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

🕘 8.5 min read

Cafes, burgers and shawarma abound in this edition, however even in those categories, you’ll find a great range of offerings. Also in the mix: Some unusual concepts keep things interesting.

p.s. TR Intel: All these casual eats are going to come in handy, because more luxe dining destinations are on the way. Watch this space.

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

You don’t have to work out at Academy of Lions in Little Portugal (1083 Dundas St. W.) to get in on the goods at their new cafe, but you could.

TR Pro tip: Seeking Erewhon-style smoothies and Instagram-ready backdrops? Head to Yorkville’s new aesthetic superfood cafe Aeset Coffee Co. (24 Bellair St.,Unit 6).

Trying to eat in and/or around hospitals can be challenging. If you’re at Etobicoke General Hospital (101 Humber College Blvd.), Burger Factory just touched down with patties of the smashed and stuffed variety, alongside Philly cheesesteaks, “tornado” fries, and more.

In addition to its namesake dish, Burrito Imperial (1986 Bloor St. W.) offers tacos, fajitas, sopes, nachos, and breakfast options across from High Park.

Doner State, home of “authentic Turkish shawarma,” has made Little Italy home (601 College St.). Fun fact: The previous occupant? Bridal store Felichia Bridal, now located in North York.

Grandma Kitchens (416 Spadina Ave.) is the latest destination in Chinatown for spicy selections.

On the go? Korean BBQ or fried chicken in a cup, the specialities of Hello Cup Bop, might be the answer. Find them inside Ka Chi (414 Dundas St. W.).

The second outpost of House of Fries by Wing It! brings drums, flats and fries to north of Steeles in a Markham plaza (15 Karachi Dr., Unit 14).

Psst. Midtown’s Isle of Coffee is setting up shop in Riverside/Leslieville (745 Queen St. E.) Doors open tomorrow in what was meticulously designed weed shop, Civilian.

Lazy Cat Cafe isn’t just a haunt for coffee and kitty company at Queen and Spadina (360 Queen St. W.) - You can apply to adopt a cat.

Poop-a-licious Cafe (1355 St. Clair Ave. W.) is exactly what it sounds like - an excrement themed cafe, complete with anime-style girl with a swirl of said poo on her head as the mascot. Other than “Poop Waffles (spiral poop-shaped waffles stuffed with red bean, custard or Nutella for full fecal effect), “Toilet Paper Rolls,” (rolled ice cream served in a toilet shaped bowl), and “Poopsicles” (shaped like, you guessed it…). Aside from that, the menu is pretty standard - Asian-style comfort fare: Pink Spaghetti, Fried Rice, Gooey Korean Corn Cheese , Banh Mi, etc.. - however the Honey Toasts are most the visually captivating, practically a diorama of whimsical, kawaii landscapes, which for the pic alone, might be worth the 20 minute wait.

Royalty Cuisine’s Middleterranean dishes - shawarma, falafel and shish tawook - have arrived in Greektown (541 Danforth Ave.). Did you know? The space was previously home to florist Flox on Danforth.

I’ve been on burger joint Rudy’s journey since the beginning. And lately they’ve been coming fast and furious: Last month in Vaughan and now the eighth Uptown (3397 Yonge St.) that TR readers got the tip off about last month.

This or That debuts this week inside North York food hall, Upper East Food Club (5319 Yonge St.), with Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. Grand opening festivities pop off this weekend.

Craving something sweet? Unique Pastry at Yonge and Sheppard (4750 Yonge St., Unit 160) has got you for cakes, pastries and other confections.

Koreatown continues to expand beyond Korean offerings with What A Shawarma just east of Christie (664 Bloor St. W.).

12 Spices joins The Village at the corner of Church and Wellesley (78 Wellesley St. E.). On the menu: Halal Pakistani and Indian classics and fast food.

CLOSED

While Little Italy mainstay AllStar Wings & Ribs (667 College St.) has shuttered, numerous locations remain throughout the GTA.

Aztec’s Mine (1986 Bloor St. W.) has been replaced by another Mexican outfit. Details up top.

Cactus Sandwich, later renamed Cactus Pizza & Burgers (78 Wellesley St. E.), arrived at Church and Wellesley in 2023. For what’s there now, see above.

There was a moment during the pandemic that Three Monks and a Duck (811 Queen St. W.) was marked permanently closed on Google, but it was short-lived. TR Intel: It appears permanent, with The Pineapple Bun set to fill the space.

Espresso 21 Cafe Restaurant (636 Queen St. W.) was a part of the Queen West strip for years. Their digs are already slated to be Agave Restaurante, however the cafe lives on in a historic building in Unionville (159 E Main St.).

NEWS

A Canadian court has approved a restructuring plan for seafood chain Red Lobster.

Someone broke in and stole all the knives on display at Sharp Knife Shop on Monday.

Today the Michelin Guide revealed the first Michelin Keys for Canada. According to the release, “Like the Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Keys are our most outstanding hotels,” with three distinctions - One, Two, and Three Keys. Canada doled out 2 Three Keys, 8 Two Keys, and 23 One Keys. Toronto didn’t nab any Three Keys, however received two Two Keys (Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, The Hazelton Hotel Toronto) and five One Keys (Ace Hotel Toronto, Bisha Hotel Toronto, Park Hyatt Toronto, Shangri-La Toronto, 1 Hotel Toronto). Note: While the ‘key’ concept may be a new addition, it’s a little known fact that Michelin gave out accolades to 20 Toronto hotels in 2022. This year, only seven made the cut. p.s. Speaking of the tire co., the awards are Wednesday night. Stay tuned.

The latest food recall: Costco brand Kirkland Signature Greek Yogurt (24 pack) recalled due to mould. And if you thought you should avoid enoki mushrooms before, this recent notice from Health Canada ought to keep you on high alert.

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