OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 16-22, 2023
The 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
🕘 9 min read
The OPEN/CLOSEDs have been giving big ‘everything everywhere all at once’ energy lately. This edition is no exception. The flurry of high end destinations mixed with casual haunts continues, as does the ramping up of closures. Word of advice: Make the effort to get to places on your must-visit list because similarly to last December, the end of the year will be accompanied by a record number of closures.
Psst. Want to be the first to know what’s happening? 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 Backyard Smokehouse’s (264 Dupont St.) signature low and slow barbecue is now within reach in Mississauga (4188 Living Arts Dr.).
De Mello Coffee has been making its way across the 6ix this last while. Find their newest coffee shop north of Eglinton (2389 Yonge St.), where Saporito Caffe stood until recently, just a few blocks south of the Castlefield outpost (2489 Yonge St.).
Delysées Luxury Desserts and its array of luxe French pastries including modern cakes, macarons, brioche, and chouquettes, landed at Yorkdale (3401 Dufferin St.) on Friday. It’s the latest in a recent influx of eateries to drop at the fashion-forward mall.
Grand opening celebrations for Indraprastha Indian Kitchen and Bar’s first downtown location (5 Baldwin St.) took place yesterday.
After showcasing their artisan sourdough bread and pastries at local farmers’ markets, pop-ups, and being a part of east end businesses for some time, Johnson Family Bakery finally has digs to call their very own in Leslieville (993 Queen St. E.).
The Joneses by local hospitality group Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) opens tomorrow at the corner of Yonge and Wellington (33 Yonge St., Unit 100) in the space formerly occupied by Pick 6ix Sports. What to expect: A mélange of offerings including premium steaks, pressed sushi, and Detroit-style pizza.
In search of cookware for yourself or the food-lovers in your life? Le Creuset’s iconic enamelled cast iron items are on full display at their new boutique at The Well (486 Front St. W.).
After debuting downtown last spring, Laylak’s second modern Lebanese resto kicks off Wednesday in Oakville (1515 Rebecca St., Unit 19).
Hot tip: Across the street from O&B’s latest concept (above), Hotel Victoria’s new Mossop’s Social House (56 Yonge St.) is doing Levantine-inspired breakfast and lunch for now, with dinner coming soon. The menu by chef Tomer Markovitz of recently launched Romi’s Bakery includes Salatim Breakfast Platter ($15), Shakshuka ($20), Roasted Cauliflower Pita ($15), Hummus Bowl ($16), and Za’atar Fries ($8). Pro tip: It’s first come, first serve (no resos), so get there early.
A “boutique-style” Nespresso featuring a drop-off for used capsules, coffee order pick-up service for no additional cost, and laser engraver machine got under way yesterday at Union Station (Bay Street Promenade, 65 Front St. W.).
Patria (478 King St. W.) reopens tomorrow, but you knew that already.
Following the launch of Mira Mira Diner in Spring ‘21 and closure of OG Mira Mira earlier this year, comes The Rosebud (498 King St. E.), the latest iteration from chef Amira Becarevic and husband Justin Cheung. The Corktown restaurant and wine bar focuses on classic fare - Shrimp Cocktail ($24), Lobster Salad ($32), Denver Steak ($42), Duck Confit ($30) - and vino.
Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill boasts eight locations across the GTA filled with an array of tantalizing fare: Curry Chicken Roti, Cajun Fish Sandwich, Oxtail Bowl, and Beef Patties, for starters. The latest spot at Old Weston and Rogers Road (501 Rogers Rd.) opened yesterday.
The third branch of Tita’s Mexican Food just landed in Mississauga (1852 Lakeshore Rd. W.) with everything from pozole and sopes to Taco Nopales con Mole and “Real Mexican Nachos.”
Tomorrow marks the official opening of new community hub The Well, though the majority of food destinations aren’t arriving until next spring. The roster so far: De Mello Coffee set up shop at the end of last year, with recent additions of Prince St. Pizza and Le Creuset (above).
CLOSED
Established in 2003, Banaboia Restaurant served authentic Portuguese fare in the unmistakable azure building shaped in the curvature of the corner at Rogers and Old Weston Road (501 Rogers Rd.) until recently. To find out who’s moved in, see above.
Neighbourhood watering hole Bar Hop Session (681 Danforth Ave.) served the Greektown community and abroad for over five years before permanent closure. Two locations remain downtown: Bar Hop Brewco (137 Peter St.) and Bar Hop on King (391 King St. W.).
There’s one less East Side Mario's branch in Mississauga (1488 Dundas St. E.).
After a recent renovation and launch on the Danforth, El Charro’s longstanding Broadview outpost (788 Broadview Ave.) has shuttered.
Up the street, Golden Pizza (1201 Broadview Ave.) came to a sudden halt earlier this week. Already missing their ‘za and homemade Italian and Greek specialities? There’s a location in the east end between Woodbine and Main (2360 Danforth Ave.), complete with a vibrant mural by artist Jacquie Comrie. Did you know? Back in the day, GP was located in Leaside (1612 Bayview Ave.).
The windows are papered over at East York’s Long Time No Tea (62 Overlea Blvd.).
It appears breakfast centric Over Easy’s has come to an end with 208 Bloor St. W. closed for some time and the final location at Yonge and Wellington (56 Yonge St.) now home to another concept. Details above.
Next door to recently shuttered Daisy, Rowe Farms on the Queen West strip (565 Queen St. W.) has drawn to a close. Five locations across the city remain.
The northwest corner of Queen and Parliament has seen a lot of movement lately: Afghano Restaurant earlier this year, for a brief time Queen Subs (344 Queen St. E., Unit 1), and soon 33’s Delights.
NEWS
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling for an extension of the current CEBA forgivable debt deadline - January 18, 2024 - to the end of 2024. According to the organization, “A majority (87%) of small businesses that took on a CEBA loan said they need a further extension to the end of 2024.”
The province is proposing changes affecting the restaurant and hospitality industry.
More reason to support small and local businesses whenever possible: Profits continue to soar for behemoth grocers including Loblaws and Metro.
Adding to latest food recalls: Panache Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce recalled due to undeclared cashews, PC Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins recalled due to undeclared almonds. [UPDATE: 17.11.23: Malichita Cantaloupes recalled due to Salmonella. 18.11.23: Various brands of Fresh Cut Fruit recalled due to Salmonella.]
Please support local businesses whenever possible.
Life moves fast. 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
