OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News February 26-March 4, 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
🕘 17 min read
Last week’s lineup was a doozy. Talk about big shoes to fill. Will this edition keep pace? You’ve got to read it to believe it. The month closes out heavy with 34 establishments: 18 arrivals and nearly as many closures (16), clocking in at 17 minutes to get through the damn thing, resulting in one of the many record-breakers in OPEN/CLOSED history. See for yourself.
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
Health-focused grocery store replete with organic and natural foods Ambrosia Natural Foods opens east side tomorrow - Queen west of Coxwell (1557 Queen St. E.). TR Sneak Peek: Workers were still stocking shelves when I checked it out earlier tonight.
Speaking of supermarkets, a restaurant just landed next to one downtown, making going to get groceries waaay more fun. Bairradino Churrasqueira, in operation since 1993, has been serving up heaps of good Portuguese eats on Landsdowne north of Bloor (662 Lansdowne Ave.) Think Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup), Bean & Tripe Stew, Cod Fish Casserole, and Portuguese Poutine (Crispy fries layered with fresh cheese curds, shredded chicken, and smoky Portuguese chorizo, topped with gravy). PSA: Discover the second BC down the street at the corner of Dundas and Landsdowne, next to the big No Frills (222 Lansdowne Ave., Unit B),. Did you know? It’s where Fahmee Bakery called home up until recently. TR Pro Tip: Get in on FB’s patties and other good stuff at their digs in Scarborough’s Malvern Town Centre (31 Tapscott Rd.).
Bar Volo’s Bottega Caffè and Bottega Volo are now in full effect inside Little Italy’s historic The Royal Theatre (608 College St.). Find the cafe in the theatre’s lobby (608 College St.) complete with seating, baked goods. In the afternoon, sandwiches and aperitivi are also on offer. The bottle shop, previously situated in the lobby, is now next door (606 College St.). Bonus: Both are just steps away from their long-running wine bar and beer hall, Birreria Volo (612 College St.). TR Fun Fact: Bottega Volo is across the concessions in the evenings.
Chachee’s Chai Cafe has reason to celebrate these days. The Canadian co.’s Desi street food-filled cafes can be found throughout the GTA. Now in two additional markets: Mississauga at Hurontario and 401 (90 Annagem Blvd., Unit V3) and Markham at Armadale Square (7690 Markham Rd., Unit 2C).
Champion Döner boasts locations across the GTA and Montreal. For those in York vicinity, the Turkish eatery has joined the lengthy resto lineup at Kitchen Hub (1121 Castlefield Ave.), making “every day döner day” entirely doable.
Comal Y Leña at the corner Runnymede and St. Clair (2461 St Clair Ave. W.) is your new destination for pupusas. Did you know? It takes over the space where another popular pupuseria was perched. Details below.
“Experience Persia, refined.” This is the credo of Yonge and Sheppard’s Denj Restaurant and Bar (4852 Yonge St,). TR Hot Tip: This extends to the cocktail program as well.
Sandwich shops are everywhere these days - a whack of them born in the ... (cue Bruce.) Firehouse Subs, for instance,i has swiftly taken over the GTA with their handhelds these last few years, the latest at a mall in Thornhill. Visit Promenade Shopping Centre (1 Promenade Cir.).
Since debuting in 2017, Isaan Der - Thai Kitchen & Bar has been setting up all over the GTA In 2021, they moved to Queen and Broadview, taking over Ruby Watchco’s former stomping grounds (730 Queen St. E.), and are relocating once again, In December, I let you in on their plans to launch in Chinatown. Newsflash: Doors are now open (327 Spadina Ave.). p.s. TR Tracker: Moving into their old haunt on Queen East, where RWC stood for over a decade? Lamoon Thai Kitchen & Coffee, the latest from Lamoon Thai Cafe that just shuttered not far in East Chinatown. Stay tuned for opening details.
ISO Korean fried chicken in the west end? Look no further than Ondak, the new K-chicken concept in The Junction (2800 Dundas St. W.). Grand opening celebrations are Sunday with 20 per cent of all boneless chicken menu items. TR Trivia: How do they get that maximum crunch? Double frying.
