

Paradise Fine Chinese Dining was a fixture in North York at Finch and Leslie (5505 Leslie St.) for over a decade. Psst. Coming soon: Joyous Chinese Cuisine.

Korean restaurant Sopung (140 Carlton St., Unit 33) was located across from Allan Gardens.

CHANGES

King Blue Hotel Toronto in the historic Westinghouse building (355 King St. W.) is now The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto.

NEWS 

George Cohon, Founder of McDonald’s Canada, died. He was 86.

Attn Business Owners: The CEBA forgivable deadline is on the quick approach. Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, has some advice.

Taste of the Danforth 2024 is at risk.

Are you caught up on the recent food recalls? Add Nissui Frozen Baked Wheat Cake with Octopus recalled due to undeclared fish to the list.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch. 

Need help promoting your business? Get started now. 

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

[image error]

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 23-29, 2023

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 12.5 min read

The first time my findings were so voluminous they had to be divided into two editions occurred during the pandemic. It happened a few times and tbh, it would be warranted here. As I’ve said time and again, businesses continue to face unprecedented challenges at this time. I’m clocking record numbers of arrivals and closures and I predict it will continue to ramp up into Q1 2024. Case in point: This week alone, I uncovered an eye-popping 47 establishments - 30 arrivals, with over half (17) in closures.

Insider tip: Want to be the first to know? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Balista Bistro’s Indian fusion fare - think salad bowls, wraps, burgers, and fries infused with Indian flavours - has touched down at Sheppard and Neilson (19 Lapsley Rd.), marking the fourth eatery of the India-based chain in the GTA, first in Scarborough.

During the wild west that was the pandemic, Bear Steak Sandwiches operated out of a backyard in 2021 before moving indoors for a short time. Update: BSS’s first brick-and-mortar venture just landed in Little Italy (550A College St.).

Hot tip: In the mood for ‘za? Parkdale’s new The Bell & The Beacon (1648 Queen St. W.) moved into Amico’s former digs with an assortment of pies, wine and cocktails.

Bhojan Ghar’s (1870 Danforth Ave.) menu features an extensive array of Nepalese and Indian fare including lamb, seafood, and vegetarian specialties, tandoori selections, thali sets, and momos. Grand opening celebrations took place Monday with 15 per cent off until December 20. Conditions apply.

Holy guacamole. Following a debut in Moss Park (320 Richmond St. E., Unit 107) earlier this year, The Burrito Bros. launched in The Beaches (2214 Queen St. E.) on September 29, with a third materializing in Forest Hill (359 Eglinton Ave. W.) on November 6.

ISO wine, cocktails and coffee in the east end? Head to Buvette Pacey (141 Berkeley St.) nestled in-between Corktown and South Cabbagetown, where Runner Market’s café/store stood until recently.

CaféClub Toronto is offering remote work solutions in a homey environment at Queen and Coxwell (3 Rhodes Ave.) via memberships. Enjoy unlimited coffee and 15 per cent off all items by way of Day ($9), Werk-Week ($36), and Monthly-VIP ($99) passes.

Cluck Clucks Chicken and Waffles has been steadily adding to the fam since 2015. Introducing the newest member: Oakville (511 Maple Grove Dr., Unit 30)

Whipping up Caribbean, Creole and Latin American inspired morsels in Little Italy, Conejo Negro (838 College St.) is already receiving raves for its ceviche and cocktails.

Authentic Mexican cuisine is the focus at Etobicoke’s Corazon Agave (765 The Queensway). Pro move: Save room for the Pastel de Elote.

Q: Hey Scarborough, in search of a new Korean fried chicken joint? A: You’ve got a Dakgogi to call your very own now at Finch and Midland (3372 Midland Ave., Unit B112).

Fun fact: Hokubu Ramen in The Beaches (2250 Queen St. E.) boasts housemade noodles.

Dak-kkochi - aka Korean chicken skewers - are what’s up at HomeBase Chicken (550 Yonge St.) at Yonge and Wellesley.

