OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News July 2-8, 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
🕘 22 min read
After last week’s onslaught - and let’s face it, the insanity of the last few years - you would think that things would have to slow down. Uh, no. Not even close. In fact, it’s even more outta control. You’ll see. Introducing 29 arrivals, 10 closures (2 temporary), address changes, 11 sneak peeks and news you need to know.
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
I gave you the inside scoop to INK Entertainment’s Bar Romy (295 Adelaide St. W.) last month. A quick catchup: The new Italian joint (Read: Pizza, pasta, panini) is replacing former Italian hang, Figo (Pizza, pasta… you get the idea). The ‘same same but different’ concept kicks off today in the heart of the Entertainment District with notable changes including the company’s new corporate chef Ben Heaton, whom they have a lonnng history with (helming the kitchen in every venture they launched for a while back in the day), and menu highlighting handmade pastas from Toronto’s renowned Michelin Recommended Famiglia Baldassarre, and for lunch takeaway only, Roman-style pizza. Luxe designers Nivek Remas reimagined the previously awash in white setting with rich coffee and brick tones that infuse instant warmth and depth. TR Trivia: Fun fact: Did you know? Anna Chen, chef/owner of Michelin Bib Gourmand Alma, used to head up the kitchen and has serious pizza skills.
Just in time for summer. Friday marked grand opening for Brokn Milk (151 Barton Ave.). The new ice cream shop across from Christie Pits Park takes over the quirky space that was Convenience 151 for years.
BTRMLK, the London Ontario-based fried chicken shop famous for its tenders, mac and cheese, and sauce, has touched down in Oakville (280 North Service Rd. W.). Grand opening is happening Saturday.
Detroit-style ‘za has earned street cred in T.O., yet doesn’t have as strong a presence outside the city proper. Say hello to D-Square Pizza in Mississauga (1212 Dundas St. W.).
Elle Sentials (821 Gerrard St. E.) brings manis, lash extensions, Korean lash lifts, and beverages (Vietnamese coffee, specialty matcha) under one roof near Gerrard and Pape where Madame Levant (later renamed Falafel Bar by Madame Levant) operated, followed for a brief time by Pulse Salad & Restaurant.
Four Season Cafe & Bistro (434 Dundas St. W.) takes over Dundas Spring Garden’s previous digs in Chinatown with a wide array of dishes including Signature Fried Prawn Roll with Seaweed & Crab Stick, Black Truffle Omelette Rice with Unagi, Malaysian curries, swirl omelettes, baked cheese rice, pineapple buns, stir-fries, desserts, and tons more. TR Flashback: Remember when there was a Four Seasons Restaurant on Bloor across from the AGO? This was back when the Four Seasons Hotel was on the corner of Avenue Rd. and Yorkville . Saying “Meet me at Four Seasons for dinner” was fun - and obvs no one knew about the Chinese resto of the same name. How did they get away with it for so long? p.s. This was before Insta, etc.
Good Brother not only has had multiple concepts throughout Chinatown (Good Brother Fresh Charcoal Kebab, Good Brother BBQ, to name a few) - they’re all based within a block or two of one another. Known for their late night fare, this one, centres on brekkie with All You Can Eat Dim Sum for $14.99. See: Good Brother All-Day Breakfast east of Spadina (478 Dundas St. W., Lower Level).
Handmade Taiwanese pan-fried dumplings is an enticing proposition on its own, but make them rainbow coloured and offer them in a fun, convenient tasting box? I’m buying stock in Gyoza & Go right now. Find them in soft opening at the corner of Yonge and Wellesley (3 Wellesley St. W.).
Etobicoke’s latest Mexican establishment, Habanero (876 Brown’s Line), is garnering favourable reviews for its authentic fare out of the gate. TR Pro Tip: Save room for housemade Tres Leches cake.
Continuing with Markham’s recent mall eats change ups, Happy Bowl joins First Markham Place (3255 Hwy 7, Unit 259) with signature selections including Hong Kong Style Braised Beef Offal, Pepper Pork Tripe Chicken Soup, and Tom Yum Seafood Happy Bowl (Shrimp, green mussels, fish balls, fish balls, vegetables). TR Pro Tip: Add thirst-quencher Lan Kwai Fong Salted Lemon Sprite to your order.
TR Hot Tip: New arrival Jamaican in Kensington Market (160 Baldwin St., Unit 7A) might be hell to Google (I should know: Toronto Restaurants.) but has got it going on when it comes to range: BBQ Beef Ribs, Ramen Noodles, Oxtail Chili, Sprat Fish & Festivals, Bammies, and In-house juices (Carrot, Sorrel) are accompanied by daily speshes - Recent sightings include BBQ Sliders, Pan Jerked Chicken, and Mango Herb Chicken. Bonus: Menu is 100 per cent halal.
It feels like every time I look up from my screen, the folks behind Michelin Recommended Koh Lipe has launched another concept (Kao Kang, Kati Thai Gelato, Larb Muang. and once upon a time Wang Lang). Their latest venture Lhao (39 Baldwin St.) marries Thai and Chinese fare in what was up until verrry recently, a Japanese establishment. Deets below.
