Stephanie Dickison's Blog, page 8
May 30, 2024
OPEN/CLOSED: 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 thousands of 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.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
May 23, 2024
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News May 23-29, 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
Chains have always been a part of the city’s landscape but did you know this about them? And indies bring the heat with novel concepts, secret sips, and shops and eateries made for life on the go.
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
Bridgette Bar debuts at The Well (423 Wellington St. W.) tomorrow. This marks the second concept out of the west coast hospitality firm Concorde Entertainment Group to settle down at the mixed-use complex (See: Q1, Lulu Bar). What to expect: A miscellany of options from Eggplant Fries ($10) and Mortadella Sando ($18) to Five Cheese Pizza ($22) and Roasted Half Duck ($50). TR Trivia: Concorde Entertainment Group is part of a strategic partnership with one of Canada’s largest resto groups, Toronto’s own Oliver & Bonacini, thus creating “one of the largest independently held hospitality groups in North America” and giving O&B the lion’s share of standalone restaurants by one group situated in the new downtown development including: Aera that touched down at the end of 2023, La Plume and its cocktail counterpart Bonne Nuit that landed last month, swiftly followed by The Dorset.
Cafe Alba arrives in South Mississauga (2225 Erin Mills Pkwy) with an array of coffee and baked foods. p.s. Stay tuned: Il Fornello Sherwood Village is about to drop at the new design-centric district. Design and coffee? Very much a thing these days.
Hot tip: In addition to its titular dish, West Queen West’s DoDoner (1132 Queen St. W.) does Aussie halal snack packs.
Duke’s Refresher Bar’s second outpost launched yesterday in Riverside (709 Queen St. E.). The whimsical watering hole by a group with a number of local chains under its belt comes hot on the heels of the launch of their Italian eatery downtown, Edna + Vita. Did you know? Speaking of chains, the group’s former concept, Italian joint Alice Fazooli’s, makes an appearance on DRB’s pizza menu. SIR Corp closed its last Alice Fazooli's in Vaughan June 2017, replacing it with their other Italian chain, Scaddabush.
Ethereal Lounge (3105 Winston Churchill Blvd., Unit 9), Mississauga’s latest halal resto-lounge, “where luxury and elegance meet,” offers Halal fusion fare including Gol Gappay Shots ($13.99), TikTok Nachos ($14.99), and Gulab Jamun Cheesecake ($11.99), in addition to Mocktails ($10.99-$14.99).
J Mart | Japanese Market (399 Church St.) packs a lot into its compact footprint at Church and Carlton. Choose from a roster of ramen (self serve ramen bar included), drinks, snacks, hot prepared meals to go, and even skincare items. Note: Enter on Carlton.
NeuLokal Social House (3047 Dundas St. W.) just opened in Atai’s former digs with international inspired dishes and libations.
Psst. Can you keep a secret? Shuckit & Sea Oysters Raw Bar is the newest undisclosed destination in the city. Discover sake and sustainable seafood out of a red shipping container behind a hair salon in Riverside (639 Queen St. E.). Amongst the latest menu offerings? Oysters (6/$18, 12/$34), Shrimp Cocktail ($24), Scallop Crudo ($28), and Rockfish Ceviche ($22).
Also hush-hush: Missing speakeasy Suite 114 (116 Dundas St. W.)? You’re in luck. Grand opening for Suite 115 (532 College St.) carries through ‘til Saturday. To get in on craft cocktails and small plates, look for the red circle.
Taiwan Railway Bento Box just opened in North York (5455 Yonge St.) with a lineup of train bentos, ideal for the commuter lifestyle.
Wellington Market (486 Front St. W., Lower Ground Level) is the latest food hall to hit the 6ix. Doors open Monday for The Well’s new food emporium. Stay tuned for the full lineup and inside look.
Forget croffles, crookies, and craigels. A talented duo has dreamt up a lineup of croissant sandwiches that should be at the top of your to-do list. Zontwiches - the brainchild of Lucy Kirby (aka Breadhead Bakery) and chef Taryn Casey - opens Saturday inside Collective Arts Taproom & Café (1265 Dundas St. W.).
CLOSED
Shannon Nocos’ Filipino bakery Make Kwento (1105 College St.) is on the move. Last day for right now is May 26.
On Saturday, Fonda Balam (802 Dundas St. W.) posted an announcement doors will be imminently closing. Today they announced June 8 will be the final day. The venture that began as pop-up Birria Balam in 2021 followed by the dine-in iteration months later, was helmed by chefs Matty Matheson, Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo and went on to earn Michelin Bib Gourmand awards in 2022 and 2023.
Oakville Village stalwart The Oakwood Hardware (337 Oakwood Ave.) shuts down Saturday.
NEWS
After 20 years, Midtown’s go-to gourmet kitchenware store Peppermills (2098 Yonge St.) was about to wrap up service. Great news. The business is not going anywhere after all. Bonus: Sale pricing to continue throughout the summer.
While American seafood chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it appears Toronto and GTA locations remain open amid the turmoil.
Spirits Canada, a national trade association representing distilled spirits, sounds off about the LCBO, saying its “tax bill threatens consumers' favourite brands.”
The latest food recalls: Meta Enoki Mushroom recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Nova Pharma Ice Clear Protein (dairy-free) recalled due to undeclared milk. [UPDATE: 05.24.24 - NÜTRL Tumbler Cup recalled due to potential chemical and ingestion hazards.]
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
OPEN/CLOSED: Restaurant News May 23-29, 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
Chains have always been a part of the city’s landscape but did you know this about them? And indies bring the heat with novel concepts, secret sips, and shops and eateries made for life on the go.
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
Bridgette Bar debuts at The Well (423 Wellington St. W.) tomorrow. This marks the second concept out of the west coast hospitality firm Concorde Entertainment Group to settle down at the mixed-use complex (See: Q1, Lulu Bar). What to expect: A miscellany of options from Eggplant Fries ($10) and Mortadella Sando ($18) to Five Cheese Pizza ($22) and Roasted Half Duck ($50). TR Trivia: Concorde Entertainment Group is part of a strategic partnership with one of Canada’s largest resto groups, Toronto’s own Oliver & Bonacini, thus creating “one of the largest independently held hospitality groups in North America” and giving O&B the lion’s share of standalone restaurants by one group situated in the new downtown development including: Aera that touched down at the end of 2023, La Plume and its cocktail counterpart Bonne Nuit that landed last month, swiftly followed by The Dorset.
Cafe Alba arrives in South Mississauga (2225 Erin Mills Pkwy) with an array of coffee and baked foods. p.s. Stay tuned: Il Fornello Sherwood Village is about to drop at the new design-centric district. Design and coffee? Very much a thing these days.
Hot tip: In addition to its titular dish, West Queen West’s DoDoner (1132 Queen St. W.) does Aussie halal snack packs.
