OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News October 17-23, 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
🕘 9.5 min read
While my OPEN/CLOSED usually offers a smorgasbord of selections and cuisines, other times a strong theme emerges. This week, it’s dominantly street food and sweets - a combo I think most people can get behind. For those who crave something more, plenty of other tantalizing options await.
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:
Fusion bistro Baili Eatery & Lounge Chinese touches down in North York just south of Steeles (6114 Yonge St.) with everything from casual comfort fare to lobster and ceviche.
Lake Inez (1471 Gerrard St. E.) didn’t travel far for their latest venture - Belle Isle is in fact, steps away (1455 Gerrard St. E.). TR Pro tip: No doubt the new bar will be just as in demand as LI, so go early if possible. Fun fact : Belle Isle takes over Toto Sushi’s former location, however they remain neighbours - the Japanese resto moved into a larger space around the corner (270 Coxwell Ave.) last year.
There’s been quite the lead up to South Korea’s wildly popular fried chicken chain BHC Chicken finally opening in Canada. Go see what all the fuss is about at The Well’s food court (Wellington Market 486 Front St. W., Lower Level). Did you know? The chain boasts 2000+ stores worldwide and the BHC stands for “Better Happier Choice.”
South Indian eatery Chennai Masala Cafe found a home in the heart of Cabbagetown (432 Parliament St.).
Empanadas and ice cream is a powerful pair. See for yourself at El Palomar (1357 St. Clair Ave. W.).
Foodrama Taqueria Bar brings Mexican grub to the corner of Queen and Bathurst (592 Queen St. W.).
I told you about Forno Cultura at East Room’s striking new King Street digs (507 King St. E.) back in April. Psst. The bakery/café is now open to the public.
The Greenwood Cafe arrives in Leslieville (1374 Queen St. E.) with an array of coffee, pastries, and other goodies.
TR Hot tip: Jaffna Street Food just joined The Village By The Grange Food Court (275 Dundas St. W.). On the menu: Tamil Eelam eats including kothu roti, wraps, and rice bowls.
Following last summer’s debut in the GTA, Jersey Mike's Subs continues to increase its presence north of the border starting Wednesday in North York (808 York Mills Rd.), and slated for December, the first downtown at Union Station.
Turkish cuisine lands at the corner of Queen and Bathurst courtesy of Koz Bingel Express (655 Queen St. W.), an area that’s seeing a ton of changeover - I’ve been clocking places here left and right lately, and even right now. See: Foodrama above.
Famed French patisserie Ladurée Cafe made Yorkville home (162 Cumberland St.) as of last Saturday. TR Archives: The macaron boutique and tea salon popped up at neighbouring Yorkville Village back in 2021.
Speaking of desserts, Turkish delight specialists Liu Loqum Atelier kick off at Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.) tomorrow. p.s. This isn’t their first rodeo - a stunning HQ premiered in Little Italy last year.
And the sweet talk continues with Marry Me Mochi’s Japanese mochi doughnuts available at Kensington Market’s La Mooriyya Markette (210 Augusta Ave.). Grand opening is Saturday with the chance to win an iPhone.
Dig into an array of tacos, quesadillas, chilaquiles, and antojitos at Market 707’s new addition, Mi Gusto Es (707 Dundas St. W., Unit 9A).
Neo Coffee Bar’s recent expansion continues with an outpost at the base of a new apartment building at Yonge & Wellesley (The Ivy 12 Gloucester St.).
The Food Dudes’ fifth location of Pantry settles in at King and Portland* (613 King St. W.) in iQ Food Co.’s previous stomping grounds. *TR Tracker:This area also has seen a lot of movement lately.
Parkdale’s new Quickcart Convenience & Vape Store (1726 Queen St. W.) is open 24/7. TR Flashback: It was once longtime home to James Dy’s Antiques and Collectibles.
Discover Stefano’s Diner, Gia’s “little brother restaurant,” across the street (1265 Dundas St. W.), where Extra Burger stood until recently. What to expect: Plant-based sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort foods.
Since its arrival in 2021, Wingstop has been on a mission to take over the GTA. Oakville, it’s your turn (223 North Service Rd. W.).
CLOSED
Julie and Kris Kell’s dope skateboard and coffeeshop Brockton Haunt (1150 College St.) is closing, but it’s not for long and not far, just a few doors down (1158 College St.). Watch this space for opening details.
If it feels like Café BluBlu just arrived at Bathurst and Dundas (374 Bathurst St.) it did. It followed Campechano’s try at a cafe setting here for a few months in ‘22.
Melissa Baird and Bonnie Gallant’s Creamery X (114 Queen St. E.) ends October 28. Luckily, their vegan ice creams and frozen custards will live on in some form or another when it becomes Pink Elephant Creamery at a later date. Stay tuned. TR Trivia: The shop was originally located around the corner.
I gave you the inside scoop on La Bella Sangweech’s entry into Little Italy (584 College St.) last winter. Ten months later, it’s coming to a close. Final day is Sunday.
Establishments are turning over quickly across the city, including Cabbagetown of all places (See: Dova). I just wrote about Mars Village Eatery (432 Parliament St,.) a few weeks ago, and like that, it was replaced. See the change of signage here and what’s replaced it up top.
I was the first to report Mekan’s sudden closure (817 Queen St. W.). The palatial restaurant and music venue arrived Summer ‘23.
After nearly a decade, Leslieville’s Sidekick Comics (1374 Queen St. E.) closed up shop a few weeks ago and already has a new occupant. Details above.
STACK BBQ Restaurant, a mainstay at Yonge and Lawrence (3265 Yonge St.) since 2012, announced earlier today Wednesday is the last day. The southern ‘cue concept expanded to Oakville in 2021 (Oakville Place 240 Leighland Ave., Unit 235 A), still in operation.
NEWS
News of Canadian actor Simu Liu calling out a boba tea company over cultural appropriation made headlines.
I discovered Instagram is harming Toronto businesses including the restaurant industry.
The latest food recall: Wagener's Ham in Jelly (Jelly Pork) recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.
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