Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 3

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News February 20-26, 2025

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest 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 industry continues to transform at breakneck speed. This week closures rival openings (last week featured almost 3x the arrivals), and due to the ever-evolving landscape, businesses continue to change things up.

NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF , a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST , follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates , and subscribe to the TR Newsletter .

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Kensington Market’s seen its share of comings and goings lately. Meet the newest addition, The Harmony Cafe (75 Nassau St.) with more than just java. Also on offer: Pizza. Did you know? It takes over a previous coffee shop’s digs. See closures below for details.

Hey Mississauga, India Paradise has landed at Dixie and Eglinton (5200 Dixie Rd., Unit 8) with an array of rich curries, fragrant biryiani, Indo-Chinese fare and more.

TR Hot Tip: Parkdale’s long-running Islas Filipino BBQ & Bar (1690 Queen St. W.) just added a second concept to the fam. Get in on exclusive soft opening events happening this month and next at Islas Cafe & Bar in Downsview (890 Wilson Ave.).

Jabal Coffee House is all about delivering an “authentic Yemeni coffee experience.” Soft opening kicks off Monday in Mississauga (3515 Odyssey Dr., Unit 63).

Folks in the Queen and Palmerston ‘hood didn’t have to wait long for something to move into Urban Thai’s old stomping grounds, with Thai grub at that. Say hello to Loei Thai Kitchen & Bar (640 Queen St. W.).

Shelby's steady rise across the province continues. Grand opening for the shawarma chain’s branch in Richmond Hill (11000 Yonge St.) gets underway Sunday at noon.

Simple Burger came on the scene December 10, 2021 at Bloor and Christie (735 Bloor St. W.). For those in the Bathurst and Dundas area, SB’s patties are now within reach courtesy of a second outpost (374 Bathurst St.). TR Trivia: Do you remember when the space was Cafe Blu Blu and Campechano Cafe?

Twilight Cafe, the local eatery and board game chain, joined Midtown’s roster (2429 Yonge St.) on Saturday. Bonus: Find mahjong tables, karaoke rooms and sports TV amongst the brand’s new lineup at this and downtown locations.

Uncle Studios (46 Ossington Ave.), THE place for “mid luxury ethically made, eco-conscious basics” that are anything but basic, has a new brick-and-mortar home on the Ossington strip, complete with on-site coffee shop. A jolt of java and dope clothes? See you there. I’ll be the one in the back trying on the The Drop Shoulder Top, The Date Night Mini, the Lovely hat, and The Diner Crewneck obvs.

Peking duck fans, North York has a spot made with you in mind. See: Xihe Peking Duck (7 Bang Ave.).

CLOSED

Davenport Village’s 33 Powerhouse St. was once home to Love Chix and until recently, Century Park Tavern. Psst. Incoming: The second location for Queen and Spadina’s Cheffrey’s Bistro (390 Richmond St. W.).

Lokum arrived in Kensington Market (75 Nassau St.) in 2023.

After 14 years, Max’s Restaurant in Vaughan (1520 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 121) is on the move.

End of an era. Rina and Livio Camarra debuted Mastro's Ristorante Italiano in Downview (890 Wilson Ave.) in 1964. It ran until last year.

Papa John’s Pizza touched down east of Pape (798 Danforth Ave.) in 2018. TR Intel: Moving in, Levande Bakery & BBQ. TR Flashback:. Remember when it was Magic Oven?

Party et Cie got the party started in Leslieville (1112 Queen St. E.) in 2022.

Across the street from Papa John’s, Raftaar Indian Kitchen + Bar (681 Danforth Ave.) came and went.

Last week, Sari Not Sari (1566 Queen St. W.), posted doors were closing. Luckily there’s still time to get in your goodbyes - and dances. Sunday’s the final day.

Selva in The Fifth Group’s enduring patch in The Entertainment District (221 Richmond St. W.) featured South American dishes reimagined with Thai ingredients and flavours by chef Nuit Regular (Chaiyo by PAI, Pai, Sukhothai, and Michelin Recommended Kiin). Stay tuned.

CHANGES

Head’s up: Eastbound Brewery (700 Queen St. E.) has swapped out its offerings. Currently, it’s all about cantina eats and drinks, with signature suds still on deck. In addition, Ish Coffee that set up shop here last summer is no longer part of the lineup.

Kissa (619 King St. W.) launched in July 2023 as a dining destination with listening lounge and karaoke in effect. Now it identifies as a “Dance & Night Club” as per its IG profile. On Google, the website still goes by “Kissa: Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Lounge in Toronto,” however the restaurant and karaoke room are no longer in operation. For those looking for dining options, King and Portland is overflowing with ‘em. Or you can head to sibling Soluna up on Queen (314 Queen St. W.). This modification to service swiftly follows the conclusion of dining and karaoke across the street at Dasha (620 King St. W.).

Mess Hall continues to shift things around: It’s become one with The Magpie Cakery (1125 Gerrard St. E.).