Duke’s Refresher Bar’s second outpost launched yesterday in Riverside (709 Queen St. E.). The whimsical watering hole by a group with a number of local chains under its belt comes hot on the heels of the launch of their Italian eatery downtown, Edna + Vita. Did you know? Speaking of chains, the group’s former concept, Italian joint Alice Fazooli’s, makes an appearance on DRB’s pizza menu. SIR Corp closed its last Alice Fazooli's in Vaughan June 2017, replacing it with their other Italian chain, Scaddabush.
Ethereal Lounge (3105 Winston Churchill Blvd., Unit 9), Mississauga’s latest halal resto-lounge, “where luxury and elegance meet,” offers Halal fusion fare including Gol Gappay Shots ($13.99), TikTok Nachos ($14.99), and Gulab Jamun Cheesecake ($11.99), in addition to Mocktails ($10.99-$14.99).
J Mart | Japanese Market (399 Church St.) packs a lot into its compact footprint at Church and Carlton. Choose from a roster of ramen (self serve ramen bar included), drinks, snacks, hot prepared meals to go, and even skincare items. Note: Enter on Carlton.
NeuLokal Social House (3047 Dundas St. W.) just opened in Atai’s former digs with international inspired dishes and libations.
Psst. Can you keep a secret? Shuckit & Sea Oysters Raw Bar is the newest undisclosed destination in the city. Discover sake and sustainable seafood out of a red shipping container behind a hair salon in Riverside (639 Queen St. E.). Amongst the latest menu offerings? Oysters (6/$18, 12/$34), Shrimp Cocktail ($24), Scallop Crudo ($28), and Rockfish Ceviche ($22).
Also hush-hush: Missing speakeasy Suite 114 (116 Dundas St. W.)? You’re in luck. Grand opening for Suite 115 (532 College St.) carries through ‘til Saturday. To get in on craft cocktails and small plates, look for the red circle.
Taiwan Railway Bento Box just opened in North York (5455 Yonge St.) with a lineup of train bentos, ideal for the commuter lifestyle.
Wellington Market (486 Front St. W., Lower Ground Level) is the latest food hall to hit the 6ix. Doors open Monday for The Well’s new food emporium. Stay tuned for the full lineup and inside look.
Forget croffles, crookies, and craigels. A talented duo has dreamt up a lineup of croissant sandwiches that should be at the top of your to-do list. Zontwiches - the brainchild of Lucy Kirby (aka Breadhead Bakery) and chef Taryn Casey - opens Saturday inside Collective Arts Taproom & Café (1265 Dundas St. W.).
CLOSED
Shannon Nocos’ Filipino bakery Make Kwento (1105 College St.) is on the move. Last day for right now is May 26.
On Saturday, Fonda Balam (802 Dundas St. W.) posted an announcement doors will be imminently closing. Today they announced June 8 will be the final day. The venture that began as pop-up Birria Balam in 2021 followed by the dine-in iteration months later, was helmed by chefs Matty Matheson, Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo and went on to earn Michelin Bib Gourmand awards in 2022 and 2023.
Oakville Village stalwart The Oakwood Hardware (337 Oakwood Ave.) shuts down Saturday.
NEWS
After 20 years, Midtown’s go-to gourmet kitchenware store Peppermills (2098 Yonge St.) was about to wrap up service. Great news. The business is not going anywhere after all. Bonus: Sale pricing to continue throughout the summer.
While American seafood chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it appears Toronto and GTA locations remain open amid the turmoil.
Spirits Canada, a national trade association representing distilled spirits, sounds off about the LCBO, saying its “tax bill threatens consumers' favourite brands.”
The latest food recalls: Meta Enoki Mushroom recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Nova Pharma Ice Clear Protein (dairy-free) recalled due to undeclared milk. [UPDATE: 05.24.24 - NÜTRL Tumbler Cup recalled due to potential chemical and ingestion hazards.]
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
May 16, 2024
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News May 16-22, 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
This week’s lineup is a doozy. From casual street fare to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, you’ve got a wide range of options to choose from - depending on how deep your pockets are.
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
Vietnamese street food and drinks are at the heart of Etobicoke’s new Bun Mi (822 The Queensway). Think banh mi, bao, salads, smoothies, and juices.
Cafe Roma (807 St Clair Ave. W.) moves into Black Tulip’s former space with an array of Italian fare: Antipasti, pizza, pasta, whole Branzino, and rib eye are just the beginning.
ISO Sichuan cuisine? Check out Chinatown’s latest addition, Cheng Du Street Food (405 Dundas St. W.) Pro tip: In the mood for offal? You’re in luck. Look to dishes boosted with bullfrogs, beef aorta, and pork kidney.
Annex stalwart Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar (326 Bloor St. W.) didn’t go far. Find the healthy eatery just two blocks west (386 Bloor St. W.). Doors opened yesterday in what was Famoso’s sole Toronto location.
Etobicoke restaurateur Jenny Giddes (Kitchen on Sixth, Bramble, Merlot) debuts a sexy li’l number tonight for dinner, drinks, and tête-à-têtes. Introducing: Heron (3008 Bloor St. W.).
Lili Kitchen (287 Dundas St. W.) satisfies your craving for kebabs, wraps, burgers, and salads in Sumac’s recently vacated digs across from the AGO.
Feast mode: ON. L’Olivo Buffet (454 Eglinton Ave. W.) boasts a spread that takes you from first thing all the way to din-din. Did you know? The buffet takes over the space formerly home to “Toronto’s largest" sweets shop, Kandy Krazed, now just up the street (426 Eglinton Ave. W.).
Fine dining destination LSL (2066 Avenue Rd.) debuts tomorrow. What to expect: 1. French-inspired cuisine. 2. Japanese ingredients. 3. Omakase tasting-style menu by illustrious chefs Didier Leroy (Certified Master of French cuisine), Christian Le Squer (Paris-based chef of three-star Michelin Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris), and Masaki Saito (Owner/chef of Sushi Masaki Saito, the sole two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Toronto). Price: $680 per person (Deposit required to book: $340), with wine pairing available (+$300 pp). Needless to say, with this culinary star power and only nine seats, it will be one of the hardest resos to secure in the city, and a shoo-in for this year’s Michelin. TR Trivia: The price tag? Same cost per guest as Sushi Masaki Saito. Note: While getting dressed for such an occasion, skip spritzing any scents. The restaurant requests “guests refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other fragrances as they may interfere with the flavours of our cuisine.”
Martine’s Wine Bar (293 Palmerston Ave.), the latest offering by restaurateur Grant van Gameren whose downtown destinations include Michelin Star Quetzal, Michelin Bib Gourmand Bar Raval, and Michelin Recommended Bar Isabel, allures from the get-go. It’s got good bones after all: Home to beloved Woodlot for years, followed by van Gameren’s burger joint Harry’s Charbroiled since 2020 before upping sticks to Coxwell last November. Helming the kitchen: Chef Luke Haines (Bar Raval, Bar Buca).
Purpel hit the ground running this spring and it appears there’s no stopping the acai bowl and smoothie shop. Find the latest in Liberty Village (61 Hanna Ave.) and launching soon at The Well’s new food hall, Wellington Market (486 Front St. W., Lower Ground Level).
