OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News January 29-February 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
🕘 10 min read
As January comes to a close, one thing is certain: The industry continues to face unprecedented challenges, resulting in a rapidly shifting landscape, and the month’s wild activity is far from over. Case in point: This week’s harrowing comings and goings - 15 arrivals, 10 closures.
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
Just launched “brunch, dinner, fiesta” and mezcal boosted with a scorpion are happening at Agave Azul at Queen and Tecumseth (745 Queen St. W.). Did you know? It replaces a celebrated restaurant that recently made a triumphant yet brief return to the space. Details below.
Little Italy has welcomed largely international eats this past while. The newest addition is one of a handful of Italian joints to join the fold, with pizza and pasta making up just a fraction of the menu at Alba Osteria (665 College St.) helmed by chef Adam Pereira. Find it where Vivoli held court until recently. Doors open Monday.
Aljazeera Restaurant is in soft opening in Woodbridge (7777 Weston Rd., Unit 104) with fresh wraps and “bold Middle Eastern flavours.”
Chokka Restaurant brings Persian flavours and vibes to Mount Pleasant Village (643B Mount Pleasant Rd.). TR Trivia: It takes over the footprint that was forever Greece Restaurant.
Calling all cookie monsters: Earlier this month, I let you in on Mast Coffee (61 Jarvis St.). Introducing Corktown Cookies, baking up a storm of sweets on-site.
Vancouver’s Freshslice Pizza chain has made major inroads over the years since its start back in 1999, opening more than 200 locations across the country. Grand opening for University and Elm (525 University Ave., Unit R3). is happening tomorrow. TR Fun Facts: Unique features include their made in-house multigrain dough and use of exclusively Canadian cheese.
ISO khachapuri, khinkali, shawarma, and other Georgian grub? Head to KAIA Georgian Eats in North York (21 Transwell Ave.).
The finer fare of La Vita Port Credit (100 Lakeshore Rd. E.) showcases flavours and ingredients of the Mediterranean, Italy and Greece. Think: Calamari, Quail, Lobster Bisque, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra Truffle Alfredo, Seared Seabass, and Lamb Tagine. And save room for dessert - Limoncello Tiramisu and other treats await.
PSA: Dim sum and AYCE Chinese food just touched down in the Entertainment District across from Scotiabank Theatre. To get in on the action, visit Lucky House (304 Richmond St. W.).
Grand opening festivities kicked off Friday for Passion Professional Kitchen’s new digs in Scarborough at Malvern Town Centre’s food court (31 Tapscott Rd., Unit 9). On the menu: Made with love North Indian cuisine.
Puchkaman lands in Scarborough (3315 Danforth Ave.) with Kolkata street food including “Toronto’s first fusion puchka” (Chicken, noodles, paneer, mushrooms, corn), chaat, and more.
Souperlicious arrives at the perfect time in Little Jamaica (1586 Elington Ave. W.) with satiating winter warm-ups. In addition to comforting Caribbean soups and all-day porridge, discover protein bowls, fusion burritos, salads, smoothies, gourmet patties, and sides. Not in the area? No problem. Other locations across the city and GTA are ready to serve you.
If you’re not satisfied with usual dairy options, this new cafe in Oakville is for you. Velvet Moo (152 Lakeshore Rd. E.) centres its menu around A2 Jersey milk.
Wokboyz is in expansion mode. To get in on their Asian street fare, head to the third branch in the GTA: Mississauga (6550 Meadowvale Town Centre Cir.). That’s not all. For more news about the Dubai co., see below.
Cafes abound in the 6ix. 520 Cafe (520 Richmond St. W. ), down the block from Queen and Augusta and across from the Waterworks, is different. Psst. Especially now that the speakeasy lounge side of things debuted. Coffee, wifi, and cocktails - you in?
CLOSED
Bad news: Big Trouble Pizza (191 Geary Ave.), known for its smash burgers and pizza - esp. Butter Jam Jam - is doling out its last slices on January 31. Good news: Something else in the works. Watch this space.
Etobicoke’s Black Angus Steakhouse established on Bloor in 1964, later expanded to the larger more modern setting at Bloor and Islington (Bloor Islington Place 3250 Bloor St. W., Unit 126). Doors close at the end of the month. In addition to steaks, offerings included buck-a-shuck oysters, tableside Caesar salads, and recently, a smokehouse menu.
Last day to bid adieu to beloved coffee shop Coco’s in Little Italy (668 College St.) is Saturday.
Popular Japanese bakery and croissanterie Hazukido added Yorkville (1200 Bay St., Unit 3) to its roster last year. It’s amongst closures that have include Lite Cafe (Atrium on Bay 595 Bay St. Unit E-01), CF Shops at Don Mills (14 Clock Tower Rd. Unit B003), and Vaughan (3175 Rutherford Rd., Unit 58). Current outposts include CF Fairview Mall, CF Markville Mall, Union Station, and if you’re in the Niagara Falls area, Fallsview Casino Resort.
Harlem returned to its original location for a second time (745 Queen St. W.) ever-so-briefly.
Kensington Market’s La Cevichería Bar and Grill (285 Augusta Ave.) was still posting on socials at the end of November.
I put out the warning last month: Last service for multi-hyphenate Sounds Good (1756 Dundas St. W.) is Sunday.
Sports bar The Wedge (1627 Dupont St.) replaced Farmhouse Tavern in The Junction Triangle late 2024.
Speaking of Wok Boyz earlier, the first Canadian outlet that landed in Liberty Village (Liberty Market Building 171 E Liberty St., Unit 121) in 2024 has concluded. For the latest addition, details above.
Indian and Tibetan restaurant Yummy Momo in Parkdale’s Little Tibet (1439 Queen St. W.) is papered up.
CHANGES
Steadfast Brewing Co. (301 Lansdowne Ave.) adds kitchen to its offerings.
I introduced you to Emily Rose and her cafe on Palmerston back in 2021. The haunt goes by Yellow Flower (721 Palmerston Ave.) now. New look and name, same addy, menu, etc.
NEWS
Following last week’s news of possible cuts, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announces closure of research operations and job cuts.
Speaking of cuts, Algonquin College plans to get rid off 30 more programs including journalism and hotel and restaurant management.
Is a grocery rebate in the works?
Hot on the heels of the launch of a new location in North York, Northland Properties takes “full control of Denny’s brand in Canada,” in addition to news about U.S. locations. The Canadian hospitality group’s portfolio includes Chop Steakhouse & Bar, Moxies, and The Sutton Place Hotels, to name a few.
Winterlicious kicks off tomorrow featuring over 240 restaurants offering prix fixe menus until February 12.
Latest food recalls: Certain Pillsbury Pizza Pops recalled due to E. coli O26, Gerber arrowroot biscuits recalled due to possible presence of pieces of soft plastic and paper, Policom Mand'or Almond Hazelnut & Pistachio Drink recalled due to undeclared milk.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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