Red sauce joints aren’t as common as they used to be. So if its noods you’re after, Pastalia (1180 Queen St. W.) might be for you. The new venture at Queen near Dufferin is all about customization - Pick your pasta, size, sauce, protein, and toppings. Not the best at making decisions? Select a signature bowl such as The Pasiano (Fettuccine Alfredo, truffle mushroom purée, roast beef, Parmesan), The Roman Holiday (Bucatini, bolognese, roasted mushrooms, baby Mozzarella), and for those who want to kick it up a notch, Chorizo Inferno (Rigatoni, spicy arrabbiata, chorizo, Parmesan). TR Fun Fact: Pups can get in on the fun with the ‘Pawsta Lover’ featuring fresh pasta topped with Salmon Sprinkle or Savory Liver Dust.
Jamaican patties have been in the spotlight lately and lucky for us, more destinations for one of the best on-the-go snacks are being added all the time. Patties Express at Yorkdale’s Dine On 3 Food Court (3401 Dufferin St.), for instance. This marks the eighth location in Ontario for the local chain.
Psst. Your next favourite wine bar (“of sorts” they insist) just touched down at Brock and Dundas in what was a nail salon. See you at Pinot Grouchio’s (1609 Dundas St. W.). Bonus: It’s open seven days a week with new selections daily.
Requinte Restaurant arrives at Caledonia and St. Clair West (1480 St Clair Ave. W., Unit 1) with traditional Portuguese fare: Chouriço Assado (Grilled Portuguese sausage), Risotto de Lulas (Squid risotto), Bacalhau à Casa (House-style cod), Bife à regional dos Açores (Azorean-style steak), and for dessert, Leite-creme (Portuguese style crème brûlée), and Paba de Camelo - which translates to “Camel Drool.” Bonus: A kid’s menu. Did you know? The new eatery moved into where O Espeta Restaurant was until doors closed due to fire Fall ‘24.
Rock’N Deli entered the Ontario market a while back, however there hasn’t been much to report until fairly recently. Surprise! Oakville, RND’s Montreal smoked meat sammies, smash burgers, poutines, and other halal items are now within reach (530 Speers Rd.).
Mississauga’s Uncle Jacks (1065 Canadian Pl., Unit 116) is in soft opening. The all-American creamery “where flavour meets perfection” specializes in comfort fare, by way of burgers, waffles, shakes and more.
This just in: Authentic Thai noods are in effect at the corner of Queen and John. See: 555 Boat Noodles (252 Queen St. W.). This marks the third location in the 6ix for the local brand. For what it replaced, see below.
CLOSED
Amma Momo House in The Beaches (2326 Queen St. E.) was known for its array of Indian, Chinese, and Nepalese dishes. Psst. The space is about to welcome Mexico Lindo Restaurant. If that name sounds familiar, you might know them from previous incarnations in Leaside, East York, on the Danny,* and currently operating in Scarborough, Ajax, and Whitby. *It’s WILD to look back at what was happening Summer 2017.
Midtown’s The Celtic Irish Pub (1954 Yonge St.) and on the second floor Nevizade Kitchen + Bar are currently “closed for renovation.” TR Tracker: Coming soon: Second Story.
Gaia Burger (671 Queen St. W.), later known as Gaia Burger & Shawarma, settled at Queen and Bathurst fairly recently. Loyal readers already know - As my diligent, vigorous reporting illustrates, the activity at the corner of Queen and Bathurst in the last few years has been off the charts - See what the streetscape looked like just two years ago. As for what’s next on the block? Watch this space.
Earlier this week, Geste Croissanterie & Bistro (506 Queen St. W.) announced immediate closure of their brick-and-mortar location at Queen and Portland, though the French bakery went on the market a while back.* Note: Their made-from-scratch products are available through other retailers. TR Tracker: The news comes hot on the heels of the temporary closure of their neighbour one door over - see last week’s edition for the scoop - and next door to them, Pho 90 closed for the afternoon on February 9 due to “security issues.” *TR Trivia: Do you remember their on-site Desi Snack Bar?
Despite being positioned in a high-traffic area and offering Cubanos, empanadas, and salchipapa, Havana Sanguich came and went from Queen and John (252 Queen St. W.) in a flash.
Bad news: Honeymoon Dessert in Markham (3828 Highway 7, Unit 2) is coming to a close next month - Final day is March 29. Good news x 2: 1. The shop downtown (460 Spadina Ave., Unit A) is ready to serve you. 2. New locations are underway.