Maison Qing in Markham (8362 Kennedy Rd., Unit 3B) specializes in freshly baked desserts. Think Matcha Mochi Subing, Egg Tarts enveloped in 19 layers of flaky pastry in a variety of flavours, Palmiers, Maison Candies, and other Chinese pastries. Drool.
In a considerably short time, Maki Mart has built itself a mini empire. Case in point: Their seventh location lined with an array of enticing grab ‘n go sushi handrolls just dropped at King Square Mall’s food court in Markham (9390 Woodbine Ave., Unit 1SK5) Soft opening celebrations continue until Sunday July 5.
Mita Mita Mexican Cocina & Bar lands at Toronto’s waterfront (207 Queens Quay W) where Joe Bird and The Fix Ice Cream Bar operated until recently. Solid offerings such as aguachiles, tostadas, and crowd-pleasings tacos, fajitas, and mains include meat-free options including Shrimp Cocktail made with cauliflower, and Oyster Mushroom Tacos. No surprise it’s brought to you by Fab Concepts, the same folks behind bar restos including The Goodman Pub & Kitchen, Irish pub and kitchen in Liberty Village, Brazen Head, and one Joseph R. Bird. (Note: I added the ‘R’. it sounds more regal, doesn’t it? Like Michael B. Jordan, Michael J. Fox, and Taraji P. Henson.)
The Motor Pool Cafe’s motto? “Bikes. Cars. Coffee. Community.” Find the welcoming wheels hub in Etobicoke near Bloor and Kipling (342 Munster Ave.).
Luxe Chinese resto Mott32 (190 University Ave.) is back in business after closing for a stretch of time for reported renos.
Oakville is on a hot streak at the moment: The out-of-town spot has been welcoming ventures left and right lately. The spotlight continues with the Canadian debut of specialty coffee, chai, and Arabic pastry chain out of the States, MOTW Coffee and Pastries (335 Kerr St.).
Kensington Market has also had its share of arrivals and departures of late, many of which happen to be Mexican as well. The latest entry: Okay Maguey accompanied by chilaquiles, enchiladas, tacos, Cuban tortas, and other enticing eats in the heart of the market at Augusta and Baldwin (235 Augusta Ave.).
The influx of American restaurants seems at an all-time high (I bet you can name at least five right now). Italian chain Olive Garden has entered the north of the border chat. Doors opened at Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., near Entry 1) on Monday. Brought to you by Recipe Restaurant Group, it’s the first to open in the eastern part of the country “under Recipe's national development agreement with Darden Restaurants, Inc.” The pasta, proteins and all-you-can eat soup, salad and breadsticks concept will continue to expand across Canada including within the province. Ajax and Ottawa, you’re up next.
Viet specialty coffee is the name of the game at North York’s new Phin La (5415 Yonge St.). Currently celebrating soft opening until July 9, enjoy ten per cent off all orders, 11am-9pm daily. Bonus: Exclusive to the location, four summery sippers.
Scarborough’s new Kerala takeout spot Piravi Indian Bistro (4053 Sheppard Ave. E.) has got you for biryani, pothichoru, curries, Hakka specialties, and more.
Puri Bakery’s second outpost in Thornhill (7000 Bathurst St.) launches months after the first. It too, is filled with handcrafted khinkali, bread, and other heart-warmers.
Psst. Getting your caffeine fix at an east end cafe with good looks and patio you never want to leave? Staycation sorted. See you at Skoom Coffee, nestled inside Old Town’s historic Nealon House (197 King St. E.). p.s. Also, how much fun is it to say ‘skoom’?
Greek joints, especially on the casual side, are not so quietly taking over the city. The latest, Souvlaki Station (739 Ossington Ave.), lands on Ossington north of the main stretch at Bloor, with the classics, starting with souvlaki and gyros and ending with baklava.
Time Out Sports Bar (831 Dundas St. W.) promises to be “your go-to destination for live sports, cold drinks and unbeatable vibes.” As for what to order, don’t expect typical pub grub. The menu by A-Las Tortas (You may recognize them from Myst the resto bar in nightclub Nest at the corner of Bathurst and College.) focuses on Latin American street food with “the best wings and Mexican tortas in town.” The watering hole west of Bathurst replaces recently shuttered The Fox & Falcon Pub and Wing House.
The proliferation of acai shops right now brings me back to the 2010s when they made the rounds the first time. Toupie Premium Acai (298 Spadina Ave.) joins the crowd, landing next door to McDonald’s at Dundas and Spadina in Chinatown. Translation: Balance out your guilty pleasures with healthy options: So Big Mac in one hand, acai bowl in the other.
While we’re on the subject of healthy eats. wellness bar Transcend Studios lands at Yonge and Lawrence (3229 Yonge St.) where Summer’s Best once stood, with matcha and hojicha lattes and protein smoothies in tow.
