OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News December 26, 2024-January 1, 2025
The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk
🕘 9 min read
Traditionally, this time of year would mean a slow down of all things, especially arrivals. However, if you’ve been reading my extensive reporting this last while, my findings below will come as no surprise - it’s the complete opposite with soft launches, grand openings and new options to discover.
The closures appear less than expected for year’s end, simply meaning the uptick in Q1 2025 will be impossible to ignore. In the meantime, get ready for buffet, burlesque and other enticing offerings. And wait ‘til you see what’s on the way…
NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.
Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates, and subscribe to the TR Newsletter.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Scarborough’s new buffet destination at Bridlewood Mall doesn’t mess around. The colossal Asian Dragon Buffet (2900 Warden Ave., Unit 202A) has AYCE selections - and room - for the whole squad.
Burlesque in Greektown? Cake Cabaret (627 Danforth Ave., 2nd Fl.), sister spot to The Pink Studio (2053 Danforth Ave.) kicks off tomorrow n the previous digs of restaurant and event space The Forth at Pape and Danforth. On the agenda for the performance and event venue: A myriad of shows including dance, revues, burlesque, drag, comedy, and more, accompanied by cakes n’ cocktails.
Cafe 85 (280 West Beaver Creek Rd.) softly opens today in Richmond Hill. The cafe/bistro extends beyond the usual coffee and baked goods with brunch and dinner options.
Full circle. I was first to report Calii Love’s triumphant return to its original location at King and Spadina (367 King St. W.). Doors opened Monday. Where has CL been in the interim? Here and there and back again.
Sushi spot i8Yokocho just touched down at Dundas and McCaul (285 Dundas St. W.), in the space that was briefly 68°C Stone + Grill.
I’ve been tracking a lot of changes at Queen and Dovercourt lately, including a Michelin. (Details in my ‘No One Covers The City Like This’ post on IG.) Introducing your new favourite haunt: Jamil’s Chaat House (1086 Queen St. W.), a former pop-up turned alluring destination by Jalil Bokhari and Emma Tanaka. Think Pakistani inspired fare, natty wines and cocktails. Doors open tomorrow. Did you know? It lands In what was recently Ramona’s which as I broke the story this past summer, shuttered suddenly after being open for a shockingly brief time. Psst. You’d already be in the know if you listened to the latest edition of THE TIP OFF.
Koh Lipe has been on a tear lately: A few months ago, the Michelin Recommended Thai eatery debuted Kati in Little Italy, launched Wang Lang late last year, and that summer TR Newsletter subscribers got the scoop on the second KL location in Scarborough. The latest concept: Northern Thai eatery Larb Muang in Baldwin Village (45 Baldwin St.) with Thai chef Porpy, in effect.
Calling all dessert lovers: Nonna Lia, home of premium tiramisù and authentic Italian sweets, just debuted in Oakwood Village (337 Oakwood Ave.) in The Oakwood Hardware Food & Drink’s previous stomping grounds.
ISO a pizza place in the west end that you can vibe with? Etobicoke’s Pano Pizza (3341 Dundas St. W.) is already a crowd-pleaser.
Swiftly following a new addition two weeks ago, Pho Anh Vu extends its Vietnamese fare to downtown at Yonge & Wellesley (577 Yonge St.).
I gave you the inside scoop on Pink Elephant Creamery (114 Queen St. E.) back in October. Update: Doors are now open. In addition to extensive vegan ice cream and frozen custards, discover an array of cookies and ice cream cakes.
The Pizza Depot family just got bigger. The Canadian chain with locations throughout Western Canada and Ontario adds East York to the roster (549 Sammon Ave.).
I’ve been tracking every move Rudy’s made since the get-go and it’s been extremely busy lately. If you’re in Maple and craving smash burgers, poutine, pickle chips and milkshakes, you’re in luck (9960 Dufferin St.).
TR Hot tip: Sheliss Bakery (1154 St. Clair Ave. W.) has got you for cookies and brownies, but the real star of the show is Rosca de Reyes - aka Three Kings Bread.
48 St Clair Ave. E. has largely been home to sushi restaurants over the years. The latest arrival, Sushi Rock, is getting rave reviews.
CLOSED
Early Mercy (540 King St. W.) shared their last day at King and Brant is December 31. For those who don’t want it all to end, good news - a new project is in the works. Stay tuned.
One of the city’s top ice cream shops, Happy Sundae (85 Portland St.), has come to a close. Doors opened Summer ‘22.
Kofuku Sushi (48 St Clair Ave. E.) has been replaced by another sushi joint. See who’s moved in up top.
Rex International Restaurant (3341 Dundas St. W.) in Etobicoke is now home to a shawarma and pizza outfit. Details above.
NEWS
Winterlicious 2025 is on the approach.
The latest food recalls: UPDATE 31.12.24: President's Choice Mediterranean Sea Salts and Himalayan Pink Rock Salts recalled due to pieces of plastic.
ICYMI
THIS JUST IN: You’re not going to believe what’s taking over a former food hall, downtown hotels ditch their restaurants to make way for new ventures and a historic one gets an unexpected addition, and an exhilarating dining destination lands at Queen and Dovercourt. Listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time.
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