Open/Closed for week of June 23-29

It has been yet another exhilarating week in restaurant openings. And Jamie Oliver opening a restaurant at Yorkdale is just the beginning, so let’s get right to it!

Just opened:

Tilde Taco
699 Danforth Ave.

Tilde Taco had their soft opening on Wednesday, but there was a hiccup – they announced on Twitter their first dine and dash customer! Let’s hope that’s the first and last run for the border.

Portland Variety
587 King St. W.

Continuing their expansion on King Street, Portland Variety opened for dinner service and added onto their all-day café with a standing cocktail and pintxos (small plates) bar on Monday.

Chef Jo Catrinos’ menu includes a chilled seafood platter ($45); 22 oz Canadian AAA porcini rubbed blackened rib eye, with caramelized onions ($45); and crispy seared Cornish hen in piri piri sauce ($15/$25).

A patio and brunch to come this July. Stay tuned.

Eastside Social
1010 Queen St. E.

Specializing in "coastal fare and bevies," Eastside Social, a new seafood-centric resto, opened in Leslieville on Tuesday. Housemade Punch and Yorkshire Pudding Poutine are just a few of the inventive items on the menu.

The space, designed by co-owner Cherie Stinson, also a designer with world-renowned Yabu Pushelberg, is stunning, with dark walls and an exquisite banquette, with the bar on one side and dining room on the other.

A closer look is coming your way soon...

Kobo Nobu Japanese Cookhouse
786 Broadview Ave.

 Kobo Nobu is about to rock your world:

First of all, it's insanely convenient - it's directly across Broadview subway station, on Broadview, just north of the Danforth.

Secondly, Chef Nobu Yamada's menu is one of the first in Toronto to feature mostly organic, free range, local and seasonal items. With items like Wild Leek & Fiddlehead Tempura and housemade Mennonite Pork Sausage, who needs ramen? Actually their Kurume Tonkotsu Ramen is coming soon, so forget that...

This little unsuspecting place could very well change the landscape of Japanese food in the city. Wouldn't that be something?

Also now open:

Bakeries abound this week! Almond Butterfly, specializing in gluten-free items, opens today on Harbord, while Bake Them Pretty just made their debut a few steps away. A second location for  Bunner's Vegan & Gluten Free Bake Shop dropped in Kensington yesterday.

And speaking of baked goods, while Humble Pie & Pastries might not have a store yet, you can get insanely their addictive goodies (Hazelnut Spelt Shortbread, topped with raspberries and dark chocolate, Chili Chocolate Brownies, homemade pies, tarts + more)  at the lovely Creme Fraiche shop in Annette Village, that specializes in local, sustainable and fresh food.

And if gluten is the least of your allergies and/or sensitivities, you can now shop Feast, which opened yesterday, and focuses on foods free of the top 8 allergens.

Last Call:

Tonight is the last night for Swirl Wine Bar. No word on who’s taking over the space yet, but my guess is it won't take long, as Leslieville is one of the city's hottest spots to open right now.

Rumour Had It:

Psst, tt has been written that El Furniture Warehouse is opening July 1st. It’s not. However, Bacon Nation is! Check out our instagram, twitter & fb for what you'll be able to get porkwise, come holiday Tuesday.

And follow/like us while you're at it. You'll be greatly rewarded with the latest news on what restaurants are coming your way (we're excited about so many, including Quince's Little Sister Indonesian), live coverage at food events and festivals (we'll be at PintxosTO on Sunday!) and other juicy insider info (another famous chef is opening a restaurant in Toronto soon - you'll get the full story next week), so be sure to check our site daily + sign up for our newsletter - the week's news is neatly delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

And in other news: 

Pride continues through the weekend. Don't forget to eat! Check out my fave spots to eat in the Village .

All caught up in the World Cup? Here are the best places to catch the game.

Need to know where to eat on Canada Day? Here’s an extensive list of what's open holiday Tuesday.  

Reservations for Summerlicious opened last week, but you can start taking part in the pre-fixe frenzy next week. Get ready with my top 5 Summerlicious picks.

And be sure to start voting for your favourite Toronto restaurants. This is where you get to say where's best in the city!