NEWS

Restaurant transactions were “7.6% higher during GST and HST holiday,” according to a Canadian resto organization.

The latest food recalls: Palm Bites Date Squares recalled due to Salmonella, Swiss Chalet Chicken breast nuggets recalled due to pieces of bone. [UPDATE 21.02.25: Soo Beef Jerky recalled due to undeclared mustard. 22.02.25: Jean Perrin Morbier de Scey and Raclette de Scey (cheeses) recalled due to possible contamination with pathogenic E. coli.]

ICYMI

THIS JUST IN: Earlier this week, I gave you the inside scoop on a burgeoning area for fine dining (See THE TIP OFF - Edition 10). Did you know? A Michelin-awarded restaurant just debuted in a cozy neighbourhood that’s home to a few with similar accolades. Upscale restaurants and steakhouses continue to arrive with gusto - in this instance, right across the street from one another. And the activity on King West continues - with one destination that’s been in the works for years, and another that’s adding to the mix - 11 years later. Listen to the latest edition of THE TIP OFF - Edition 11, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

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

Subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you watch/listen to podcasts.

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

Support local independent food journalism and publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 12

🎧 Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST. 
THE TIP OFF - EDITION 12

This Week’s Top 5 Stories - THIS JUST IN:

Yorkville’s Bar Reyna (158 Cumberland St.) has closed for renovations and is changing things up other than appearance. Get ready for fine dining food and service. Did you know? Next-door neighbour Michelin-Recommended 156 Cumberland also closed a while back and is relocating. See my ‘No One Covers The City Like This’ post on Instagram for details.

Speaking of fine dining, The Chase (10 Temperance, 5th Fl) is launching a casual concept downstairs at street level, in the space formerly home to The Chase Fish & Oyster and Planta Cocina. Doors for the new destination are slated to open this spring.

New ventures are shuttering left and right, including additions. One recent example: Bar Notte on Church (11 Church St.) that launched in July. Seven months later, it’s closed and transformed into next-door neighbour Amano Trattoria’s private dining and event space. TR Trivia: The watering hole was by the same owners and team as Amano’s.

I’m calling it: Zia’s Place is going to be a hotspot in Brockton Village. The new project by folks behind Happy Coffee and Wine and Pasta Forever, is set to debut soon in the Stop’s former stomping grounds (1543 Dundas St. W.). *Note: Find the Stop in its cozy new digs in Roncesvalles Village (397 Roncesvalles Ave.). TR Pro Tip: Go… Go often.

It’s extremely unusual that a Niagara Falls resto launches in the 6ix - Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse is a rare example - whereas Massimo Capra’s namesake in Niagara Falls, Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant,  followed his eateries in Mississauga including Capra’s Kitchen and Boccone Trattoria (previously known as Boccone Pronto). Stay tuned. Swaagat - The Real Taste of India  that debuted in NF last year is taking  over the spacious home swathed in white that was Bikkuri at King and Yonge (36 King St. E.) that I confirmed closed mid-2022 (Visit Bikkuri Japanese Restaurant in The Beaches - 2197 Queen St. E.) Swaagat Resto & Bar is coming your way soon with “fine dining, craft cocktails, live beats, and epic party vibes.”

p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. 

p.s. You’d better get caught up: In just over two months, I’ve reported nearly 60 breaking and exclusive news items in THE TIP OFF alone. That’s in addition to an average of 15-30 establishments in my weekly OPEN/CLOSED. 

NO ONE COVERS TORONTO/GTA LIKE THIS.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on the most comprehensive coverage of restaurants openings, closures and other news in 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.

Support local independent food journalism and publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 11

🎧 Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST.  p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 11

THIS JUST IN:

The waterfront is a bevy of activity these days. On the approach: Casa 73, promising “an unforgettable dining experience” nestled inside WaterPark Place at the corner of Bay and Harbour (20 Bay St.). The contemporary Italian restaurant is slated to launch right around the time of luxe steakhouse Harbour 60’s grand reopening (see below) across the street.

Speaking of steakhouses, the swift movement of carnivore-centric destinations has kept me hopping this last while - and the frenzy is far from over. Loyal readers and listeners were first to learn of Harbour 60’s reopening March 1st. That should tide you over while Jacobs & Co. (Michelin Recommended) is only at its current location on Brant until March 5, before it’s on the move to CIBC Square at 81 Bay St.

Harbord Village has also been bustling lately with new arrivals including Maven, Kokoro Japanese Sushi House, and now, Musoshin  Ramen, the Michelin-Recommended restaurant from Kyoto known for their award-winning  vegan vegetable-based ramen broth and signature Japanese desserts. Did you know? The strip is home to a number of Michelins including Dreyfus (Recommended), Parquet (Recommended), and Rasa (Bib Gourmand). And my prediction? Maven will be high on the 2025 lineup.

I’ve had Cassius on King on my watchlist for years. The modern Italian haunt is finally scheduled to debut at King & Portland (624 King St. W.) this spring. 

Wilbur Mexicana came on the scene just up the street on King West (552 King St. W. )in 2014 with nary a sombrero or piñata in sight and it’s been bumpin’ ever since. Not one to promote anything - there’s no website, no phone number, and a single post on Instagram from June 2014… A location is opening soon in Liberty Village.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on the most comprehensive coverage of restaurants openings, closures and other news in 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.

Support local independent food publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News February 13-19, 2025

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest 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

🕘 10.5 min read

I’ve been warning you an onslaught of closures like nothing before was on the approach. This week is just a small sampling of what’s to come. Which is why I’ve documented fewer arrivals than usual. There are a lot of important stories to tell.

That’s not all: I uncovered a record number of breaking and exclusive news stories - I reported 10 in the span of four days this week in addition to the many items below. And I’ve got way more to share, so make sure to follow (links below). You don’t want to miss a thing.

NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF , a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST , follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates , and subscribe to the TR Newsletter .

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Last week’s activity in Scarborough continues with grand opening for Aaha Truly South (1177 Brimley Rd.) taking place today. The South Indian eatery specializes in authentic delicacies from Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana including tiffins and snacks.

Introducing your new destination for schiacciata firenze / aka Florentine flatbread - Ariete E Toro debuted its signature sandos in Midtown (12 Keewatin Ave.) yesterday.

Wine bar/bottle shop mashups continue to expand throughout the 6ix. The latest to drop: Beach Hill Wines by Archives Wine & Spirit Merchants (1879 Gerrard St. E.), the second oenophile destination from the biz out of Niagara.

I’ve been all over town lately with Marry Me Mochi. And the journey continues to Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill (9350 Yonge St.). The Japanese mochi doughnut shop also known for its Vietnamese iced coffee and viral Dubai chocolates kicks off its 13th location Saturday with deals to be had including 50 per cent off doughnuts and the chance to win an iPhone.

Harbord Village has been bustling recently with new arrivals including Maven, Kokoro Japanese Sushi House, and now, Musoshin Ramen (130 Harbord Ave.), the Michelin-Recommended restaurant from Kyoto known for their award-winning vegan vegetable-based ramen broth and signature Japanese desserts. Did you know? The strip is home to a number of Michelins including Dreyfus (Recommended), Parquet (Recommended), and Rasa (Bib Gourmand). And my prediction? Maven will be high on the 2025 lineup.

CLOSED

I’ve been uncovering a slew of Mexican eateries lately. If you missed last week’s breaking news, here’s a quick catch up: Casa Mezcal on King West (291 King St. W.) has permanently shuttered. The resto launched their three-floor expansive venture in the heart of the Entertainment District at King and John (291 King St. W.) Summer 2020, serving up tacos, Mexican-style sushi, and margaritas. They launched a similar iteration with the bonus of Mexican brunch at their second location in the heart of The Village (553 Church St.) in Smith’s former stomping grounds. I reported that closure last fall.

I broke the news earlier this week: District Eatery (303 King St. W.), aka District Restaurant and Bar, has closed. The sprawling establishment on Restaurant Row is just doors away from recently shuttered Casa Mezcal (291 King St. W.) that I broke the story on last week.

Dedicated listeners already know - There was one place you could get pad thai and schnitzel, tom yum and goulash under one roof. Hungary Thai Bar & Eatery has been a part of Kensington Market (196 Augusta Ave.) since 2001 in a house that was built in 1888. An auction of the restaurant’s furniture and equipment has been posted. The news comes just days after the announcement of Amadeu’s closure a few doors over (184 Augusta Ave.). The Portuguese restaurant opened in 1989.

Leaf Doner was a fairly recent addition to Kensington Market (180 Baldwin St.), located around the corner from Hungary Thai.

I let you in on operations winding up for Oliver & Bonacini’s Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery in Liberty Village (42 Liberty St.) last month. Reminder: Doors close Sunday.

King & Portland is switching up shawarma shops. Liberty Shawarma (565 King St. W.) has exited the buzzy nabe. Comin’ in hot: Alpha’s Shawarma. Psst. In addition, the certified halal eatery is setting up “soon” at Yonge and Dundas (245 Yonge St.), in what was a Vans store. TR Trivia: AS also has a spot close by at Queen and Bathurst (598 Queen St. W.).

Le Petit Paris (1879 Gerrard St. E.) in the Upper Beaches was more than a patisserie and boulangerie. It was a one-stop shop for everything from prepared meals and baked goods to pantry items and decadent desserts. After 18 years, LPP temporarily closed last May and as per their current Instagram bio, “unfortunately is permanently closed. We are unable to make the financials work. Thank you for all your support.” To discover who moved into the space, pop up top.

Music lovers will have to look to nearby establishments for suds and grub now that The Opera House’s The Opera House Grill & Patio (737 Queen St. E.) has come to an end.

Yesterday, Parkdale’s Sari Not Sari (1566 Queen St. W.), formerly The Shop, the dance destination and community by Michelin Bib Gourmand BB’s (5 Brock Ave.), posted doors are set to close. Stay tuned for details.

Last month, Trinity-Bellwoods stalwart Saving Grace (907 Dundas St. W.) shared last day is Saturday. The brunch haunt was a mainstay in for 25 years.

The Sweet Potato (1678 Bayview Ave.) arrived in Leaside Summer ‘23. Owners Digs Dorfman and CJ Chiddy took to socials Tuesday to announce permanent closure tomorrow. Their long-running health food store in The Junction (108 Vine Ave.) remains open to serve you.

Earlier this week, Etobicoke’s The Tale Indian Cuisine and Bar (3747 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Unit 1) notified the public the establishment comes to an end on February 28.

Taverna Yiannis Greek Grill and Pub’s stay at Yonge and Lawrence (3185 Yonge St.) was short-lived.

Mere blocks from The Sweet Potato, The Works Craft Burgers & Beer next to Metro at Bayview and Eglinton (609 Roehampton Ave., Unit 2) is also a thing of the past. ISO of their burgers? The website states 27 outposts remain throughout the city and province.

NEWS

Head’s up: The GST/HST tax ‘holiday’ ends Saturday at midnight.

Yesterday, Food Banks Mississauga announced the charity had to reduce their paid workforce and cancel programs. This comes at a time when “food bank usage is at an all-time high with 1 in 13 Mississauga residents relying on a food bank.”

Attention Industry: Applications for new CaféTO Curb Lane Cafés or renewal permits close Wednesday at 11:59 pm.

Reuters reports the Dave’s Hot Chicken chain is “exploring a potential sale.” The American chicken brand has a number of Toronto locations including a recent addition downtown in the Financial District (The PATH 181 Bay St., Unit C350).

Latest food recalls: Christie Original Mini Ritz Crackers recalled due to undeclared milk, Igloo 90-Quart Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers recalled due to fingertip amputation and crushing hazards, Solo stove Smokeless Gel Fuel recalled due to improper labelling.

ICYMI

THIS JUST IN: A renowned Toronto clothier adds to the lineup, changes to dining at a historic music venue, update on one of the city’s swankiest steakhouses, tracking closures includes temporary shut downs, and speaking of closures - BREAKING NEWS about another big one in the heart of downtown.

Annnnd there’s more: Big changes at “Canada’s first Detroit style pizzeria,” news about one of the city’s most unique restaurants, another closure on King West, a local hospitality group adds to the roster, and a fine dining destination in a location that’s developing into a hotspot for haute cuisine. Listen to the latest edition of THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

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

Subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you watch/listen to podcasts.

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

Support local independent food journalism and publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 10

🎧 Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST.  p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 10

THIS JUST IN:

Big changes at “Canada’s first Detroit style pizzeria.” Descendant Detroit Style Pizza debuted in Leslieville (1168 Queen St. E.) in 2015. According to an American publication, owner Chris Getchell stepped away from the business, and Sotirios (known as “Ike”) Tzakis took it over in 2022. I reached out to the restaurant which confirmed Ike is now the owner. That’s not all: An outpost in Boston’s Prudential Center kicked off February 6. And. for those here in the Big Smoke, there’s a temporary ghost kitchen in the west end in the works. 

There was one place you could get pad thai and schnitzel, tom yum and goulash under one roof. Hungary Thai Bar & Eatery has been a fixture in Kensington Market (196 Augusta Ave.) since 2001 in a house that was built in 1888. An An auction of the restaurant’s furniture and equipment has been posted. The news comes just days after the announcement of Amadeu’s closure a few doors over (184 Augusta Ave.). The Portuguese restaurant opened in 1989.

King West’s District Eatery, aka District Restaurant and Bar (303 King St. W.), has permanently closed. The sprawling establishment on Restaurant Row is just doors away from recently shuttered Casa Mezcal (291 King St. W.) that I broke the story on last week.

A Florentine trattoria is touching down in the Financial District soon. Florin Trattoria is slated to launch this spring in the Victory Building at Bay and Richmond (80 Richmond St. W., Unit 100). The new venture is from a local hospitality group behind establishments in Collingwood, Thornbury, The Blue Mountains and Toronto’s own Mother Tongue and Liquid Courage.

Fine dining lovers, this one’s for you: Convivium, “a new venture that combines exceptional cuisine with unparalleled service” is set to open at Yonge and King (83 Yonge St., Unit 10) soon. This neck of the woods is quickly becoming a fine dining destination with both old (The Chase) and new restaurants (just opened The Lost Land, Michelin Recommended Lucie) within steps of one another.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on the most comprehensive coverage of restaurants openings, closures and other news in 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.

Support local independent food publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 9

🎧 Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST.  p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 9

THIS JUST IN:

Silhouette Tailoring has always been an east end presence and now, it’s back in its former space on Broadview (253 Broadview Ave.) Coming soon: On-site Silhouette Cafe with coffee and select baked items, slated to open in March. TR Pro Tip: Grab a coffee and pastry here for while you wait in line at Lady Marmalade a few doors over (265 Broadview Ave.).

Speaking of the east end, music lovers will have to look to nearby establishments for suds and grub now that The Opera House’s eatery The Opera House Grill & Patio (737 Queen St. E.) has come to an end.

After a lengthy closure for extensive renovations, reservations for swanky steakhouse Harbour 60 (60 Harbour S), are now open for March with grand reopening taking place March 1st.

Temporary closures continue to rack up: In addition to recent ones including Vela due to fire, Leña due to damage from a burst pipe, and Buca on King that’s been closed for renos for at least a year, a whack of places have shut down for a while: Greece Restaurant on Mount Pleasant, Perla on College and Utopia Waffle on Roncesvalles are just the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve been uncovering a slew of Mexican eateries lately. BREAKING NEWS: Casa Mezcal on King West (291 King St. W.) has permanently shuttered. The resto launched their three-floor expansive venture in the heart of the Entertainment District at King and John (291 King St. W.) the Summer 2020. serving up tacos, Mexican-style sushi, and margaritas.They launched a similar iteration with the bonus of Mexican brunch at their second location in the heart of The Village (553 Church St.) in Smith’s former stomping grounds. I reported that closure last fall.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on the most comprehensive coverage of restaurants openings, closures and other news in 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.

Support local independent food publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News February 6-12, 2025

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest 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 min read

My coverage has always included establishments beyond the downtown core (but you know I’ve got that covered too) because good food extends to all corners of the GTA. Case in point: This edition, for one. With a third of this week’s arrivals in Scarborough, and destinations across the map including Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Bloor West Village, North York, and other spots in and out of the city centre, you’ve got plenty of drool-inducing options (aka excuses) to visit new eateries and try dishes and experiences outside your go-tos.

NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF , a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST , follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates , and subscribe to the TR Newsletter .

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Dosas are just part of the extensive lineup at ever-expanding South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain, Annalakshmi. See for yourself at their new digs in Scarborough (250 Alton Towers, Cir C8).

The Ballroom Bowl just debuted a second outpost downtown at Yonge and Bloor, and the good times continue to roll: Introducing BB’s third bowling destination down the street at the corner of Yonge and Dundas (The Tenor, 10 Dundas St. E.).

For Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches and bubble tea in Bloor West Village, visit Banh Mi Khong (12 Jane St.).

There’s a new grocer in the west end and it’s unlike any other. Bearys Supermarket (2273 Dundas St. W., Unit 8) brings Mangalorean ingredients and prepared foods to Mississauga by way of groceries and pantry essentials, fresh Halal meat, baked goods, and more. Grand opening festivities take place Tuesday.

Social enterprise cafes and eateries are on the rise. Introducing the latest: Blob Café in Richmond Hill (21 Granton Dr., Unit 11), “a celebration of neurodiversity, inclusion, and community,” brought to you by Autism In Mind (AIM) next door. Purchasing their coffee, cookies, and greeting cards empowers “neurodivergent individuals to gain valuable job skills and independence.”

Cafe Tea Talks (69 Lebovic Ave., Unit D113) just landed in Scarborough. What to expect at the Malabar restaurant? Authentic Kerala fare “where every bite tells a story.”

Choice Indian Restaurant began its journey in Ahmedabad in 1979. Since then, it’s grown to 12 locations across India and a handful across the GTA. Scarborough, it’s your turn (200 Bellamy Rd. N. Unit 1-2). Dig into Desi style pizza, Indian burgers, sandwiches, falooda, and more. TR Trivia: A Mississauga branch (5150 Dixie Rd.) launched last summer with more to come including Barrie, Brampton and London.

Authentic Hyderabadi flavours are the focus of Deccan House in Scarborough (19 Lapsley Rd.) On the menu: Halal kebabs, biryani, etc.

Chinatown has a new multi-storied event space, complete with underground gallery and rooftop patio. See: Evnt202 (202 Spadina Ave.) boasting a lineup of DJs, comedy shows and other fun activities.

Hanoi Bites is all about Northern Vietnamese fare. Think signature bánh mì and desserts. Find them in their new setup at Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.), a venue that despite being months old, continues to welcome new vendors on the regular.

Masrawy Egyptian Kitchen in Mississauga (2275 Britannia Rd. W., Unit 1-2) expands its offerings with nearby The Local by Masrawy Kitchen (2275 Britannia Road West,Unit 20) - a cafe, butcher, and market under one roof.

I was the first to report it back when. For those just catching up: Piano Piano is in serious expansion mode. East enders are getting one to call their own - where Gare de l’Est resided at Dundas and Carlaw (1190 Dundas St. E.) - and the local pizzeria/restaurant chain recently moved west side, taking over the kitchen at Café Paradise next to Paradise Theatre. p.s. And soon, a few doors over at 4 Westmoreland Ave., which is the same addy for Osteria Rialto and Bar Rialto, the former swish Italian joints on the other side of the theatre. Psst. Doors open Saturday.

ISO a fine dining Turkish experience? Rumeli Restaurant (4700 Dufferin St., Unit 6) is a striking new addition in North York. Grand opening kicks off Saturday at 2pm.

Hot on the heels of a debut at Union Station, Shake Shack moves into Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) on Wednesday filled with smash burgers, crinkle cut fries, milkshakes and other signature fast food. Did you know? This marks the third store in the GTA in a matter of months for the American burger chain.

The motto of Simply South? “Five states, one table.” Head to Scarborough (2901 Markham Rd., Unit 17 & 18) to discover authentic fare from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

CLOSED

On Tuesday, Celeste, Elizabeth and Rui Gonçalves shared news on Tuesday that Amadeu's Restaurant (184 Augusta Ave.) has come to an end. The Portuguese restaurant was a staple in Kensington Market for 36 years.

On Saturday, the owners of The Junction’s Chuckleberry Emporium and Chuckleberry Trading Co. (3054 Dundas St. W.), Stuart O’Hara and Charles Veysey, announced doors have closed. The duo launched Chuckleberry Trading Co. in 2020, followed by the storefront Chuckleberry Emporium in 2023, offering an array of condiments, pantry items and prepared foods. Stay tuned, as the message reads in part: “We will be taking some time to figure out what's next and are excited for what could be around the corner.”

Ghazale Restaurant (504 Bloor St. W.) held strong in the Annex for 30 years before doors closed. (Their juice bar next door closed during the pandemic.) Luckily, three restaurants remain open: Two close by - Walmer and College St - and one further west on Lake Shore.

Korean restaurant chain Kai Chi’s site in Bloor West Village (2322 Bloor St. W. has wrapped up.

Nosh Cafenio’s stay in Greektown (563 Danforth Ave.) was brief.

TR Watch: It’s not just restaurants that are shuttering left and right. Breweries across the province are having to close up shop: In recent weeks, Ottawa’s Conspiracy Theory Brewing , and Hamilton’s oldest public house and brewery, The George Hamilton Restaurant & Brewery .

NEWS

On Sunday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the LCBO would remove American products from shelves. In addition, “As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can’t order or restock U.S. products.” A day later, as the tariffs were postponed, the U.S. items remained on the shelves. Effective Tuesday February 4, these products from the U.S. are subject to 25 per cent tariffs.

After a lengthy closure for extensive renovations, reservations for swanky steakhouse Harbour 60 (60 Harbour S), are now open for March, with grand reopening taking place March 1st.

Latest food recalls: Cucina & Amore Pesto Alla Genovese Basil recalled due to undeclared Brazil nuts, milk, and pine nuts; David Roberts Gourmet Nut & Honey Mix recalled due to undeclared wheat and sesame.

ICYMI

THIS JUST IN: Fusion is the name of the game at this new spot downtown, Mississauga’s about to get a resto that’s anything but casual, comfort food and cocktails by a local hospitality group is touching down somewhere familiar, psst - a popular destination is expanding its footprint just outside the city, and there’s still time to visit a long-running eatery before doors close. Listen to the latest edition of THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

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

Subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you watch/listen to podcasts.

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

Support local independent food jounrnalism and publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News January 30-February 5, 2025

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest 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 min read

After what feels like 78 days of winter packed into 31, the last week of January has finally arrived. So ushering in a new month with plates stacked high with pizza and doughnuts, and digging into winter warmups including hot pot, spit-roasted lamb, and Indian and Sri Lankan fare, is just what the doctor - and meteorologist - ordered.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF , a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST , follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates , and subscribe to the TR Newsletter .

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

An “elevated” and “fine dining” experience is touching down in Mississauga soon. Andaaz Restaurant (3900 Grand Park Dr., Unit E1), part social kitchen and bar, “brings the vibrant flavours of India to life with a modern twist, offering a dining experience unlike any other.” The new spot is set to debut Tuesday, but you knew that already.

ISO a new dive bar and karaoke spot? Head to Yonge and Bloor and go underground to discover Bar Zunko & Karaoke (675 Yonge St.).

Cafe, wine bar and pizzeria Enoteca 89 (2196 Bloor St. W.) replaces former occupants Halycon Coffee and Bello Pizza. While the name may be new, the owner remains the same.

Flaming Kitchen (472 Yonge St.), home of sizzling plates and cozy hot pots, takes over the gargantuan space that was famously Dickey’s Barbeque Pit,* marking the first downtown location for the chain with outposts in Mississauga, Scarborough and Vaughan. *Stay tuned. DBP’s slated to open in Bloor West Village (2150 Bloor St. W.) “soon.”

Glory Hole Doughnuts (1505 Gerrard St. E.) joins the roster at the Eaton Centre’s new food hall Queen’s Cross by local hospitality group Oliver & Bonacini (220 Yonge St., Lower Level).

Dig into döners, kebabs, pide, shish and more at Thornhill’s new Heaven Turkish Cuisine (7330 Yonge St.). Bonus: Enjoy 10 per cent off all menu items until January 31st.

TR Hot Tip: Spit-roasted lamb is the name of the game at North York’s new Lambo (8 Kingsdale Ave.).

Marry Me Mochi has been all over town lately. Find a new setup at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr., Taste Mrkt - Upper Level). Did you know? Another mochi destination just exited.

Hey Etobicoke, North of Brooklyn Pizzeria is finally within reach (1180 The Queensway). Fun fact: The building was formerly home to a branch of Fat Bastard Burrito Co.

Indian and Sri Lankan takeout restaurant Poopathy Mess (585 Parliament St.) moves into what was previously home to a Sri Lankan eatery in Cabbagetown.

Canadian breakfast/brunch chain Pür & Simple kicks off their 50th resto Monday at Bayview Village (2901 Bayview Ave.). Spanning 2,500 sq. ft., it seats almost 100 including the patio. TR Trivia: P&S debuted in Laval, Quebec in 2016.

Scarborough’s Shawarma Daddy, “the authentic taste of Dubai,” celebrates grand opening of their first spot downtown on Sunday at Bloor and Christie (729 Bloor St. W.). Busy corner: This addy has been home to a number of ventures this last while including Samosa + Patty and last summer’s wild Al Babino's/Pasta Smart, a riff on the previous Ali Baba’s name with the addition of noods.

CLOSED

O&B’s Curryosity and Garden Variety were part of the original lineup at their food hall at the Eaton Centre (Queen’s Cross 220 Yonge St., Lower Level).

Half of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ’s Ontario sites have closed: North York (now Omiwol) and Richmond Hill (See: Sugar Cafe and Lounge). Two remain in the province (Toronto, Mississauga), with more available across Canada and the U.S.

Saks Food Hall by Pusateri's inside Sak’s Fifth Avenue (176 Yonge St.) came to an abrupt end.

NEWS

Tarrifs on Canadian imports are coming soon.

On Monday, Mayor Olivia Chow declared food insecurity an emergency in the City of Toronto.

A Salmonella outbreak linked to imported pastries has “now sickened 69 people in Canada.”

Premier Ford’s “decision to speed up alcohol sales expansion to cost province $612M.”

Multiple arrests have been made in a Brampton theft investigation. The stolen items? Butter and ghee.

The city’s long-running prix fixe event Winterlicious kicks off tomorrow.

Latest food recalls: Al-Watan Tahini recalled due to Salmonella, Century Flaked Light Tuna Hot & Spicy recalled due to undeclared wheat, D. Effe T. Lemon Delight and Tartlet with Forest Fruits recalled due to Salmonella.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

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

Subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you watch/listen to podcasts.

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

Support independent food publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 8

🎧 Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST.  p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

THE TIP OFF - EDITION 8

THIS JUST IN:

An “elevated” “fine dining” experience is touching down in Mississauga soon. Andaaz Restaurant (3900 Grand Park Dr., Unit E1) - part social kitchen and bar - “brings the vibrant flavours of India to life with a modern twist, offering a dining experience unlike any other.”. The new spot is set to debut February 4.

Korean fusion destinations are on the rise. The latest to join the ranks? Tiger Blues at Queen and Niagara (811 Queen St. W.) in Three Monks and a Duck’s previous stomping grounds. Doors open today.

In recent years, a popular landing spot for restaurants looking to expand their reach outside the city limits has been Oakville: Sotto Sotto, Goodfellas, Blondies Pizza, Pilot Coffee Roasters, and last year, Laylak and Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, to name a few. Psst. Also making the move? Local Middle Eastern chain Tabule (234 Lakeshore Rd.). Stay tuned.

From the folks behind Aleria and Papi Chulo’s comes Little Ese. The new rendezvous for pizza, pasta, wings, burgers and cocktails is slated to open this Spring, in the Queen West digs where Noce stood until recently (875 Queen St. W.).

After eight years Oliver & Bonacini’s Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery (42 Liberty St.) is coming to an end. The Liberty Village stalwart is to close as of February 16, 2025.

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on the most comprehensive coverage of restaurants openings, closures and other news in 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.

Support independent food publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News January 23-29, 2025

The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest 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

🕘 8 min read

Just what this time of year calls for: An abundance of pizza and comforting international eats.* And big closures are coming in fast. Luckily, the majority aren’t permanent.

*This hiatus from finer dining establishments lately? It’s about to wrap up in the next month or so. Watch this space.

NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF , a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST , follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates , and subscribe to the TR Newsletter .

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Local pink pizza chain Blondies Pizza lands at Union Station (65 Front St.) with its signature lineup dubbed everything from Trouble at the Seance and Sophie Said So (SSS) to Cold Drink/Hot Girl and Drake Was Here.

Fusettes (407A Yonge St.) debuts at Yonge and Gerrard in a former drugstore of all places. Discover sandwiches, coffee and baked treats in a warm setting.

Etobicoke’s new The G.O.A.T Indian Kitchen (130 Westmore Dr.,Unit 3) is all about modern Indian flavours with “traditional roots.” Think halal fare including butter chicken, biryani, dosas and more.

Taiwanese bubble tea shop Gong Cha’s grand opening at Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy) is happening Friday through ‘til Wednesday.

Grillies 24-hour haunt filled with burger, bowls, burritos and other grub softly opens today at 11am in Parkdale’s Little Tibet (1468 Queen St. W.), marking the 13th location for the local chain.

ISO halal Nashville hot chicken in the GTA? Look no further than Juicy Birds’ newest destination in Scarborough’s Wexford nabe (1877 Lawrence Ave. E.). Fun facts: It’s the third location in the GTA, fifth in the province.

Kebab & Co kicks off in East York (977 O'Connor Dr.) with a menu that extends beyond its namesake dish. Dig into fragrant fare such as Kunjid Palaw with Lamb Shank, Egg & Shaami Karahi, and KC Special Afghani Burger - which is not your typical burger: Crunchy fries topped with fried chicken sausage, boiled egg, cucumber, tomato, spices and sauce, wrapped in pita and “extra” grilled. Did you know? It takes over the space formerly occupied by Suma’s Egyptian Grill, which is on the move. Stay tuned.

Nutbar’s fourth* superfood and wellness cafe launches uptown on Saturday (2592 Yonge St.). *Fifth if you include the seasonal pop-up on Ossington.

Chefs Hall (111 Richmond St. W.) took to socials last week to announce the closure of one its vendors, Oswald’s Pizza. The Detroit-style eatery joined the food hall in 2023 following a launch on Dufferin in 2021. Psst. Hey pizza lovers, OP can be found at its original addy in North York (Encore Catering 5000 Dufferin St., Unit P).

Build-your-own pasta bar Pastable in York (1927 Weston Rd.) claims to offer “over 4500 possible combinations.” See for yourself at grand opening tomorrow for the downtown location (372 Yonge St.). Bonus: Enjoy Mac N’ Cheese with BBQ Chicken and pop for $5 (Opening day only).

Stone-fired pizza co. Score Pizza boasts over 10 pizzerias across the province, with more on the way. Just added to the roster: Scarborough (4525 Kingston Rd.).

Korean fusion destinations are on the rise. The latest to join the ranks? Tiger Blues at Queen and Niagara (811 Queen St. W.) in Three Monks and a Duck’s previous stomping grounds. Doors open tomorrow.

CLOSED

Popular Pan Asian resto Bar’kada commenced its journey on Queen (745 Queen St. W.) in 2020. On Tuesday co-owner Jordan Rulloda posted a heartfelt announcement on social earlier this week that doors have closed, however a search for a new space is on.* Rulloda, a DJ and photographer, is also owner/partner of No. 9 Hospitality Group, running two establishments in Schomberg - about an hour north of the city: The Schomberg Pub (226 Main St.) and a few doors over, Craft Kitchen & Beer Bar (214 Main St.) *A letter of “Immediate Termination of Commercial Lease and Lockout Notification” dated January 10 was posted to the front of the building at the time of writing.

Down the block, Banu’s owners Salome, Samira, and Amir Salar Mohyeddin took to social media yesterday to share after 20 years doors are closing (777 Queen St. W.) on February 28. Luckily, it’s not “goodbye” and catering is still available.

On Monday Bello Pizza shared it will not be renewing its lease inside European market style cafe and wine bar, Halycon Cafe (2196 Bloor St. W.). BP started in Bloor West Village back in 2021 and will continue operations at its flagship outside the city in Collingwood (72 First St.).

Bad News: Last chance to visit Mattachioni’s Gerrard India Bazaar (1501 Gerrard St. E.) is Sunday. Good news: The OG location in The Junction Triangle (1617 Dupont St.) is filled with pizze, panini, insalate, birra, and other foodstuffs.

The windows of Etobicoke’s Royal York Meat Market (392 Royal York Rd.) are papered over, the website is down, and the phone number is “not assigned.”

NEWS

ATTN Industry: Curb lane applications and renewals are now open for CaféTO ‘25.

Loblaw reports grocery prices will continue to rise faster than overall inflation.

Latest food recalls: Cape Breton Oatcake Society Oatcakes - English Toffee recalled due to undeclared almond. Little Gourmet Organic Fruit & Veggie Oat Bars recalled due to yeast, No Sugar Company Shellz Dark Chocolatey Peanut Crunch recalled due to improperly declared milk. [UPDATE 24.01.25: Century Flaked Light Tuna Hot & Spicy recalled due to undeclared wheat.]

ICYMI

THIS JUST IN: More changes in Midtown, an all-day destination lands east side, industry pros debut a fusion cocktail bar, and what was recently home to a Michelin-starred restaurant is something completely different now. Listen to the latest edition of THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. 

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

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

Subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you watch/listen to podcasts.

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

Support independent food publishing.

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. 

We should work together.

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