OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News November 23-29, 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
🕘 12.5 min read
The first time my findings were so voluminous they had to be divided into two editions occurred during the pandemic. It happened a few times and tbh, it would be warranted here. As I’ve said time and again, businesses continue to face unprecedented challenges at this time. I’m clocking record numbers of arrivals and closures and I predict it will continue to ramp up into Q1 2024. Case in point: This week alone, I uncovered an eye-popping 47 establishments - 30 arrivals, with over half (17) in closures.
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Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Balista Bistro’s Indian fusion fare - think salad bowls, wraps, burgers, and fries infused with Indian flavours - has touched down at Sheppard and Neilson (19 Lapsley Rd.), marking the fourth eatery of the India-based chain in the GTA, first in Scarborough.
During the wild west that was the pandemic, Bear Steak Sandwiches operated out of a backyard in 2021 before moving indoors for a short time. Update: BSS’s first brick-and-mortar venture just landed in Little Italy (550A College St.).
Hot tip: In the mood for ‘za? Parkdale’s new The Bell & The Beacon (1648 Queen St. W.) moved into Amico’s former digs with an assortment of pies, wine and cocktails.
Bhojan Ghar’s (1870 Danforth Ave.) menu features an extensive array of Nepalese and Indian fare including lamb, seafood, and vegetarian specialties, tandoori selections, thali sets, and momos. Grand opening celebrations took place Monday with 15 per cent off until December 20. Conditions apply.
Holy guacamole. Following a debut in Moss Park (320 Richmond St. E., Unit 107) earlier this year, The Burrito Bros. launched in The Beaches (2214 Queen St. E.) on September 29, with a third materializing in Forest Hill (359 Eglinton Ave. W.) on November 6.
ISO wine, cocktails and coffee in the east end? Head to Buvette Pacey (141 Berkeley St.) nestled in-between Corktown and South Cabbagetown, where Runner Market’s café/store stood until recently.
CaféClub Toronto is offering remote work solutions in a homey environment at Queen and Coxwell (3 Rhodes Ave.) via memberships. Enjoy unlimited coffee and 15 per cent off all items by way of Day ($9), Werk-Week ($36), and Monthly-VIP ($99) passes.
Cluck Clucks Chicken and Waffles has been steadily adding to the fam since 2015. Introducing the newest member: Oakville (511 Maple Grove Dr., Unit 30)
Whipping up Caribbean, Creole and Latin American inspired morsels in Little Italy, Conejo Negro (838 College St.) is already receiving raves for its ceviche and cocktails.
Authentic Mexican cuisine is the focus at Etobicoke’s Corazon Agave (765 The Queensway). Pro move: Save room for the Pastel de Elote.
Q: Hey Scarborough, in search of a new Korean fried chicken joint? A: You’ve got a Dakgogi to call your very own now at Finch and Midland (3372 Midland Ave., Unit B112).
Fun fact: Hokubu Ramen in The Beaches (2250 Queen St. E.) boasts housemade noodles.
Dak-kkochi - aka Korean chicken skewers - are what’s up at HomeBase Chicken (550 Yonge St.) at Yonge and Wellesley.
Calling all beer lovers: The second outpost of local watering hole, Left Field Brewery, is now yours to discover in Liberty Village (40 Hanna Ave.).
Milestones Grill + Bar has emerged at the CF Eaton Centre (218 Yonge St.), taking over the footprint that has been Hendriks Restaurant & Bar since 2018, and prior to that, steakhouse chain from Montreal, Baton Rouge. Note: Entrance is currently from Yonge Street only.
A fixture in the Koreatown community for a few years now, Ninetails Coffee Bar extends its reach with a second Japanese-style cafe, this time in Chinatown at the edge of Kensington (398 Spadina Ave.).
OEB Breakfast + Brunch’s eggs benny, pancakes, breakfast poutines, and other victuals are now on offer at two Toronto locations - the latest dropped downtown (20 Toronto St., Unit 105) on Tuesday.
The offerings at O-neul in Koreatown (694 Bloor St. W.) include everything from Okonomiyaki ($18) and Squid Butter Yaki ($19) to Perilla Soba ($17), Grilled Pork Belly ($21) and soju. Bonus: Into music and movies? You’re in luck.
Penelope Social opens in Woodbridge (125 Hawkview Blvd.) tomorrow. Pro tip: You should go.
Hawaiian-inspired fare is happening in The Beaches, thanks to Poke Eats (1934 Queen St. E.).
Richmond Hill’s newest arrival Saray Turkish Restaurant (9737 Yonge St., Unit 217) is accompanied by spreads including Breakfast for One/Two ($24/60).
In under a year, Stacked Pancake House has made a lot of moves across the 6ix: Lately, in Woodbridge, Greektown and Richmond Hill. For hotcakes and other breakfasty items, check out their new set-up in Richmond Hill (12270 Yonge St.) and at Queen and Spadina (394 Queen St. W.).