In search of authentic Greek street fare on a budget? Look no further than Real Greek Gyros (731 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Broadview, next to The Opera House. A super stuffed Souvlaki or Gyros on a Pita for $10? Here for it. Pro tip: Save room for the Orange Cake ($6).
Hot sandos coming through: Grilled Steak with Chimichurri, Tzatziki Grilled Chicken, and Vietnamese Sweet Beef, for starters, courtesy of Slammie Sammies opening today across from Trinity Bellwoods Park inside Opera Bob's Public House (1112 Dundas St. W.). The new sandwich pop-up shop operates Fridays and Saturdays.
Tiarrés Brunch 'n Cakes softly opens today in the Beaches (1980 Queen St. E.). This marks the second location for the brunch restaurant formerly known as Sophie's Kitchen.
Yo Doner Restaurant (250 Dundas St. W., Unit 109) does bowls, poutines, and wraps in the hospital district at Dundas and University.
CLOSED
After nearly a 12-year journey, Sandra and Carlo Flores’s Cafe Con Leche Espresso Bar (1571 Dupont St.) comes to an end June 30. Stay tuned: Monte Bakery is on the approach.
While the Chinatown edition of Taiwanese eatery Four Four South Village (405 Dundas St. W.) has concluded, two remain downtown: Yonge and College (474 Yonge St.) and Scarborough (3280 Midland Ave., Unit 23).
Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar (326 Bloor St. W.) set up shop down the street. Details above.
Shannon Nocos’ Filipino bakery Make Kwento (1105 College St.) is on the move. Last day for right now is May 26.
Then and Now Restaurant (1316 Queen St. W.) made headlines when it launched last year as a no-tipping venture. Owner Eric Wang shared a heartfelt message on Instagram yesterday the Asian fusion eatery in Parkdale is closing June 1.
NEWS
Hotelier Klaus Tenter died. Starting his career in Toronto at The Omni King Edward and Sheraton Hotels, he went on to work extensively in the field, including as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where he earned the nickname, “The Mayor of Yorkville."
Restaurant and shop break-ins continue, with a recent uptick in the east end.
Loblaw agrees to sign Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct.
The City says “95 per cent” of curb lane cafés - aka CaféTO - will be ready by the long weekend.
The latest food recalls: Frito Lay SunChips Multigrains Harvest Cheddar Snacks and Original Munchies Snack Mix recalled due to Salmonella, Perth County Ingredients Spray-Dried Hi Whip Cage Free Albumen recalled due to Salmonella, and Expanded recall: Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Freestanding Electric Ranges recalled due to fire and burn hazards.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
OPEN/CLOSED: Restaurant News May 16-22, 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
This week’s lineup is a doozy. From casual street fare to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, you’ve got a wide range of options to choose from - depending on how deep your pockets are.
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
Vietnamese street food and drinks are at the heart of Etobicoke’s new Bun Mi (822 The Queensway). Think banh mi, bao, salads, smoothies, and juices.
Cafe Roma (807 St Clair Ave. W.) moves into Black Tulip’s former space with an array of Italian fare: Antipasti, pizza, pasta, whole Branzino, and rib eye are just the beginning.
ISO Sichuan cuisine? Check out Chinatown’s latest addition, Cheng Du Street Food (405 Dundas St. W.) Pro tip: In the mood for offal? You’re in luck. Look to dishes boosted with bullfrogs, beef aorta, and pork kidney.
Annex stalwart Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar (326 Bloor St. W.) didn’t go far. Find the healthy eatery just two blocks west (386 Bloor St. W.). Doors opened yesterday in what was Famoso’s sole Toronto location.
Etobicoke restaurateur Jenny Giddes (Kitchen on Sixth, Bramble, Merlot) debuts a sexy li’l number tonight for dinner, drinks, and tête-à-têtes. Introducing: Heron (3008 Bloor St. W.).
Lili Kitchen (287 Dundas St. W.) satisfies your craving for kebabs, wraps, burgers, and salads in Sumac’s recently vacated digs across from the AGO.
Feast mode: ON. L’Olivo Buffet (454 Eglinton Ave. W.) boasts a spread that takes you from first thing all the way to din-din. Did you know? The buffet takes over the space formerly home to “Toronto’s largest" sweets shop, Kandy Krazed, now just up the street (426 Eglinton Ave. W.).
Fine dining destination LSL (2066 Avenue Rd.) debuts tomorrow. What to expect: 1. French-inspired cuisine. 2. Japanese ingredients. 3. Omakase tasting-style menu by illustrious chefs Didier Leroy (Certified Master of French cuisine), Christian Le Squer (Paris-based chef of three-star Michelin Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris), and Masaki Saito (Owner/chef of Sushi Masaki Saito, the sole two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Toronto). Price: $680 per person (Deposit required to book: $340), with wine pairing available (+$300 pp). Needless to say, with this culinary star power and only nine seats, it will be one of the hardest resos to secure in the city, and a shoo-in for this year’s Michelin. TR Trivia: The price tag? Same cost per guest as Sushi Masaki Saito. Note: While getting dressed for such an occasion, skip spritzing any scents. The restaurant requests “guests refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other fragrances as they may interfere with the flavours of our cuisine.”
Martine’s Wine Bar (293 Palmerston Ave.), the latest offering by restaurateur Grant van Gameren whose downtown destinations include Michelin Star Quetzal, Michelin Bib Gourmand Bar Raval, and Michelin Recommended Bar Isabel, allures from the get-go. It’s got good bones after all: Home to beloved Woodlot for years, followed by van Gameren’s burger joint Harry’s Charbroiled since 2020 before upping sticks to Coxwell last November. Helming the kitchen: Chef Luke Haines (Bar Raval, Bar Buca).
Purpel hit the ground running this spring and it appears there’s no stopping the acai bowl and smoothie shop. Find the latest in Liberty Village (61 Hanna Ave.) and launching soon at The Well’s new food hall, Wellington Market (486 Front St. W., Lower Ground Level).
In search of authentic Greek street fare on a budget? Look no further than Real Greek Gyros (731 Queen St. E.) at Queen and Broadview, next to The Opera House. A super stuffed Souvlaki or Gyros on a Pita for $10? Here for it. Pro tip: Save room for the Orange Cake ($6).
Hot sandos coming through: Grilled Steak with Chimichurri, Tzatziki Grilled Chicken, and Vietnamese Sweet Beef, for starters, courtesy of Slammie Sammies opening today across from Trinity Bellwoods Park inside Opera Bob's Public House (1112 Dundas St. W.). The new sandwich pop-up shop operates Fridays and Saturdays.
Tiarrés Brunch 'n Cakes softly opens today in the Beaches (1980 Queen St. E.). This marks the second location for the brunch restaurant formerly known as Sophie's Kitchen.
Yo Doner Restaurant (250 Dundas St. W., Unit 109) does bowls, poutines, and wraps in the hospital district at Dundas and University.
CLOSED
After nearly a 12-year journey, Sandra and Carlo Flores’s Cafe Con Leche Espresso Bar (1571 Dupont St.) comes to an end June 30. Stay tuned: Monte Bakery is on the approach.
