OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News April 11-17, 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
🕘 10 min read
Strap yourself in: The frenetic activity continues with this week’s new endeavours and expansions offering copious options for casual eats and drinks, with one finer dining destination for good measure. And closures keep pace with arrivals.
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
Grand opening for Scarborough’s latest hookah bar in Wexford-Maryvale, Dream Lounge (2075 Lawrence Ave. E.), took place yesterday.
Chic Peas Veg has found a home for its celebrated plant-based fare downtown at Toronto International Vegan Marketplace in Kensington Market (210 Augusta Ave.), Saturdays and Sundays 11-7pm.
Food Hall TO (5210 Yonge St.), an “incubator that supports newcomers on their venture to entrepreneurship” is currently home to five ventures: Burro Loco (burritos), Just Curry (curries), Momo and Bao (bao and momos), Spice Island (Caribbean cuisine), and SubG (vegetarian and vegan subs), The new food hall’s Flip Kitchen, offers “exciting flavours and an innovative education program through Scarborough Food Security Initiative, a non-profit whose mission is to find innovative ways to address poverty reduction and put an end to food insecurity.” The new foodie destination replaces previous similar venture, F.L.I.P. Kitchens created by the city, that worked with non-profit caterToronto and showcased vendors including Bad Food, Eastern European style stuffed bun house Bunhaus, Chic Peas Veg (new address above), Da Endz specializing in Jamaican comfort fare, and Middle Eastern fusion eatery Teta’s Kitchen. According to Naza Hasebenebi, owner of Chic Peas Veg, the former space in North York, “abruptly closed on November 8, 2023 without much notice from our landlord (the City of Toronto), leaving us with no choice but to move on.”
Good Neighbour is admittedly sartorially-focused (Featherweight denim just in time for the warm weather? Check. Cute totes for food hauls? A necessity. Stylish sunnies because patios are where you live now? Already in the bag.), however the stores - including the new one in Summerhill (1212 Yonge St.) - are fab places for picking up housewares including French cutlery, colourful tableware, vintage-inspired glassware, cookbooks, and other items you definitely want to gift, and let’s face it, just as likely to purchase for yourself.
Briskly following last week’s launch of French resto La Plume and accompanying Bonne Nuit at The Well, O&B (Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality) continues its frenzy of openings with The Dorset’s debut yesterday next door (453 Wellington St. W.). What to expect: “A taste of the British coast and countryside” with bar on the main floor, dining room nestled upstairs. While this marks the last of three upscale ventures at the new downtown development (See; Aera), the large local hospitality group is far from being done elsewhere in the 6ix. Watch this space.
Milky’s Coffee third outpost (1243 Dundas St. W.) is again filled of striking architecture and detailing, imparting a cocoon of soothing minimalism. Fun fact: This is their second location on Dundas West.
Momo Ghar (568 Parliament St., Lower Level) is relatively new but quickly became a runaway hit (read: waitlist, lineups). Good news: The popular momo destination in Cabbagetown just nabbed a larger layout in the west end in Bloor West Villlage (2392 Bloor St. W.) in what was up until recently, FishInn. On the menu: A variety of dumplings available steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, and kurkure (breaded). Grand opening takes place Monday.
Palestinian ice cream, cheese, and other dairy is at the heart of Anan and Fidaa Zaqa’s Nablus Creamery. Check out their second shop at Ridgeway Plaza in Mississauga (4700 Ridgeway Dr., Unit 69).
Grand opening celebrations for Etobicoke’s new West African restaurant and lounge, Opulent Kitchen (557 Dixon Rd., Unit 131), is happening this Saturday and Sunday.
Hot tip: A new plant-based destination has landed in Kensington Market. Toronto International Vegan Marketplace (208-212 Augusta Ave.), “Toronto's first multi-ethnic vegan space,” features a weekly Farmers’ Market with local organic farmers, and pop-up vendors offering food and snacks, sustainable home goods, clothing, and more.
CLOSED
Bar 244 (244 Adelaide St. W.) got a new look and feel in 2022, thanks to Jasmine Daya, lawyer and owner of Pravda Vodka Bar (briefly renamed Brash & Sassy Vodka Bar). The party spot launched Bar 244 Diner in the space the following year, however doors have officially closed.
Debuting in Kensington Market in 2022, Belgian Sweet Corner - LEKKER! (237 Augusta Ave.) has called it quits. Yesterday’s announcement of closure reads in part: “This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our sincerest gratitude for your loyal patronage and support over the years.”
After five years, Chocollata Brigadeiros has exited Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr.).
That’s it for Golden Bubbles’ Hong Kong style bubble tea and waffles in Richmond Hill (Canyon Hill Plaza - 11000 Yonge St., Unit D2). Locations remain in Scarborough and Vaughan.
Bad news: One of the OG Gus Tacos (616 Gladstone Ave.) has wrapped up service. Good news: Another remains a jaunt away, with others scattered throughout the city.
Over the weekend Rosalinda Restaurant (133 Richmond St W.) announced it’s closing as of May 3 after nearly six years. Originally opened Summer 2018 by restaurateurs Jamie Cook, Grant van Gameren, and Max Rimaldi, the plant-based destination was later added to the portfolio of one of Toronto’s largest hospitality groups, Oliver & Bonacini - aka O&B.
Saigon Sandwiches arrived in Bloorcourt (675 Lansdowne Ave.) in 2022. Doors shutter tomorrow.
Thirty Six Knots and Cafe landed in Summerhill (1212 Yonge St.) years ago. It’s since moved to an online shopping experience. TR Trivia: The chic space was once home to now closed venture, Atai Bistro.
I introduced you to Yubu a while back. Since then, it’s grown to four locations. Earlier today they shared the College spot (199 College St.) is closing on April 30. The Korean tofu pocket spot is relocating nearby this summer (654 Spadina Ave.), accompanied by more seating and sister co. Guksu.
NEWS
Maurizio Torchia, owner of Lazio Italian Bakery & Deli Ltd., is in urgent need of a kidney.
U.S.-based food TikToker Keith Lee has a whopping 16+M followers on that platform alone, with another 2M on Instagram, so naturally his food tour in Toronto (and Scaborough and Ajax) was the talk of the town this week. Keith Lee’s post on April 5 (below) revealed where he could potentially end up, however none of the eateries made the cut. He tried food from Afro’s Pizza (OPEN/CLOSED readers got the inside track on AP last fall), No. 1 Jerk, Old Nassau, Sahan Restaurant, Sisters & Co., Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill, and backyard biz in Ajax, Biscuits to Baskets, and left some hefty tips along the way.
Keith Lee’s post on April 5 . Credit: Keith Lee.
The solar eclipse was also a big topic this week. While not food-related, it did bring people out to parks and public spaces in droves, many who brought food and drinks and/or ventured to spots nearby for the occasion.
Flying out of Pearson next week? You might want to pack a lunch.
As per usual, there isn’t much of a reprieve from food recalls: Kool Kitchen Veggie Burgers recalled due to undeclared gluten, and Mowi Norwegian Atlantic Salmon - Cold Smoked recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria.
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.
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.
Enjoy this? Like, follow and comment on Instagram and Facebook. Forward and share using the icons below. #supportlocal
