OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News July 30-August 5, 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
While the lineup - and even establishments themselves - are keeping things super cas(ual) this week, the activity is anything but. Introducing a staggering 45 destinations: 27 arrivals, 13 closures, 5 sneak peeks and news that 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
Reservations are now open for “Mississauga’s luxe escape into authentic Indian cuisine.” Introducing the wildly aesthetic (Read: Made for socials/snaps) Aangan Indian Courtyard (755 Dundas St. W.) with fragrant finer dining. Think tandoor-charred lamb chops, rose-adorned libations. Note: AIC is NOT affiliated with new Indian restaurant Aangan (556 College St.) that debuted in Little Italy last winter.
If you feel you just got word about Applebee’s and IHOP in Ajax, you did. p.s. Now you can check out the American dynamic duo for yourself. Doors open Tuesday (155 Kingston Rd. E.).
PSA: Blaze ‘n Kabob has touched down in Vaughan (200 Whitmore Rd., Unit 21) with Afghan specialties: Chickpea and potato laced Shor Nakhod, Aash (meatball and noodle soup), and national dish Qabili Pulao featuring aromatic rice pilaf studded with tender meat, are just the beginning. Bonus: Grand opening special- Enjoy 30 per cent off all week (Jul 30-Aug 6).
Macarons. Meringues. Mousse Cakes. Matcha. These are just a few of the enticing items awaiting you at Etobicoke’s new European-inspired Café Delicia at 27th and Lakeshore (3341 Lakeshore Blvd. W.).
These days, it’s not a true OPEN/CLOSED without a new Viet destination. Or two, or seven… Earlier this month I gave you the inside track on CMT8 (81 Huron St., Lower Level) the new Saigon street food spot nestled in the heart of Chinatown by Premium Bánh (1980 St. Clair Ave. W.) Newsflash: Doors have opened with banh mi sang, viral banh it ram, and Viet coffee already flying out the door. And the tiny plastic stools out front? Perf.
Speaking of Vietnamese eats: Dear Saigon is back at it, picking up speed again. The Vietnamese noodle bar joins your commute at Union Station (65 Front St. W., York Concourse, Food Court, CRU 475) in the space previously occupied by Loaded Pierogi - empty until now.
East Chinatown just got a little sweeter thanks to the arrival of Donutlan (688 Gerrard St. E.). Teeming with mini donuts, churro sticks, churro donuts in enticing flavours (Matcha & Almonds, S’mores. Boston Cream Filled), cookies (Banana Toffee, Red Velvet, Birthday Cake), Chocolate Shake, ice cream sundaes topped with churros (Churrdaes? Sunrros? Rrosdaes?), and if you dare, Devil’s Mango - Frozen mango blended with juice, lime chilli powder, and tangy sauce. Donutlan warns: “Try it at your own risk!” TR Trivia: The addy is former home of Mimi Vietnamese*, now located right next door. *Known as Mimi’s, not to be confused with MIMI Chinese.
This past winter, I let you in on Duoduo Fruit Shop’s digs downtown. North York, it’s your turn to get in on the fruit yogurt bowl phenomenon. (95 Esther Shiner Blvd.). Did you know? This isn’t their first NY rodeo. Remember when the shop was on Northtown (5 Northtown Way, Unit 14)?
The trend of ‘the fewer the seats the better’ (See: The French Kitchen, Onze formerly LSL, Shoushin) - I’ve dubbed it the ‘Seat Flex’, bragging rights upon snagging one of the exclusive slots (usually executed via social post or boasted about loudly in one of the city’s ‘top’ restaurant’s dining room, much to the chagrin of the crowd) - continues with the arrival of Fat Zhu Noodle Lab in North York (1 Byng Ave.) with room for a whopping six guests. Thankfully Founder/Head Chef Eddie Yeung also offers his focused selections of soups, and fresh wrapped wontons - Wonton Soup , Wonton Noodle Soup, and Braised Brisket & Tendon Noodle Soup made with master broths (Classic, Typhoon Shelter), choice of nood (thin egg, rice) - and single side (Vegetables with Oyster Sauce), via takeaway.
Since doors opened back in 2024, I’ve been tracking the various comings and goings of Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.). Just added to the lineup? Felix Taco Bar with titular handhelds, burritos, cervezas, et al.
“The wait is over. Welcome to a new era of luxury.” Grand opening is happening Saturday for Woodbridge’s new Gallery Lounge (3850 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 20), “Where elegance meets unforgettable experiences.”
