OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News March 6-12, 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
While there are plenty of exciting new destinations to check out this week (15, to be exact), there’s no getting around the fact that businesses are calling it a day due to the plethora of problems currently plaguing the industry. In this edition, closures account for more than half the arrivals. Luckily, not all are permanent.
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
I delivered the scoop on Riverside’s new Amber Kitchen and Coffee (4 Boulton Ave.) in January. Newsflash: AKC has commenced service in Boxcar Social’s former haunt with chef George Grabsky, who you might be familiar with from his time at Parallel, and Abreham Zera whipping up addictive sourdough and other goodies.
The latest arrival on the Ossington strip: Bonito’s (180 Ossington Ave.) - I gave you the inside track last summer (here and here). Psst. The new hotspot opened Tuesday by the team behind Bowie (in rear) and Milou (1375 Dundas St. W.) around the corner.
Award-winning chocolatier and pastry chef Chris Kwok debuted Cho-Kwok-Lat in Markham (31 Main St. N.) a few years back. Sweet tooths in the downtown core, you’re in luck: The second chocolaterie and patisserie just landed at Church and Wellesley (79 Wellesley St. E.).
Delysées has been hopping this last while. And while you may be familiar with the French dessert chain’s offerings up until now, Campaniae by Delysées is decidedly different: Think Moroccan tapas and champagne bar in a luxe lounge setting complete with gold leaf wall, chandeliers, crystal glassware, and plush couches, for starters. And all this in a mall? Mais oui. See for yourself at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.).
Curry Patta Restaurant boasts a range Pakistani and Indian dishes at Greenwood and Danforth (1307 Danforth Ave.).
Get in on comforting Nepalese, Hakka and Indian fare at Regent Park’s new Gorkha Palace (1 Oak St., Unit 4).
Hakko Gakko (1245 Bloor St. W.) may have limited hours but this sake bottle shop and bar is where its at. The spot by Pairing Research Lab also includes RGLR coffee tastings, and on the approach - makgully focused Nice Rice Brewing.
Chocolate infused with bold and Indian flavours? Check out the sweet lineup at Karmic Kocoa in The Beaches (2375 Queen St. E.).
Argentinean empanadas have landed in the Financial District. Find a colourful array of hand-sealed pockets each branded with its selection. Discover Pollo Al Curry, Cebolla Carakel, and Tenera Suave, to name a few, at Las Muns in Brookfield Place (181 Bay St.).
Medusa Authentic Greek Cuisine offers everything from juicy burgers to grilled lemony garlicky seafood in Woodbridge (3901 Hwy 7, Unit 101) where Perla Oyster Bar & Grill once stood. Note: Perla moved to 3580 Major MacKenzie Dr. W. last summer.
Calling all tiramisu lovers: Nonna Lia is opening a new branch in Vaughan (9591 Weston Rd., Unit 5) on Saturday. This follows a recent debut on Oakwood and rapid expansion throughout the GTA.
Paper Route Cafe (462 Kingston Rd.) has landed in the Upper Beaches with food and drinks in a modern, airy, warm (read: Insta-ready) setting by Sansa Interiors. TR Fun fact: It’s located in a building built in 1926 in a space previously home to a convenience store.
A halal haunt just moved into the former stomping grounds of Sea-Hi Famous Chinese in Thornhill. Meet: Sicil Cuisine (7000 Bathurst St., Unit C6).
ISO premium sushi to go at Midland and Finch? Head to Scarborough’s new Sushi Kombu (3276 Midland Ave., Unit C118).
Union Hotel (60 York St.) has finally launched, with Humble Donkey in tow. TR Pro Tip: You don’t have to be from out-of-town to get in on Sam James Coffee.
CLOSED
After nine years, Leslieville’s Barrio Cerveceria (884 Queen St. E.) is wrapping things up this spring. Final service is April 1st. TR Insider: This follows my report last week that Frankie’s located a few door east closed. Frankie’s went on the publicly share the news this week as well.
Regent Park’s Bowl and Snacks (1 Oak St., Unit 4) has given way to a new concept. Details above.
On Monday, Fattoush Sandwich Club (253 Gerrard St. E.) shared doors are closing March 30. Silver lining: The message included “Stay tuned on what’s next!” Watch this space.
Glory Hole Doughnut’s pop-up at Queen’s Cross (Eaton Centre 220 Yonge St., Lower Level) has come to an end, but you can still get in on their decadent desserts at Coxwell and Gerrard (1505 Gerrard St. E.).
Down the street from Barrio and Frankie’s, Darlene Mitchell announced on Friday her French resto in Leslieville, Greta Solomon’s (1118 Queen St. E.) will close - also after a nine-year run - on March 15.
Islas Filipino BBQ & Bar days in Parkdale (1690 Queen St. W.) come to an end on Sunday. Good news: A new location in Downsview awaits. For details, see my OPEN/CLOSED last month. TR Trivia: Up the street from Islas, The Shameful Tiki Room (1378 Queen St W.) is also moving. Don’t worry, STR’s merely relocating nearby and will be up and running for some time until new doors open - phew. Their new digs? Still on Queen West, just a bit east in Banu’s recently shuttered spot (777 Queen St. W.).
Not Just Butter Chicken (1307 Danforth Ave.) debuted in 2021. A different Indian concept has moved in. Pop up top for info.
Luanne Ronquillo took to social media to share the news that the Pacific Mall location of her award-winning ice cream shop Ruru Baked (4300 Steeles Ave. E. ) is closing March 23. Thankfully, Landsdowne (659 Landsdowne Ave.) isn’t going anywhere and a new custom ice cream truck is coming to a neighbourhood near you this spring.
NEWS
Beloved west end watering hole Swan Dive is asking for your help to save it from closure.
Bisha Hotel is now part of Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection now.
U.S. President Donald Trump is pausing tariffs on select Canadian items until April 2.
Toronto’s 191st b-day festivities have been delayed.
Latest food recalls: Greenworld Fine Foods Tahini recalled due to undeclared peanut, 8 Cakes brand chocolate products recalled due to improperly declared wheat, walnut, sesame, soy and milk. [UPDATE 07.03.25: PC Blue Menu Chicken Tikka Masala recalled due to undeclared almond.]
ICYMI
Obsessed with restaurants? Same.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Subscribe to TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you watch/listen to podcasts.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
Support local independent food journalism and publishing.
Hear of a place that’s about to open or just closed? Have an upcoming food or restaurant event? Get in touch.
Need help promoting your business? Get started now.
We should work together.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below.
