OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News December 1-7, 2022
My iconic OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of 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
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This week’s 20 arrivals come in fast and furious, with some businesses launching not one, but two spots simultaneously, and more closures you didn’t see coming. As these are just the tip of the iceberg, make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and announcements. There’s a lot more to come.
In the meantime, here’s the very latest:
OPEN NOW
Bread and brews are at the heart of Bevi Birra in Woodbridge. Find their second focaccia-focused sando joint and craft beer bottle shop nestled in the heart of The Junction (3072 Dundas St. W.).
After taking over Dog Fish Bar & Grill this summer, Curbside Dogs owner Peter Berbatiotis went to town on reimagining it. The Mediterranean style destination Bluffers Restaurant & Event Centre (7 Brimley Rd. S.) has a new look and menu. See for yourself - grand opening festivities take place Saturday complete with a Greek band and dancers, and four-course meal.
Burger Factory boasts 25+ locations across the GTA – and one in New Jersey of all places. The latest debuted Saturday at Yonge and College (437 Yonge St.). This marks the the Ontario chain’s second burger joint downtown.
If you’re in Ajax, Oshawa or Thornhill, you may know Chowrasta Indian Cuisine. For those in Midtown (164 Eglinton Ave. E.) and Markham (2901 Markham Rd., Unit 18), digging into their rich curries and dishes straight out of the tandoor oven just got a whole lot easier.
The name says it all. Classic Greek in Stoufville (18 Ringwood Dr.) does all hits: souvlaki, calamari. spanakopita, saganaki, Greek salad, baklava - with American classics (burger, Philly Cheesesteak) and a mashup (Greek Gyro Poutine) added in for good measure. A second location has landed in Markham (5995 14th Ave.).
The Parlour’s (642 King St. W.) Deer Lady, perched above, is a weekend only destination (Fri-Sat) complete with cocktails and nibbles. Think: mini lobster roll and pizettes.
The first Canadian outpost of Don’t Yell At Me, a Taiwanese bubble tea shop co-founded by Taiwanese TV star Yako Chan opened in Calgary March 2020, quickly followed by two more locations in the vicinity. Psst. The first Ontario store just launched in North York (5336 Yonge St.). The only challenge? Trying to make plans and dropping the phrase “Don’t yell at me” to someone not in the know.
Speaking of bbt, Gong Cha has been doing it up these last few years. Discover the latest on the Ossington strip (139 Ossington Ave.).
Croissanterie Hazukido’s grand opening at CF Fairview Mall (1800 Sheppard Ave. E.) this weekend is full of sorts of goodies: new flavours exclusive to the event, daily prizes and other great offers. Pro tip: Get there early. Doors open at 11am.
The menu at Ladybug Tavern (890 College St.) spans many countries and cuisines, from stone-fired calzones ($16-$18) and Chicago Dog ($13) to Cockney Fish & Chips ($20) and Steak Frites ($35). Weekend brunch offers classic crowd pleasers (eggs, sandwiches, French toast) as well as a Breakfast Pizza ($18): a classic Margherita topped with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Turkish fare has landed inside a tudor structure at Yonge and Davisville via Nevizade Kitchen + Bar (1954 Yonge St.). Dig into Lentil Soup ($7), Cig Kofte ($8), Pastrami Humus ($12), Grilled Kofte ($24), Chicken Chops ($26), and Seabream ($29), alongside pub fare such as Nachos ($12), Nevizade Burger ($22) and Spaghetti Bolognese ($20).
Olive Oil Emporium, Toronto's “only retailer for Ultra Premium certified extra virgin olive oils & cask-aged balsamic vinegars on tap” poured fresh in-store, moved on from its previous stomping grounds (details below) to set up shop in Mount Pleasant Village (608 Mount Pleasant Rd.).
Cokkleaning up this holiday season is a breeze thanks to zero waste store Omo Bamboo Shop with a wide selection of eco-friendly kitchen and household items and bulk refills at their new store in East Chinatown (362 Broadview Ave.).
Pi Co. is always adding to the fam. Find the latest outpost of the Neapolitan-style pizzeria chain in Liberty Village (61 Hanna Ave.).
The “first Canadian pancake franchise” Stacked Pancake House, with 35 locations across the country, has moved into what was formerly a kickboxing studio in Greektown (425 Danforth Ave.). In addition to limited-time selections of Gingerbread Waffle, Red Velvet Oreo Pancakes, and Cherry Vanilla Streusel French Toast, there’s a bevy of lunch sandos, burgers and chicken fingers on deck. On a budget? Grab the Breakfast Special for $5.99 weekdays from 7am-9am.
Chef Ahmet Dogan worked in a variety of establishments for over two decades before establishing Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine in North York. The co-founder/head chef’s latest iteration, Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine softly opens in Mississauga (5055 Plantation Pl.) on Saturday.
The eponymous dish at Tacos Moras new digs at St. Clair and Bathurst (547 St. Clair Ave. W.) isn’t all that’s on offer. Discover beef, pork chicken, fish, shrimp, and cactus tucked into burritos, quesadillas, and tortas as well.
10 Dean Café is a new café/bar concept by Fitzrovia Real Estate “coming soon to all Fitzrovia communities.” The first just launched inside The Waverley (484 Spadina Ave.) and The Parker (200 Redpath Ave.) offering coffee by day and wine and cocktails by night for residents and public alike.
CLOSED
Banjara Indian Cuisine’s long-running Eglinton outpost (164 Eglinton Ave. E.) may be gone, but their stalwart at Bloor and Christie and recent arrival in Scarborough are ready to serve you.
Café Belong and Belong Catering have been a part of Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave.) since 2011. Operating partner Chef Brad Long is “wandering off” to continue work on his Belong Sharbot Lake in Eastern Ontario. Psst. Taking its place? Picnic Café, Restaurant & Wine Shop, opening soon. Stay tuned.
One of the most exciting launches of 2021? Little Sister Baking at Market 707 (707 Dundas St. W.). The micro Desi bakery by talented siblings Akash and Tanvi, was already a sensation from their online and pop-up roots with drool-inducing concoctions including Black Pepper Chicken Puff, Rasam Galette, Narangi Shahi Tukda, Haldi Doodh, and Ras Malai cakes, Sadly, doors are closing December 17. In the meantime, discover this dynamic duo’s favourite bars and restos around town, guilty pleasures, hidden talents and much more in the At The Pass.
While Olive Oil Emporium has shuttered two locations - Wychwood Heights (659 St. Clair Ave. W.) after an eight year run, and Leaside (1707 Bayview Ave.) - a new store just launched. See above.
After serving the Trinity-Bellwoods community for 13 years, The Tampered Press (256 Crawford St., Unit B) is closing at the end of the year. Insider tip: For those in the area looking to get their java fix, new occupants Morning Parade Coffee will have you covered soon.
NEWS
Street closures and repairs continue to wreak havoc on local businesses including those in Little Portugal.
You’re paying more for groceries now. According to an expert, you can add your holiday turkey to the list.
Joining last week’s recalls: Alpha Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich - Meatless Sausage recalled due to undeclared milk, Cruzilles Acid Mini Pastille – Fruit Jellies recalled due to undeclared milk, TUMS Peppermint Regular Strength tablets - one lot recalled due to contamination, Cuisinart Compact Blender & Juice Extractor Combo recalled due to injury hazard, and The Laundress laundry and household cleaning products recalled due to risk of exposure to bacteria. [UPDATE: 05.12.22 TUMS recall updated to foreign matter.]
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast: I wrote about 100+ new arrivals in October alone. 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.
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