I know you. You don’t wanna start the weekend without a new secret hidden destination. I get it. Don’t worry. I’ve gotchu. Y Not Italian, formerly of 538 Manning Ave. (now a chx joint), is about to open on Christie, providing the dininer menu at “European dining experience… with wine at retail price” at Fine Artisanal Wines: Toronto Bottle Shop & Wine Bar (226 Christie St.) TR Tracker: It’s a block or two from a new ice cream shop. Details above.
CLOSED
Crash landing. FlyMood Lounge & Kitchen (533 Bloor St. W.) touched down in The Annex only a few months ago, but the entire frontage has been papered over.
Etobicoke’s The Happy Bakers (3469 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) has permanently closed. Last day after an eight-year runin Long Branch was Sunday.
A Mexican restaurant walks into Kensington Market… and is replaced by a similar venture. Leyenda was a constant presence at the corner of Augusta and Baldwin (235 Augusta Ave.).
Vancouver’s famous Peaceful Restaurant (515 Bloor St. W.) was a recent addition in The Annex, but according to some reviews online, didn’t live up to the hype.
Ronin Izakaya (39 Baldwin St.) was a part of Baldwin Village since 2019. It’s been replaced by a completely different outfit. Details above.
After a ten year journey, Nigerian restaurant SK COOKKS’ time in Liberty Village (133 Jefferson Ave.) has come to an end.
Despite reports that a single 7-Eleven was shutting down for good this week, in fact two bustling stores are no more. 1. At the corner of Bloor and Spadina (334 Bloor St. W.) and 2. College and Spadina (260 College St.), both pictured below.
The 7-Eleven at Bloor and Spadina (334 Bloor St. W.) always appeared to be busy. Photo taken July 1 2026 by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
The Toronto flagship at College and Spadina (260 College St.) was a presence for 30 years. Photo taken July 1 2026 by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Koko Fino (3 Carlton St.) just opened at the corner of Yonge and College but has shut down for now. Is it related to an incident that involved police a few weeks ago?
As of Monday, Peter Pan Bistro’s dining room (373 Queen St. W.) is on summer break while chef/owner Noah Goldberg attends to family matters.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Geary changeups roll on. (At this point, should I open a separate department/Ops unit dedicated to updates on the strip?). And after last week’s news, Dark Horse Espresso Bar is changing things up all at once: This week they brought their setup at 120 Geary Ave. to an end on Monday. Fortunately, doors opened to their new space down the street (80 Geary Ave.) on Tuesday, so your coffee run is gucci.
Sourdough Garden just touched down in Q4/25, but has already upped sticks. Find them not far at 308 Brown’s Line in Etobicoke.
NEWS
Vero Italian Sandwich Co. (477 Queen St. W.) posted a notice on their front door regarding a kerfuffle with UberEats and Calibre orders for take-out and delivery.
They’re going through it. Love the chef’s tape btw. How many rolls do you have in your drawer right now? Photo by Stephanie Dickison | Toronto Restaurants.
Speaking of food delivery, police issued a Public Safety Alert, warning the public about a current Taxi and Food Delivery Scam in the Toronto Area.
TR SNEAK PEEK
Ooh, cafe and cocktail combos are a regular occurrence these days, but BYND Coffee Bar is bringing the concept downtown to the corner of Peter and Adelaide (338 Adelaide Ave. W.) with a serious commitment to both: “Not a café. Not a bar. Both. Coffee. cocktails. No compromise.”
Kensington Market’s Knockout Chicken (207 Augusta Ave.) is opening a Turkish kebab shop in Liberty Village. Stay tuned for Unika Kebab (133 Jefferson Ave.).
Psst. Incoming cocktail bar alert. Make room in your sched for Lovers and Friends in Parkdale (1184 Queen St. W.). Keep your eyes peeled here.
Maker Pizza’s next stop: Mississauga (181 City Centre Dr.).
Keep your eyes locker here for Myate Restaurant and Lounge, coming to Oakville this summer with steaks, cigars, tableside cocktails, shisha and nights you won’t likely forget.
Award-winning Maven* (112 Harbord St.) is launching a baked goods space on-site and takeout window, Rose’s Pantry. *I called it way back when.
Coming soon to Chinatown: CM8 Saigon Street Eats by Premium Banh (81 Huron St.), in previous banh mi haunt, Banh Haus.
Shake Shack is all over the map now. After putting the finishing touches on the Fashion District site, Yonge and Bloor is already underway in the striking space (771 Yonge St.) that was once a Starbucks and Albert Britnell Book Shop.
I broke the news of the sudden closure of Modus Ristorante (145 King St. W.) on Instagram (Swipe through ‘Latest 2.0’ highlights to see the demo.). Update: Its replacement, Strella Strella Restaurant and Bar, is in the works by the same owner. An Italian resto replacing another? Huh. That sounds familiar…
It’s been a while since Heritage Cafe & Kitchen (368 Queen St. E.) shut down. This just in: Movement’s happening. It’s about to become a Wild Wing.
Yorkville is getting another Japanese destination. Yakitori Momiji is moving into was home for a Michelin Recommended 156 Cumberland (156 Cumberland St.) OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News September 18-24, 2025
ICYMI
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