While the Chinatown edition of Taiwanese eatery Four Four South Village (405 Dundas St. W.) has concluded, two remain downtown: Yonge and College (474 Yonge St.) and Scarborough (3280 Midland Ave., Unit 23).
Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar (326 Bloor St. W.) set up shop down the street. Details above.
Shannon Nocos’ Filipino bakery Make Kwento (1105 College St.) is on the move. Last day for right now is May 26.
Then and Now Restaurant (1316 Queen St. W.) made headlines when it launched last year as a no-tipping venture. Owner Eric Wang shared a heartfelt message on Instagram yesterday the Asian fusion eatery in Parkdale is closing June 1.
NEWS
Hotelier Klaus Tenter died. Starting his career in Toronto at The Omni King Edward and Sheraton Hotels, he went on to work extensively in the field, including as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, where he earned the nickname, “The Mayor of Yorkville."
Restaurant and shop break-ins continue, with a recent uptick in the east end.
Loblaw agrees to sign Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct.
The City says “95 per cent” of curb lane cafés - aka CaféTO - will be ready by the long weekend.
The latest food recalls: Frito Lay SunChips Multigrains Harvest Cheddar Snacks and Original Munchies Snack Mix recalled due to Salmonella, Perth County Ingredients Spray-Dried Hi Whip Cage Free Albumen recalled due to Salmonella, and Expanded recall: Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Freestanding Electric Ranges recalled due to fire and burn hazards.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
May 9, 2024
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News May 9-15, 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 offers an exhilarating mélange of cuisines and destinations (including some hidden haunts that won’t stay that way for long), and as always, a litany of continued movement, news and closures to get up to speed 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
Hidden brunch alert: Alma + Gil moved on from Dupont (1543 Dupont St.). Discover the pop-up in Little Italy inside fine dining restaurant, Ficoa (585 College St.).
Drinks, then dinner, then what? If the answer’s dancing, the Fashion District’s new Bodega On King (510 King St. W.) has got you covered.
Hot tip: Crying Tiger (74 Gerrard St. E.) opened this weekend in Plearn Cafe’s recently vacated digs. Stay tuned: The new Thai adventure by the team behind Plearn and Som Tum Jinda, is about to get a sibling: Le Lert.
Further down the road, booze-free cocktail bar and restaurant Free Spirit @ Riverdale Hub awaits in Gerrard India Bazaar (1326 Gerrard St. E.). Inside the social enterprise and green building, find flatbreads, salads and boards for dinner with additional cafe fare available earlier in the day. And while libations may sound intoxicating - Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned, Spicy Margarita, Espresso Martini - you won’t find a lick of liquor here. Bonus: Staff are paid a living wage, thus no tipping required, and proceeds from the restaurant “help address barriers for equity deserving groups in our communities.”
Chef Jayden Park’s Gateau Ghost, previously a popular pop-up venture (who can forget the Ghost Pops and Madeleine Ice Cream Sandos of Summer ‘23?), moves to a brick-and-mortar model, taking over the stunning space that was Barocco X Nino (947 College St.). Grand opening is Wednesday.
With almost 20 variations, curries are certainly the main attraction at The Grand Indian Dining (507 Queen St. W.), however appetizers, biryanis, tandoor specialities, breads and desserts are strong contenders for tempting tastebuds.
Canada’s west coast has been in on Greta Bar’s fun and games for years, so it’s about time Toronto got a chance. The city’s newest arcade bar put down roots at King and Portland (590 King St. W.). On the agenda: Video games paired with global street fare (think KFC Wings, Birria Grilled Cheese, and Jerk & Dragon Fruit Dry Ribs), tipples, and even bottle service.
Bloordale’s latest addition, Ibet Sushi (1260 Bloor St. W.), offers everything from premium rolls and udon to bento boxes and party trays. Find it where Brock Sandwich once stood.
Persian Cafe Shisha Bar (10711 Yonge St.) in Richmond Hill is the latest spot for shisha, cocktails, kabobs, and live music.
Playa Cabana Bar Esquina (8 Eglinton Ave. E.) is back. Doors reopened Friday, with new menu in effect.
The Purple Bakeshop (780 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Unit 11) - aka your one-stop shop for Filipino desserts - adds another Mississauga outpost to its roster with Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy).
Psst, Another secret destination just landed downtown. For the pizzeria hidden inside a hotel, see: Raff’s Pizza at The Annex Hotel (296 Brunswick Ave.).
Turkish and Mediterranean eatery Taksim Döner debuts today in North York (5908 Yonge St.). Grand opening special: Chicken Döner Sandwich and can of pop $6.99. Conditions apply.
9 Mile has been on my watchlist for some time. PSA: The Jamaican restaurant at Bloor and Landsdowne (1334 Bloor St. W.) just celebrated its grand opening.
CLOSED
Alma + GIl left Dupont (1543 Dupont St.), but brunch is still on offer. Details above.
East York’s long-running bakery in Pape Village, Hansen's Danish Pastry Shop (1017 Pape Ave.), has shuttered.
When one nightclub door closes - Juliet (510 King St. W.) - another opens. In the same space even. See openings above for info.
You’ve got until the end of the month to get in your goodbyes at The Oakwood Hardware Food & Drink (337 Oakwood Ave.).
NEWS
Hundreds of workers go on strike at Nestlé's Toronto plant.
A boycott’s brewing against behemoth grocer Loblaw and its other businesses including pharmacies, fashion and beauty brands, and financial services.
Chef Denis Garnoskov has been through it. A GoFundMe campaign has launched to help him reopen his restaurant, Stop.
Speaking of fundraisers, U.S.-based food critic Keith Lee visited Biscuits to Baskets (49 Beatty Rd.) and onsite Backyard Brewed Espresso Bar in Ajax as part of his epic food tour in Toronto and Scarborough last month. Per the “Keith Lee Effect,” people flocked to the property in droves. However, not all were on board with the home-based chocolate shop and cafe operating out of a shed in a backyard. A zoning complaint was filed and the biz is “being forced to move.” A post on their social media reads in part, “…it has come to our attention that our back shed is not a suitable space for business as it’s separate from the main house. This flew right under our radar and had not been addressed to us until now.” Keith Lee approved tees have been created to help raise money for the move, with all proceeds to go towards “the opening of a new home for our business in or near Ajax, Ontario.”
Food recalls: Western Family Yogurt covered pretzels and Milk chocolate covered pretzels recalled due to Salmonella.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News May 9-15, 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 offers an exhilarating mélange of cuisines and destinations (including some hidden haunts that won’t stay that way for long), and as always, a litany of continued movement, news and closures to get up to speed 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
Hidden brunch alert: Alma + Gil moved on from Dupont (1543 Dupont St.). Discover the pop-up in Little Italy inside fine dining restaurant, Ficoa (585 College St.).
Drinks, then dinner, then what? If the answer’s dancing, the Fashion District’s new Bodega On King (510 King St. W.) has got you covered.