Sumoki (18 Fred Varley Dr., Unit 9) is in soft opening. Discover casual bites (Kakiage, Age Mochi) and elevated fare (Uni and Duck Liver bowls) at Markham’s newest izakaya and yaiktori bar.
What to order at Utopia Waffle (7 Roncesvalles Ave.)? The Oreo Croffle is a popular choice.
Wang Lang (669 King St. W.) is the latest Thai concept from Michelin Recommended Koh Lipe and recent addition Som Tum Jinda. What to expect? Authentic dishes you won’t find elsewhere deftly executed by Chef Num-Oy.
Unionville’s Watercolour Mediterranean Restaurant (166 Main St.) doesn’t play. Caviar (30g/$120) and Wagyu ($130) lead the charge, however it’s not all high falutin fare . Discover Gnocchi ($27), Half Chicken ($34), B.C. King Salmon ($39) and other mains under $50 in Blacksmith’s Bistro former home.
Wings Up came on the scene last year and has been doing it up ever since. For drums, flats, chicken fingers, and other pub grub, head to their new branch in Oakville (358 Speers Rd.).
The Wolfe Tone Irish Pub kicks off Saturday in the Beaches (1961 Queen St. E.), in what was a short-lived piano bar.
CLOSED
Chicken N’ Dough (1706 Dundas St. E. Unit B) announced immediate closure of their first location in Mississauga due to “lease issues.”
The Civic Restaurant debuted on the ground floor of The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave.) in 2017 and went through a few changes before recently being converted to a private event space. Current dining options at the hotel: Bistro + Bar, open during the day, with The Rooftop available evenings and during the day on weekends.
After 60+ years, one of the last remaining diners in the city, Coach House Restaurant (574 Yonge St.) has shuttered.
Owner/chef Montree Tangkit’s Coco Rice Thai Cuisine (669 King St. W.) debuted at King and Bathurst in 2003, when Thai restaurants were few and fare between and long before regional Thai food caught on. It was Thai Select designated, awarded by the Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, to “guarantee the authenticity of Thai restaurants and Thai food products.”For what’s in its place, see above.
There’s something in the place of Markham’s Corner 20 Bakery & Cafe (18 Fred Varley Dr., Unit 9) now.
Following the recent closure of the Augusta location, Egg Bae shared the first and last remaining location will closeon Sunday. The egg sando shop got off the ground May 2018.
The space that was forever Queen and Roncy’s one-stop shop Greenfield Market (7 Roncesvalles Ave.) is home to something else now. Details above.
Hendriks Restaurant & Bar debuted at CF Eaton Centre (218 Yonge St.) in 2018.
Another chef-driven eatery comes to the end. Anna Gedalof and Rauni Whiteley’s The Ellery Market & Catering (1870 Danforth Ave.) has closed after three years.
While the Beaches branch of Genji Sushi (2250 Queen St. E.) has wrapped up, North York (2899 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 15) is up and running.
Milkcow Cafe (2651 Yonge St.), home of the viral watermelon ice cream sandwich and other Korean sweet treats, has come to a close here in the 6ix. A location remains in Richmond, British Columbia.
Ink Entertainment’s King West Peruvian destination Mira Restaurant (420A Wellington St. W.) is temporarily closed. The eatery’s outgoing message includes they’re “not taking any calls or reservations at this time” while closed for “immediate repairs,” and to “Please stay tuned for the new year.” The website is also currently not available. Did you know? After a lengthy closure, the resto group reopened Spanish resto Patria last week.
Koreatown’s Paldo Gangsan (694 Bloor St. W.) has been replaced with another Korean concept. Details above.
The Beaches Raj Palace Indian Cuisine (2214 Queen St. E.) Did you know? The addy was also previously home to Delhi Bistro.
Chinatown stalwart Rol Jui Seafood Restaurant (472 Dundas St. W.) has come to an end. For what’s there now, see last week’s edition.
Earlier this week The Rosedale Diner (1164 Yonge St.) announced closure at the end of the year. It was established in 1978.
The Veggie Thali’s li’l nook at Queen and Kingston Road (1712 Queen St. E.) started back in 2021. Visit them in North York at O’Connor and Victoria Park (1410 Victoria Park Ave.).
NEWS
Canada’s largest resto group has thoughts about the 2023 Fall Economic Statement.
The city is allocating more funds for the local small business community.
Food recall: Following a recent recall on Malichita cantaloupes, the Canadian government has issued a Public Health Notice regarding an Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to the fruit. [UPDATE 24.11.23: Secondary recalls have been issued for products made using recalled Malichita brand cantaloupe and produce items that were processed alongside them. This includes other fruit such as honeydew, pineapple, watermelon, and various fruit trays, as well as Rudy brand cantaloupes. As of November 24, there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in provinces across the country. Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Seventeen individuals have been hospitalized. One death has been reported.]
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