Also celebrating grand opening, biryani and dosa focused The Indian Kitchen kicks off today up at Yonge and Lawrence (3334 Yonge St.), though the menu is far more varied and extensive, from Manchow Soup and Madras filter coffee to Butter Chicken and Ghee Roast Mutton. TR Flashback: The footprint has held prior Indian concepts including Biryani Barbecue (aka Biryani & Barbeque) and My Roti Place.
American subs are everywhere these days. Now more than ever, thanks to Jersey Mike's latest drop. JM’s fourth outpost “downtown” kicks off Wednesday in Midtown at Yonge and Eglinton (40 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 102).
It’s been a minute since Jimmy’s Coffee made a move. Find the yellow java joint inside the Peter Munk Building at Toronto General Hospital (585 University Ave.) to the right of the front entrance. p.s. Sorry you’re at the hospital. Sending well wishes to all.
From Thai to… Thai. Koh Rawi (243 Carlton St.) moved into what was also a Thai eatery’s stomping grounds at the corner of Parliament and Carlton. Psst. A similar switch-up took place with the same two restos on King West not long ago.
Little Moo Ice Cream has been moving around Leslieville this last while. This szn find them next to where Pasaj held it down before the fire (1110 Queen St. E.) with a lineup of sweet scoops - Creamsicle, Salty Caramel, and Strawberries and Cream is just the beginning - in addition to a new drink menu including Italian sodas, iced coffees and ice cream floats.
A Japanese whisky inspired cocktail bar and tapas destination? With the one and only Executive Chef Alyssa Figueira (Auberge du Pommier in Toronto, Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, Amass in Copenhagen) holding down the kitchen? Apparently dreams do come true. Miznara (235 Adelaide St. W.) softly opened Tuesday. See you there. TR Prediction: It will be on T.O. glitterati’s Top/’Best Ofs’ 2026 lists on repeat.
Naowei Noodles just touched down at Yonge and Finch (3 Finch Ave. E.) with Chongqing specialities and free noodle refills? What are you waiting for?
While we’re on the subject of noods… build-your-own-pasta bowl concept Pastable softly opens today in Scarborough at Victoria Park and Lawrence (1738 Lawrence Ave. E.).
Hot pot spots are one of the leading concepts in and around Yonge lately. The latest addition, Pot Time Hot Pot takes over the colossal space neat the corner of Church and Carlton (45 Carlton St., Unit 2), where Eggspectation reined supreme for a while back in the day and prior to that, a Golden Griddle*. *Did you know? Check out the ‘CLOSED’ section below for more.
Yakiniku lovers, great news. There’s a new AYCE ‘cue in town, complete with wagyu. Introducing Sangoku Japanese BBQ of Markham (7050 Warden Ave.), celebrating grand opening tomorrow.
Sisters Cafe (5 Hillsdale Ave. E.) brings cozy cafe feels to Midtown. TR Hot Tip: Leave room for the Persian style Saffron & Pistachio Affogato.
If you’re a ‘Brunch > Everything’ kinda person, this is for you. Last spring I gave you the inside track of incoming Solena Brunch & Bar. This just in: Doors have opened for the all-day affair in Corsa Italia (1224 St Clair Ave. W.) with everything from Montreal Bennies to the Protein packed Breakfast: Three eggs with grilled chicken breast or smoked salmon, fresh tomato, avocado, house dressing.
A new destination for patties? Def cause for celebration. Head to Tinnel’s Patties new setup in Cooksville, Mississauga (3071 Hurontario St.). p.s. The good times don’t stop at just patties. Dig into Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, Curry Goat, and other delectable eats.
Not long after sudden closure, Uncle Pete’s Bread Co. has found a new home in Little Italy, courtesy of the fine folks of Track & Field Bar (582 College St.), literal home of fun and games.
Urban Delhi lands in Etobicoke (3747 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) with an array of enticing North Indian dishes including: Dahi Papdi Chaat, Creamy Dal Makhani, Green Herb Chicken Tikka, and Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh. Find it where The Tale Indian Cuisine and Bar previously stood.
CLOSED
Just south of Withrow Park, Vasilios (Bill) and Katerina (Kathy) Samaras operated their convenience store Alpha Variety (603 Logan Ave.) for 52 years. Since launching in 1975, the couple raised five sons, and “over the years, our family has grown to include 13 grandchildren” - the 14th due next month.
North York’s Apkujung Restaurant (6309 Yonge St.), established 2001, has been marked ‘Permanently Closed’ on Google. According to CCUE, one of the media offerings from Sing Tao Media Group, the Korean eatery shuttered as the 70-year-old couple who ran the restaurant left a suicide note at their residence.
