OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News February 12-18, 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
🕘 9.5 min read
Mid-February brings with it a slew of enticing eats from 16 destinations, some heavily themed, others based around items you just won’t be able to get outta your head. Is there a time of day you’re not thinking of Buffalo wings, banh mi, and/or rotisserie chicken? SAME.
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
Grand opening for Andrea’s Cookies Oakville branch (270 Lakeshore Rd. E.) is happening today at noon. This marks the fourth location for Andrea Christensen’s weekly drop of her hefty confections in six varieties, following a launch in Midtown last summer and on the buzzy Ossington strip Fall ‘24.* *Logged first on the inagural episode of my podcast and IG.
Buffalo-themed establishments isn’t something I’ve seen much of, if at all, during my career chronicling restaurants. The Elmwood changes that in one fell swoop with wings done true Buffalo style - aka “crispy, saucy” available in just four flavours. The tight menu squeezes in a duo of Montreal-style hot dogs, and single side, Big Fries. Doors opened yesterday in Etobicoke at Royal York and The Queensway (753 The Queensway).
Speaking of themes, there’s nothing this city loves more, especially when it’s made with your Insta feed in mind. And like the aforementioned wing destination, this too is a rare one. Introducing airplane-themed cafe and cocktail lounge FlyMood Cafe and Lounge in soft opening in The Annex (533 Bloor St. W.). No need to pack your bags. Simply pretend you’re amongst the clouds with no delays, weather advisories, passenger issues, boarding pass required, or stuck on the tarmac, courtesy of a backdrop and setup meant to make you feel like you’re mid-flight as you tuck in to Turkish coffee and fare.
Calling all sweet tooths: I Am A Cake launched downtown (67 Shuter St.) on Tuesday with Asian-inspired sweets. Think cream madeleines, cakes, and chewy Dubai chocolate cookies. Drool.
Dufferin Mall’s food court (900 Dufferin St.) remained largely in stasis until fairly recently. More contemporary additions - dirty sodas via Fiiz Drinks, candied fruit skewers à la Tanghulu Tanghulu - help keep the destination more relevant, Enter KIBO Market stocked with sushi, prepared foods for takeaway, and assorted snacks.
Psst. Premium shisha, mocktails, and “cozy vibes” have arrived the Entertainment District. Discover King Social Lounge at the corner of King and John, tucked above the space including new occupant Thairoomgrand (301 King St. W., 2nd Fl.).
I reported Koko Fino (3 Carlton St.) was on the approach last month. Update: The chicken joint at Yonge and College that took over Rolltation’s footprint debuted Saturday. Offerings: Poultry prepared three ways - burgers, broasted, and rotisserie.
Kensington Market has been changing things ups on the regular recently. Meet new neighbour La Bikina Mexican Street Food (210 Augusta Ave.) boasting a mouth-watering lineup of sopas, tamales, and other good eats.
Lahori Desi Restaurant delivers “Desi vibes” and “taste of Lahore” in the heart of Gerrard India Bazaar (1602 Gerrard St. E.). Expect halal fare such as Chicken Biryani, Loaded Chicken Wrap, Shahi Haleem, and Signature Pasta. Did you know? The restaurant moved into what was previously clothing store, The Little Bangladesh.
There’s rarely been an edition of the OPEN/CLOSED lately that hasn’t featured at least one banh mi place. Keeping the tradition alive: Lo Banh Mi Tan Khanh at Dufferin and Wilson (748 Wilson Ave.), loaded with the viral Vietnamese victuals.
A few months back, I gave you the inside track to Toronto’s own Lost Craft Brewery’s new locale. Newsflash: Grand opening for the brewery, taproom, bottle shop, kitchen and patio in Canary District (482 Front St. E.) kicks off today. TR Trivia: LCB focuses on session style craft beer - lower alcohol content, they’re the only craft brewery in the city that’s a Certified B Corp, and Toronto's first collaborative irl brewery with High Park Brewery.
It’s been a minute since Mad Radish increased its presence in the 6ix. Starting Wednesday, the healthy quick service Ontario chain is bringing its globally-inspired bowls, burritos, salads to Liberty Village (171 East Liberty St.). Celebrations include $10 bowls & burritos all day, and the first 50 customers receive a free t-shirt.
Halal skewers and noodles are happening at Native Chicken Rice Noodle in North York (15 Northtown Way, Unit 30). Bonus: Pick your spice level. How high will you go?
Chef Marc Thuet’s new digs on the east side are so close to the old one (235 Carlaw Ave.) you don’t even have to throw on a jacket to travel from the former Petit Thuet (235 Carlaw Ave.) to new addy in Leslieville (181A Carlaw Ave.). Head to the bakery and cafe for everything from croissants and bread to sandwiches and prepared foods. TR Fun Fact: His cookbook is part of my gift guide of cookbooks by top Toronto chefs and restaurants.
TR Hot Tip: Finer dining Vietnamese just dropped at Baldwin Village. Petite Lune Saigon (31 Baldwin St,.) softly launches on Saturday/ Valentine’s Day, where Soya Mandarin Kitchen resided until recently.
Attention tea lovers: TeaByDo is now available in Canada. Find the first site of the tea brand out of China in North York north of Sheppard (5203 Yonge St.). Grand opening festivities to take place this week with deals and giveaways.
CLOSED
Hound House (501 Queen St. W., Unit 100) came on the scene around this time last year, accompanied by a ton of buzz. The expansive design-forward inclusive space was made for the “modern dog owner,” complete with indoor dog park and social club, doggo daycare, fido-friendly co-working space, private members’ club, and open to the public café and bar.
One of the city’s last diners, Patrician Grill (219 King St. E.) is permanently closing. Co-owners and brothers-in-law Terry Papas and Chris Slifkas announced on Sunday the beloved haunt’s final day is Saturday May 9. p.s. For a little back story, check out my article celebrating their 50th anniversary.
NEWS
Latest food recalls: Al Kanater Halawa with Pistachio recalled due to Salmonella, Certain Stellar Bay Shellfish Oysters recalled due to norovirus.
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