Calling all beer lovers: The second outpost of local watering hole, Left Field Brewery, is now yours to discover in Liberty Village (40 Hanna Ave.).

Milestones Grill + Bar has emerged at the CF Eaton Centre (218 Yonge St.), taking over the footprint that has been Hendriks Restaurant & Bar since 2018, and prior to that, steakhouse chain from Montreal, Baton Rouge. Note: Entrance is currently from Yonge Street only.

A fixture in the Koreatown community for a few years now, Ninetails Coffee Bar extends its reach with a second Japanese-style cafe, this time in Chinatown at the edge of Kensington (398 Spadina Ave.).

OEB Breakfast + Brunch’s eggs benny, pancakes, breakfast poutines, and other victuals are now on offer at two Toronto locations - the latest dropped downtown (20 Toronto St.) on Tuesday.

The offerings at O-neul in Koreatown (694 Bloor St. W.) include everything from Okonomiyaki ($18) and Squid Butter Yaki ($19) to Perilla Soba ($17), Grilled Pork Belly ($21) and soju. Bonus: Into music and movies? You’re in luck.

Penelope Social opens in Woodbridge (125 Hawkview Blvd.) tomorrow. Pro tip: You should go.

Hawaiian-inspired fare is happening in The Beaches, thanks to Poke Eats (1934 Queen St. E.).

Richmond Hill’s newest arrival Saray Turkish Restaurant (9737 Yonge St., Unit 217) is accompanied by spreads including Breakfast for One/Two ($24/60).

In under a year, Stacked Pancake House has made a lot of moves across the 6ix: Lately, in Woodbridge, Greektown and Richmond Hill. For hotcakes and other breakfasty items, check out their new set-up in Richmond Hill (12270 Yonge St.) and at Queen and Spadina (394 Queen St. W.).

Sumoki (18 Fred Varley Dr., Unit 9) is in soft opening. Discover casual bites (Kakiage, Age Mochi) and elevated fare (Uni and Duck Liver bowls) at Markham’s newest izakaya and yaiktori bar.

What to order at Utopia Waffle (7 Roncesvalles Ave.)? The Oreo Croffle is a popular choice.

Wang Lang (669 King St. W.) is the latest Thai concept from Michelin Recommended Koh Lipe and recent addition Som Tum Jinda. What to expect? Authentic dishes you won’t find elsewhere deftly executed by Chef Num-Oy.

Unionville’s Watercolour Mediterranean Restaurant (166 Main St.) doesn’t play. Caviar (30g/$120) and Wagyu ($130) lead the charge, however it’s not all high falutin fare . Discover Gnocchi ($27), Half Chicken ($34), B.C. King Salmon ($39) and other mains under $50 in Blacksmith’s Bistro former home.

Wings Up came on the scene last year and has been doing it up ever since. For drums, flats, chicken fingers, and other pub grub, head to their new branch in Oakville (358 Speers Rd.).

The Wolfe Tone Irish Pub kicks off Saturday in the Beaches (1961 Queen St. E.), in what was a short-lived piano bar.

CLOSED

Chicken N’ Dough (1706 Dundas St. E. Unit B) announced immediate closure of their first location in Mississauga due to “lease issues.”

The Civic Restaurant debuted on the ground floor of The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave.) in 2017 and went through a few changes before recently being converted to a private event space. Current dining options at the hotel: Bistro + Bar, open during the day, with The Rooftop available evenings and during the day on weekends.

After 60+ years, one of the last remaining diners in the city, Coach House Restaurant (574 Yonge St.) has shuttered.

Owner/chef Montree Tangkit’s Coco Rice Thai Cuisine (669 King St. W.) debuted at King and Bathurst in 2003, when Thai restaurants were few and fare between and long before regional Thai food caught on. It was Thai Select designated, awarded by the Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, to “guarantee the authenticity of Thai restaurants and Thai food products.”For what’s in its place, see above.

There’s something in the place of Markham’s Corner 20 Bakery & Cafe (18 Fred Varley Dr., Unit 9) now.