Hot tip: Crying Tiger (74 Gerrard St. E.) opened this weekend in Plearn Cafe’s recently vacated digs. Stay tuned: The new Thai adventure by the team behind Plearn and Som Tum Jinda, is about to get a sibling: Le Lert.
Further down the road, booze-free cocktail bar and restaurant Free Spirit @ Riverdale Hub awaits in Gerrard India Bazaar (1326 Gerrard St. E.). Inside the social enterprise and green building, find flatbreads, salads and boards for dinner with additional cafe fare available earlier in the day. And while libations may sound intoxicating - Smoked Rosemary Old Fashioned, Spicy Margarita, Espresso Martini - you won’t find a lick of liquor here. Bonus: Staff are paid a living wage, thus no tipping required, and proceeds from the restaurant “help address barriers for equity deserving groups in our communities.”
Chef Jayden Park’s Gateau Ghost, previously a popular pop-up venture (who can forget the Ghost Pops and Madeleine Ice Cream Sandos of Summer ‘23?), moves to a brick-and-mortar model, taking over the stunning space that was Barocco X Nino (947 College St.). Grand opening is Wednesday.
With almost 20 variations, curries are certainly the main attraction at The Grand Indian Dining (507 Queen St. W.), however appetizers, biryanis, tandoor specialities, breads and desserts are strong contenders for tempting tastebuds.
Canada’s west coast has been in on Greta Bar’s fun and games for years, so it’s about time Toronto got a chance. The city’s newest arcade bar put down roots at King and Portland (590 King St. W.). On the agenda: Video games paired with global street fare (think KFC Wings, Birria Grilled Cheese, and Jerk & Dragon Fruit Dry Ribs), tipples, and even bottle service.
Bloordale’s latest addition, Ibet Sushi (1260 Bloor St. W.), offers everything from premium rolls and udon to bento boxes and party trays. Find it where Brock Sandwich once stood.
Persian Cafe Shisha Bar (10711 Yonge St.) in Richmond Hill is the latest spot for shisha, cocktails, kabobs, and live music.
Playa Cabana Bar Esquina (8 Eglinton Ave. E.) is back. Doors reopened Friday, with new menu in effect.
The Purple Bakeshop (780 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Unit 11) - aka your one-stop shop for Filipino desserts - adds another Mississauga outpost to its roster with Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy).
Psst, Another secret destination just landed downtown. For the pizzeria hidden inside a hotel, see: Raff’s Pizza at The Annex Hotel (296 Brunswick Ave.).
Turkish and Mediterranean eatery Taksim Döner debuts today in North York (5908 Yonge St.). Grand opening special: Chicken Döner Sandwich and can of pop $6.99. Conditions apply.
9 Mile has been on my watchlist for some time. PSA: The Jamaican restaurant at Bloor and Landsdowne (1334 Bloor St. W.) just celebrated its grand opening.
CLOSED
Alma + GIl left Dupont (1543 Dupont St.), but brunch is still on offer. Details above.
East York’s long-running bakery in Pape Village, Hansen's Danish Pastry Shop (1017 Pape Ave.), has shuttered.
When one nightclub door closes - Juliet (510 King St. W.) - another opens. In the same space even. See openings above for info.
You’ve got until the end of the month to get in your goodbyes at The Oakwood Hardware Food & Drink (337 Oakwood Ave.).
NEWS
Hundreds of workers go on strike at Nestlé's Toronto plant.
A boycott’s brewing against behemoth grocer Loblaw and its other businesses including pharmacies, fashion and beauty brands, and financial services.
Chef Denis Garnoskov has been through it. A GoFundMe campaign has launched to help him reopen his restaurant, Stop.
Speaking of fundraisers, U.S.-based food critic Keith Lee visited Biscuits to Baskets (49 Beatty Rd.) and onsite Backyard Brewed Espresso Bar in Ajax as part of his epic food tour in Toronto and Scarborough last month. Per the “Keith Lee Effect,” people flocked to the property in droves. However, not all were on board with the home-based chocolate shop and cafe operating out of a shed in a backyard. A zoning complaint was filed and the biz is “being forced to move.” A post on their social media reads in part, “…it has come to our attention that our back shed is not a suitable space for business as it’s separate from the main house. This flew right under our radar and had not been addressed to us until now.” Keith Lee approved tees have been created to help raise money for the move, with all proceeds to go towards “the opening of a new home for our business in or near Ajax, Ontario.”
Food recalls: Western Family Yogurt covered pretzels and Milk chocolate covered pretzels recalled due to Salmonella.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
May 2, 2024
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News May 2-8, 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
This week’s whirlwind features 33 establishments - 20 arrivals, over half that in closures - and a whack of news you need to know. Pro tip: Grab a drink +/or snack. You’re going to be here a while.
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
Sorrel’s wine bar next door À Côté (1156 Yonge St.) has been on my watchlist for what feels like forever. Update: See you there. But first, get a glimpse inside.
Anima Romana Bakery lands at Main and Gerrard (149 Main St.) with scores of treats, from pizza and bread to viennoiserie.
The first North American Azkadenya arrived here in the 6ix in 2019. Nearly five years later, the Mediterranean eatery adds Mississauga (6111 Erin Mills Pkwy., Unit 3) to the roster.
Radical Road Brewing Co. (1177 Queen St. E.) has long been home to food pop-ups. Psst. Neil Foerster’s Cal’s Zone just took over the kitchen with a lineup of North American-inspired calzones.
Scarborough’s Charcoal Kebab House (3256 Lawrence Ave. E.) is serving up halal Urghur cuisine in the Garden District at Jarvis and Dundas.
Chris Jerk’s second eatery touches down in Markham just north of Steeles (7220 Kennedy Rd.) with an array of Caribbean comfort fare. Think Curried Goat, Oxtail, Callaloo, and their famous Jerk Chicken Shawarma Poutine, for starters.
Daisy Bakery and Cafe is satisfying sweet cravings in Hillcrest Village (689 St Clair Ave W.) with a lineup of homemade pastries including cookies, croissants, danishes and tarts, alongside savoury selections such as bread and sandwiches.
In addition to classic Indian fare, Dear Delhi has got you for international grub - burgers, pasta, even nachos - in Mississauga’s Silver Creek Plaza (680 Silver Creek Blvd., Unit 18).
U.S.-based Texas ‘cue HQ Dickey’s Barbecue Pit adds to its Canadian roots with a Markham outpost (8630 Woodbine Ave.) and more on the way. Did you know? Their first bbq joint in Toronto launched last year at Yonge and College (472 Yonge St.).
Mike Tam’s Ding-A-Wing (397 Roncesvalles Ave.) is on the move. In the meantime, find your favourite chicken sandos, smash burgers and other good stuff in-house at The Smith House Bar (171 College St.) across from U of T, and as of May 17, at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.). Hot tip: Stay tuned: The Stop’s new stomping grounds are almost ready.
