OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News July 16-22, 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
🕘 18 min read
Despite it being mid-July, mid-summer, the restaurant scene is poppin’ off. BIG TIME, with everything from mom-and-pop shops and street food-centric eateries to full scale luxe destinations. It’s nice to have options: 23 arrivals, 8+ closures - actually AN ALL-TIME RECORD BREAKING 76, once you include these 68, plus the demise of a newish chain - and one name change, to be exact, in addition to all the news and sneak peeks. See the insanity 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
Ciao Bella. Corso Italia has welcomed an Italian addition: “The first Sicilian street food restaurant in Toronto,” Ammucca Sicilian Street Food (1154B St. Clair Ave. W.). Dig into arancino, deep-fried panzerottos, pizzettas, and a portable snack that you’ll wish everyone carried (I’ve dubbed it the ‘Italian Spice Bag’™) - U Coppo Fried Delicatesses featuring Panelle (Chickpea fritters, salt, pepper, parsley, lemon), Cazzilli (Potato croquettes, mint, parsley, salt, pepper) and Fries. Save room if you can for dessert - crowd-pleasers such as Cannoli, Panna Cotta, Brioche, Biscotti, and Tiramisu, await. TR Trivia: The previous occupant? Wing City by St. Louis Bar & Grill. See below for more about the wing offshoot.
Scarbz is quickly catching up to Turunno’s matcha craze and cafe scene. The latest to drop: Co-Phew! Coffee & Matcha House at Kennedy and McNicoll (1883 McNicoll Ave., Unit 14) with alluring specialty coffees (Orange Cream, Brownie Latte, Ube Latte) and matchas (Buttercream, Blueberry, Peanut, Fuji, Cake), alongside tantalizing temptations by way of Tiramisu (Classic, Matcha, Black Sesame) and Matcha Mille Crepe, against a stripped back, yet charming aesthetic.
I told you it was on the way. Dark Horse Espresso Bar has touched down in Etobicoke inside Indigo at CF Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall) with signatures brews, ceremonial grade matcha, sandwiches and fresh baked goods. p.s. Watch this space. More to come.
Dolly’s Country Bar (58 The Esplanade), “the largest country bar of its kind in Toronto,” debuts tomorrow at 4pm for “dinner, drinks, dancing, and late nights.” Line dancing, libations and focused, surprisingly pizza-heavy food menu (they didn’t ‘cowboy’ it up at all) come together under one roof, thanks to Hnatiw siblings Dan and Graham, the fam behind neighbouring Esplanade establishments, old [The Old Spaghetti Factory (1971), Scotland Yard (1978)] and new [Eloise and its speakeasy Bar Cart (2025)].
The rise of Hellenic eateries across the city continues at a dizzying rate. Esquire Restaurant (2581 Victoria Park Ave.), a fixture at the corner of Vic Park and Sheppard since 1981, claims to have the “Best Greek food In town.” Nothing fancy to see here. Instead expect straight-up selections you know and love: Souvlaki, gyros, burgers, Greek fries. Greek salad, baklava... you get it. See for yourself at their new digs in the club district at Queen and Bathurst (566 Queen St. W.). Did you know? Ops Burger recently came and went in a flash.
Bubble tea shop Explore Tea softly opens tomorrow in North York just south of Finch (5373 Yonge St.) with creamy classic milk teas, refreshing fruit teas, and more complex concoctions such as Mango Pomelo Coconut Slush, Oreo Brown Sugar and range of Mochi Milk Teas. A limited time promotion is on until July 25. See store for details.
Flying Tiger out of Copenhagen has found a home in T.O. via CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.). TR Hot Tip: While the Scandinavian home goods and gifts store is known for its whimsical home furnishings (many items are giving IKEA meets 1990s-2000s Fishs Eddy), the Denmark destination also happens to be stocked with cookies, candies and other confections in catchy packaging that are in need of a good home: Strawberry Popcorn? Mini Waffle Cones with Pumpkin Spiced White Chocolate? Sour Cream & Onion Heart-Shaped Pretzels? Hot Chocolate Crackers? Sour Candyfloss? Pepper Gummies in a cute Sriracha bottle? Marshmallow Hot Dog in a Box? Ooouuu.
Prior to its arrival in the 6ix, Gebang Sikdang has been making headlines thanks to its Michelin ranking back home in Seoul. The Korean resto earned a Bib Gourmand ranking from the Guide 2018–2026 for its signature Ganjang Gejang - raw soy-marinated crab - and other raw crustacean-centric dishes. Grand opening for the downtown location (Pizza Maru 66 Gerrard St. E., Unit 100) takes place tomorrow 12pm-9pm. TR Pro Tip: Best believe there’ll be lineups for weeks to come. Go early. Did you know? This follows a recent pop-up at Katsuya’s location in North York (6048 Yonge St.) from May 29-June 25.
