OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News April 9-15, 2026
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
🕘 15.5 min read
Just when you think you’ve recovered from last week’s saga - and frankly what’s blown through this last while - a cyclone hits. Specifically, a month’s worth of arrivals in a single week (31), with a third in closures (11). As always, read to the end as food recalls persist.
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
In Scarborough and craving kebabs? Head to “Whitby's premier Afghan restaurant” Al-Nur Kebab House’s new outpost at Jane and Lawrence (1960 Lawrence Ave. W.).
TR Hot Tip: Carib Dish out of Barrie - known for everything from jerk chicken, oxtail, and curry goat to ribs and roti* - has made its way to the T-dot. Grand opening for the St. Clair and Old Weston Rd. branch (1828 St. Clair Ave. W., Unit 1) kicks off Saturday at 11am. *Fancy more options? Look to selections on the Caribbean-Canadian fusion menu.
Following recent news regarding the city’s largest indoor food market, word came down this week C’est What Brewing is now part of the lineup at the St Lawrence Market (93 Front St. E.). Soft launch for the new tap room and patio took place Tuesday. TR Trivia: The longstanding brewpub that’s been operating down the block in a cellar of a historic building (67 Front St. E.) celebrated 38 years last month.
Chaatokri lands in Etobicoke (6628 Finch Ave. W., Unit 1) with addictive Indian street food faves. Think churma, sev puri and pani puri, in addition to cheese and dahi puris.
Little Italy’s main drag is getting more vibrant by the second. Latest alluring rendezvous to the buzzy strip: Chez Wa (617 College St.): Part wine and sake bar (A strong start), part bottle shop (Imma need a bigger tote) and quarters to Wine Pairing Company, still in soft opening. Steps from Bar Pompette, Danny’s Pizza Tavern, and Danny’s Next Door, with Birreria Volo across the way, this block is the place to be. (Bye Ossington?) See you there/Save me a seat. p.s. If anyone’s giving out awards for cutest logo, this one deserves top spot.
In need of a caffeine fix while stocking up on camo cargos, barrel jeans, Trader Joe’s or alo tote, and ironic rock tees? (Duuude, you’ve never heard a single Def Leppard track.) Chinese java co. Cotti Coffee joins Dufferin Mall (900 Dufferin St., Food Court). Maybe you’re familiar with some of their other spots around town?
Deccan House debuts today at Ellesmere and Kennedy (1885 Kennedy Rd.) with halal Hyderabadi eats including fragrant curries, Bhimavaram Mix Pulao, Egg Fry Biryani, and Rasmalai.
There’s a new “taco grill” in town. For tacos, burritos, nachos and other Mexican fare, head east of the Don to El Cazo Restaurant at Queen and Saulter (780 Queen St. E.). Wait, wasn’t it already a taco joint? Details below.
Enoteca Rossio (1544 Dupont St.) is the latest Italian joint with not-so-secret accompanying speakeasy. Find it at Landsdowne and Dupont.
Introducing Koreatown’s new green grocer: Fresh Picked Fresh Produce & Flowers (580 Bloor St. W.). Did you know? It was a similar outfit prior. Details below.
Is this the city’s first Indian wok bar? Hakka & Co. just opened but already claims to be the “finest Indian Hakka in Toronto downtown!’ Head to The Village (555 Church St.) to investigate further.
It almost feels like stalking at this point, but tracking Heal Wellness’ movements is in my job description. Find their latest site stacked with nutrition-packed smoothies and bowls in The Annex (380 Bloor St. W.). Grand opening kicks off Saturday at 10am.
Hes Lounge (550 Queens Quay W, Unit 12) brings Persian and global flavours to the water’s edge. TR Trivia: It takes over from former venture, Blonboom Bar & Restaurant.
Discover a trifecta of Indian treats and eats at Midland and Sheppard. See: The Juice Point, The Curry Point, The Chai Point (8 Glen Watford Dr.) for fresh juices, aromatic curries, and chai.
TR Hot Tip: “Thai Pulled Tea” has arrived at Yonge and Grosvenor. Check out the traditional hand-pulled street tea of Southern Thailand at KHEM Thai Tea nestled with counterpart Hi Hoi Tod (home of the famed crunchy Thai fried oyster omelette) inside Thai Mart (496 Yonge St.) - Which btw despite its compact space offers an excellent range of snacks and pantry items. TR Pro Tip: I’m not sure how to combine it all into one trip, but I’d add in dessert from Kati Thai Gelato and don’t sleep on HHT’s Khao Man Gai - aka Hainanese Chicken at HHT either.
Make plans for KIIK MX (1740 St Clair. Ave. W.) right now: Authentic Huasteca-style Pipián Enchiladas with Chicken Milanesa (or pork chop) await at St. Clair near Old Weston Rd. TR Tracker: In close proximity to Carib Dish (above), now it’s practically a food tour…
Lonch-Time at Lansdowne and Bloor (1275 Bloor St. W.) is one of those places that once you see all that’s on offer, you start planning your next visit mid-shop. First there’s the traditional Mexican torta, and how can you pass up Comida Corrida featuring a main (protein), two sides (rice or pasta, soup or cream), Mexican-style smashed beans, salsa, and tortillas? You’ll see. TR Trivia: The building once housed Pravda Tattoo on the second floor.
Authentic Korean pork bone soup HQ Mapo Gamjatang Bloor has set down roots in the heart of Koreatown (630 Bloor St. W.).
Offset Bar dropped into a modern setting at Yonge and Wellesley (530 Yonge St.) so recently, grand opening celebrations are still in effect. Curious what was there before? Details below.
