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🕘 8.5 min read

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

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

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLOSED

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEWS

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

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