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

🕘 6.5 min read

This week’s roster is a rollicking ride fully loaded with firsts, expansions, and surprises that remained largely under-the-radar. Until now.

Insider tip: Want first dibs on the inside scoop? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates.

Here’s the very latest: 

OPEN

The Alley’s signature sippers of milk teas, lattes, and crunchy selections have landed at Union Station’s new Union Market (65 Front St. W.).

If it says it’s a bike shop and looks like a bike shop… it’s a bakery! Bad Attitude (816 Dundas St. W.) is all about plant-based baked goods for “sinners and saints” alike.

The third Toronto branch of Nashville hot chicken co. Dave’s Hot Chicken just touched down at Yonge & Dundas (328 Yonge St.), taking over 7-Eleven’s former digs. The immediate area has seen a lot movement lately: Recent arrivals include Jollibee, Congee Queen, and Daldongnae Korean BBQ.

For Yang Jangpi, Shrimp Bokkeumbap with Egg Soup, Yooringi, Beijing and Guangdong style Tangsuyouk, and other Korean delicacies, check out Richmond Hill’s new CheolGaBang (10255 Yonge St., Unit 1).

Grillies’ Markham location at Highway 7 & Kennedy (4580 York Regional Rd. 7) kicked off Tuesday. This marks the sixth burger joint for the chain open 24/7.

The last five years for Gus Tacos have been a whirlwind, particularly lately. p.s. The party is far from over. GT’s latest taqueria dropped earlier this week in Etobicoke (270 Brown’s Line).

Hot tip: Grand opening celebrations for the “first West African luxury restaurant of Ontario,” Instant du Palais (557 Mt Pleasant Rd.), take place May 13.

Manotas Organics, a fixture at the St. Lawrence Market (93 Front St. E., Lower Level B30) for decades - boasting an array of tantalizing fare including empanadas, arepas, corn tortillas, dried chiles and spices - just added to the fam. Find a new outpost not far from the OG at Union Station (Union Market - 65 Front St. W.).

Add ‘Tucking into Caribbean fare in a historic landmark’ to your to-do list. Once known as the “wedding cake” house in Markham, it’s now home to Laz Authentic Cuisine Inc., luxuriously spread out across two floors. 

Lev Bakery burst onto the scene in 2021. How it started: Jewish classics made with a modern touch and whole lotta love, first in a home oven, then a commercial baking space. How it’s going: Check out the new production facility (801 St. Clarens Ave.) doubling as a pop-up destination for some of the city’s buzziest bread and babka. And get to know co-owner/baker Yoni Kamil in the acclaimed TR chef series, At The Pass.

Beat the heat this szn at Pistachio Blend in Richmond Hill (10376 Yonge St., Unit 104B) with cool down treats in hand: Special Majoon Booster, Carrot Juice with Saffron Ice Cream, and Honeydew Juice Blend, for starters.

Newsflash: Ristorante Sociale just dropped at King & Portland (545 King St. W.). Naturally, TR Newsletter subscribers got word first. For those just catching up: Introducing Michelin Bib Gourmand listed Enoteca Sociale’s more formal sibling. What to expect: Late night dinner party vibes.

Subterranean Taqueria El Valiente is the latest addition to the ever-changing Ossington strip (216 Ossington Ave., Bsmt).

CLOSED

Stamp’s Lane (371 Roncesvalles Ave.) is winding things up May 12, however it’s not due to the pandemic. After five years on Roncy – and a short break – they’ll be back at it in a new location. Stay tuned.

Yeondon Ball Katsu (209 Dundas St. W.) debuted near University at the end of last year. Word is, another location is in the works.

NEWS

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has collected “over 19,000 petitions from small business owners calling for improvements to pandemic supports, including the need to extend CEBA loans.” Why the business owners could lose a lot. According to CFIB President and CEO Dan Kelly while it convert to a term loan, if not fully repaid by Dec 31, 2023, “a small biz loses the $10-20K forgivable portion & the interest free benefit.”

Joining recent food recalls: Natural Delights Medjool Dates recalled due to insects.

Please support local businesses whenever possible.

Life moves fast. I wrote about 100 arrivals and 53 closures last month 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.

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