Following the recent closure of the Augusta location, Egg Bae shared the first and last remaining location will closeon Sunday. The egg sando shop got off the ground May 2018.

The space that was forever Queen and Roncy’s one-stop shop Greenfield Market (7 Roncesvalles Ave.) is home to something else now. Details above.

Hendriks Restaurant & Bar debuted at CF Eaton Centre (218 Yonge St.) in 2018.

Another chef-driven eatery comes to the end. Anna Gedalof and Rauni Whiteley’s The Ellery Market & Catering (1870 Danforth Ave.) has closed after three years.

While the Beaches branch of Genji Sushi (2250 Queen St. E.) has wrapped up, North York (2899 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 15) is up and running.

Milkcow Cafe (2651 Yonge St.), home of the viral watermelon ice cream sandwich and other Korean sweet treats, has come to a close here in the 6ix. A location remains in Richmond, British Columbia.

Ink Entertainment’s King West Peruvian destination Mira Restaurant (420A Wellington St. W.) is temporarily closed. The eatery’s outgoing message includes they’re “not taking any calls or reservations at this time” while closed for “immediate repairs,” and to “Please stay tuned for the new year.” The website is also currently not available. Did you know? After a lengthy closure, the resto group reopened Spanish resto Patria last week.

Koreatown’s Paldo Gangsan (694 Bloor St. W.) has been replaced with another Korean concept. Details above.

The Beaches Raj Palace Indian Cuisine (2214 Queen St. E.) Did you know? The addy was also previously home to Delhi Bistro.

Chinatown stalwart Rol Jui Seafood Restaurant (472 Dundas St. W.) has come to an end. For what’s there now, see last week’s edition.

Earlier this week The Rosedale Diner (1164 Yonge St.) announced closure at the end of the year. It was established in 1978.

The Veggie Thali’s li’l nook at Queen and Kingston Road (1712 Queen St. E.) started back in 2021. Visit them in North York at O’Connor and Victoria Park (1410 Victoria Park Ave.).

NEWS

Canada’s largest resto group has thoughts about the 2023 Fall Economic Statement.

The city is allocating more funds for the local small business community.

Food recall: Following a recent recall on Malichita cantaloupes, the Canadian government has issued a Public Health Notice regarding an Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to the fruit. [UPDATE 24.11.23: Secondary recalls have been issued for products made using recalled Malichita brand cantaloupe and produce items that were processed alongside them. This includes other fruit such as honeydew, pineapple, watermelon, and various fruit trays, as well as Rudy brand cantaloupes. As of November 24, there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in provinces across the country. Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Seventeen individuals have been hospitalized. One death has been reported.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Need help promoting your business? Get started now.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 16-22, 2023

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 9 min read

The OPEN/CLOSEDs have been giving big ‘everything everywhere all at once’ energy lately. This edition is no exception. The flurry of high end destinations mixed with casual haunts continues, as does the ramping up of closures. Word of advice: Make the effort to get to places on your must-visit list because similarly to last December, the end of the year will be accompanied by a record number of closures.

Psst. Want to be the first to know what’s happening? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

The Backyard Smokehouse’s (264 Dupont St.) signature low and slow barbecue is now within reach in Mississauga (4188 Living Arts Dr.).

De Mello Coffee has been making its way across the 6ix this last while. Find their newest coffee shop north of Eglinton (2389 Yonge St.), where Saporito Caffe stood until recently, just a few blocks south of the Castlefield outpost (2489 Yonge St.).

Delysées Luxury Desserts and its array of luxe French pastries including modern cakes, macarons, brioche, and chouquettes, landed at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) on Friday. It’s the latest in a recent influx of eateries to drop at the fashion-forward mall.

Grand opening celebrations for Indraprastha Indian Kitchen and Bar’s first downtown location (5 Baldwin St.) took place yesterday.

After showcasing their artisan sourdough bread and pastries at local farmers’ markets, pop-ups, and being a part of east end businesses for some time, Johnson Family Bakery finally has digs to call their very own in Leslieville (993 Queen St. E.).

