OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News June 20-26, 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
🕘 6 min read
Still catching your breath from last week’s frenzy? Hang on. This edition confirms the industry’s rapid movement is far from over. Lucky for you, that means a slew of new eats and destinations - and not solely in the downtown core either.
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
Bar 244 just wrapped things up, however the wait for the next venture is already over. Introducing: Bar Maaya, the new bar/lounge debuting Saturday at “Toronto's premier nightlife experience” Club Mia (244 Adelaide St. W.).
Cafe Landwer brings its famed Mediterranean and Italian fare to the corner of Yonge and Front (33 Yonge St.), hot on the heels of an addition in Forest Hill. Are there more on the horizon? Watch this space.
Markham’s Good Catch Cafe expands to North York with its Hong Kong style grub landing at CF Fairview Mall (1800 Sheppard Ave. E., Unit 1100A), which has seen activity as of late.
Calling all carb lovers: Halal pizza and hot sandos just landed at Yonge and Eg. Find Haida Sandwich’s fifth outpost just north of Broadway (2417 Yonge St.).
Hangout Street (181 Parliament St.) brings seven international street food stalls together into one very cozy corner (it’s a tight squeeze) at Queen and Parliament. Discover brekkie at Gigi’s Love Bites, Levantine cuisine at Mansafji, loaded fries HQ Poutine Hub, Portuguese provisions at Sabores De Casa, Sanskriti Foods’ Indian eats, Middle Eastern options at Shawarma Dose, and tamales, flautas and champurrados by TamalMex Mexican Food. Note: HS’s Google profile says the market runs 24/7, however only select vendors were open when I visited mid-day.
Il Fornello drops into Mississauga’s newly invigorated Sherwood Village (2225 Erin Mills Pkwy), swinging doors open on Monday. This marks the seventh location for the OG pizza/pasta joint that launched downtown in the ‘80s, joining sister concept Cafe Alba that debuted last month.
For rolls, bowls, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and fries, head to Etobicoke’s King Burrito & Juice Bar (2372 Lake Shore Blvd. W.).
Parkdale’s newest arrival, Lali Gurans Nepali Dining (1544 Queen St. W.) has it all - Nepalese selections, cocktails and patio. TR Trivia: It takes over Tibet Kitchen’s previous digs.
A fixture in Leslieville since 2006, Mercury Espresso took its sweet time launching another cafe. Spoiler alert: It was worth the wait. See for yourself in Corktown (465 King St. E.).
Me Va Me is on a roll. Get in on Chicken Schnitzels, Shawarma Burritos, Feta Loaded Potatoes and more at their new setup in Woodbridge (21 Famous Ave.).
In search of liquid energy on the go? Grab a cuppa and pods at Nespresso Boutique inside Union Station (65 Front St. W. Bay Promenade, Lower Level).
Shiroshi Japanese Sushi touched down in Lawrence Park (3360 Yonge St.) just a few months ago, but set sights on ‘Sauga a while back. Discover the premium sushi joint across from Square One (265 Enfield Pl., Unit 100B).
After a long and arduous road, chef Denis Garnoskov reopens Stop today in Roncesvalles (397 Roncesvalles Ave.). See you there.
Beat the heat this summer with Venerosa Gelato (801 Queen. St. W.), the latest addition to TR’s Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.
CLOSED
Dickey's Barbecue Pit Yonge Street (472 Yonge St.), the provinces’ first branch of the American Texas BBQ chain, debuted in a massive space at Yonge and College last spring. Since then, the U.S. ‘cue co. has launched across the GTA in Pickering, Barrie, Courtice, Ottawa, and recently in Markham. It’s not the end for the city by a long shot. Next up: High Park (2150 Bloor St. W.).
Earlier this week, John-Vincent and Sandra Troiano, owners of Frilu in Thornhill (7713 Yonge St.) announced imminent closure. The tasting menu restaurant debuted in 2018 and went on to earn a Michelin star in 2022 and 2023. Last day is July 31, 2024.
Local organic grocery chain Organic Garage’s Toronto locations - Liberty Village (42 Hanna Ave.) and The Junction (43 Junction Rd.) - have ceased operations, however it appears two stores remain up and running in the GTA: Oakville (579 Kerr St.) and Thornhill (8020 Bathurst St., Unit 1).
Sandra Topić and Alen Zukanović’s Somun Superstar (998 Kingston Rd.), famous for their Sarajevo-style ćevapi and wood-fired ‘za, is coming to a sudden end on Saturday.
NEWS
LCBO workers are “ready to strike.”
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says next week’s hike in the capital gains inclusion rate will negatively affect half of Canada’s small businesses.
Reservations for the city’s prix fixe fest Summerlicious open today.
The latest food recalls: Sitara Brown Lentils recalled due to undeclared wheat, Universal Bakery Organic Aussie Bites recalled due to undeclared gluten.
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