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🕘 8 min read

As February draws to a close, one thing’s certain: the start of 2024 has been anything but sedate. This week in particular showcases ventures that are bumpin’ out of the gate, with more likely to garner lineups in no time, and more closures, changes and news to get up to speed on.

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

After giving you the head’s up last summer, I’m happy to report Arbequina has finally arrived in Roncy (325 Roncesvalles Ave.). What to expect: An homage to Levantine cuisine by Moeen Abuzaid, an accomplished chef from Jordan with over 10 years experience in NYC and many here in the 6ix, alongside his wife/business partner.

Psst. Bar Ardo (169 King St. E.) - the latest venture from husband and wife team chef Roberto Marotta and Jacqueline Nicosia of Michelin Recommended Ardo and east end counterpart Dova - opens tomorrow, but it’s already booked up. Can you get in for brunch or dinner this weekend? You can try.

Indian eats and Bollywood beats are the focal point at Vaughan’s new Bombae Social (3300 Steeles Ave. W.).

The Burger’s Priest launches Wednesday in its new digs (1922 Queen St. E.) just down the street from its first outpost at Queen and Coxwell (1636 Queen St E,). TR Trivia: The new location was also a patty-centric joint in its prior incarnation as Friends Burgers.

I’ve had Cafe Renée (100 Portland St.) on my watchlist for years. After doing test-runs all week, doors officially open tonight for Nick Liu (Chef/Partner DaiLo, LoPan) and Bianca Rossi’s (GM/Operating Partner) new destination at King and Portland accompanied by cocktail bar Charlemagne above. Not surprisingly, it’s already reached hotspot status.

Satisfying your craving for Nepalese, Indian and/or Hakka food is easy at Scarborough’s new Coriander Indian Hakka Cuisine (2258 Kingston Rd.), opening tomorrow. Bonus: Enjoy 20 per cent off for the month. Conditions apply.

Parisian-inspired lobby bar and lounge, Frenchy kicks off today, taking over what was forever Canadian-inspired fine dining restaurant Tundra inside Hilton Toronto (145 Richmond St. W.).

Hot subs and ice cream are heading to Queen West, courtesy of Good Behaviour (335 Queen St. W.). Doors open tomorrow. This marks the third outpost for the local brand. Did you know? The space was home to Michelin Recommended zero-waste resto Ration | Beverley until recently.

Good Earth Coffeehouse lands at Bay and Elm (686 Bay St.), just in time for their new brown sugar menu drop. Fun fact: The first Toronto location of the Canadian chain touched down a few blocks away last spring.

Following a few additions and closures, Kitchen Hub continue to expand its portfolio with a Vaughan location inside Longo’s supermarket (2810 Major MacKenzie Dr. W.).

Kensington’s Little Pebbles (160 Baldwin St., Unit 8), known for its viral croissants, opens its second Japanese inspired French bakery/cafe in the 6ix today, this time in Little Italy in Aroma’s former digs (540 College St., Unit 1).

Mandy's Gourmet Salads third ghost kitchen in Toronto just dropped at Kitchen Hub Maple (2810 Major MacKenzie Dr. W.).

Grand opening for Matcha Matcha is happening tomorrow at Church and Carlton (407 Church St.). The modern cafe boasts all things matcha - drinks and baked goods by day, “high-end” cocktails, and “innovative menu inspired and fused with Asian flavours” by night.

Pro tip: Put this at the top of your to-do list. Check out Piragua Colombian Specialty Store (893 Queen St. W.) opening March 1 with an array of coffee, arepas, and Colombian wares.

TR Insider: Japanese brunch is happening in the east end. Head to Scenic Coffee + Brunch at Gerrard and Jones (1060 Gerrard St. E.) to get in on Black Sesame French Toast, Blueberry Mochi Pancakes, Yuzu Eggs Benedict, Egg Rengoku, and Okonomiyaki Grilled Cheese.

Cafe Sprouty next door (1062 Gerrard St. E.) boasts an assortment of all-natural and organic smoothies, lattes, and fresh baked goods including the Chocolate Hazelnut Explosion Muffin.

Grand opening for Etobicoke’s new Indian destination, Tikka King (296 Rexdale Blvd.), is happening tomorrow. Bonus: Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink 20 per cent off your order for a limited time.

Zen Kyoto, a relative newcomer to the Financial District [See: First Canadian Place - Spring ‘22], is expanding in the area with a second outpost up the street - Bay Adelaide Centre (333 Bay St.).

CLOSED

Black Rose Cafe (940 Gerrard St. E.) started out as 940 Variety in 2017. Arriving soon: 24/7 deli sandwiches.

The Burger’s Priest OG location at Queen and Coxwell is on the move. Details above.

According to Kaieteur Restaurant And Bar in Mississauga (1 Derry Rd. E.) "go-to nightlife destination in the GTA,” serving the best in West Indian cuisine.” The space is about to become TK Ultra Lounge.

Navayo Greek Bistro (2258 Kingston Rd.) launched in 2017. The addy is already home to another venture. See above.

The long and winding journey of Neon Tiger (1166 Queen St. W.) has come to an end.

Scenic Coffee + Brunch has packed up in Markham (8241 Woodbine Ave., Unit 7), but found a new home in the east end. Head up top for more.

NEWS

John Paul Kodothodoros of Main and Danforth fixture Pavillion Pastries Cafe (2554 Danforth Ave.) died. He was 42.

GTA hotel veteran Nicholas Vesely died.

Coming into effect tomorrow: The city’s new single-use and takeaway item bylaw.

Food recalls persist: Bành Pia Hopia Cake recalled due to undeclared egg, Prana Spicy Peas & Favas recalled due to undeclared peanut.

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Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

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