The Joneses by local hospitality group Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) opens tomorrow at the corner of Yonge and Wellington (33 Yonge St., Unit 100) in the space formerly occupied by Pick 6ix Sports. What to expect: A mélange of offerings including premium steaks, pressed sushi, and Detroit-style pizza.

In search of cookware for yourself or the food-lovers in your life? Le Creuset’s iconic enamelled cast iron items are on full display at their new boutique at The Well (486 Front St. W.).

After debuting downtown last spring, Laylak’s second modern Lebanese resto kicks off Wednesday in Oakville (1515 Rebecca St., Unit 19).

Hot tip: Across the street from O&B’s latest concept (above), Hotel Victoria’s new Mossop’s Social House (56 Yonge St.) is doing Levantine-inspired breakfast and lunch for now, with dinner coming soon. The menu by chef Tomer Markovitz of recently launched Romi’s Bakery includes Salatim Breakfast Platter ($15), Shakshuka ($20), Roasted Cauliflower Pita ($15), Hummus Bowl ($16), and Za’atar Fries ($8). Pro tip: It’s first come, first serve (no resos), so get there early.

A “boutique-style” Nespresso featuring a drop-off for used capsules, coffee order pick-up service for no additional cost, and laser engraver machine got under way yesterday at Union Station (Bay Street Promenade, 65 Front St. W.).

Patria (478 King St. W.) reopens tomorrow, but you knew that already.

Following the launch of Mira Mira Diner in Spring ‘21 and closure of OG Mira Mira earlier this year, comes The Rosebud (498 King St. E.), the latest iteration from chef Amira Becarevic and husband Justin Cheung. The Corktown restaurant and wine bar focuses on classic fare - Shrimp Cocktail ($24), Lobster Salad ($32), Denver Steak ($42), Duck Confit ($30) - and vino.

Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill boasts eight locations across the GTA filled with an array of tantalizing fare: Curry Chicken Roti, Cajun Fish Sandwich, Oxtail Bowl, and Beef Patties, for starters. The latest spot at Old Weston and Rogers Road (501 Rogers Rd.) opened yesterday.

The third branch of Tita’s Mexican Food just landed in Mississauga (1852 Lakeshore Rd. W.) with everything from pozole and sopes to Taco Nopales con Mole and “Real Mexican Nachos.”

Tomorrow marks the official opening of new community hub The Well, though the majority of food destinations aren’t arriving until next spring. The roster so far: De Mello Coffee set up shop at the end of last year, with recent additions of Prince St. Pizza and Le Creuset (above).

CLOSED

Established in 2003, Banaboia Restaurant served authentic Portuguese fare in the unmistakable azure building shaped in the curvature of the corner at Rogers and Old Weston Road (501 Rogers Rd.) until recently. To find out who’s moved in, see above.

Neighbourhood watering hole Bar Hop Session (681 Danforth Ave.) served the Greektown community and abroad for over five years before permanent closure. Two locations remain downtown: Bar Hop Brewco (137 Peter St.) and Bar Hop on King (391 King St. W.).

There’s one less East Side Mario's branch in Mississauga (1488 Dundas St. E.).

After a recent renovation and launch on the Danforth, El Charro’s longstanding Broadview outpost (788 Broadview Ave.) has shuttered.

Up the street, Golden Pizza (1201 Broadview Ave.) came to a sudden halt earlier this week. Already missing their ‘za and homemade Italian and Greek specialities? There’s a location in the east end between Woodbine and Main (2360 Danforth Ave.), complete with a vibrant mural by artist Jacquie Comrie. Did you know? Back in the day, GP was located in Leaside (1612 Bayview Ave.).

The windows are papered over at East York’s Long Time No Tea (62 Overlea Blvd.).

It appears breakfast centric Over Easy’s has come to an end with 208 Bloor St. W. closed for some time and the final location at Yonge and Wellington (56 Yonge St.) now home to another concept. Details above.

Next door to recently shuttered Daisy, Rowe Farms on the Queen West strip (565 Queen St. W.) has drawn to a close. Five locations across the city remain.