Edna + Vita debuted at First Canadian Place (77 Adelaide St. W.) on Friday. The former REDS Wine Tavern was transformed into the Italian concept by SIR Corp, the parent co. behind other haunts around town including Duke’s Refresher Bar, Jack Astor’s, The Loose Moose, and Scaddabush. The focus here: Italian classics - Roasted Chicken Cacciatore, Veal Parmigiana, Cioppino, pizza, pasta, and the like. p.s. Looking for REDS? It appears there’s only one location of the former chain remaining in the province: Square One in Mississauga (100 City Centre Rd., Unit 2-815), with their bakery concept, Abbey's Bakehouse, right next door.
Pro tip: If you’re heading to Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.), swing by the east lobby to check out The Grange of Prince Edward Winery wine bar. Bonus: You’ll also find the PEC tipples in the exclusive member’s lounges at Allied Music Centre’s (178 Victoria St.) Massey Hall and new TD Music Hall, part of a three-year partnership between the concert halls and winery.
Italian restaurants abound in Woodbridge. The latest addition, Il Forno (4000 Steeles Ave. W.), offers a lineup of crowd-pleasers, inlcuding: Fresh Burrata ($22), Margherita Pizza (sm $16, med $21), Shrimp Risotto ($26), Lasagna ($18), Branzino Filet ($32), Roasted Rack of Lamb ($45), and Tiramisu ($9).
Turkish restaurant chain Mado’s new retro jazz lounge, La Mouette (144 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.),, does Turkish fare accompanied by live jazz on weekends. Bonus: Mado’s downtown location is nestled right below.
La Patrona settles down in Little Italy (669 College St.) with a roster of drinks, eats, and entertainment, in The Mix 669’s former stomping grounds.
What to expect at North York’s Lá Sen Vietnamese Cuisine (155 Yorkland Blvd.)? According to the restaurant: “A taste of Vietnam in every bite.” See for yourself.
I broke the news of forthcoming MSSM Ossington (1221 Dundas St. W.) last July in an edition of the TR Newsletter. Reservations are now open, with service commencing Saturday for the second of chef Masaki Saito’s MSSM Yorkville (154 Cumberland St., 2nd Fl.) sibling to Sushi Masaki Saito - Toronto's only restaurant with a two-star Michelin rating. The west end MSSM continues to showcase chef Saito’s Edomae style of sushi (Dinner Omakase $98/pp) executed by students of Saito San in a casual, “immersive” environment on Dundas, one block west of Ossington.
Nosh Cafenio takes over Sweetie Pie’s Danforth digs (563 Danforth Ave.), however you can still shop SP’s baked goodies alongside NC creations.
In search of coffee and pastries in Etobicoke? Doors opened yesterday Suvari Coffee (3378 Lake Shore Blvd. W.), previously home to Empire Café.
Grand opening of Two Brothers Shawarma at Queen and Bathurst (604 Queen St. W.) took place yesterday. This marks this fourth store for the local chain.
CLOSED
Bakerrae x Chachalate (149 Main St.) debuted last summer. While the east end brick-and-mortar destination has wrapped up, both businesses are offering their sweets online.
On Monday Bare Market (1480 Danforth Ave.) announced it will be closing its stunning storefront on Sunday May 19, switching to an online model. The zero-waste, plastic-free shop opened January 2020.
Burger Delicious (820 Church St.) made its debut at Yonge and Davenport in 2022. It’s giving way to a 38-storey high-rise. Memory lane: The addy was previously longtime home to King Palace.
Mike Tam’s Ding-A-Wing (397 Roncesvalles Ave.) has a new home. Details above.
Robot chef-driven concept Lofi Wok landed on the Queen West strip (604 Queen St. W.) in 2021. What replaced it? Head up top for more.
One of the largest establishments on the Danforth has shuttered. After a decade in Greektown, Louis Cifer Brew Works (417 Danforth Ave.) has called it quits. The business has been sold and the website is no longer available. Patrons is search of a pint can visit their other spot in nearby Cabbagetown, Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton St.).
Despite launching just last summer, Miss Aida (413 Roncesvalles Ave.) is upping sticks. The last service on Roncy was Saturday. Door are slated to reopen elsewhere in the city this summer.
“Canada’s first build-your-own pasta shop” has come to an end in the T-dot. Pastucci's launched in Etobicoke (759A The Queensway) in 2017. A rapid expansion started at College Park in 2020 (777 Bay St., Unit C204), followed by Yonge and St. Clair (55 St. Clair Ave. W., Unit 101) in 2021, and in 2022, Dundas and University (525 University Ave.). The Etobicoke store remains operational.
The announcement came in over the weekend: After nearly six years, Rosalinda Restaurant (133 Richmond St W.) is closing as of May 3. Originally opened Summer ‘18 by restaurateurs Jamie Cook, Grant van Gameren, and Max Rimaldi, the plant-based biz was later added to the portfolio of Toronto’s largest hospitality groups, Oliver & Bonacini (O&B).
It’s too late to say goodbye to Sweetie Pie’s Danforth location (563 Danforth Ave.), however you can still find their products at the new shop - see openings above - and eight remaining locations around town.
Trap Juice Bar stuck it out at Dundas and Jarvis (201 Dundas St. E.) for a while.
NEWS
On Tuesday, Shake Shack confirmed its addy on the northeast corner of Yonge & Dundas (The Tenor 10 Dundas St. E.). Canada’s first outpost of the wildly successful burger chain out of the U.S. is slated to open this summer. Stay tuned. In the meantime, guests can check out the art installation at the flagship location by Toronto artist Briony Douglas. Fun facts: 1. Shake Shack is putting a Canuck spin on the menu with exclusive offerings including a Maple Salted Pretzel Shake. 2. The iconic eatery popped up in the 6ix for one day back in 2017 - Read my exclusive interview with culinary director Mark Rosati.
The City says 90 per cent of CafeTO patios will be ready to go for Victoria Day weekend.
A tentative agreement between select food and beverage workers at Toronto Pearson Airport and its company Gate Gourmet has been reached.
American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s new track “Euphoria” isn’t just slighting Toronto’s own Drake: It’s making headlines and driving business to local Chinese restaurant, New Ho King in Chinatown (410 Spadina Ave.), thanks to the lyric, "I be at New Ho King eatin' fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy, crodie.”
Food recalls ramp back up: Dried Conch recalled due to undeclared sulphites, Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk and soy, Juewei meat and vegetable products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Kingwuu and T&T Kitchen meat and vegetable products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News May 2-8, 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
This week’s whirlwind features 33 establishments - 20 arrivals, over half that in closures - and a whack of news you need to know. Pro tip: Grab a drink +/or snack. You’re going to be here a while.
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
Sorrel’s wine bar next door À Côté (1156 Yonge St.) has been on my watchlist for what feels like forever. Update: See you there. But first, get a glimpse inside.
Anima Romana Bakery lands at Main and Gerrard (149 Main St.) with scores of treats, from pizza and bread to viennoiserie.
The first North American Azkadenya arrived here in the 6ix in 2019. Nearly five years later, the Mediterranean eatery adds Mississauga (6111 Erin Mills Pkwy., Unit 3) to the roster.
Radical Road Brewing Co. (1177 Queen St. E.) has long been home to food pop-ups. Psst. Neil Foerster’s Cal’s Zone just took over the kitchen with a lineup of North American-inspired calzones.