Despite the astounding popularity of vending machines right now, that’s a wrap on all the once extremely popular Carlo’s Bake Shop ATMs in the 6ix. Should you ever find yourself in the U.S, Buddy Valastro’s Cake Boss confections are still being dispensed via machine in various locations throughout the country.
Another well-known brand has officially come to an end. Now that the Hamilton location is dunzo, iconic breakfast chain Golden Griddle is kaput. Where are you gonna get your Silver $s now, you ask? Satiate your need for flapjacks, waffles and other diner-ish fare at newly opened IHOP (details above).
You’ve got a month to visit Kiss My Pans and 2025’s Agak Agak before doors close for good on September 7 and 6, respectively.
After serving the community-at-large, Mangoes Restaurant in South Etobicoke (2491 Lake Shore Blvd. W.) wraps things up for good tomorrow.
Design-forward and carefully curated coffeeshop, Milky’s Coffee first location and Michelin hopeful (jkjk) at Dundas and Bathurst (760 Dundas St. W.) since 2019 is all papered up. Visit their equally fetch boîte down the strip (1243 Dundas St. W.) and at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.).
The Night Baker’s College and Ossington haunt (825 College St.) has come to an end. Hold tiiight, it’s about to be another bakery. (Keep your eyes peeled here…) In the meantime, check out their other two locations: Danforth, North York.
On July 18, Southside Johnny’s Bar and Grill posted an announcement titled “A NEW CHAPTER IS COMING…” stating temporary closure for a few weeks while “we work behind the scenes on an exciting new chapter.” Interesting. On July 16, "an adjudicator upheld a notice of proposal to revoke the establishment’s liquor licence for “repeated purchase of stolen liquor,” “as well as for personal use.” According to Google, the establishment is ‘Permanently Closed’.
The end of a commuter’s convenient comfort fare: Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s across from Oakville Go Station (214 Cross Ave.) are a thing of the past, making way for, what else? High-rises, natch.
Cabbagetown’s Thairoomgrand at Carlton and Parliament (243 Carlton St.) has been replaced by a similar outfit. Pop up top for details.
NEWS
Police are investigating incidents at two Jewish-owned bakeries, one hit by gunfire.
Ever wonder why the Canadian fascination with ketchup, so much that we dedicate an entire potato chip to the condiment? Something tells me these guys might know what’s what: Police release new photos of suspects accused of ketchup distraction theft in Scarborough.
From Friday July 31 to September 7, establishments along Church in Church-Wellesley Village will be serving and open until 4am. Bonus: Two blocks of Church from Wellesley to Alexander continues to be car-free.
Do you agree with St Louis Bar & Grill?
St Louis Bar & Grill, chicken wing emoji petition, chicken wing emoji campaign, chicken wing emoji
Latest food recalls: Our Finest Shrimp Ring with Mild Cocktail Sauce recalled due to 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone. [UPDATE 08.01.26: Hershey's Kisses – Creamy Milk Chocolate recalled due to undeclared almond.]
TR SNEAK PEEK
As I previously reported, Michelin-anointed Aburi Hana (102 Yorkville Ave., Unit 4) is spinning the block. The Japanese resto that’s gone through major changes already, reopens next month, just in time for Michelin award szn.
Green Drip Café out of Montreal (I told you Mtl->Tor haunts are bumpin’ but of course luv for T.O. reigns) is coming to YYZ with its contemporary look and branding. À bientôt.
Rosso Pasta Bar is bringing “almost al dente fresh pasta,” gelato, and espresso to the always-changing lineup at The Well next month.” This is merely the latest portable pasta joint about to pass through. See: Mailo’s and Pastable (above). And it def isn’t the last. TR Predicition: At least one, if not two more similar ventures will set down roots in the TR coverage area before year’s end.
“A new chapter of Hyderabadi cuisine is about to begin.” Get ready for “Premium Indian cuisine and Greektown fusion” landing on the Danforth soon, thanks to Shaaz Indian Cuisine. The chain already boasts eateries in Scarborough, Markham, Mississauga, and out-of-towners Montreal and Ottawa.
Good news. Little Tibet in Parkdale is about to welcome Nepalese restaurant, Trisara (1451 Queen St. W.). Details to follow.
ICYMI
Earlier today I broke the news: Michelin Guide has axed Green Stars. Discover what that means and the impact it may have on the upcoming awards ceremony in September.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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