Where to celebrate Lunar New Year 2019 in Toronto

Photo: Grasshopper by Suech & Beck

While many folks will be celebrating Lunar New Year at traditional Chinese restaurants across the GTA, there are a number of other eateries around town offering special menus and dishes to usher in the new year.

So gather your friends and fam, and celebrate Year of the Pig.

Kung Hei Fat Choy.

The Ace
231A Roncesvalles Ave.

Those who know, know.

The Ace diner is a neighbourhood gem that does much more than all-day breakfast. Think: crafted cocktails and thoughtful dinner items in a cozy, friendly setting. It’s simply a must.  

Last year’s Chinese New Year Menu was a hit, natch, so this year, they’re offering several Chinese menu items alongside the regular menu February 5 to 7.

Grasshopper Cafe
310 College St.

Not into suckling pig, duck, beef or chicken? No prob. Grasshopper’s plant-based comfort food is here for you.

Celebrate the new year with a vegan meal on Friday, February 15. The 5-course prix fixe Chinese New Year Dinner ($50) loaded with nutritious ingredients, may just bring some serious luck too: 

Taro Sweet Potato Soup
Daikon Cake with Sweet Pepper and Bean Sprouts
Grilled Eggplant, Quinoa, and Pea Shoot Salad
“Three Cup” Oyster Mushroom and “Pork” Steamed Bun Duo
Lychee Osmanthus Flower Jelly

Luscious Desserts
493 Dundas St. W.

Despite the name, you’ll find udon, rice, fries, wings, and other savoury items on the menu in addition to sweet offerings such as millie crepe, sweet dumplings, pancakes and mochi.

Until Sunday February 24, enjoy Lucky Pig, a Chinese New Year art show, while noshing to your heart’s content.

Patois
794 Dundas St. W.

You’ve got until Tuesday February 5 to get in on Patois’ CNY dishes: Char Siu McRib XL ($18), “Beef & Broccoli” Steak Tartare ($18), and get ready for it, Foie Gras & Duck Confit Egg Rolls ($16). Oomph. 

To whet your whistle, order one of the limited time Chinese-inspired cocktails, served in teapots to share.

Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Toronto
188 University Ave.

Looking for an elevated experience? Chinese New Year Afternoon Tea ($75) at the Shangri-La is straight-up luxe.

From the selection of dim sum (Open-Purse Dumpling with minced scallop, shrimp & bok choy; Crystal Shrimp Dumpling Baked Mini Turnover), delicacies (Lychee Moon Cake; Yuzu with yuzu whipped ganache and caramelized pineapple), freshly baked scones (Match Green Tea; Golden Sultanas Soaked in Henri Abele Brut Champagne), tea, and complimentary glass of Prosecco or Elderflower Fizz Mocktail (upgrade to a glass of Veuve Cliquot +$10), it’s a fête you won’t soon forget.