The northwest corner of Queen and Parliament has seen a lot of movement lately: Afghano Restaurant earlier this year, for a brief time Queen Subs (344 Queen St. E., Unit 1), and soon 33’s Delights.

NEWS

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling for an extension of the current CEBA forgivable debt deadline - January 18, 2024 - to the end of 2024. According to the organization, “A majority (87%) of small businesses that took on a CEBA loan said they need a further extension to the end of 2024.”

The province is proposing changes affecting the restaurant and hospitality industry.

More reason to support small and local businesses whenever possible: Profits continue to soar for behemoth grocers including Loblaws and Metro.

Adding to latest food recalls: Panache Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce recalled due to undeclared cashews, PC Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins recalled due to undeclared almonds. [UPDATE: 17.11.23: Malichita Cantaloupes recalled due to Salmonella. 18.11.23: Various brands of Fresh Cut Fruit recalled due to Salmonella.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Need help promoting your business? Get started now.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal  

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 9-15, 2023

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 9 min read

This week’s dizzying lineup is full of ups and downs, luxe eats and cheap treats. p.s. There’s so much happening in fact, the arrivals and closures below represent a fraction of my latest findings, so watch this space - there’s plenty more on the way.

Insider tip: Want to be the first to know? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates. 

OPEN

Doors open tomorrow for Bar Goa (36 Toronto St.), the Canadian iteration of the recent NYC debut by Toronto restauranteur Hemant Bhagwani, known for countless Indian concepts across the city including Amaya and Mumbai Frankie (formerly Bombay Frankie). On the menu? Modern Indian cuisine, cocktails, and curated wine program.

Dang Smoke BBQ’s food truck has been all over town lately, but no need to check for a location to get Chef Dang Quach’s signature Southern style barbecue - A brick-and-mortar outpost just dropped eastside at Queen and Greenwood (4 Greenwood Ave.), across the street from new arrival, Lambo’s Deli & Grocery (1372 Queen St. E.).

Earls Kitchen + Bar’s sixth resto in the GTA (59th in Canada) kicks off tomorrow in Yorkville (Manulife Centre 55 Bloor St. W., Unit 113), boasting exclusive menu items - Northern Divine Caviar and Conservas, to name a few. This comes on the heels of a launch at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) earlier this year, with King West on the roster for early 2024.

Ginsoy Canada in Erin Mills Center (3505 Odyssey Dr., Unit 75 ) is all about “Extreme Chinese.” According to GC, that translates to “authentic Pakistani Chinese, not Hakka.” Think Spicy Szechuan Soup, Classic Paneer Chilli (Dry/Gravy), Chicken Manchurian Gravy (Red/White), Crispy Beijing Beef, Honey Garlic Fish (Dry/Glazed), and Kindo Supreme Prawn.

Good Brothers BBQ’s slew of skewers includes but isn’t limited to: Lamb Shoulder, Chicken Skeleton, Beef Breast Oil, Beef Heart Tube, Shanshan Spicy Hairy Tripe, Grilled Meatballs, Gluten Skin, Pork Belly with Cabbage, BBQ Chives, and Roasted Cicada Pupae - in layman’s terms, a type of insect. Find them in the heart of Chinatown (478 Dundas St. W.).

Following the closure of Palmerston last week, those in the mood for Harry’s Charbroiled didn’t have to wait long - the Gerrard India Bazaar destination (255 Coxwell Ave.) opened yesterday. 

Haven Brews set up shop at Finch and Bathurst (222 Finch Ave. W., Unit 101) with an array of coffee, hot food, and baked goods in a setting centred around community.

Hong Kong Island Dim Sum (492 Dundas St. W.) takes over what for ages was Hong Kong Island Bakery. If you did a double take, thinking ‘Hong Kong Island’ had closed, you’d be correct, at least at this location. To add to the confusion, there’s a place around the corner (248 Spadina Ave.), also called Hong Kong Island Dim Sum House - aka Hong Kong Island Bakery & Cafe. Check out the latest iteration at the corner of Dundas and Spadina.