Scarborough’s Charcoal Kebab House (3256 Lawrence Ave. E.) is serving up halal Urghur cuisine in the Garden District at Jarvis and Dundas.
Chris Jerk’s second eatery touches down in Markham just north of Steeles (7220 Kennedy Rd.) with an array of Caribbean comfort fare. Think Curried Goat, Oxtail, Callaloo, and their famous Jerk Chicken Shawarma Poutine, for starters.
Daisy Bakery and Cafe is satisfying sweet cravings in Hillcrest Village (689 St Clair Ave W.) with a lineup of homemade pastries including cookies, croissants, danishes and tarts, alongside savoury selections such as bread and sandwiches.
In addition to classic Indian fare, Dear Delhi has got you for international grub - burgers, pasta, even nachos - in Mississauga’s Silver Creek Plaza (680 Silver Creek Blvd., Unit 18).
U.S.-based Texas ‘cue HQ Dickey’s Barbecue Pit adds to its Canadian roots with a Markham outpost (8630 Woodbine Ave.) and more on the way. Did you know? Their first bbq joint in Toronto launched last year at Yonge and College (472 Yonge St.).
Mike Tam’s Ding-A-Wing (397 Roncesvalles Ave.) is on the move. In the meantime, find your favourite chicken sandos, smash burgers and other good stuff in-house at The Smith House Bar (171 College St.) across from U of T, and as of May 17, at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.). Hot tip: Stay tuned: The Stop’s new stomping grounds are almost ready.
Edna + Vita debuted at First Canadian Place (77 Adelaide St. W.) on Friday. The former REDS Wine Tavern was transformed into the Italian concept by SIR Corp, the parent co. behind other haunts around town including Duke’s Refresher Bar, Jack Astor’s, The Loose Moose, and Scaddabush. The focus here: Italian classics - Roasted Chicken Cacciatore, Veal Parmigiana, Cioppino, pizza, pasta, and the like. p.s. Looking for REDS? It appears there’s only one location of the former chain remaining in the province: Square One in Mississauga (100 City Centre Rd., Unit 2-815), with their bakery concept, Abbey's Bakehouse, right next door.
Pro tip: If you’re heading to Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.), swing by the east lobby to check out The Grange of Prince Edward Winery wine bar. Bonus: You’ll also find the PEC tipples in the exclusive member’s lounges at Allied Music Centre’s (178 Victoria St.) Massey Hall and new TD Music Hall, part of a three-year partnership between the concert halls and winery.
Italian restaurants abound in Woodbridge. The latest addition, Il Forno (4000 Steeles Ave. W.), offers a lineup of crowd-pleasers, inlcuding: Fresh Burrata ($22), Margherita Pizza (sm $16, med $21), Shrimp Risotto ($26), Lasagna ($18), Branzino Filet ($32), Roasted Rack of Lamb ($45), and Tiramisu ($9).
Turkish restaurant chain Mado’s new retro jazz lounge, La Mouette (144 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.),, does Turkish fare accompanied by live jazz on weekends. Bonus: Mado’s downtown location is nestled right below.
La Patrona settles down in Little Italy (669 College St.) with a roster of drinks, eats, and entertainment, in The Mix 669’s former stomping grounds.
What to expect at North York’s Lá Sen Vietnamese Cuisine (155 Yorkland Blvd.)? According to the restaurant: “A taste of Vietnam in every bite.” See for yourself.
I broke the news of forthcoming MSSM Ossington (1221 Dundas St. W.) last July in an edition of the TR Newsletter. Reservations are now open, with service commencing Saturday for the second of chef Masaki Saito’s MSSM Yorkville (154 Cumberland St., 2nd Fl.) sibling to Sushi Masaki Saito - Toronto's only restaurant with a two-star Michelin rating. The west end MSSM continues to showcase chef Saito’s Edomae style of sushi (Dinner Omakase $98/pp) executed by students of Saito San in a casual, “immersive” environment on Dundas, one block west of Ossington.
Nosh Cafenio takes over Sweetie Pie’s Danforth digs (563 Danforth Ave.), however you can still shop SP’s baked goodies alongside NC creations.
In search of coffee and pastries in Etobicoke? Doors opened yesterday Suvari Coffee (3378 Lake Shore Blvd. W.), previously home to Empire Café.
Grand opening of Two Brothers Shawarma at Queen and Bathurst (604 Queen St. W.) took place yesterday. This marks this fourth store for the local chain.
CLOSED
Bakerrae x Chachalate (149 Main St.) debuted last summer. While the east end brick-and-mortar destination has wrapped up, both businesses are offering their sweets online.
On Monday Bare Market (1480 Danforth Ave.) announced it will be closing its stunning storefront on Sunday May 19, switching to an online model. The zero-waste, plastic-free shop opened January 2020.
Burger Delicious (820 Church St.) made its debut at Yonge and Davenport in 2022. It’s giving way to a 38-storey high-rise. Memory lane: The addy was previously longtime home to King Palace.
Mike Tam’s Ding-A-Wing (397 Roncesvalles Ave.) has a new home. Details above.
Robot chef-driven concept Lofi Wok landed on the Queen West strip (604 Queen St. W.) in 2021. What replaced it? Head up top for more.
One of the largest establishments on the Danforth has shuttered. After a decade in Greektown, Louis Cifer Brew Works (417 Danforth Ave.) has called it quits. The business has been sold and the website is no longer available. Patrons is search of a pint can visit their other spot in nearby Cabbagetown, Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton St.).
Despite launching just last summer, Miss Aida (413 Roncesvalles Ave.) is upping sticks. The last service on Roncy was Saturday. Door are slated to reopen elsewhere in the city this summer.
“Canada’s first build-your-own pasta shop” has come to an end in the T-dot. Pastucci's launched in Etobicoke (759A The Queensway) in 2017. A rapid expansion started at College Park in 2020 (777 Bay St., Unit C204), followed by Yonge and St. Clair (55 St. Clair Ave. W., Unit 101) in 2021, and in 2022, Dundas and University (525 University Ave.). The Etobicoke store remains operational.
The announcement came in over the weekend: After nearly six years, Rosalinda Restaurant (133 Richmond St W.) is closing as of May 3. Originally opened Summer ‘18 by restaurateurs Jamie Cook, Grant van Gameren, and Max Rimaldi, the plant-based biz was later added to the portfolio of Toronto’s largest hospitality groups, Oliver & Bonacini (O&B).
It’s too late to say goodbye to Sweetie Pie’s Danforth location (563 Danforth Ave.), however you can still find their products at the new shop - see openings above - and eight remaining locations around town.
Trap Juice Bar stuck it out at Dundas and Jarvis (201 Dundas St. E.) for a while.
NEWS
On Tuesday, Shake Shack confirmed its addy on the northeast corner of Yonge & Dundas (The Tenor 10 Dundas St. E.). Canada’s first outpost of the wildly successful burger chain out of the U.S. is slated to open this summer. Stay tuned. In the meantime, guests can check out the art installation at the flagship location by Toronto artist Briony Douglas. Fun facts: 1. Shake Shack is putting a Canuck spin on the menu with exclusive offerings including a Maple Salted Pretzel Shake. 2. The iconic eatery popped up in the 6ix for one day back in 2017 - Read my exclusive interview with culinary director Mark Rosati.
