OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News January 1-7, 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

🕘 8.5 min read

Coffeeshops and cafes continue to reign, with a few finer dining establishments entering the mix, providing clothing comfort levels from sweatpants to harder varieties. Perfect.

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

Alpha’s Shawarma’s new digs at Queen and McCaul (230 Queen St. W.) aren’t far from the one that arrrived at the crazy corner that is Queen and Bathurst* in 2023, followed by a recent addition at King and Portland. *See how much the strip has changed in just a few years.

Silog and Ilocos Empanadas are just the beginning of the good stuff happening at Basi Restaurant (3795 Bathurst St.) in North York’s Little Manila.

Authentic Italian caffé Comella Caffe inside Markham’s Garden Basket (9271 Markham Rd.) celebrated grand opening on Saturday. Reasons to visit: Focaccia sandos, croissants, made-in-store cannoli, handcrated gelato, and other sweet treats.

One of the biggest footprints on the Danforth just debuted a new concept. Dhoom (417 Danforth Ave.) kicked off grand opening on Tuesday. The modern Indian restaurant and bar offers an all-day experience starting with breakfast and brunch through to dinner and cocktails, taking over the sweeping space where Louis Cifer stood for a decade. Hands up if you remember when it was Greek nightlife spot Myth?

Fluff Me Up (800 Danforth Ave.) touched down east of Pape in what was recently a West African destination. Grand opening for the coffee/dessert/flower shop is Saturday.

Head to Gulab Fine Eats (1842 Lakeshore Rd. W.) in Mississauga for Chef Sunil’s North Indian delicacies including Chaats From Delhi, Murgh's Tandoori Zaiyka, and rich curries (Murgh Aur Gosht Ka Khazana).

Calling all steak lovers: Kara Mia Italian Steakhouse (2501 Hampshire Gate) has softly opened in Oakville. Look forward to halal “Italian-inspired” selections - Bruschetta Formaggio, Pasta Pescatore, and Chicken Parmigiana, to name a few - in addition to standard steakhouse items. Did you know? This isn’t their first rodeo. KMIS also calls Markham and Ottawa home.

La Vecchia’s Italian fare has been popular since doors opened at Yonge-Eg in ‘96. The Thornhill outpost (8700 Bathurst St.), in the works for some time now, is now open. This marks the third location for the family-run resto.

Need a jolt of java to get you moving this week? You might know Mast Coffee from their post in the east end (68 Shuter St.). Their second clean, minimalist designed shop stocked with coffee and baked goods is situated just south in Old Town across from St. James Park (61 Jarvis St.).

Molly Tea is in the zone, unveiling stores at a rapid pace. The quick clip continues with their Jasmine tea lineup dropping in North York at CF Fairview Mall (1800 Sheppard Ave. E., Unit 1094). Grand opening is tomorrow.

Gluten-free taco and tequila bar The Mule’s just landed in Oakville, their sixth location in the GTA.

Playground Cafe’s second coffeeshop/art space (16 Lower Jarvis St.) boasting wellness drinks, specialty coffees and pastries isn’t far from their OG in Cabbagetown. And this time it’s tucked inside a salon.

New York Italian grub is going down in Roncy, courtesy of Proper (392 Roncesvalles Ave.), near Revue Cinema, where La Cubana held down the fort for over a decade.

Roda Bar (7359 Yonge St.) is in soft opening in Thornhill with an array of global eats.

Sister Sister Coffee Bar began its journey in a trailer. A brick-and-mortar venture just launched north of Front (49 Spadina Ave.) stocked with seasonal sippers to get you through the day.

From the crew behind Haru Japanese Cuisine, The Noodle Bar and other eateries around town, comes Thai Boat Noodles by LC in Scarborough (3280 Midland Ave., Unit 24), currently in soft opening. In addition to signature noods, the menu features mouth-waterers including Goong Che Nam Pla (Thai shrimp sashimi) and Thai curry crab.

Succulent Peking duck is the name of the game of Xihe Restaurant. Discover the third branch in Richmond Hill (10231 Yonge St.).

CLOSED

Silhouette Cafe (253 Broadview Ave.) only lasted a few months. Luckily, the tailoring side of things is still in operation.

Sis o’ Tommy’s Wine Bar, Tammy’s Wine Bar (1662 Queen St. W.) has been on the market for some time. Final closing time is January 5.

Filipino resto Top Silog (3795 Bathurst St.) has wrapped up, however similar eats are still available at that same addy. Details above.

Sunday’s the last day to visit Vinoteca Pompette in its current incarnation. Up next: Bar Allegro. Watch this space.

NEWS

Musician and Bellwoods Brewery taproom manager Nick Gergesha died. A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family cover costs.

Canada’s grocery industry’s new code of conduct goes into effect today.

Latest food recalls: Iron Kettle Ginger Molasses Cookie Dough recalled due to undeclared egg, Various pistachios and pistachio-containing products recalled due to Salmonella.

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

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