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

🕘 8 min read

For the first time recent memory, the number of arrivals equals closures this week. So whether you need groceries, pantry essentials, ingredients for your bar cart, a break from cooking, support your locals: bars, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, bottle shops and other neighbourhood haunts whenever possible. Your purchases can make the difference in a business being able to hang in for another month.

Insider tip: Make sure to follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter because you don’t want to miss a thing.

Here’s the very latest: 

OPEN

Biryani-centric Biryaniwalla debuted in Scarborough (2300 Lawrence Ave. E.) on May 8, 2020. Psst. An Uptown location just debuted at Yonge and Lawrence (3241 Yonge St.). Did you know? The company is also home to the Charminar chain, serving up South Indian fare across the GTA, and cheeky Chica’s was their first brand to emerge in Canada right before the pandemic on January 17, 2020.

Brighter days are ahead thanks to the bright white space of Coffee House (1203 Dundas St. W.) in Trinity-Bellwoods. Grab a Ritual Coffee, Sloane Tea, and baked goods by Geste Croissanterie and Kiva’s Bagels. Fun fact: It shares the same addy with not-so-secret The Jean Darlene Piano Room.

ISO Jamaican fare and good vibes? Look no further than Flavours Sports Bar & Grill at Keele and Lawrence (2290 Keele St.) where Chef Otis is cooking up a storm: Ackee & Salt Fish, Bruschetta and Jerk Pork Tacos to start, main attractions of Oxtail, Curried Goat, and Brown Stew Snapper Fillet, Callaloo, Festival, Fritters and Bammy are just the beginning.

African delicacies abound at Jollof King (673 Spadina Ave.), e.g. Peppered Snail, Palm Oil Stew, Suya, Gizdodo, Pounded Yam, and of course, the namesake dish. Did you know? The space was formerly home to Daddyo's Pasta & Salads.

Macarons and Mint joined East York Eats food hall (858 Eglinton Ave. E.)  in December. They’re in good company: Neighbours include Bao Is Life, Churnt Up, Conspiracy Pizza, and Phamily Eats.

Indonesian Jakarta street food has found a home in the east end between Pape and Chinatown East. Tuck into specialities such as Betawi Soup, Gado Gado,  Egg Balado, Grilled Fish Pomparo, and Padang Rice Rendan at Ona Noodle* inside Simon's Wok Vegetarian Kitchen** (797 Gerrard St. E.).  Coming soon: KK Eatery, an onsite branch offering Italian fusion fare.*Also known as Ona’s Noodles online. **Though the sign remains, Simon’s Wok has closed. Details below.

Lattes come in a variety of hues (pink, yellow, green, blue, beige) topped with steamed milk formed into endearing shapes (hearts, swans, bunnies) at Oakville’s Wet Coffee (111 Kerr St.).

Richmond Hill’s new York Brewery (10 Newkirk Rd., Unit 10) boasts a range of local craft brews from a sessionable lager to full-bodied maple stout.

In addition to signature rice dishes, Zabardast Hyderbadi Biryani at Victoria Park and St. Clair (2881 St. Clair Ave. E.) offers everything from Veg 65 Momo ($11.99) and Hakka Paneer ($11.99) to Baingan Bharta ($10.99) and Chicken Chettinad ($12.99).

CLOSED  

As I previously reported, The Cloak Bar and Marben (488 Wellington St. W.), two of the city’s top destinations, come to a close January 29. In addition, Marben Market closed earlier this week at “North America’s largest shipping container market” Stackt (28 Bathurst St.).

Focaccia's Italian Eatery (1771 Albion Rd., Unit 3) by The Hearty Kitchen comes to a close January 27, however sandos are still at the ready thanks to THK’s corporate catering arm.

The last day to enjoy Lambretta’s Roncy location (89 Roncesvalles Ave.) is January 28. Owner Celina Blanchard cites issues with the landlord as the reason for the closure. Good news: Craving Lambretta’s signature pizzas and pastas? Head to the Davenport Village outpost (1151 Davenport Rd.).

Munay Salteñas Bolivian Empandas launched at St. Clair and Oakwood (881 St Clair Ave. W.) in April 2021. While doors are closing as of January 30, it’s not goodbye forever. Watch this space.

Otto's Bierhalle arrived at Queen and Dovercourt (1087 Queen St. W.) six years ago. The “final farewell” is January 28. Thereafer, head to their casual outpost in Kensington - Otto’s Berlin Döner (256 Augusta Ave.) - to get your doner fix.

Simon’s Wok Vegetarian Kitchen (797 Gerrard St. E.) was shuttered for much of the pandemic and though the signage remains, according to the new occupants, owner/chef Simon Peng has retired. The spot garnered loyal followers for decades after its debut in the early 90s. For what concepts have taken over, see above.

You’ve got until the end of the month to visit the retail outpost Tealish on Roncy (367 Roncesvalles Ave.), however you can continue to shop online.

EVENTS

Food Truck’N Events returns to Mississauga’s Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr.) on January 28 with skating, warming stations, exciting indoor market, DJ, interactive experiences and lineup of fab food trucks.

You’ve got until February 9 to get in Winterlicious prix fixe menus.

Also celebrating prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus for a limited time, Taste of Oakville takes place February 15 to March 10. 

NEWS

Joe Mandel, co-founder of renowned Stratford Chefs School (alma mater of many top Toronto chefs) and owner of The Church restaurant and The Belfry Bar upstairs, died. He was 86.

Canada's first Grocery Code of Conduct is in the works. Industry expert Sylvain Charlebois wonders about its effectiveness.

After last week’s slew of food recalls, this week is remarkably quieter: Mother Dairy Paneer Fresh Cheese recalled due to generic E. coli.

ICYMI

This week the City announced proposed changes to CafeTO, the outdoor dining program that has been a lifeline for many establishments throughout the pandemic. Discover what's on the table and how it could affect patio season.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

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