OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News June 1-7, 2023

The 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

🕘 8.5 min read

New month, new eats. Following April’s eye-opening 100 arrivals/53 closures and last month’s dizzying array of comings and goings, June is heating up with significant movement - 15 arrivals, with over half that in closures - with scads more to come.

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OPEN

The city’s obsession with hidden destinations is never ending. (See: Last week’s OPEN/CLOSED.) The latest drop: Bar Dem, a “Viet inspired cocktail bar” in the alleyway behind Dzô Viet Eatery (308 Dundas St. W.). Hint: The lantern marks the spot.

At Markham’s Chrisly Café (1661 Denison St, Unit 8.), find options catered for particular times of day. Start the morning off with breakfast items (Macaroni with Ham & Fried Eggs, served with toast and coffee or milk tea, for instance), dig into HK Noodle cart fare throughout the day such as Big Sister Nacha Noodles (aka Marinated pig large intestine, curry pig skin, sweet radish, curdled pig's blood, curry tangerine peel fish balls, served with yellow noodles), settle in with a tea set afternoon to early evening (Kaya Butter with Peanut Butter Toast, Pork Chop with French Fries), and peruse dishes available from open to close.

Grand opening for Delysées’ new boutique inside Holt Renfrew at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) takes place Saturday June 3. Expect luxe modern French pastries and desserts by way of éclairs, cakes, and macarons, alongside baguette sandos, salads, and other sweet and savory items.

GG Inari joins North York food hall Upper East Food Club (5317 Yonge St.) with a selection of grab-and-go Japanese tofu pockets. Think traditional flavors with a modern twist: California, Yuzu Ebi, Truffle Scallop.

Give It To Me Supper Club (354 Queen St. W.) pairs Caribbean fusion cuisine with music to move to - R&B, hip-hop, reggae, soca, etc. Open weekends.

In February 2022, chef Nalin Mehra launched Gully Boyz, a cloud kitchen in Etobicoke (20 Lockport Dr.) serving up Indian burgers, curry bowls and kathi rolls. His second venture, Gully Restaurant & Bar in the Annex (521 Bloor St. W.), expands on the theme with bar snacks, desserts, drinks and seating. Fun fact: In addition to positions at various Toronto restaurants, chef Mehra also worked at Michelin Star Mirador Di Ulia in San Sebastián, Spain.

Gyuki just landed at the corner of Queen and Spadina (388 Queen St. W.) with everything from aburi sushi to Japanese curry. Looking for something a little more luxe? The Uni & Australian Wagyu Beef combo oughtta do it.

Shop for meat, pantry essentials, and wine and/or grab a bite/drink at Dufferin Grove’s new all-day affair, Lardo (970 College St.).

You may know Lucky Seafood House in Markham under its former title, Double Lucky. Find the dim sum eatery in a larger space (7270 Woodbine Ave.), not far from its original post (across from CF Markville Mall) .

Maker Pizza’s long-awaited Leaside outpost (1674 Bayview Ave.) has finally arrived. The sixth pizzeria of the wildly popular Toronto chain debuted Sunday south of Eglinton.

The second Riverside Burgers may have touched down at King and Dufferin (1228 King St. W.), however the name remains loyal to the OG joint on the east side (688 Queen St. E.).

The Sweet Potato has been a fixture in the Junction since 2008. Leasiders get dibs on the organic and health food market’s second shop (1678 Bayview Ave.), next door to Maker, with grand opening festivities happening this weekend.

ISO gluten-free bread and baked goods? Wild Blue Bakery in York (366 Oakwood Ave.) has got you covered. Doors open Saturday June 3.

Despite the name, there’s more to Chinatown’s new arrival Yeah Yeah Thai (382 Spadina Ave.) than simply pad thai. The self-proclaimed “innovative Thai fusion HK café” does everything from cheese brick toast and mini hot pot to curry rice and roti.

Take a trip to the Mediterranean via Zara’s On Wheels (79 Jones St.), a tricked out food trailer by the owners of recently shuttered Zara's By The Lake, parked near The Bronte Legion (aka The Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 48) in Oakville.

CLOSED

Buono had a good run on College (838 College St.), Queen (354 Queen St. W.), and Roncesvalles (413 Roncesvalles Ave.). Psst. New occupants include Miss Aida opening on Roncy this summer with Levantine cuisine and cocktails, and the Queen location [formerly home to Stelvio (now on Dundas West), BQM Diner Inc., and stalwart diner The Stem] has already been filled. Details above.

Looking for chicken wings, servers in tight uniforms, and close proximity to the airport? Hooters in Etobicoke (171 Carlingview Dr.) has come to an end, but not for long - another is already in the works. Did you know? It was one of only three in the province - locations of the American chain remain in the Entertainment District and Niagara Falls.

Despite the current frenzy of steakhouses premiering downtown, after a decade at the edge of the Financial and Entertainment Districts, Michael’s on Simcoe (100 Simcoe St.) shuttered due to “development in the area.” Another location is set to launch this year. In the meantime, carnivore cravings can be satiated at their other establishments: The Butcher Chef in Toronto and Oliver’s Steakhouse in Oakville.

Smoothie n’ sando shop Snaccs x Bolt went on hiatus back in January. In the meantime, their space at Queen and Dufferin (1170 Queen St. W.) is about to become The Goods’ second spot for plant-based fare.

Nestled in a Victorian house just south of Yonge and Bloor Wow Sushi (11 Charles St. W.) permanently closed yesterday. A lengthy letter titled ‘Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Valued Patronage’ posted to the door states the “difficult decision” owners John and Sam to close the restaurant after 12 years. It reads in part: “We fondly remember the countless meals, celebrations, and special occasions you shared with us. The laughter, conversations, and friendships that blossomed within our walls are cherished memories we will forever hold close to our hearts.”

The last day for Zara's By The Lake (2347 Lakeshore Rd. W.) was Saturday. The award-winning Mediterranean restaurant was a staple in Oakville for nearly 17 years. For how the owners are continuing the journey, see up top.

NEWS

Good news for Bellwoods Brewery.

Following last week’s food recalls: Arora Cookwares Clay Cooking Pot with Lid recalled due to burn and injury hazards.

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