The City says 90 per cent of CafeTO patios will be ready to go for Victoria Day weekend.
A tentative agreement between select food and beverage workers at Toronto Pearson Airport and its company Gate Gourmet has been reached.
American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s new track “Euphoria” isn’t just slighting Toronto’s own Drake: It’s making headlines and driving business to local Chinese restaurant, New Ho King in Chinatown (410 Spadina Ave), thanks to the lyric, "I be at New Ho King eatin' fried rice with a dip sauce and a blammy, crodie.”
Food recalls ramp back up: Dried Conch recalled due to undeclared sulphites, Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk and soy, Juewei meat and vegetable products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Kingwuu and T&T Kitchen meat and vegetable products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
April 25, 2024
OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News April 25-May 1, 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
🕘 9 min read
As we finally round the corner into May - a month bursting with sunshine, spritzes, patios, and possibilities - the pace for launches picks back up, with closures coming in at an alarming rate - OPEN: 16 / CLOSED: 9. Fortunately, many are about to reopen.
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
Think buffets are a thing of the past? Think again. Bento King Buffet Club has arrived in North York (5308 Yonge St.) with a wildly budget-friendly AYCE (all-you-can-eat) menu for just $14.99 per person.
I gave you the head’s up on incoming Felfel Mediterranean Cuisine at Dundas and Bathurst (761 Dundas St. W.) earlier this month. Update: FMC’s shawarma, kebabs, wraps and falafel can now be yours.
Forno Cultura just launched on the rooftop at East Room’s striking new co-working space in Corktown (507 King St. E.). Caveat: Membership it turns out, does have its privileges, as you have to be signed up or booked in to get in on the action. Stay tuned: East Room Trinity Bellwoods (68 Claremont Ave.) is up next.
OPEN/CLOSED devotees got the jump on the interior of Juju Cafe & Board Games (191 Dundas St. W., 2nd Fl.) back in January. See it for yourself IRL now.
In the mood for Mexican? La Rio’s Fresh Mexican Grill at Queen and Niagara (839 Queen St. W.) is whipping up freshly prepared grub including burritos, bowls, nachos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
Lemon Lily Organic Tea (747 Queen St. E.), Riverside/Leslieville’s new tea shop and cafe, boasts over 100 of their teas including matcha, with micro grounds and hot chocolate also in effect.
Ngogo just touched down on the Queen West strip (646 Queen St. W.) taking over Misoya Ramen’s former stomping grounds. The concept? Contemporary French.
Acai bowls and smoothies are the focus of Purpel, now at Union Station (65 Front St. W. Lower Level) Up next: The Well (you knew that already) and Liberty Village (61 Hanna Ave.).
Pro tip: Add cocktail bar/cafe Ramona’s (1086 Queen St. W.) to your to-do list. You’ll see.
ISO halal food and drinks? Head to Sarvi Indian Cuisine (454 Sherbourne Ave.) for curries, pulao, biryani party packs, snacks, and more.
Seven Mystery, the newest coffee roaster in town (Scarborough, to be exact), opens to the public today. It ain’t your grandma’s roastery either. Take a peek inside the stunning space (50 Weybright Ct., Unit 13).
Ontario chain Shelby’s Shawarma branches out to Bloor West Village (2202 Bloor St. W.), in what was once home to Gin Mill and The Yellow Griffin Pub. Grand opening is Sunday.
TR Newsletter subscribers got the scoop on chef-driven Korean barbecue destination, Takja BBQ House (962 College St.), last summer. Psst. Doors are open. Fun fact: The stellar team behind the city’s latest hotspot? Chefs Edward Bang, Jason Ching, and Jeff Kang of Oroshi Fish Co., their top-notch dry-aged sushi takeout joint down the laneway, and separate other ventures: Kang’s award-winning Canis (RIP) and Bang and Ching’s Japanese resto in Baldwin Village, Omai.
Tanghulu, ”Toronto’s first tanghulu shop,” debuts today in the Entertainment District (252 Queen St. W, Unit 2) with a lineup of one of the many viral desserts taking over your feed right now: Chinese candied fruit skewers.
Los Colibris (220 King St. W.) has taken many forms over the years including: Caballito, El Patio, Colibri, LosCo, and LosCo Vegan. The latter and Colibri were a fixture at Chefs Hall (111 Richmond St. W.) back in the day, when it was known as Assembly Chef’s Hall. Chef Elia Herrera partnered with sister Marlene Herrera for the reimagined brand, now dubbed Tecolote, recently returned to Chefs Hall (111 Richmond St. W.), after joining Kitchen Hub Food Hall’s roster inside Longo’s Liberty Village (1100 King St. W.) in Fall ‘22.
Grand opening for Wingstop Mississauga (Heartland Town Centre 6045 Mavis Rd.) kicks off tomorrow at 11am, marking the eighth outpost of the American chain to open in the province.
CLOSED
The Commoner’s Little Italy offshoot (614 College St.) - originally opened as The Commoner Bar Room - closes April 27, but not for long. The resto group is transforming it into something new next month. Stay tuned.
FLOCK Rotisserie + Greens at Bloor and Church (175 Bloor St. E.) has wrapped up service. Four locations of the local chicken and salad chain remain across the city, with more on the horizon.
The last day to shop Iqbal Foods’ Thorncliffe location (2 Thorncliffe Park Dr., Unit 5-16) was Sunday, however the South Asian grocer is staying in the ‘hood. Coming soon: 100 Thorncliffe Park Dr., in addition to a forthcoming store in Scarborough (462 Birchmount Rd.).
Loaded Pierogi sat at the corner of Queen and Niagara (839 Queen St. W.) for years. Two locations remain in the 6ix with loads more across the province and country.
Another Indian restaurant moved into Madharasi’s former digs (464 Sherbourne St.). Details above.
While Misoya Ramen’s first Toronto outpost (646 Queen St. W.) and Markham branch (New Kennedy Square 8362 Kennedy Rd., Unit A3) have shuttered, their newest venture at TABLE Fare + Social (CIBC Square 81 Bay St., 4th Fl.) is ready to serve you, not to mention 100+ locations in Japan and numerous worldwide.
Plearn Cafe (74 Gerrard St. E.) is on the move. Stay tuned for Plearn and chef Christopher Siu’s Daango Cake Lab under one roof as Le Lert at Yonge and Carlton (27 Carlton St.). What to expect: Thai brunch, dinner and drinks. TR Trivia: The Plearn fam includes Som Tum Jinda in Toronto (you heard about here first), Laos, and Thailand, the latter which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation.
I introduced you to Yubu a while back. Since then, it’s grown to four locations. Earlier today they shared the College one is closing on April 30 (199 College St.). The Korean tofu pocket spot is relocating nearby this summer (654 Spadina Ave.) complete with seating and sister concept Guksu.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
