OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News August 1-7, 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
The complete overhaul of entire city blocks is at an all-time high. Take Yonge Street, north of Wellesley down to College for example. As I’ve uncovered in part below and in last week’s edition, with more establishments on the way, the fact is the city’s landscape is reshaping at breakneck speed, teeming with new businesses and spaces for rent. Closures, including Michelins, continue at a quick clip too.
And the arrival of the August long weekend denotes Aperol Spritz/patio weather is fleeting, so get out there while you can. Before you know it, it’s all parsnips and turtlenecks.
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
Persian eatery Bareh Sefid celebrated their grand opening at Thornhill’s South Hill Shopping Centre (9325 Yonge St.,Unit 13) on Saturday. Wondering what to order? Start with one of their not-to-be-missed dishes: Kaleh Pache, aka “head and hooves.”
Hidden takeout alert: At first glance, BezBazaar Food Mart (688 Yonge St.) appears to be a small neighbourhood grocer, however an array of goodies and prepared foods await inside including South Indian breakfast and sweets (Madatha Kaja, Ghee Mysorepak), tiffins and biryani.
HeroTea showcases their dedication to Chinese Kungfu tea ceremony from ingredients to technique. Boasting over 150 locations across China, the Yonge and Wellesley teashop (670 Yonge St.) is their fifth in the GTA - first downtown.
Im Mochi brings its namesake glutinous rice flour doughnuts and viral “chocolate cracking” drinks to Queen and Bathurst (677 Queen St. W.).
Istanblue Mediterranean Restaurant at Yonge and Isabella (668 Yonge St.) is the spot for shawarma, kebabs and lahmacun. Pro tip: Look for the blue sign.
I broke the news of its impending arrival last month. Newsflash: The second J's Steak Frites opened this week in Little Italy (577 College St.).
Hot tip: Aesthetic cafe viiiiibes are happening at Bloor and Parliament (100 Howard St.), courtesy of new occupant, Kava Coffee House.
In these uncertain economic times, all-you-can-eat-and-drink restos hit different. Discover Japanese BBQ destination Lee Yakiniku in North York, south of Finch (5330 Yonge St.).
I’ve noted time and again that hookah bars are rapidly increasing in popularity. Case in point: Mississauga’s Mahol Lounge & Bar (5775 Atlantic Dr.) kicks off tomorrow with 25 per cent off everything opening day.
Momoboyz debuts tomorrow at Victoria Park and Lawrence (1748 Lawrence Ave. E.). On the agenda: Authentic Nepalese fare, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup - a balm for whatever ails you), and of course, juicy dumplings galore.
After Nobu Toronto sat on my watchlist for eons (Since 2016? Or maybe before? Who can remember that long ago?), it was unbelievably satisfying to finally cross it off my list. Bonus: I got a sneak peek at the exclusive preview Tuesday night. Take a look. Psst. While doors officially open to the public on Tuesday, a soft launch is in effect this long weekend (25 Mercer St.).
One More Time’s North York outpost (5418 Yonge St., Unit 16) marks the first in the 6ix for for panda-branded bubble tea chain. To celebrate soft opening, enjoy 20 per cent off all drinks this week, with grand opening festivities happening tomorrow.
Speaking of tea, Taning Lemon Tea number three lands downtown just south of Wellesley (514 Yonge St.).
Japanese yakitori izakaya Zakkushi on Queen (620 Queen St. W.) has reopened after shuttering earlier this year due to an apparent dispute between landlord and tenant.
CLOSED
Alberta Avenue Provisions (1150 Davenport Rd.) arrived at the corner of Ossington and Davenport Fall ‘21.
Ben Gong’s Tea (576 Yonge St.) is about to give way to ChaHalo.
Arrivederci Dova (229 Carlton St.). The sister concept to Michelin Recommended Ardo and just opened Bar Ardo debuted in Cabbagetown August 2020.
Grill Gate’s Greektown location (341 Danforth Ave.) was temporarily closed for some time before doors closed. Stay tuned: Kabobi Persian Cuisine is slated to launch in its place next week.
Jane Deer Dessert was a fairly recent addition to Yonge and Wellesley (516 Yonge St.).
Mzaar Restaurant, known for its “fresh Lebanese food with a twist”, was a fixture on the Yonge Street strip (668 Yonge St.) since doors opened in 2014. For what’s there now, check out arrivals above.
Last day for Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant Pompette (597 College St.) is Saturday, but don’t fret - The same team is debuting a new concept in the space soon. Stay tuned.
Sweetie Pie’s shop in Harbord Village (326 Harbord St.) has drawn to a close, however one not far - Bloor and Bathurst - is scheduled to open later this year.
NEWS
Louie Lozanovski spent over four decades at Toronto’s The Omni King Edward Hotel. He died suddenly last week.
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