Wellness chain Heal Wellness is everywhere these days and the momentum continues with the latest touching down Saturday (14 York St., Unit G002) around the corner from Scotiabank Arena. Pre-gaming with smoothies and acai bowls? That’s sooo 2026.* Grand opening is Saturday. *Rolls eyes but also makes it a ritual.
Give a royal welcome to Harbourfront’s new haunt, The King’s Sushi Bar (246 Queens Quay W), offering sushi, makimono, aburi oshi, sashimi, poke, bentos, donburi, udon, fried rice, and more.
Italian restaurants are a plenty ‘round these parts, but Upper Avenue’s latest arrival, finer dining La Tavola Ristorante (1943 Avenue Rd.) by owner Daniela Pagliaroli and executive chef/co-owner Cristian Murciano, is the real deal and the menu’s extensive, so no chance of getting tired of the same ol’ same ol’. As one diner remarked, “Nothing like it in Toronto.”
While we’re on the subject of Italian fare, “A taste of Italy” has arrived in Gerrard India Bazaar, of all places. Mambo Italiano Restaurant (1330 Gerrard St. E.) is doing authentic Italian eats that also happen to be halal. It’s legit Italian btw, not fusion. Think Caprese Salad, Minestrone, Calamari Fritti, pizzas and pastas, and substantial mains including Osso Bucco, Vitello Parmiggiana (Veal Parmesan), AAA Grilled Striploin, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Butterflied Jumbo Tiger Prawns, and Salmone al Limone. TR Trivia: The original Mambo still resides in Mississauga (660 Eglinton Ave. W., Unit 14) and the owner was also behind Ciao Bella Ristorante in Vancouver.
Misafir Lounge, “Where arrival becomes belonging,” soft launches tomorrow in Mississauga (265 Enfield Pl., Units R100C-D). On the agenda: Halal Middle Eastern cuisine, drinks, lounge, and “an unforgettable atmosphere.”
Skrtt skrtt. There’s a new food truck in town. Chef Lucas Walker’s Smoking Section Barbecue has landed at Great Lakes Brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.). Brews and BBQ? What are you waiting for? Pulllll uppp.
Markham and specifically Unionville have been showing a propensity for change lately. The latest biz to set down roots on the main drag? Nisa’s Cakes and Café (209 Main St., Unit 4). Want in on ‘break the internet’ type items? The bakery’s replete with trending canned beverages and viral L.A. Stuffed Bagels - Bagels with melted cheese and other ingredients filled with cream cheese, including best-seller Philly Cheesesteak, Pizza Crush with halal pepperoni-style beef, Smoked Beef Melt (And is that crispy halal beef bacon peeking through? YES.), The Og Chicken Melt featuring halal chicken tender, and classic Garlic Dream. (Bring mints.). Psst. There are plenty of other goodies at the ready, including cookies, croissants, cake pops, tiramisu, and other “must-haves” you’ll likely cram the car console with.
Newsflash: Pepper Meet Pepper in Baldwin Village (43B Baldwin St.) is the spot for comforting Hunan wok-fried fare (from Spicy Sour Chicken Gizzards to Stir-Fried Pork Jowl) and claypot rice noodle dishes (Hunan Pho).
Pii Nong Thai has been slowly but steadily been growing the brand this last while. Just added to the docket: Oakville (266 Lakeshore Rd. E.), which has become a popular option for Toronto businesses looking to expand. Their latest iteration includes their well-known combo of Thai resto, massage and market of wares that they claim is “Canada's first 3-in-1 Thai experience.”
Shawarma/kebab spots have a habit of swapping out for one another and the surge lately cannot be denied. I’ve tracked them to most corners of the city and beyond including Broadview and Danforth, Danforth and Carlaw, Queen and John, King and Portland, to name just a few. In similar fashion, Queen’s Charbroiled Burger & Shawarma at Queen and Leslie (1225 Queen St. E.) takes the reins from a newly opened venture. Details below.
Sh Specialty Roast has made Unionville’s Langham Square (8339 Kennedy Rd., 2nd Fl, Unit 2638) home with liquid energy courtesy of house-roasted specialty brews and premium Japanese matcha and hojicha.
I know you love to plan where your next night out will be in advance if possible. Last month I gave you the inside track on a new Japanese steakhouse. Newsflash: FiDi’s Shinji (333 Bay St.) is in full effect, with top-notch beef directly from Kobe and Himeji, exceptional seafood, and seasonal ingredients.
