OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News April 3-9, 2025
The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest 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 min read
Ice storm then patio weather? It’s wild out there. Welcome to spring in the 6ix. And that goes for the comings and goings as well. You’’ll notice less arrivals than usual logged below - that’s all thanks to the influx of closures and breaking news.
And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Chains are not impervious to closures. Case in point: Popeyes at one of the busiest corners downtown, Queen and Spadina (400 Queen St. W.), is just one example of many.
NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.
Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? Keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start), listen to THE TIP OFF, a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on the new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates, and subscribe to the TR Newsletter.
Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Standard Time (165 Geary Ave., 2nd Floor Unit A), one of the city’s top spots for food, music, dancing, discourse and shopping for vinyl, is about to add ‘bar’ to its repertoire beginning April 3. No doubt the Geary Hub Bar Standard going to be one of THE places to be. See you there. Psst. I gave you the head’s up on my podcast last month. Hear for yourself on The Tip Off - Edition 14 on my new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST available on on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and other platforms where you get your podcasts. TR Pro Tip: Watch/Listen to Episode One of the podcast for my onsite interview with two talented Toronto chefs who participated in Standard Time’s epic ‘Plates’ series.
Rosedale’s Coco Market just added to the fam. Find their second health and wellness shop Uptown (2549 Yonge St.) stocked with plenty of snacks, pantry items and home goods.
Calling all dessert lovers: Choco Choo arrives at the edge of Cabbagetown (249 Gerrard St. E.) with sweet treats galore. Think ice cream, cake, and brownies, and the like.
Nashmi joins The Food Alley (615 Queen St. W.), the outdoor food court that debuted on Queen between Bathurst and Portland last year. On the menu: Halal Jordanian food. Grand opening is Saturday.
Nepal India Curry House brings Nepalese and Indian dishes together under one roof in Roncy Village (167 Roncesvalles Ave.), including rich curries, pillowy naan, momos and other comfort fare.
Scarlett at Queen and Portland (571 Queen St. W.) has reopened after a liquor licence suspension launched on March 26.
As I reported last month, St. Lawrence Market’s first Saturday Farmers’ Market in the long-awaited North Building (92 Front St. E.) is happening this weekend.
TOOR Hotel (203 Jarvis St.), part of JdV by Hyatt, debuted today just north of Moss Park Armoury. The “upscale” hotel was created by Canadian hotelier Sukhdev Toor and according to a release, “represents the values Canadians are known for globally – hospitality and approachability.” The 33-storey property boasts 232 guest rooms and suites, 181 premium residential rental units, 1,500 sq. ft. fitness centre and yoga studio, valet parking, and other amenities. On-site dining destination Muse Bistro + Bar offers French-inspired dishes for breakfast and dinner.
24 7Even (385 Queen St. W.) isn’t just any ‘round the clock convenience store. In addition to gum, pop, chips and other on-the-go items, there’s “live ramen” (self-serve station), beef patties, and steamed dumplings. TR Blast From the Past: Hand’s up if you remember when this addy was Barney's Open Kitchen.
CLOSED
Another Yorkville resto has shuttered, but not for long. After more than 17 years in the neighbourhood in two locations (17A Yorkville Ave., 90 Avenue Rd.) Blu Ristorante has upped sticks. The fine dining Italian eatery is setting up shop in the Entertainment/Theatre District. Doors are slated to open across from Roy Thomson Hall in early June (214 King St. W.). If you listened to The Tip Off Edition 15, you’d already know. p.s. It’s moving into Signature Fine Dining Restaurant’s recently vacated space, what was years ago, an Il Fornello.
The Food Alley on Queen near Bathurst (615 Queen St. W.) is a recent addition, however one of its vendors, Burning Pizza, is currently closed for renovations.
Chelowich Kabab moved into Roncy Village (167 Roncesvalles Ave.) in 2023.
Chez Paul Crêperie set up shop on Queen West (833 Queen St. W.) a few years back too.
BREAKING NEWS: A restaurant with Michelin ties and a ton of buzz has come and gone in a flash. I Am Doner, the U.K. chain of “award-winning crafted kebabs and bowls” made its debut in the North American market here in the 6ix a few months ago. Founder chef Paul Baron nabbed headlines both here in the Great White North and abroad, with the first site at Queen and Spadina (433 Queen St W.) pushed to the front of the news cycle - the term “Michelin-trained” chef was everywhere - however if you read my OPEN/CLOSED, you know the market is crowded with places vying for your attention and hard-earned dollars, awards or not. The last post on social was March 11, but the location has already shuttered and is up for lease. A kiosk in the Yonge & Sheppard Centre (4841 Yonge St.) and a Pickering location were also originally scheduled to open. As per the website, North York is “coming soon.” Note: The Yonge & Sheppard Centre spot (4841 Yonge St.) opened three months ago. Listen to this and other exclusive intel in The Tip Off Edition 15.
imperfect Fresh Eats has unveiled locations all across the city and GTA over the years. The one at Queen and Spadina (477 Queen St. W.)? Concluded. Comin’ in hot? Verso Sandwich Co.
It if feels like International Food Garden just opened at Queen and Bathurst (657 Queen St. W.), it did.
While One Pound’s digs north of Davisville (1960 Yonge St., 2nd Fl.) are wrapping up on Saturday, another location is in the works. Watch this space.
The movement in Yorkville these days is off the charts, including temporary closures. Paros (119 Yorkville Ave.), a relatively new addition, was lauded by the glitterati when it opened the end of September 2023. The Greek restaurant and bar is closed for now, slated to reopen “soon.”
Slayer Burger’s Midtown home comes to an end on March 30. To get in on the hard rock inspired fare, head to locations in East York (1400 O’Connor Dr.) and near Queen and Broadview across from The Opera House (739 Queen St. E.).
St. Lo (26 Market St.) arrived in the St. Lawrence Market ‘hood in 2021. It’s coming to a close as of April 27.
NEWS
On Monday, news reports potential measles exposure on train and at local restaurant.
Following the recent news of Bisha Hotel bought by Mariott, Hotel X Toronto is joining the the Destination by Hyatt brand,
As previously reported, Hooters files for bankruptcy. As for how this affects the Toronto and Canadian locations, a spokesperson replied via email: “The events going on in the U.S.A. has no impact on our Canadian stores.”
The UofT Food Coalition calls for university support.
Latest food recalls: Aladdin Foods Lean Ground Beef recalled due to E. coli O103, Greenworld Fine Foods Tahini-Rashi recalled due to undeclared peanut, Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt and Everything Bar recalled due to presence of stones. UPDATE 07.04.25: Fiorfiore Spaghetti and Linguine recalled due to presence of insects. 08.04.25: M&M Food Market Brazilian Style Picanha Steaks and Marc Angelo Carnitas recalled due to pieces of wood, SupHerb Farms IQF Cilantro Large recalled due to pieces of wood.]
ICYMI
This week’s 5 exclusive and breaking news stories include some big surprises. THIS JUST IN: A popular area is about to get a dining destination made for tourists and locals alike, update on a beloved watering hole, big changes in Yorkville (again) and the Entertainment District, and BREAKING NEWS about a buzzy resto with Michelin ties. Listen to the latest edition of THE TIP OFF, (Edition 15) a supplement to my OPEN/CLOSED featuring breaking exclusives, sneak peeks, hot tips + the week’s top stories and events like you’ve never seen - or heard - before in 3 minutes or less on my new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and other platforms where you get your podcasts. p.s. While some items may appear in the OPEN/CLOSED, others will be reported here exclusively for the first time. TR Pro Tip: Follow and subscribe because you’re not going to believe what’s coming next.
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