Stretches of Etobicoke’s Lake Shore are littered with empty, papered up structures. Add JJ's Bar and Lounge (2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) to the list.
Canary District’s Lisbon Hotel (19 Lawren Harris Sq.) is the latest to join the roster of bars and restos temporarily closed for a “refresh.” Doors are slated to reopen this spring.
Luna Junction (2800 Dundas St. W.) served the community Mediterranean and Portuguese fare for 28 years before doors closed. For what’s there now, pop up top.
On Monday, Maker Pizza shared the immediate closure of the Bloor location (995 Bloor St. W.)* that launched Q1 2022. This is the latest movement for the popular pizzeria that shuttered Avenue Road mere weeks ago. In the pipeline: Yonge/Eg and just announced, Mississauga. Other establishments linked with chef Matty Matheson have closed at a quick clip lately - Cà Phê Rang last month and Bar Clams at the end of the year - with simultaneous launches firing off both near - a new Maker on Carlaw in November - and far - followed by The Iron Cow Public House at Hamilton’s new TD Coliseum in December. *Omg, remember when this addy was home to a crazy cartoon cat concept?
End of an era. After much acclaim, a host of celebrities, and over 40 years of service, iconic Nami Japanese Restaurant (55 Adelaide St. E.) announced doors are closing March 7.
Welp. It’s too late to stock up or get in goodbyes at Salvadoran pupuseria San Sivar (2461 St Clair Ave, W.). Luckily the folks that moved in, have got you covered. Details above.
After seven years, Mississauga’s dessert shop Snowies Bingsu (169 Dundas St. E.) is switching things up. Doors have closed until their relaunch as Snowies Cafe. I’ll keep you posted.
Before taking over the GTA with their candied fruit skewers, Tanghulu Tanghulu started out on these Entertainment District streets - Queen and John (252 Queen St. W, Unit 2) in 2024, to be exact. The shop is currently undergoing renovations (I told you it was a popular move right now). They ask that you visit their “express” location down the block at 322 Queen St. W. in the meantime.
It’s becoming a more common practice for establishments that are ‘closed for renovations,’ to move to shuttering for good. (Otherside Pizzeria, one of many.) The latest example I’ve documented is Yalla by Paramount on the Danforth (541 Danforth Ave.). Launched just last year, it replaced yet another shawarma spot. Third time’s a charm?
NEWS
On Monday, local Japanese chain Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar took to social media “asking for FAIR TREATMENT from Mohari Hospitality and 1 Hotel — now,” claiming the entrance to their downtown location at 1 Hotel Toronto (550 Wellington St. W.) was blocked and their sign removed. In the post, the restaurant boasting nine locations across the province, asks for these to be restored, in addition to “fair compensation for the damages and business losses we have experienced,” and includes a photo of people with signs outlining their requests, ending with “Stand with Hibachi Restaurant.” TR Exclusive: This is not the first time this has occurred. On Sunday August 14, 2022, I passed by the hotel and restaurant where two signs had been pitched. (Pictured below). I immediately reached out to the restaurant and hotel and was told the matter had been resolved. The signs were removed shortly thereafter. Years later, according to the restaurant, the issue persists.
Signs pitched outside Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar and 1 Hotel Toronto (550 Wellington St. W.) on August 14, 2022.
Photos by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
Darby Piquette was at the helm of Yorkville’s One Restaurant for as long as I can remember. Now battling Stage 4 kidney disease along with other issues, a GoFundMe campaign for the Toronto chef has been launched to help with expenses.
Tuesday marked the first Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day.
U.S. celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s chain Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is Toronto bound. News the first Canadian outpost and flagship is joining The Well (437 Wellington St. W.) this summer dropped earlier this week. Locations are also slated to open across the country. Stay tuned for details.
News Loblaws’ Superstore had to cough up $10K for incorrectly promoting food as “Product of Canada,” preceded the announcement the behemoth Canadian grocer is about to expand at an exponential rate. Did you know? I include news of independent supermarkets and green grocers in the OPEN/CLOSED every chance I get. #supportlocal
Latest food recalls: Kendamil Infant Formula with whole milk recalled due to cereulide toxin.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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