Scarborough’s Sugar Maison (9590 McCowan Rd.) puts the spotlight on Asian inspired desserts, specifically Shunde-style one such as double skin milk pudding and confections infused with mango, durian and tofu. No wonder it’s popping off on socials and irl. TR Pro Tip: Better get on it now before you can’t get in.
You might know Swami Samartha Vadapav from their Scarborough or Oshawa digs. For those downtown, good news: Today marks soft opening for SSV’’s third location featureing authentic Mumbai-style street food - Vada pav, pav bhaji, and other good stuff - happening at Harbourfront (8 Queens Quay W, Unit 107).
Sandwiches really have taken over the city. And ones featuring the salty, savoury, herb-flecked dough variety near the top of the list. Head to Tony’s Focaccia in Kensington for handhelds and rocket fuel in the space also currently holding new arrival Milk & Cookies (283 Augusta Ave.).
CLOSED
Extreme burger joint The Bullger Burger & Steak has been cutting back lately. Apparently being right at the corner of Keele and Wilson (2712 Keele St.) wasn’t doing it.
No one tracks the changes in the city like this. Including the dizzying activity along King West - I’ve been clocking ‘em left and right from the get-go. The latest mod to the current lineup: Coffee Oysters Champagne (214 King St. W.) and speakeasy à toi have been a fixture in Toronto's Entertainment District since 2018. On August 19, COC will officially reopen as hotel à toi. Watch this space for deets.
In case you missed the breaking news about Famiglia Baldassarre (122 Geary Ave.). p.s. Take this as your sign: If you’re not following @torontorestaurants.co, you’re missing out on being the first the know.
Kababia is still in the east end with not one, but two locations on the Danforth, but the shawarma shop didn’t stick around Leslieville for long (1225 Queen St. E.) and has already been replaced. Details above.
Woah. MTY Food Group is slated to shutter 68 “underperforming locations.” The restaurant franchisor counts popular chains, many of which are found in malls including Jugo Juice and Thai Express, along with La Diperie and tcby, amongst its vast portfolio. Keep your eyes peeled here for the specific brands and branches set to close.
The “best karahi ever in GTA” as Naan Karahi & BBQ (1330 Gerrard St. E.) declared, has departed Gerrard India Bazaar/Little India.
Korean pizzeria Pizza Maru, also known for their fried chicken, set up at the corner of Gerrard and Church (66 Gerrard St. E., Unit 100) in 2023. Another exciting venture has taken over the space, this time with Michelin connects. Deets overhead.
Craving pizza and Caribbean fare in one fell swoop? Sry, you’re too late to get in on Scotthill Caribbean Fusion & Pizzeria (1943 Avenue Rd.), which btw once went without the ‘za portion.
Wing City by St. Louis Bar & Grill, the fast casual sister concept to the wing joint kicked off two years ago, however appears to have dried up. Locations were scattered throughout the 6ix including Corso Italia and King and Bathurst. In addition to wings, their offerings included sandwiches and doughnuts.
CHANGES
The pub at the Gerrard and Jones no longer answers to The J. Arthur. Going forward, it’s The Jay Bar (1044 Gerrard St. E.).
NEWS
Toronto food writer Marion Kane died.
A shooting at this past weekend’s Salsa on St. Clair Festival “left two dead, multiple people injured.”
Toronto, no need to worry about the diarrhea-causing parasite after Michigan outbreak at this time.
A Dem from California wants Canada to reverse the U.S. booze ban.
Latest food recalls: Chongqing Hot and Sour Sauce recalled due to undeclared peanut, Highgate Tender Meats Ltd. Honey garlic sausage recalled due to undeclared wheat, Lactantia UltraPūr 2% M.F. Lactose Free Dairy Product recalled due to over-fortification of Vitamins A and D, Panasonic Flashxpress Toaster Oven recalled due to electric shock hazard.
TR SNEAK PEEKS
Bottega Volo will debut its second site later this year in the Clock Factory Building at Dupont and Campbell (300 Campbell Ave., Unit 106). TR Tracker: The area, Junction Triangle, has seen an influx of new businesses lately.
Chef Humberto Sanchez just finished moving one of his establishments to Oakville. His sexy Spanish rendezvous - Catalina Bar, filled with tapas, paella and sherry-based cocktails - is next.
Of the many desserts trending right now, one is steadily making its presence known. See: Kela’s. Hot on its heels, Mythos Greek Frozen Yogurt is about to land in the Great White North, starting right here in Hogtown.
Pizza Pizza (228 Queen St. W.) held it down at Queen and McCaul for decades before shuttering last year. PSA: It’s about to become Nawab's Legendary BBQ, the local chain known for their Halal South Asian BBQ “with a Western fusion.”
Taqueria el Pastorcito, which has been in serious expansion mode recently, is about the take over what was up until right now, a burger joint (2712 Keele St.). Details up top.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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