OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News September 19-25, 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
🕘 7.5 min read
This month’s activity has been all over the map. The trend continues this week with all kinds of grab ‘n go options, casual eats, cocktails, and a finer dining destination for good measure. And the onslaught of closures is not letting up.
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
A Pizza set up a shop inside Gardenview (252 Queen St. W.), the longstanding late-night convenience store at Queen and John.* The pizzeria, a separate entity, offers eats to go including Roman-style ‘za, panzerotti, veal panini, and arancini, with bombe and tiramisu for dessert. *Has this addy been home to a convenience store since MuchMusic, Electric Circus and Speaker’s Corner were across the street? Did you buy smokes and Diet Cokes here back in the day?
Bar Roma opened a pretty cocktail bar last night on the Ossington strip (229 Ossington Ave.) in the space where Chill Thai Bar recently came and went, and Bar Sybanne stood for some time.
If cheesecake is your sweet escape, this one’s for you. The Cheesecake Factory joins Union Station’s Union Market (65 Front St. W.). The train station’s footprint has seen record movement in additions lately.
Fishmongers are few and far between downtown. Coast to Coast Seafood (760 College St.) provides fresh and frozen selections, oysters, caviar and roe in the heart of Little Italy, marking the second store for the local biz - the one on Davenport arrived in 2022.
Also joining Union Market, Freshly Squeezed (Union Station 65 Front St. W.). Fun facts: The local brand launched over 30 years ago with an orange-shaped kiosk called Orange Cup at Scarborough Town Centre. Since then, their fresh juice lineup has expanded to include cold-pressed selections, bubble tea and matcha drinks. They were one of the first offer an array of fresh juices in malls back in the day before wellness became mainstream, and for a reasonable price to boot.
Before doors closed, Greedy Goose Sports Bar and Grill in Ajax was a “modern restaurant meets a sports bar atmosphere with a lineup of big screen TVs, elegant lighting.” Downtown counterpart Greedy Goose Kitchen & Bar just touched down at King and Niagara (803 King St. W.) where Hyde Social stayed for a spell and Foggy Dew Irish Pub called home for many moons.
Linny’s (176 Ossington Ave.), the highly-anticipated steakhouse and deli on Ossington by chef David Schwartz (Sunnys Chinese, MIMI Chinese) and Big Hug Hospitality, kicks off Saturday. Psst. I’m getting a sneak peek tomorrow, so follow on Instagram for a first look.
Halal Turkish bakery Mabelle Baklava moved into North York last year. For those in the east end, head to their new digs in Scarborough between Birchmount and Warden (2131 Lawrence Ave. E.).
Mars Village Eatery’s Cabbagetown outpost (432 Parliament St.) is doing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between including house specialities Nebula Bone Broth Ramen and Pork Stomach Chicken Pot. TR Trivia: The chain runs 24/7 and recently opened nearby at Yonge and Wellesley.
Oakwood’s Sansa Bakery and Grill (352 Oakwood Ave.) is known for its wide range of items from bread and breakfast to cakes and Portuguese custard tarts. In the College and Dufferin area? Load up on natas and other goodies at their second location (1105 College St.).
CLOSED
Carlaw Pastry and Café (525 Carlaw Ave.) made a home in North Riverdale for a while.
Dagu Rice Noodle (later joined by MiTea) held court at the corner of Dundas and Bay (115 Dundas St. W.) for years. Stay tuned: Small Pot Restaurant is on the way.
Flock Rotisserie + Greens landed in the Financial District (Scotia Plaza 40 King St. W.) Summer ‘22.
Bad news: Sorry I’ve Got Plants Trinity Bellwoods (1171 Dundas St. W.) is no more (TR Tip Off: Burger Republic’s moving in.). Good news: To get your fix of SIGP’s vegan low-waste meals, visit the OG spot on Roncy (476 Roncesvalles Ave.).
Cabbagetown’s relatively new Tasty Sip n’ Bite (432 Parliament St.) was quietly replaced by another venture. Details up top.
The windows of Taiwanese resto ZenQ (171 Dundas St. W.) are papered over.
NEWS
Rogers acquires majority MLSE stake from Bell. FYI: MLSE’s F&B operations encompasses stadiums and arenas - BMO Field, Coca Cola Coliseum, Scotiabank Arena,- as well as Toronto restaurants e11even and Real Sports. Did you know? In addition to other local businesses, the Canadian telecommunications and media company also owns the Toronto Blue Jays and CityTV.
The bread price-fixing saga continues.
Following Michelin unveiling hotel keys last week, the restaurant awards were held last night. Stay tuned for a full report.
Food recall: UPDATE 20.09.24: Nutrabolics Feed Me Vegan Real Food Protein & Oats bars recalled due to undeclared milk.
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