Pho in Love in Richmond Hill (9021 Leslie St.) says it’s “Not just pho... it's a vibe.” Maybe, as it comes with its own wine bar.
I was first to report the empty space on Wellington (155 Wellington St. W.) last year. It wasn’t long before Riley’s Fish & Steak announced it was set to take over. Doors for the Vancouver resto’s T.O. destination opens today. TR Quick Backstory: The luxe spot is part of Glowbal Restaurant Group that boasts numerous west coast establishments, Michelins and other awards, and counts King West’s Black+Blue as part of its vast portfolio.
Sarah & Tom (682 Bloor St. W.) moved up the street again. New coordinates for “Toronto's No.1 K-Pop store!”, this time ‘round includes book-lined shelves, cafe seating, and fun snacks by way of popcorn and ice cream. TR Tracker: Do you remember the old location in KTown? The first in ‘09 was focused on Japanese stationery (Kerropi, anyone?). A shop on Yonge, Just You (Too) launched in 2012. (since shuttered) and they’ve since expanded outside the city, including Hamilton and Quebec.
In need of noods? Szechuan Noodle Bowl brings its Sichuan fare to Bloorcourt (1030 Bloor St. W.) Did you know? They also have outposts in Mississauga and Hamilton. And the one at Bloor and Bathurst? While still listed on their website, it gave way to a Tim Hortons a while back.
Tacomania delivers “Mexico in every bite” at Yonge and Isabella (668 Yonge St.).
Tandoori Boys claims to have the “Best Tandoori in Brampton, Mississauga and Orangeville.” Put it to the test at their new digs in Mississauga (3221 Derry Rd. W., Unit 19).
Those Guys’ halal burger and fried chicken popup last summer at Crossroad Kafe (262 Christie St.) went so well, they’re back at it as of tomorrow, though geographic coordinates has changed: Those Guys Burgers & Chicken is happening inside 2024’s BKookie’s Cafe (579 College St.) between Manning and Clinton.
Speaking of Crossroad Kafe (262 Christie St.), the space is hosting something new in the evenings. Say hello to Tuntun's, serving up homemade grub including dumplings, tacos, and burgers.
Uptown Cravings lands in Oakville (2387 Trafalgar Rd., Unit B7) with a bit of everything: bowls, wraps, burritos, salads, smoothies and other healthy-ish eats.
AYCE joints are def on the rise. VBow Pho Mi & More soft launched on Saturday. In Little Italy of all places (650 College St.). p.s. Similar to last week’s edition, a grilling joint replaced another. What are the chances?
Mediterranean plates, bevies, and tunes are popping off in Mississauga’s Vice Lounge (1852 Lakeshore Rd. W.) TR Trivia: The addy was once a Mexican joint that asserted it was home to “Real Mexican Nachos.”
Scarborough’s Zafraan Indian & Pakistani Cuisine brings its magic to the downtown core. Guess where? Ever-changing Queen and Bathurst (671 Queen St. W.), taking over the space of a brief burger biz. Grand opening is tomorrow.
CLOSED
Another indie grocer downtown got nixed: Yonge and Wellesley’s B’Cen Fruit Boutique (506 Yonge St.).
Legacy sub shop straight outta Lawrence Park, Belly Buster Submarines set out for The Annex (380 Bloor St. W.) Winter ‘23. Three locations including the original, remain throughout the city.
Distillery District’s Boku spread its wings to Yonge and Wellesley (530 Yonge St.) during the pandemic (Was that the ‘sanitizing vegetables and boxes’ stage?). While the latter’s been 86’d, the one at the historic attraction is still going strong.
It’s too late to get into the Asian eats (Bang Bang Shrimp, Korean Fried Chicken, Japchae) at District 9 Snack Bar in Trinity Bellwoods (1193 Dundas St. W.). Psst. Is Banh Mi Le Anh moving in with its famed $5 sandos? Stay tuned.
Breakfast ventures have been rushing in and out lately, so you may not have got your farewell in at Eggsmart in Scarborough’s Bridlewood Mall (3268 Finch Ave. E.) before doors closed.
Fresh & Wild Food Market, a fixture at the corner of King and Spadina (69 Spadina Ave.) since 2007, has shuttered for good. Hang tight, t’s not all bad news: The F&W folks are launching a “new-concept store” in its place. In their words: A “modern and elevated neighbourhood market experience at the same convenient location that’s already familiar.” Watch this space.
I introduced you to Istanblue Mediterranean Restaurant (668 Yonge St.) Summer ‘24.
Jabbar Bhai Biriyani (1885 Kennedy Rd.) welcomed guests December 2024 with Chennai & Ambur style biryani.
La Carnita’s are being picked off one by one. First, the OG in Little Italy (Sound on: The Tip Off 17), followed by Riverside (780 Queen St. E.) - est 2015 - without a peep, leaving three LC’s in the city. For what replaced it seemingly overnight, see openings above.
Thong Lor Thai* (555 Church St.) was fairly new in the Village. Luckily, sibling Si Lom Thai Bistro is conveniently located across the street (534 Church St.). *Also went by Thong Lor Thai Grilled Bar.
Village Market (580 Bloor St. W.) was such a constant presence in Koreatown, can you even recall what was there before? Update: The addy’s already home to something else, though practically a facsimile. Deets above.
NEWS
According to news reports, Friday night’s shooting at Old Avenue Restaurant was the “12th target of antisemitic violence.” An arrest has been made.
Head’s up OpenTable, Tock, et al : Google AI is coming for reservation platforms.
The latest food recalls: Alarjawi Royal Zaatar recalled due to Salmonella, Certain cheese products recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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