Kiss My Pans (713 College St.) has new digs. The city’s sole Singaporean cafe in a cheese shop is mere blocks from the old location (567 College St., Unit 101).

I broke the news of the temporary closure of Patria last winter. Hot tip: The Spanish resto (478 King St. W.) isn’t returning quite yet but pre-bookings are open.

Vietnamese eatery Pho An Vu threw open doors in Scarborough (3280 Midland Ave.) on October 20, roughly one year after its intro to Richmond Hill.

Punjabi Chaap Corner is all about chaaps (vegetarian ‘mock’ meat ) including Afghani, Haryali, Masala, Soya, and Tawa varieties. The GTA chain established in 2020 is swiftly adding to its portfolio. See: Yonge and Gerrard (38 Elm St., Unit 06A).

Sad Songs Cantina (1211 Bloor St. W.) says it’s “Mexican as f*ck.” Also on the premises: Rudy Ritz Hot Sandwiches.

Brunch lovers likely know Sisters & Co’s downtown location. Those looking for that same experience in Markham are in luck (7725 Birchmount Rd., Unit 18).

Psst. Toronto’s newest omakase restaurant has landed. Discover Michelin contender Sushi Yugen (150 York St.) featuring two distinct dining experiences by head chef Kyohei Igarashi: Main sushi counter (12 seats) Lunch $80/pp (45 min.), Dinner $98/pp (1 hr.) opening November 20 and reservations are now open; and Chef’s counter (8 seats) $265/pp (2 hrs.). Fun fact: It’s located across the hall from new arrival Alobar.

Sweet Sunset (567 College St., Unit 101) takes over the former Kiss My Pans space with an assortment of Vietnamese fare - banh mi, summer rolls, beef stew - with desserts and coffee also on offer.

Taisho Japanese Grill (29 Baldwin St.) replaces the first floor of Charidise Bubble Tea and Fusion Restaurant with AYCE fare including hand rolls, udon, poké bowls, tea quail eggs, duck breast, live clams (seasonal), marinated lamb, miso beef brisket. Did you know? The location used to be home to John’s Italian Caffe and a historic Yiddish sign.

CLOSED

Bauzza Bauzza (298 College St.) launched in 2019.

The footprint that was nightclub and event space BOX, aka The Box, [Box] (584 College St.) is about to be La Bella Sangweech.

While Dolce Gelato’s Little Italy location (697 College St.) has come to a close, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at shops in Kensington Market (234 Augusta Ave.) and on the Danforth (414 Danforth Ave.).

Four Zone (713 College St.) arrived in Little Italy in 2022.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Pizza Bar (760 College St.) shuttered earlier this year however a “new location” is in the works.

There are a ton of businesses currently for sale. Usually, it’s done on the down low, but it’s becoming increasingly more common for people to just come out with it. Take Il Covo (585 College St.), for instance. Quietly on the market for some time, it’s now public. p.s. It’s not marked closed on Google, however passing by on the weekend, the iron gate was drawn closed over the entrance, with tableware stacked near the front window.

Jackson's Burger started out in 2014 at Yonge at Gerrard (374 Yonge St.) before relocating around the corner (38 Elm St.) in 2017 due to rent hikes.

Established in 2022, West African restaurant Jollof King (673 Spadina Ave.) was a recent arrival in The Annex.

Mavericks Burger Co. landed near the water’s edge (15 Merchants' Wharf, Unit 3) Winter ‘21 and announced sudden closure last week.

After two shops and many a pie, Shiela Labao’s current New Pie Co. journey is winding things up at the end of the year.

West Side Kitchen (449 Danforth Ave.) changed its name last year, but that wasn’t enough to keep doors open. Get ready for Wanas Shawarma.

There’s an empty space where Wine in the Market by Wine Rack in Kensington Market (267 Augusta Ave.) used to be.

NEWS

The city eases up on zoning for patios and live music for Summer ‘24.

The latest food recall: Lian Teng Enoki Mushrooms recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.

Need help promoting your business? Get started now.

Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal