Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 7

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News July 18--24, 2024

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

Last week, the city was on the hunt for alcohol and/or plant-based milks. This week, epic flooding and power outages took their toll. Despite all the setbacks and havoc, the comings and goings continue to keep pace.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Texas ‘cue HQ Beach Hill Smokehouse debuts its third destination - the first downtown - tomorrow near Wellesley (620 Yonge St., Entrance on St. Joseph St.). Pro tip: Go early. Lineups are guaranteed.

Turkish chain Bursa Kebab Evi claims to have “the most branches in the world” - 150 across ten countries. Head to Oakville’s Glen Abbey nabe (1540 North Service Rd. W.) to check out their 100 per cent halal certified grub,

Chaska Indian Street Food also arrives in Oakville (2481 Taunton Rd.) with their signature fusion lineup. Think Butter Chicken Poutine, Samosa Sliders, and naan pizzas.

Craving Korean street fare in North York? The crew at Gimbap Shop are whipping up seaweed rice rolls, bowls, tteokbokki, soondae, jeon, noodles and the like at Yonge and Sheppard (11 Spring Garden Ave.).

Hector's Taverna set out as a Greek grab-and-go downtown last year, but changed things up as of late by switching out the concept and neighbourhood while retaining the name. Head to Leaside food hall East York Eats (858 Eglinton Ave. E.) for made from scratch focaccia and pasta.

HolmPei Cafe Bistro is doing alll the things - brunch, dinner, coffee and cocktails - at Dundas and Bay (122 Dundas St. W.) in the space where Artisan Plus stood until earlier this year.

Holi Taco (1636 Queen St. E.) offers more than its namesake handheld. Discover an array of homemade Mexican street food in a slip of a place just east of Coxwell. Pro tip for concert goers and music lovers: HT is across the street from History.

Etobicoke’s new pool and billiard hall, House of Snooker (2789 Lakeshore Blvd. W.), boasts tables in different hues and Toronto-themed graffiti wall.

Kalyug Cocktail Bar moves into Trinity-Bellwoods (885 Dundas St. W.) with Indian and Hakka provisions. TR Trivia: While the corner spot was home to Bonnick's Jerk for a split second following Cabano’s in 2022, it was forever home to vegetarian eatery Cafe 668.

Chef Donovan Smith’s first brick-and-mortar Kitchen King premieres at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) on Saturday. The new venture in partnership with Roywoods, features signatures from both legends, so go get your chicken (fried, jerk), oxtail, and curry goat on.

Hookah lounges proceed to proliferate across the GTA. The latest, Moda Lounge, lands in Scarborough at Markham and McNicoll (2855 Markham Rd.).

Mott 32’s (190 University Ave.) soft launch is happening until July 24, complete with luxe eats (abalone and duck galore) and dress code (business casual) in effect.

Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai Atrangi, and KitKat Krunch milkshakes are happening right now at Mr. Shakes inside Sarvi Indian Cuisine (464 Sherbourne St.) that just debuted, and at the new branch in Scarborough inside Mumbai Express at Sheppard near McCowan (4800 Sheppard Ave. E.).

Sankalp Vaughan (3255 Rutherford Rd., Unit 14) is all about vegan and vegetarian Hakka and Indian comestibles.

Shelby's Shawarma adds to the fam with a Scarborough outpost at Warden and Lawrence (2074 Lawrence Ave. E.).

Déjà vu: Didn’t Simit & Chai recently expand with a second location? Yes! Is that it? Not by a long shot. Find the third S&C stationed in the Entertainment District (19 Duncan St.). TR Hot Tip: From the folks who also brought you Pasaj, Barba is on the quick approach, at 19 Duncan as well.

Union Station just added Sugar Daddy Doughnuts to its roster (65 Front St. W., Unit 436). Did you know? Their first shop filled with made-to-order hot minis kicked off downtown last year.

Tang’s Lamb & Beef (449 Dundas St. W.) lands in Chinatown, taking over where Hey Sugar held court, with what else: beef and lamb-centric dishes.

American wing chain Wingstop continues to branch out across the 6ix, this time close to York Mills (3479 Yonge St.).

CLOSED

Next door neighbours Aji Sai (467 Queen St. W.), Oishi Tea (467 Queen St. W.), and T.O.’s Kathi Roll Eatery (465 Queen St. W.) at Queen and Spadina have all closed up shop. Oishi Tea, for instance, officially closed June 1. The reason? “Due to circumstances beyond our control, namely the sale of the property, we are unable to continue normal operation.” Good news: Another OT is in the works, you can visit Aji Sai on the Danforth, and TOKRE has multiple spots scattered throughout the GTA.

Despite the rise of immersive experiences and piano bars (See: Last week’s arrival The Berczy Tavern) Capone's Cocktail Lounge, est. 2022 at Lithuanian House (1573 Bloor St. W.) announced permanent closure earlier this week.

You’ve got a limited time to get in one the cute cakes and desserts at Fantastic Baby Cafe (1193 Dundas St. W.) Doors close August 10.

NEWS

There have been two deaths in Ontario in listeriosis outbreak linked to the recent plant-based milk recall. [UPDATE 19.07.24: Other food recall news: WeCook Swiss cheese meatballs, creamy mustard sauce recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes. 20.07.24: Baby Gourmet Organic Banana raisin oatmeal organic whole grain baby cereal recalled due to Cronobacter spp.]

The five big grocers have finally all signed on to the grocery code of conduct.

Speaking of grocery stores, booze is coming to one near you, sooner rather than later.

The North York Harvest Food Bank needs your help.

You heard it here first: Randy’s Patties is coming back.

And Bisteccheria Sammarco is on the way.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News July 11-17, 2024

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

🕘 8.5 min read

Casual eats, heavy on the street food and authentic fare, coffee, pastries, and gelato are in full effect this week. In other words, exactly what this moment - and weather - calls for.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Fresh off of making ‘23 Michelin Bib Gourmand White Lily Diner’s secret-ish doughnuts and other addictive treats, Rachelle Cornish, debuts her own venture in the east end. Alice Marie Bakery & Coffee (807 Gerrard St. E.), named after her grandmother, whom she used to bake with growing up, and run alongside husband Aaron Hubley, is equipped with coffee and baked goods. Note: Doughnuts are not part of the lineup.

A cocktail bar with stage dancers - and pickle flight of all things? Baby’s Cabaret (563 Queen St. W.) takes over Daisy’s former digs on Queen near Portland.

Bistro and piano bar The Berczy Tavern (69 Front St. E.) by the team behind Amano Trattoria and Bar Notte (talk about keeping it hyperlocal - both are tucked round the corner) softly opens today with grand opening to follow Thursday.

Bingz brings its signature crispy Chinese burgers to the downtown core via CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St., Urban Eatery Food Court).

El Pacho Roasters lands at the base of University (40 University Ave.) with an array of coffee, croissanwiches and scones.

FIfty Lan dropped at Yonge and Sheppard (4750 Yonge St.) on Tuesday, marking the first Canadian location for the Taiwanese bubble tea chain.

Ice cream shops are frequently situated in unusual or unexpected settings. Take Gianni’s Gelato, for instance. Dicover the tiny gelateria in the front window of Queen and McCaul’s long-standing weed shop, Hollywood Hi (241 Queen St. W.). Don’t worry, menu items including gelato, sandos and espresso aren’t infused. However, should you wish to satiate your need for getting high and the munchies, this place has you covered.

“Unauthentic Mexican” joint Ghost Taco joins Kitchen Hub’s new Maple location (2810 Major MacKenzie Dr. W..).

Gongye Oriental Tea shop soft launched today at Yonge and Wellesley (2A Wellesley St. W.) with 12 percent off in-store items. Grand opening takes place tomorrow with giveaways and discounts happening this weekend.

Hazukido has been going hard lately. The latest offering by the Japanese croissanterie teams up with chef Christopher Siu’s Daan Go Cake Lab for Hazukido x Daan Go Café in its original spot at CF Shops at Don Mills (14 Clock Tower Rd., Unit B003). TR Trivia: Daan Go also moved in with some other great folks recently.

Authentic Hyperbadi cuisine is at the heart of Scarborough’s new Hyderabad Cafe at Brimley and Eglinton (2606 Eglinton Ave. E.).

ISO Tibetan dumplings in North Toronto? Discover Himalayan Momo House perched above The Captain’s Boil (2655 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.).

Bubble tea, sandwiches, graphic novels and Asian-style comic books come together under one roof at The One-Shot Manga Cafe near Greenwood (1344 Danforth Ave.).

I gave you the inside track to Mehfill Indian Cuisine’s new set up at Yonge and Eg (2590 Yonge St.) last winter. Newsflash: They just added to their presence in The Beaches.

For coffee, pastries and gelato - a popular triad these days - head to Midtown’s new Melange Patisserie (2354 Yonge St.), the latest addition to TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.

Miss Doner Kebab claims to have “the best halal Turkish döner in Mississauga.” See for yourself: 2157 Royal Windsor Dr., Unit 3.

Monte Bakery (1571 Dupont St.) takes over Cafe Con Leche’s recently vacated space in the Junction Triangle. Their third outfit in the 6ix is filled with a serious roster including croissants (start with the Pistachio Raspberry Chocolate), Dulce de Leche Cruffin, Breakfast Egg & Bacon, Olive Cheese Twists, Apple Crème Brûlée, and Maple Glazed Bread Pudding. Note: Menu items subject to availability.

Tuck into saj, shawarma, samoon, manakeesh and other Middle Eastern eats at Maroosh in Vaughan (3175 Rutherford Rd., Unit 2).

Classics run the gamut from bánh mì to bún thịt nướng at North York’s (5 Northtown Way, Unit 15).

Oakwood Village is now home to “Toronto’s first and only Nicaraguan café.” Introducing: Nicaroma Café (357 Oakwood Ave.).

Pho Cali arrives in a cozy, sunny setting in the Junction (2772 Dundas St. W.) brimming with banh mi, vermicelli, pho and other Vietnamese essentials.

Scarlet Door Café takes over HotBlack Coffee’s previous haunt at The Andore House (15 Charles St. E.).

Hot tip: at Yonge & Eglinton’s Yaffa Shawarma + Falafel (2313 Yonge St.) ain’t your typical shawarma shop. Behind the project: Rishika Bhansali, executive chef of Toronto’s new Pigeon Café & Bar. Did you know? YSF takes over where Kupert & Kim stood.

CLOSED

The Goods’ long-standing vegan destination on Queen West (1170 Queen St. W.) comes to a close July 19. The Roncy outpost (279 Roncesvalles Ave.) is staying put for now, but is up for sale.

Head’s up: Last day for Hale Coffee at Square One is Sunday July 28 with deals available exclusively at this location. The coffee co. set up shop at the Mississauga mall in 2019.

Leni Poki, the “first pig themed cafe in Canada,”, came and went at Gerrard ‘n Jones (1027 Gerrard St. E.). A Mississauga branch remains. As for Gerrard? Stay tuned: Cafe Xin Chao is moving in.

Osteria Rialto and counterpart Bar Biltmore premiered inside Paradise On Bloor (1006 Bloor St. W.) in January 2020, poised to be amongst the city’s latest hotspots. Two months later, the world interrupted those plans, and today they announced their immediate closure. The companu’s other ventures, conveniently located next door - Cafe Paradise and Blue Door Wine Shop - are open for business.

NEWS

Matteo (Matthew) Rumble was fatally stabbed outside Jane Subway Station. For roughly a decade, he could be found behind the stove at Annex institution, Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge.

Mato Krajinovic died. He launched his own restaurant in the ‘80s, Esplanade of Oshawa.

The LCBO is reopening five stores for bar and restaurant owners. Wait, scratch that.

The deposit-return program for booze-free bevvies is also a no-go.

Various Silk and Great Value plant based refrigerated beverages were recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes and five hospitalizations in Ontario have been linked to the recall. [UPDATE; 12.07.24: Al'Fez Natural Tahini recalled due to Salmonella, Nutrabolics Feed Me Vegan Real Food Protein & Oats – Frosted Blueberry Cobbler recalled due to undeclared milk.]

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News July 11- 17, 2024

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

🕘 8.5 min read

Casual eats, heavy on the street food and authentic fare, coffee, pastries, and gelato are in full effect this week. In other words, exactly what this moment - and weather - calls for.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Fresh off of making ‘23 Michelin Bib Gourmand White Lily Diner’s secret-ish doughnuts and other addictive treats, Rachelle Cornish, debuts her own venture in the east end. Alice Marie Bakery & Coffee (807 Gerrard St. E.), named after her grandmother, whom she used to bake with growing up, and run alongside husband Aaron, is equipped with coffee and baked goods. Note: Doughnuts are not part of the lineup.

A cocktail bar with stage dancers - and a pickle flight of all things? Baby’s Cabaret (563 Queen St. W.), takes over Daisy’s former digs on Queen near Portland.

Bistro and piano bar The Berczy Tavern (69 Front St. E.) by the team behind Amano Trattoria and Bar Notte (talk about keeping it hyperlocal - both are tucked round the corner) softly opens today with grand opening to follow Thursday.

Bingz brings its signature crispy Chinese burgers to the downtown core via CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St., Urban Eatery Food Court).

El Pacho Roasters lands at the base of University (40 University Ave.) with an array of coffee, croissanwiches and scones.

FIfty Lan dropped at Yonge and Sheppard (4750 Yonge St.) on Tuesday, marking the first Canadian location for the Taiwanese bubble tea chain.

Ice cream shops are frequently situated in unusual or unexpected settings. Take Gianni’s Gelato, for instance. Dicover the tiny gelateria in the front window of Queen and McCaul’s long-standing weed shop, Hollywood Hi (241 Queen St. W.). Don’t worry, menu items including gelato, sandos and espresso aren’t infused. However, should you wish to satiate your need for getting high and the munchies, this place has you covered.

“Unauthentic Mexican” joint Ghost Taco joins Kitchen Hub’s new Maple location (2810 Major MacKenzie Dr. W..).

Gongye Oriental Tea shop soft launched today at Yonge and Wellesley (2A Wellesley St. W.) with 12 percent off in-store items. Grand opening takes place tomorrow with giveaways and discounts happening this weekend.

Hazukido has been going hard lately. The latest offering by the Japanese croissanterie teams up with chef Christopher Siu’s Daan Go Cake Lab for Hazukido x Daan Go Café in its original spot at CF Shops at Don Mills (14 Clock Tower Rd., Unit B003). TR Trivia: Daan Go also moved in with some other great folks recently.

Authentic Hyperbadi cuisine is at the heart of Scarborough’s new Hyderabad Cafe at Brimley and Eglinton (2606 Eglinton Ave. E.).

ISO Tibetan dumplings in North Toronto? Discover Himalayan Momo House perched above The Captain’s Boil (2655 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.).

Bubble tea, sandwiches, graphic novels and Asian-style comic books come together under one roof at The One-Shot Manga Cafe near Greenwood (1344 Danforth Ave.).

I gave you the inside track to Mehfill Indian Cuisine’s new set up at Yonge and Eg (2590 Yonge St.) last winter. Newsflash: They just added to their presence in The Beaches.

For coffee, pastries and gelato - a popular triad these days - head to Midtown’s new Melange Patisserie (2354 Yonge St.), the latest addition to TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.

Miss Doner Kebab claims to have “the best halal Turkish döner in Mississauga.” See for yourself: 2157 Royal Windsor Dr., Unit 3.

Monte Bakery (1571 Dupont St.) takes over Cafe Con Leche’s recently vacated space in the Junction Triangle. Their third outfit in the 6ix is filled with a serious roster including croissants (start with the Pistachio Raspberry Chocolate), Dulce de Leche Cruffin, Breakfast Egg & Bacon, Olive Cheese Twists, Apple Crème Brûlée, and Maple Glazed Bread Pudding. Note: Menu items subject to availability.

Tuck into saj, shawarma, samoon, manakeesh and other Middle Eastern eats at Maroosh in Vaughan (3175 Rutherford Rd., Unit 2).

Classics run the gamut from bánh mì to bún thịt nướng at North York’s (5 Northtown Way, Unit 15).

Oakwood Village is now home to “Toronto’s first and only Nicaraguan café.” Introducing: Nicaroma Café (357 Oakwood Ave.).

Pho Cali arrives in a cozy, sunny setting in the Junction (2772 Dundas St. W.) brimming with banh mi, vermicelli, pho and other Vietnamese essentials.

Scarlet Door Café takes over HotBlack Coffee’s previous haunt at The Andore House (15 Charles St. E.).

Hot tip: at Yonge & Eglinton’s Yaffa Shawarma + Falafel (2313 Yonge St.) ain’t your typical shawarma shop. Behind the project: Rishika Bhansali, executive chef of Toronto’s new Pigeon Café & Bar. Did you know? YSF takes over where Kupert & Kim stood.

CLOSED

The Goods’ long-standing vegan destination on Queen West (1170 Queen St. W.) comes to a close July 19. The Roncy outpost (279 Roncesvalles Ave.) is staying put for now, but is up for sale.

Head’s up: Last day for Hale Coffee at Square One is Sunday July 28 with deals available exclusively at this location. The coffee co. set up shop at the Mississauga mall in 2019.

Leni Poki, the “first pig themed cafe in Canada,”, came and went at Gerrard ‘n Jones (1027 Gerrard St. E.). A Mississauga branch remains. As for Gerrard? Stay tuned: Cafe Xin Chao is moving in.

Osteria Rialto and counterpart Bar Biltmore premiered inside Paradise On Bloor (1006 Bloor St. W.) in January 2020, poised to be amongst the city’s latest hotspots. Two months later, the world interrupted those plans, and today they announced their immediate closure. The companu’s other ventures, conveniently located next door - Cafe Paradise and Blue Door Wine Shop - are open for business.

NEWS

Matteo (Matthew) Rumble was fatally stabbed outside Jane Subway Station. For roughly a decade, he could be found behind the stove at Annex institution, Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge.

Mato Krajinovic died. He launched his own restaurant in the ‘80s, Esplanade of Oshawa.

The LCBO is reopening five stores for bar and restaurant owners. Wait, scratch that.

The deposit-return program for booze-free bevvies is also a no-go.

Various Silk and Great Value plant based refrigerated beverages were recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes and five hospitalizations in Ontario have been linked to the recall. [UPDATE; 12.07.24: Al'Fez Natural Tahini recalled due to Salmonella, Nutrabolics Feed Me Vegan Real Food Protein & Oats – Frosted Blueberry Cobbler recalled due to undeclared milk.]

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News July 4-10, 2024

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

🕘 13 min read

If you thought last month’s activity was unreal, just wait… July is going to be a record breaker. This week’s staggering 30 arrivals? Just a small sampling of what’s to come.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Aloette’s takeout concept Aloette Go numéro trois just landed at food hall TABLE Fare + Social (CIBC Square 81 Bay St., 4th Fl.) that debuted in FiDi last summer. On the menu: Elevated burgers, fried chicken and salads.

Banh mi and bao are the name of the game at Chinatown’s new Bảnk Bao (375 Spadina Ave.). Pro tip: Save room for Fried Bao Ice Cream.

With Mississauga and Woodbridge already under its belt, this marks Burger Bloc’s first downtown location (162 McCaul St.) loaded with smashed patties, wraps and shakes.

Cafeteria (1650 Dupont St.), the collab between Juice and Invisible City, boasts dope soundscapes and “social dining experience” by chef Eric McDonald.

Croissants have been hogging the spotlight lately, so this one’s for all the bagel lovers. To satiate your craving, visit Little Italy’s new College Street Bagel Company (697 College St.) in Dolce Gelato’s former digs.

Craig’s Cookies continues to carpet the city with doughy delectables via numerous outposts throughout the GTA. Case in point: Swiftly following last week’s arrival, CC kicked off at Union Station yesterday, with more on deck. Stay tuned.

Indian egg-themed cafe chain The Egg Eatery got its start in India but recently made Scarborough home. To get in on the “eggstremely delicious” lineup including Surti Egg Tikhari, Green Masala Half, and Chef Spl Egg Curry Fry, head to a strip mall at Kennedy and Ellesmere (1348 Kennedy Rd.). Next stop: Sydney, Australia.

Gram’s Pizza is doling out New York-esque slices and pies in the Junction Triangle (1640 Dupont St., Unit 3). Did you know? It’s where Tuckshop Kitchen stood until recently.

Speaking of ‘za, I gave you the head’s up on Insieme (122 Atlantic Ave.) earlier this year. Update: Their pasta and Neapolitan-style pizza just touched down in Liberty Village.

It’s been a workout keeping pace with Isabella's Mochi Donut Boutique openings lately, and it turns out the momentum isn’t letting up one bit. Check out the latest addition in Leaside (1669 Bayview Ave.).

Kata Sushi arrives at Jarvis and Carleton (140 Carlton St., Unit 33) across from Allan Gardens and around the corner from The Phoenix Concert Theatre (for now), replacing recent departure Sopung.

Kinton Express merges Kinton Ramen fare - $12.99 or under so far (more if you get extra toppings, etc.) - with the efficiency of quick service (self-serve digital kiosks), made for your busy lifestyle and never long enough lunch hours. Discover the first at Queen and Richmond (1 Richmond St. W.).

If the trek to Kish’s Roti & Doubles in Mississauga is too far, you’re in luck: A downtown one awaits (344 Queen St. E.), on a corner that’s seen a lot of movement lately.

In a committed relationship with burgers? Kong Burgers tucked inside a Scarborough strip mall (91 Rylander Blvd., Unit 1011) might be for you.

Kwento is back in a new space (formerly a pharmacy) in a new ‘hood (1637 Dundas St W.) accompanied by Nile Coffee Club. Amazing cakes and coffee? A no-brainer.

Working the late/early shift? Mars Village Eatery between Wellesley and College (510 Yonge St.) does breakfast to dinner selections - and everything in between - in both Western and Chinese varieties on offer 24/7.

Mevlana Turkish Restaurant in Mississauga (900 Rathburn Rd. W., Unit D2-D3) has got you for kebabs, pide, lahmacun and more.

In 1979, Michael Bregman and his father Lou opened the first Michel's Baguette at the Eaton Centre. Over the years, it transformed into Michel’s Bakery Café, a fixture in office towers and shopping malls across the GTA. Find the latest at First Canadian Place (130 King St. W., Market Place area). And stay tuned - it’s reopening in a new space at Yorkdale next month. TR Trivia: MBC is one of the longest running tenants at Yorkdale. And you may be familiar with the Michael’s other ventures: Now shuttered mmmuffins (Lou joined in later), Second Cup, and his parent’s restaurant of 28 years, Bregman’s at Yonge and St. Clair that wrapped up service in 2007.

Calling all Portuguese chicken lovers: The province’s first Monteiro Express just landed in Scarborough (1950 Lawrence Ave. E.) complete with $10 menu items.

Peter Pantry (371 Queen St. W.) was a short-lived venture. Or was it? The journey continues in the same space under a different moniker - Neverland - with new additions to the lineup. While the original wine bar/bottle shop concept remains, coffee during the day and curated tomes from bookstore Flying Books are in effect.

Introducing Yorkville’s new Roman-style pizzeria: Pala 148 (148 Cumberland St.).

Chef Benny Cohen’s Mediterranean eatery Plancha returns to the downtown* with organic hummus, fluffy pitas, mains and sides to Financial Distict food hall TABLE Fare + Social (CIBC Square 81 Bay St., 4th Fl.). *The eateries on Victoria St. and at Square One shut down during the pandemic.

Tuck into Princess Kitchen’s Efo-riro, Ewedu, Tilapia Fish Stew, Jollof Spaghetti & Turkey, and other fragrant African fare at Queen and Parliament (366 Queen St. E.).

Etobicoke’s The Queensway Bistro (753 The Queensway) offers everything from omlettes and pancakes to nachos, perogies, “Famous Curry”, and 10oz New York Striploin.

Saigon Pai arrived in Cabbagetown (446 Parliament St.) in 2019, but has been closed for renos for some time. Bulletin: Doors have reopened. TR Trivia: They launched another in East Chinatown in the interim.

Smash burgers, chicken wings, pizza, Cajun corn, parmesan fries… With this lineup, you’re going to need one of everything or to make multiple trips to Scarborough’s West Rouge nabe for Saints Smash Kitchen (515 East Ave.).

I told you to stay tuned for the return Uncle Mikey’s.No matter how much time passes, I’m on the case. Get in yer orders (and hugs) on Saturday at The Annex Hotel (296 Brunswick Ave.) and later in the month in Standard Time’s new kitchen (165 Geary Ave.).

Unholy Donuts came on the scene in 2022 and expanded a year later. Find their third shop stocked with an array of brioche dunkers in Etobicoke’s Alderwood/Long Branch ‘hood (234 Browns Line).

Wild Oregano Mediterranean Grill takes over what was Green Eggplant in The Beaches (2024 Queen St. E.) with an extensive breakfast menu and Greek fare for dinner, with Italian (Penne Arrabiata, Chicken Parm) and North American dishes (burgers, steaks, Reuben) added for good measure.

Hot tip: Love vinyl and coffee? Head to 17 Baldwin - aka Rooms Coffee | 17 Baldwin (17 Baldwin St.) for grand opening festivities on Saturday.

CLOSED

Fuoco Mio’s wood-burning pizzas may have left 100 Symes Ave., but the journey isn’t over- FM is slated to reopen this season, not far south in Espresso Cycle’s stead (521 Annette Ave.).

Ghost Chicken concludes in-person service on the Ossington strip (74 Ossington Ave.). Doors opened Winter ‘22.

You’ve got until Sunday to get in your goodbyes at Chinatown stalwart, Goldstone Noodle Restaurant (266 Spadina Ave.).

Little Vietnam set up shop at Queen and Portland (500 Queen St. W.) in 2022. Psst. Moving in: Pho 90.

Naija Jollof Lounge in Cabbagetown (505 Parliament St.), est. Fall ‘22, is on the move. As of August 30, pay a visit to NJ in Chinatown (409 Spadina Ave.).

After three years, The Queen’s End Cafe & Emporium in Parkdale (1664 Queen St. W.) has come to an end. The good times continue to roll at Alison Barrie’s other spot just down the street - cozy dive bar The Grand Trunk (1718 Queen St. W.).

American Japanese creperie T-Swirl Crêpe materialized downtown at Yonge and Grosvenor (510 Yonge St.) in 2014. For who’s moved in, see above (Note: Crepes are still in effect.) It also had a branch, now shuttered, in Markham (28 S Unionville Ave., Unit 1056).

NEWS

Michelle Davis, a force in the community and at large as Founder of the Caribbean Food Festival, on the board of the Parkdale Village BIA, and one of the fine folks behind Kolors Barbershop & Lounge (1612 Queen St. W.), died. Her daughter has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with costs.

There’s a possible strike at the LCBO starting tomorrow.

Toronto, you can finally recycle your coffee cups.

It’s official: Nobu Toronto is launching next month.

Summerlicious kicks off tomorrow The prix fixe festival put on by the City boasts 222 restaurants participating this year.

Food recalls: Baixiang Instant Noodles recalled due to undeclared peanut, Casablanca Classics Pure Coconut Water with Pulp recalled due to undeclared sulphites, Irresistibles Roasted Garlic - Caesar Aïoli recalled due to possible bursting bottles, Johnsonville Beer Bratwurst recalled due to undeclared gluten, Kirkland Signature Grain + Celery Salad recalled, Panchvati Supermarket Black Pepper Powder Coarse recalled due to presence of sand and dirt, President's Choice Cheddar Jalapeño Smokies recalled due to nitrile glove pieces, Various brands of cheese recalled due to Staphylococcus aureus, Expanded Recall: Vitamix Ascent Series and Venturist Series 8-ounce and 20-ounce Blending Containers and Blade Bases recalled due to laceration hazard. [UPDATE: 05.07.24: True Manufacturing Commercial Refrigerators with Secop Compressors recalled due to potential fire hazard.]

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News June 27-July 3, 2024

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

🕘 12 min read

Every so often a theme emerges in my weekly findings. At times, movement in a certain geographical area is the determining factor. Periodically, it’s due to particular cuisines or concepts. This edition? Undeniably driven by coffee, cookies, cafes, and baked goods. See: 13 places to get your fix. Pretty sweet, right? It gets better. Introducing 20+ other destinations for everything from jerk chicken to ramen, with spots for ice cream added in for good measure.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Montreal boulangerie and cafe Au Pain Doré arrived in the 6ix less than two years ago and has already racked up nine locations in the GTA - largely landing in the Financial District, markets and malls. For the newly opened APD teeming with croissants, sandwiches, salads and more, head to Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr., Level 2, Entrance 7).

While Bad Egg (294 Richmond St. E., Unit 102) dubs itself “Canada’s leading Korean egg drop specialist,” and punny egg sandos abound (Meat My Lover, Get Laid), menu selections goes beyond brekkie with burgers, bao, kimchi bowls, tacos, Shrimply Irresistible Rice, and the like. Bonus: Vaughan’s Juice To Go is on-site. TR Trivia: The addy was home to Fusaro’s East until recently.

Nabbing a coveted spot in the city’s historic St. Lawrence Market (South Market, 92-95 Front St. E., Unit UL44), Blackbird Baking Co. launched Tuesday. Did you know? The space was just vacated by Sausage King, the offshoot of recently shuttered butcher chain Bespoke Butchers.

Speaking of bread and pastries, Leaside’s Bomou Artisanal Bakery expands to Summerhill for their second boulangerie and patisserie (1075 Yonge St.).

Burgers and drinks in an upscale setting are what’s on the agenda at Oakville’s Bo.Vine Burgers & Bar (2051 Winston Park Dr.).

Psst. In search of late night sandys and bar snacks? Coire kicks off tomorrow at Parkdale haunt Danu Social House (1237 Queen St. W.).

Cold Beans at Harbourfront Centre (225 Queens Quay W.) is the coffee and ice cream pop-up your summer needs.

Local cookie empire Craig’s Cookies makes its Scarborough debut Saturday at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr. Upper Level).

On the subject of cookies, American operation Crumbl entered the Ontario market last year in Mississauga’s Heartland Town Centre (5985 Rodeo Drive, Unit 1A) and it appears ‘Sauga just can’t get enough: Store two touched down at Dixie and Dundas (1482 Dundas St. E., Unit 6).

Canadian chain Earls opens tomorrow at King and Portland (601 King St. W.) in celebrity chef Susur Lee’s former stomping grounds, down the street from its King and University outpost (150 King St. W., Unit 100) - but you knew that already.

Cycling enthusiasts and coffee lovers convene under one roof at Oakville’s new Flyspin indoor cycling studio and cafe (302 Lakeshore Rd. E.).

In the east end, Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Club Cafe Leslieville (1347 Queen St. E.) at Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Co. supplies bikers and java junkies a summer trifecta of coffee, croissants, soft serve.

ISO ice cream in the west end? Ice Cream’s Ice Cream in The Junction Triangle (1607 Dupont St.) does regular and non-dairy options seven days a week. Pro tip: Start with the Black Sesame Oreo and Dockside Cappuccino. And check them out in TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.

I’ve been tracking Midnight Cookie’s every move since it kicked off on Eglinton in 2021 and moved a few blocks away not long after. The journey continues with the first downtown location landing in Koreatown (363 1/2 Clinton St.) in Grandmama's Waffles previous digs.

Neo Coffee Bar at First Canadian Place in the PATH (The Exchange Tower, 130 King St. W., Unit CS12A) takes you from coffee and pastries to cocktails and tapas in one fell swoop.

Nutmento Caribbean Grill (936 Gerrard St. E.) settles down near Gerrard Square with everything from Jerk Chicken, Cajun Fish, Curry Goat, and Oxtail available in a variety of ways including Bikkle Bowls and Dhal Roti. p.s Don’t forget the cheese fries or poutine.

Osmow’s shawarma and Mediterranean fare is on offer at over 175 locations. Liberty Village (167 E Liberty St.) joins the roster.

Elevated, reimagined ramen is the name of the game at Ramen x Remix (424 Queen St. W.), taking over what was Parka Food Co. just west of Spadina.

Toro Toro Sushi + Poke has spent the last few years in expansion mode. Update: Discover the fourth branch in Scarborough at Midland and McNicoll (2190 McNicoll Ave. Unit 109). Doors open tomorrow at 6pm with 1,000 free poke bowls - One per person.

Uncle Testu, the chain that started the wave of Japanese-style cheesecake in the city back in 2015, extends its dessert lineup to Yonge and Sheppard (4909 Yonge St).

The frenzied influx of food halls continues. Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.) debuts Wednesday with a slew of familiar faces and new entries: Aburi Sushi, The Arepa Republic, Dave’s Genuine Deli & BBQ, Harry’s Charbroiled, Island Oysters, Karak, Musoshin Ramen, Otto’s Berlin Döner, Pizzeria Popolo,** Scooped by Demetres, Sobr Market, Soi Thaifoon, Taco Lupita, Vit Beo, Waterworks Bar by Boxcar Social, and Waterworks Events. Coming soon: Civil Works by Civil Liberties and Liu Loqum Atelier, with Grape Witches set to open Fall ‘24. Bonus: Two patios await. And stay tuned for a closer look. **Owned by Woodcliffe Landmark Properties, the real estate development company behind the project and restoration of the historic building. Fun fact: Next door to the food emporium - Celebrity chef Susur Lee’s eponymous eatery, Lee Restaurant (499 Richmond St. W.) that moved on from King West in Spring ‘23 and plopped down at Richmond and Augusta last summer.

Fans of XO BIsous didn’t have to wait long to get their hands on chef Genna Steckel’s baked goods. Doors opened yesterday (572 St. Clair Ave. W.) in what was longstanding Da Maria Pizzeria & Dining Lounge.

CLOSED

After serving generations for decades, But N’ Ben Scottish Bakery in Scarborough (1601 Ellesmere Rd.) and Whitby (3500 Brock St. N.) have come to an end.

Cafe Con Leche Espresso Bar in the Junction Triangle (1571 Dupont St.) wraps up service on Sunday.

Café Plenty’s Greektown location (389 Danforth Ave.) may be gone, however three locations remain.

Coco Chocolates (365 Jane St.) has moved on from Baby Point after 12 years but it’s not the end of their crafted organic chocolates.

Bad new: Sunday marks the last day of Millie Patisserie & Creamery’s current location (12 Oxley Street, Unit 101). Good news: Christinn Hua’s dessert creations can still be yours.

Knife Toronto (803 Dundas St. W.) is on the move, back to Queen West.* In the meantime, keep an eye on Knife Truck’s summer schedule. TR Flashback: Climbing the steep staircase above Romni Wool at Queen and Palmerston (658 Queen St. W., 2nd Fl.) to check out Eugene Ong’s knife collection in a tiny room in 2010.

Phamilyeats arrived at Laird and Eglinton (858 Eglinton Ave. E.) July ‘21. The last day to get in on Peter Pham’s patties and pot pies at the shop is July 28. It turns out neighbour Ekkayees closed up last month with its Kerala eats set to launch in Scarborough. Five vendors of East York Eats collective remain: Bear’s Bubble Tea, Conspiracy Pizza, Immah Coffee, Loz Shawarma, Macarons & Mint. TR Trivia: After the space was longtime occupant The Taste of Sushi, Conspiracy Pizza took over in 2021 with other concepts added: Churnt Up a week later (doors shuttered last year) and Midnight Cookie (since relocated to Leaside and downtown - details above). In 2022 other ventures followed including Bao is Life and Southern Crown Caribbean Smokehouse.

CHANGES

Relative newcomer Astoria in The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W.) now goes by Gloria.

NEWS

Award-winning luxe Chinese restaurant Mott32 is set to launch at Shangri-La Toronto July 25.

It’s official: Top Chef is coming to Hollywood North for Season 22 with esteemed judges Tom Colicchio, Kristen Kish, and Canuck Gail Simmons.

According to the Toronto outpost, Hooters here will not be affected by the recent closures in the U.S.

AmEx, which already has restaurant reservation platform Resy under its belt, is scooping up another - Tock for a cool $400M.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News June 20-26, 2024

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

🕘 6 min read

Still catching your breath from last week’s frenzy? Hang on. This edition confirms the industry’s rapid movement is far from over. Lucky for you, that means a slew of new eats and destinations - and not solely in the downtown core either.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Bar 244 just wrapped things up, however the wait for the next venture is already over. Introducing: Bar Maaya, the new bar/lounge debuting Saturday at “Toronto's premier nightlife experience” Club Mia (244 Adelaide St. W.).

Cafe Landwer brings its famed Mediterranean and Italian fare to the corner of Yonge and Front (33 Yonge St.), hot on the heels of an addition in Forest Hill. Are there more on the horizon? Watch this space.

Markham’s Good Catch Cafe expands to North York with its Hong Kong style grub landing at CF Fairview Mall (1800 Sheppard Ave. E., Unit 1100A), which has seen activity as of late.

Calling all carb lovers: Halal pizza and hot sandos just landed at Yonge and Eg. Find Haida Sandwich’s fifth outpost just north of Broadway (2417 Yonge St.).

Hangout Street (181 Parliament St.) brings seven international street food stalls together into one very cozy corner (it’s a tight squeeze) at Queen and Parliament. Discover brekkie at Gigi’s Love Bites, Levantine cuisine at Mansafji, loaded fries HQ Poutine Hub, Portuguese provisions at Sabores De Casa, Sanskriti Foods’ Indian eats, Middle Eastern options at Shawarma Dose, and tamales, flautas and champurrados by TamalMex Mexican Food. Note: HS’s Google profile says the market runs 24/7, however only select vendors were open when I visited mid-day.

Il Fornello drops into Mississauga’s newly invigorated Sherwood Village (2225 Erin Mills Pkwy), swinging doors open on Monday. This marks the seventh location for the OG pizza/pasta joint that launched downtown in the ‘80s, joining sister concept Cafe Alba that debuted last month.

For rolls, bowls, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and fries, head to Etobicoke’s King Burrito & Juice Bar (2372 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).

Parkdale’s newest arrival, Lali Gurans Nepali Dining (1544 Queen St. W.) has it all - Nepalese selections, cocktails and patio. TR Trivia: It takes over Tibet Kitchen’s previous digs.

A fixture in Leslieville since 2006, Mercury Espresso took its sweet time launching another cafe. Spoiler alert: It was worth the wait. See for yourself in Corktown (465 King St. E.).

Me Va Me Eat Mediterranean is on a roll. Get in on Chicken Schnitzels, Shawarma Burritos, Feta Loaded Potatoes and more at their new setup in Woodbridge (21 Famous Ave.).

In search of liquid energy on the go? Grab a cuppa and pods at Nespresso Boutique inside Union Station (65 Front St. W. Bay Promenade, Lower Level).

Shiroshi Japanese Sushi touched down in Lawrence Park (3360 Yonge St.) just a few months ago, but set sights on ‘Sauga a while back. Discover the premium sushi joint across from Square One (265 Enfield Pl., Unit 100B).

After a long and arduous road, chef Denis Garnoskov reopens Stop today in Roncesvalles (397 Roncesvalles Ave.). See you there.

Beat the heat this summer with Venerosa Gelato (801 Queen. St. W.), the latest addition to TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.

CLOSED

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Yonge Street (472 Yonge St.), the provinces’ first branch of the American Texas BBQ chain, debuted in a massive space at Yonge and College last spring. Since then, the U.S. ‘cue co. has launched across the GTA in Pickering, Barrie, Courtice, Ottawa, and recently in Markham. It’s not the end for the city by a long shot. Next up: High Park (2150 Bloor St. W.).

Earlier this week, John-Vincent and Sandra Troiano, owners of Frilu in Thornhill (7713 Yonge St.) announced imminent closure. The tasting menu restaurant debuted in 2018 and went on to earn a Michelin star in 2022 and 2023. Last day is July 31, 2024.

Local organic grocery chain Organic Garage’s Toronto locations - Liberty Village (42 Hanna Ave.) and The Junction (43 Junction Rd.) - have ceased operations, however it appears two stores remain up and running in the GTA: Oakville (579 Kerr St.) and Thornhill (8020 Bathurst St., Unit 1).

Sandra Topić and Alen Zukanović’s Somun Superstar (998 Kingston Rd.), famous for their Sarajevo-style ćevapi and wood-fired ‘za, is coming to a sudden end on Saturday.

NEWS

LCBO workers are “ready to strike.”

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says next week’s hike in the capital gains inclusion rate will negatively affect half of Canada’s small businesses.

Reservations for the city’s prix fixe fest Summerlicious open today.

The latest food recalls: Sitara Brown Lentils recalled due to undeclared wheat, Universal Bakery Organic Aussie Bites recalled due to undeclared gluten.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News June 13-19, 2024

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

🕘 8.5 min read

Shake Shack’s arrival in the 6ix marks the first entry into the Canadian market, so naturally it’s nabbing headlines left and right. (It’s been on my watchlist since the inaugural location launched in NYC in 2010 and I got a preview here in the city back in 2017. Stay tuned for my sneak peek of Yonge-Dundas.) Most media coverage stopped there. Too bad. Ever the intrepid reporter, I’ve uncovered numerous new ventures to explore, including the iconic burger joint, not to mention news and closures you need to catch up on.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Bereket Kebab House’s new digs in Scarborough (245 Morningside Ave.) can’t be missed. Grand opening for the massive halal restaurant in West Hill is happening Saturday.

Coconut Grove, the latest concept by restaurateur Hemant Bhagwani whose portfolio includes Amaya and recent arrival Bar Goa, brings Pan Asian cuisine “reimagined in a modern way” to CF Fairview Mall (1800 Sheppard Ave. E.).

Forest Hill Farmhouse has been expanding since 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down. Find the fourth salad-focused/design-forward casual eatery in the Financial District (Brookfield Place 181 Bay St. - PATH).

Asian fusion fare, cinema and cocktails are at the heart of High Town Izakaya in Baldwin Village (45 Baldwin St.), taking over where Dream Yunnan stood until recently and prior to that, Toronto Big Bowl. TR Insider: For what just arrived underneath, keep reading.

I’ve been documenting Le Lert’s compelling journey since earlier this year. For Thai dinner, drinks and brunch featuring Daan Go Cake Lab and Plearn Cafe from the team behind Som Tum Jinda and newly opened Crying Tiger, head to Yonge and Carlton (27 Carlton St.).

Lyla (60 Sudbury St.) debuted last night with a lineup of luxe eats including steak, seafood, and de rigueur caviar bump and tower. Do you remember? Back in the day the addy near Queen and Dufferin was home to Bacchanal and Recess Diner.

Midori Ramen, home of “Toronto's creamiest tori paitan ramen,” has kept me hopping these last few years, and the good times continue to roll - Grand opening at Yorkdale Mall (3401 Dufferin St., Food Court, 2nd Fl.) is Saturday.

Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe’s second location just touched down in Midtown (2375 Yonge St.), with grand opening festivities yesterday. Hot tip: Find it in the TR Ice Cream Guide.

Speaking of icy treats, Mr Loop arrives in Mississauga (4700 Ridgeway Dr., Unit 70) with sundaes, milkshakes, corn, churros, mochi puffs and other summertime essentials.

Okeya Kyujiro’s opening has flown under the radar of most due to the overwhelming activity in the city right now, but mark my words: The “theatrical” omakase destination boasting locations in Vancouver and Montreal and awards including a Michelin under its belt, is sure to grab the attention of the city’s fooderati and Michelin judges right about….now. TR Trivia: The space in Yorkville (26 Bellair St.), previously a hair salon, is next to to one of the oldest teppanyaki-style restaurants in Canada - Yamato Japanese Restaurant est. 1983. Construction took two years.

Indian restaurant group Riyasat’s latest venture is fine dining. See: Riyasat Indian Restaurant & Bar in Vaughan (4585 Highway 7).

There’s a new spot for Portuguese fare at Rogers Rd. and Dufferin: Sete Ventos Restaurant (2075 Dufferin St.). Pro tip: Don’t skip the francesinhas.

Shake Shack Toronto, the first Canadian outpost of the iconic American burger joint, debuts today at 11am at Yonge and Dundas (10 Dundas St. E.). In addition to its core menu - ShackBurger, Chicken Shack, Crinkle Cut Fries, Shakes, and Frozen Custard - the flagship’s permanent menu items showcases exclusive Canadian desserts: Maple Salted Pretzel Shake (vanilla frozen custard blended with pretzels and maple syrup, topped with whipped cream and crushed pretzels) and Concretes - think elevated blizzard/sundae with Shake Shack’s famous frozen custard as the base: I Heart Butter Tart (vanilla frozen custard, brodflour butter tart, flaky salt), More S'mores (chocolate and vanilla frozen custard, toasted marshmallow sauce, fudge sauce, graham crumb, chopped chocolate pieces, topped with graham cracker dipper), and Shack Attack (chocolate frozen custard, brownies, fudge sauce, chocolate chunks, Chocosol cocoa nibs). Other Canuck offerings include Bellwoods Brewery brewed ShackMeister Ale, Rosewood Winery collab for Shack Red and Shack White. The co. also partnered with local dog treat specialists, Wufers on Bag O' Bones, Shack dog biscuits, and Pooch-ini (vanilla frozen custard topped with Shack dog biscuits). p.s. Stay tuned for an inside look.

From Fire Services Credit Union to a Turkish grillhouse and bar? Introducing Norton’s new Sibel Restaurant (1997 Avenue Rd.).

The uptick in hookah haunts continues. Soft launch of Sheba Lounge kicks off tomorrow at 6pm at Dufferin and Lawrence (2915 Dufferin St.).

Psst. Grand opening for Baldwin Village’s new Korean snack bar Tiger Den Tavern (45 Baldwin St., Lower Level) is on until Saturday including free snack with order and discounts on soju and suds.

Little Italy’s Wolfie (614 College St.) takes over The Commoner’s former digs with small plates, cocktails, and vinyl on weekends.

CLOSED

That’s it for Hana Korea (45 Baldwin St., Lower Level). For who’s moved in, see openings above.

After more than four decades, John Anderson Charcoal Broil Hamburgers in Mississauga (1069 Dundas St. W.), the burger joint named after co-founder and former hockey player John Anderson, has closed. To get in on the classics including burgers, fries, and souvlaki, head to JA’s in Markham (3780 14th Ave.) and the original in North York (Victoria Van Horne Plaza 2832 Victoria Park Ave.).

Bad news: Leaside stalwart Maurya East Indian Roti (1549 Bayview Ave.) has wrapped things up.* Good news: Other locations remain throughout the city and GTA. *Moving in: Bayview Shawarma Turkish Cuisine.

HK Sweets had shops in Midtown (2375 Yonge St.) and North York (3257 Dufferin St.).

Final day to get in your goodbyes at Main and Gerrard’s Prologue Cafe (2249 Gerrard St. E.) is Saturday.

Taberna da Minhota was a Portuguese staple at Rogers Road and Dufferin (2075 Dufferin St.).To discover the new occupant, head up top.

NEWS

Sotto Sotto’s Laura Venditti Vacca - aka Mamma Laura - died.

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. 

We should work together.

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

OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News June 6-12, 2024

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

🕘 7.5 min read

This week’s edition delivers a ‘choose-your-own adventure’ vibe thanks to the myriad of concepts and cuisines on offer. And still reeling from last week’s insanity? Brace yourself. The sudden closures of heavy hitters below are just the tip of the iceberg.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Ami-No just touched down at Bathurst and Dundas (755B Dundas St. W.) with Japanese takeout by way of snacks, sashimi, maki, and kaisen donburi. TR Trivia: I’ve covered every eatery that’s landed in this boîte over the years including Bao Box earlier this year and predecessors Cool Cats, Hot Dogs and Oniguy. Prior to the various takeout joints of late, the former house converted into a commercial unit was once a convenience store and Guardian Pharmacy.

Blondies Pizza brings its New York style ‘za near the water’s edge in Etobicoke (160 Marine Parade Dr., Unit 8).

Grand opening for Kingsway’s new aesthetic cafe and patisserie Cafe De Flore (2989 Bloor St. W.) is today, complete with 15 per cent off all items.

Grande Cheese adds to its ever-expanding family with a new grocery store in Vaughan (9222 Keele St., Unit 11).

Hazukido continues its evolution across the 6ix with Hazukido Lite Cafe at Atrium on Bay (595 Bay St., Unit E-01). Grand opening celebrations for their new bakery cafe is Saturday. p.s. The Japanese croissanterie is offering guests the new Butterfly Dream Drink for $1 in exchange for a post on social.

Persian ice cream parlour and pastry shop Ice In Paradise has new digs in Thornhill (8147 Yonge St.). Find it in TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.

Kibo Cafe joins U of T: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus at College and University (108 College St.). The coffee shop and market marks the latest venture from Kibo Sushi House.

“Cheesetrons” are the specialty at North York’s Lipar Box (15 Northtown Way, Unit 20). What to expect: Cheesy handhelds stuffed with beef, chicken, pepperoni, and veg.

Swiftly following the closure of an express location, Mediterranean chain Me Va Me emerges downtown in a new build just north of College (2 Alexander St.).

The Hilton Garden Inn (92 Peter St.) got a glow up this week, courtesy of Hilton, Easton's Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group. The longstanding hotel in the Entertainment District goes by Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton now, accompanied by Muse Lobby Bar and “French-inspired” Deauville Club Restaurant, the latter offering a melange of selections from Watermelon Salad ($20) and Summer Roll ($19) to Bamboo Curry ($32), Brome Lake Quebec Duck ($48), and Paella ($48).

After being in the works for years, Sing Sing Beer Bar Toronto - sibling to the west-coast concept centred around pizza, pho and craft brew - just landed in the Financial District (First Canadian Place 77 Adelaide St. W.) Did you know? Vancouver-based Freehouse Collective (formerly The Donnelly Group) hasn’t added to the Big Smoke since Isabelle’s in 2022, but their other outfits - Belfast Love, Death & Taxes, GIft Shop, Walrus Pub & Beer Hall - have been fixtures here, starting back in 2016.

CHANGES

Thornhill’s Sojubang has a new look and feel. Introducing: Seoul House BBQ Sojubang (180 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 24) equipped with karaoke and party room.

CLOSED

Ever since Extra Burger (1265 Dundas St. W.) came on the scene in 2017, it drew a crowd. Yesterday it came to a sudden halt.

On Saturday, Fonda Balam (802 Dundas St. W.) posted on social that doors will be imminently closing. Today they shared June 8 will be the final day. The eatery that began as pop-up Birria Balam in 2021 followed by the dine-in iteration months later. The buzzy resto helmed by chefs Matty Matheson, Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo went on to earn Michelin Bib Gourmand awards in 2022 and 2023.

The Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne St.) announced yesterday it will be on the move as of January 2025.

Since last fall, Little Italy’s Quadro Ristorante (577 College St.) has been temporarily closed due to fire. It appears it’s permanent now that J's Steak Frites is moving in.

Ristorante Sociale (545 King St. W.) came in hot last summer, promising to deliver a dinner party vibe late evening. Touted as Enoteca Sociale’s more formal sibling, it launched with a bang* and marked the first expansion for the Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded eatery. *Literally. At the grand opening event, women in thong bodysuits, aprons and chef hats danced around banging mixing bowls.

NEWS

Local Japanese chain Ramen Isshin launched a GoFundMe Campaign for Masumi Okabayashi, a mother of three battling Stage 4 Cancer.

Earlier this week, the owners of Ossington restaurant, cafe and bar Manita called out actor Zachary Quinto for being a “terrible customer” during a recent visit. The Instagram post, claiming in part that he “yelled at our staff like an entitled child,” went viral, nabbing headlines everywhere from Vulture to TMZ.

The latest recalls: Casablanca Classics Pure Coconut Water with Pulp recalled due to undeclared sulphites.

ICYMI

Check out TR’s comprehensive guide to farmers’ markets in Toronto and GTA.

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. 

We should work together.

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

TR GUIDE: Toronto/GTA Farmers' Markets 2024

🕘 7 min read

Discover locally-grown produce and freshly-made goods, artisanal fare, pantry essentials, prepared food, flowers, gifts and more at 35+ farmers' markets nestled in local parks, historic sites, and city attractions across neighbourhoods throughout Toronto and the GTA.

Check out the current lineup of daily, weekly, bi-weekly and monthly markets and check back for updates throughout the season.

MONDAY

SORAUREN FARMERS’ MARKET
Sorauren Avenue Park
289 Sorauren Ave.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
May 20 to October 28

TUESDAY

CABBAGETOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
Riverdale Park West
375 Sumach St.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
May 14 to October 29

DAVISVILLE MARKET
June Rowlands Park
220 Davisville Ave.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
May 14 to October 8 

EAST YORK FARMERS’ MARKET
East York Civic Centre
850 Coxwell Ave.
East York
8am-2pm
May 14 to October 29

SCARBOROUGH FARMERS’ MARKET
Rosebank Park
1051 Progress Ave.
Scarborough
3:30pm-7:30pm
June 11 to October 8

TRINITY BELLWOODS FARMERS’ MARKET
Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen St. W.
Toronto
3pm-7pm 
May 7 to October 29

WEDNESDAY

ANNETTE VILLAGE FARMERS' MARKET
Runnymede Presbyterian Church
680 Annette St.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
May 29 to October 9

BLOOR•BORDEN FARMERS’ MARKET
Green P Lot
300 Borden St.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
June to Oct

COURTYARD FARMERS’ MARKET
Robertson Parkette
1549 Danforth Ave.
Toronto
3:30pm-7:30pm
June 26 to September 25

PARKDALE GOOD FOOD MARKET
Masaryk Park
212 Cowan Ave.
Toronto
4pm-7pm
June 26 to August 28 

MCLC LIONS FARMERS’ MARKET
Celebration Square
300 City Centre Dr.
Mississauga
9am-3pm
June 5 to October 9

MONTGOMERY’S INN FARMERS’ MARKET
Montgomery's Inn
4709 Dundas St. W.
Toronto
2pm-6pm
May 22 to TBD

NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE FARMERS’ MARKET
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen St. W.
Toronto
8am-2pm
June 5 to September 25 

Thursday

BLACK CREEK COMMUNITY FARM STAND
4929 Jane St.
North York
2pm-7pm
June to November

DUFFERIN GROVE ORGANIC FARMERS’ MARKET
Dufferin Grove Park
875 Dufferin St.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
May 16 to October 31

EAST LYNN PARK FARMERS’ MARKET
East Lynn Park
1949 Danforth Ave.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
June 6 to October 17

FLEMO FARMERS’ MARKET
Flemingdon Park
150 Grenoble Dr.
Toronto
3pm-6pm
June 20 to October 10

NORTH YORK FARMERS’ MARKET
North York Civic Centre - Mel Lastman Square
5100 Yonge St.
North York
8am-2:30pm
May 23 to October 10

SUMMER MARKET AT THE GARDEN
Toronto Botanical Garden
777 Lawrence Ave. E.
Toronto
3pm-7pm
July 11 through August 29

THORNCLIFFE PARK COMMUNITY MARKET
R.V. Burgess Park
46 Thorncliffe Park Dr.
Toronto
2:30pm-9pm
May 17 to October 11 

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCARBOROUGH COMMUNITY MARKET
University of Toronto Scarborough - Scarborough Circle
1265 Military Trail
Scarborough
12pm-5pm
June 13, July 18, August 8, September 12

THE UNDERPASS PARK FARMERS’ MARKET
Underpass Park
33 St Lawrence St.
Toronto
4pm-7:30pm
May 23 to October 24

FRIDAY

N/A

SATURDAY

DORVAL CROSSING CIVITAN FARMERS’ MARKET
200 North Service Rd. W.
Oakville
8am-1:30pm
May 4 to Nov 30

ETOBICOKE CIVIC CENTRE FARMERS’ MARKET
Etobicoke Civic Centre
399 The West Mall
Etobicoke
8am-2pm
June 1 to November 2

EVERGREEN FARMERS’ MARKET
Evergreen Brick Works
550 Bayview Ave.
Toronto
8am – 1pm
Open year-round - Summer: Pavilions, Winter: TD Future Cities Centre

HUMBER BAY SHORES FARMERS’ MARKET
Humber Bay Park West
2225 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Etobicoke
7am-3pm
June 1 to October 12 

THE JUNCTION FARMERS’ MARKET
Baird Park
275 Keele St.
Toronto
9am-1pm
May 18 to October 26

MCLC LIONS FARMERS’ MARKET
3 Robert Speck Pkwy
Mississauga
8am-3pm
June 2 to October 27

PORT CREDIT FARMERS’ MARKET
Port Credit Library Parking Lot
20 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Mississauga
8am-2pm
June 1 to October 5

THE STOP’S FARMERS’ MARKET
Wychwood Barns Park
76 Wychwod Ave.
Toronto
8am-1pm
Open year-round: May 4 to October 26 outdoors. Rest of the year: Inside the main barn.

VILLAGE MARKET
Toronto Waldorf School
9100 Bathurst St.
Thornhill/Vaughan
8am-1pm
May 4 to December 21

WESTON FARMERS' MARKET
Artscape Weston Commons
34 John St.
York
8:30am-1pm
June 1 to October 26

WITHROW PARK FARMERS’ MARKET 
Withrow Park
725 Logan Ave.
Toronto
9am-1pm 
June 1 to October 19

SUNDAY

AFRO-CARIBBEAN FARMERS’ MARKET
Reggae Lane
1531 Eglinton Ave, (Green P)
Toronto
11am-3pm
July 7, 11, 21, 28; August 11,25; September 8, 22, 29

BRONTE FARMERS’ MARKET
Bronte Market Square
2445 Lakeshore Rd. W.
Oakville
11am-3pm
July 7 to August 25

DEEPLY ROOTED FARMERS’ MARKET
Dieppe Park
455 Cosburn Ave.
East York
9am-2pm
May 28-Oct 15

LAKEVIEW FARMERS’ AND ARTISAN MARKET
Small Arms Inspection Building
1352 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Mississauga
9am to 2pm
May 26 to October 27

THE LESLIEVILLE FARMERS' MARKET
Greenwood Park
150 Greenwood Ave.
Toronto
9am-2pm
May 12 to November 3

DAILY

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET FARMERS’ MARKET
St. Lawrence Market
92-95 Front St. E., South Market
Toronto
5am-3 pm
Open year-round

Markets, dates, locations, and other information subject to change. For farmers’ markets located throughout the province, visit Farmers’ Markets Ontario.

Want to add a local farmers’ market? Get in touch.

Life moves fast. Catch up on new arrivals and closures 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.

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/GTA Restaurant News May 30-June 5, 2024

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

🕘 14 min read

One of the most dense editions of late delivers options G-A-L-O-R-E. If it feels like chains dominate the arrivals this week, rest assured unique offerings and independent joints abound. And the dispatch doesn’t stop there - big news and closures await.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter , keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates . 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Grand opening for Vaughan’s new halal restaurant, Ala Antioch Turkish Cuisine (3255 Rutherford Rd., Unit 2) kicks off Saturday.

Canela Crepes & Coffee (792 Carlaw Ave.) is the spot for French-style pancakes, pastries, and coffee just off the Danforth.

Earls Restaurant Group announced today that while their new King West stomping grounds (601 King St. W., Unit 595) won’t be ready for guests until June 28, resos are now open. The restaurant takes over what was forever home to celebrity chef Susur Lee’s eponymous eatery, Lee Restaurant, relocated as of last summer to the new Waterworks (497 Richmond St. W.). (I broke the news back in ‘22.) Talk about close: In addition to its many locations, there’s an Earls right down the block (150 King St. W., Unit 100), and another west coast-based group is about to land across the street - King Taps - which coincidentally also has a branch down the street (100 King St. W.).

Speaking of chains, Eataly opens today at 1pm, marking the third location in the 6ix for the global brand and food emporium. Eataly Don Mills (CF Shops at Don Mills 1090 Don Mills Rd.) features three on-site eateries - 180-seater Eataly Ristorante and casual spots Il Gran Caffè and La Salumeria , the latter unique to this location, across its nearly 10,000 sq. ft. expanse. In keeping with its many counterparts, the rest of the space is outfitted with products both local and from abroad, as well as prepared items. Stay tuned: Word dropped today a fourth is scheduled to to join CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) next year, with “more planned for the future.” Quick backstory: The Italian grocer announced its imminent arrival at Bay and Bloor October 2019, throwing open doors the following month. A more recent addition landed at CF Sherway Gardens late last year.

Hot tip: From the streets of Tokyo to Toronto, Flipper’s brings its signature Japanese soufflé pancakes, waffles, and other brunch fare to the downtown core (31 Elm St.).

Chef Vic is whipping up a myriad of Asian fare at Roncy’s new Hakka Wok Hei (371 Roncesvalles Ave.). Do you remember? The addy was previously Tacos Baby J and Stamp’s Lane.

Havana Sanguwich (251 Queen St. W., Entrance on John) has got the right idea. While the menu boasts classic Cuban sandwiches and Colombian street food, selections extend beyond Cubanos and empanadas with a lineup of salads, salchipapas (Colombian-style loaded fries), hot dogs, and other must-haves. Find it where NSFW Members Only waffles used to hang out.

Milkshake and dessert destination Holy Shakes lands in Etobicoke (21 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 4108) with forever partner T.O.’s Kathi Roll Eatery, home of Indian fusion fare including Punjabi tacos and Indian burritos. Grand opening is Saturday.

Grand opening for IHOP’s Mississauga digs (Erin Mills Town Centre 2575 Eglinton Rd.) took place Monday. TR Trivia: 1. The first International House of Pancakes (IHOP) opened in 1958 in Toluca Lake, California. 2. This ain’t IHOP’s first rodeo here. 3. In fact, that wasn’t the iconic American pancake house’s inaugural venture in the province either: The 13th Canadian location for the breakfast chain debuted in Niagara Falls on September 13, 2008. 4. Discover halal options at GTA locations.

Kasa Frida offers a variety of tacos, quesadillas, and Mexican brekkie in the heart of Yorkville (Yorkville Village 55 Avenue Rd.).

Are mac and cheese and chicken wings your everything? Then Mac N’ Wings is for you. Choose from over 20 varieties of cheesy pasta and 100 ways to enjoy your drums n’ flats. Doors opened yesterday for the local chain’s Scarborough outpost (3165 Markham Rd.)

Made Rite Coffee (68 Wales Ave.) is brimming with breakfast sandos, lunch options, and cups of joe, one block east of Bathurst off Dundas,

Pro tip: North York’s latest addition, Meat AA7 Authentic Charcoal BBQ (5285 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.), has already garnered a crowd for its Shenyang-style BBQ, so go early/often to try and snag a table.

Momo Heart (675 Lansdowne Ave.) arrives in Bloordale with a lineup of classic and fusion Tibetan momos. Find it where Saigon Sandwiches stood until recently.

Chefs Hall (111 Richmond St. W.) new noodle shop hails from the season pros behind Tempura Keisuke, the collaboration between Ramen Isshin and Ryus Noodle Bar. Introducing: Ramen Takao.

Bloordale’s newest tavern, Teddy Beer (928 Bloor St. W.) softly open June 1 in Black Horse’s stead.

The Well kicked off its much-anticipated food hall Wellington Market (486 Front St. W., Lower Ground Level) on Monday. While the downtown outdoor mall promotes being home to “50+ food and beverage merchants,” some have yet to open, and at least one didn’t pan out. Currently there are 35 vendors, many of which you’ll be familiar with from their locations throughout in the city: À La Table, Bagels on Fire, Big Fat Cookies, Blue Claw Lobster Shack, Chatime, Chun Yang Bubble Tea, Doraji, East Tea Can, Faray Cacao, Gus Tacos, Honestly Good Chicken Fingers, Hooky’s Fish and Chips, Isabella’s Mochi Donut Boutique, The Islands Caribbean Cookshop, Japadog, La Cubana, Lisa's Perfect Ice Cream, Little Harvest, MADO Café, Nord Lyon, Pancho's Bakery, Pokeworks, Postman Waffles, PURPEL, Ren Sushi, Rosie’s Burgers, RYUS Noodle Bar, Sam’s Juices and Eats, The Samosarie, Shake Therapy, Sweetie Pie, Szechuan Express, Tong Mein, Uncle Tetsu's Japanese Cheesecake. Also on the roster: The Pier Bar by Scale Hospitality (the group behind Toronto restos such as AP, Miss Likklemore’s, and Toronto Beach Club), making the food court with 900 seats fully liquor licensed, and The Well added florist Bunches Flowers under the F&B umbrella. The market also features two rotating pop-ups: condiments by Sauce Frens and board game cafe Snakes & Lattes. p.s. Want a hint of what might be on the approach? See my notes from January. Fun facts: This is famed Japadog’s first ever Toronto location. and Chatime’s 100th.

Zula Burger + Pizza launches in The Junction (3011 Dundas St. W.) today. Did you know? It was recently home to another pizza joint: Pizzeria Libretto.

CLOSED

While the Queen West Foodrama (232A Queen St. W.) came and went, Parliament (240 Parliament St.) remains. Moving in: Caribbean Slice following its departure from York (1764 Eglinton Ave W.) that opened in 2022.

Hey Sugar was a fixture at Dundas and Huron (449 Dundas St. W.) for years. The bubble tea chain with “over 1,000 locations in China” according to their FB page, had locations elsewhere here: Skycity Shopping Centre in Scarborough (3278 Midland Ave., Unit D116), Golden Court Plaza in Richmond Hill (328 York Regional Rd 7) and North York (5379 Yonge St.), though it appears they have since shuttered.

A Greektown staple since 2015, Marvel Coffee Company (792 Carlaw Ave.) has given way to another coffee concept - See above for details. Did you know? It also had a shop not far up the street at Donlands and Danforth (6 Donlands Ave.) that opened a year prior, but since shuttered. The building next to Donlands Station has been home to java joints over the years including BonBon Coffee Shop and currently Caramel Coffee Shop.

Me Va Me Express in North York (860 York Mills Rd.) has come to a close, however others remain open.

North York bakery New King of Kings (248 Eddystone Ave.) has been forced to close due to food safety violations.

Parallel Basta (152 Augusta Ave.), the Kensington Market offshoot of award-winning Parallel, has come to an abrupt halt. Doors opened last summer.

Bad news: Postman Waffles’ aesthetic cafe at Yonge and Eglinton (2409 Yonge St.) has come to a close around the year mark. Good news: Find them right downtown. Details above.

Swiftly following the recent closure of Bar 244 (244 Adelaide St. W.), Pravda Vodka Bar (44 Wellington St. E.), briefly renamed Brash & Sassy Vodka Bar, has come to an end. ​​ It was a part of Toronto’s nightlife scene for 21 years.

Tacos 477 (55 Kensington Ave.) came and went.

Then and Now Restaurant (1316 Queen St. W.) made headlines when it launched last year with a no-tipping policy. Owner Eric Wang shared a heartfelt message on Instagram yesterday the Asian fusion eatery in Parkdale is closing June 1.

Chef Genna Steckel is packing up her bakery XO Bisous (60 Adelaide St. E.) today, until the new location (572 St. Clair Ave. W.) is ready to go.

NEWS

The “voice of the hospitality industry,” Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), is calling the LCBO becoming “the exclusive wholesaler for all retailers, bars and restaurants selling alcohol - this will include licensed bars and restaurants transitioning to order all alcohol, including beer, from LCBO’s online ordering process” in 2026, a “win.” The Beer Store will continue wholesaling to bars, restaurants, and southern LCBO Convenience Outlets until 2026.

Speaking of libations, they’re coming to a store near you.

Canada’s Competition Bureau is investigating Loblaws and Sobeys.

Nestlé’s Toronto workers ratify new deal after striking for over three weeks.

Opening date for Shake Shack’s first Toronto location Yonge and Dundas has been announced: Thursday June 13 at 11am.

A fundraiser has launched to help save Glad Day Bookshop, the world's oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop and home to “the longest running drag brunch in Canada,” from eviction.

The winners of 2024 Canadian Brewing Awards have been released, including Ontario breweries: Anderson Craft Ales, Bench Brewing Company, Brauwerk Hoffman, Brewers Blackbird Kitchen & Brewery, Burdock Brewery, Clifford Brewing Company, Cold Bear Brewing Company Ltd, Concession Road Brewing Co., Couchiching Craft Brewing Co., Cowbell Brewing Co., Dusk To Dawn Brewing Co, Flight Risk Brewing, Flora Hall Brewing, Gillingham Brewing Company, Henderson Brewing Co., Imperial City Brew House, Indie Alehouse, Lake Of Bays Brewing Co., Mascot Brewery, The Merchant Ale House, Merit Brewing Co Inc., Meuse Brewing Company, Muddy York Brewing Co., Muskoka Brewery, Old Dog Brewing Company Inc., Old Flame Brewing Company, Oranje Son Brewing, Paniza Brewing, Paris Brewing and Malting, Publican House Brewery, Quayle's Brewery, Slabtown Brewing Co., Sons Of Kent Brewing Co, Tooth and Nail Brewing Company, Turkey Shoot Brewing Co., Wishbone Brewing Company.

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. 

We should work together.

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