OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News June 11-17, 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
🕘 24 min read
The last few months have brought about so much change - if you haven’t already caught up on what’s come and gone, take a moment to now, because things are shifting at breakneck speed. Just look at the lunacy below: 27 arrivals, 7 closures, 1 change of address, 9 sneak peeks, and news you need to know. Is this one of the densest editions EVER? Yes. But haven’t they all been lately? SEND NOODS.
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
Alexandros Greek Taverna (484 Danforth Ave.), “a new Greek experience on Danforth,” is a riff on longtime resident Alexandros, aka Alexandros Take Out, that’s been a mainstay in Greektown for decades. Since 1997, actually. Under new Greek ownership, the interior has been redone so dine-in is still casual, yet an upgrade for sure. Grand opening is happening Sunday 12-8 with giveaways including dinner for two and gift card, and 30 per cent off food all day. TR Flashback: Back in the day, they served Greek Salad piled high on a cafeteria tray with only a sheet of wax paper between. WILD. TR Tracker: Another taverna was slated to run out of the same address. Now, Horio Taverna is set to launch down the block at 516 Danforth, where a Turkish eatery operated until what feels like just moments ago. Details below. p.s. You can still find an Alexandros Take-Out at the water’s edge (5 Queens Quay W) and in Hamilton. The one on Church (377 Church St.), home to “Best Gyro in the World,” opened March 2019 and packed it in a few years ago.
Grand opening for Alley Poocha (690 Euclid Ave.) kicked off yesterday, with festivities continuing throughout the weekend including Soju for $4.99 (Limit 1 btl/pp) and free daily random side dish (Salmon or Tuna). The authentic Korean street pub brings “late-night comfort food, drinks, music, and unforgettable vibes” to Koreatown. TR Trivia: The building has held several concepts over the years including recent addition K-food venture Mura Cupbop (which it appears to be sharing the space with), 2023’s Thay Bar Thai Food, and Playa Cabana’s Korean-Mexican haunt Barrio Coreano that relocated from around the corner in March ‘22.
Banana Leaf (2120 Queen St. E.) arrives in The Beaches with an assortment of fragrant Indian fare including Egg Masala Kalakki, Butter Chicken Poutine, Mutton Stuffed Dosa, Chicken 65 Biryani, Tandoori Fish Tikka, Shrimp Vindaloo, and Lamb Kadai.
Restaurant names can be such fun. See below. And since you’ll eventually search a resto online, is the tagline of Bawara Express | Hakka Near Me a brilliant choice? Whatever your thoughts on the matter, this Hakka joint at Queen and Parliament (179 Parliament St.) is dishing out serious drool-worthy dishes: Thupka Momo Soup, Manchurian Veggie Delight, Creamy Garlic Noodles, Bawara Style Prawn Salt Pepper, Devil Chicken, and Bawara Style Crispy Chilli Beef is just a small sampling. Did you know? BE | HNM is the casual quick-service version of Bawara that landed at Dundas and Bloor (1570 Bloor St. W.) a few years back.
Over the past few years, Harbord Village has evolved into an entirely new dining destination. The latest addition: Canuck-owned and operated chain Blondies Pizza (147 Harbord St.) takes over a building that’s held a neighbourhood staple since 1988. And there are likely more pink pizzerias on the way. At press time, BP boasts 15+ locations across the province. TR Tracker: The bustling strip has a strong history with pink places: The other blush building in the ‘hood (also all about pizza) Piano Piano, the interior of PP’s former offshoot Cafe CanCan, and the one you’ll never forget, The Harbord Room. I told you the pink party would continue.
Establishments with cheeky names are always a joy. Take the The Office that was on John Street, for example. Back in the day, there was also a club bearing the name one block over on Peter Street. When you told someone you were “headed out to the office,” little did they know there was absolutely no paperwork involved, and at the end the night someone was dancing on top of a speaker in a crushed velvet LBD… Other fun ones include recent newcomer Uh Bar, and now Cuddle in Markham (28 South Unionville Ave., Unit 3). Telling someone “I’m going to Cuddle” is sure to get heart’s racing. Name aside, the HK street food cafe does desserts and functions as a community space with workshops.
Curva Sud Espresso Bar debuted with more than just liquid gold on offer. Discover an array of sandwiches and cocktails alongside espresso-based sippers in a spacious setting at the corner of College and Manning (567 College St.).
Speaking of desserts, if viral confections are your thing, Etobicoke’s Dolcina Dessert Cafe (1753 Albion Rd.) has ‘em in spades. Croffles and Dubai Kunafa Strawberry Cups are just the tip of the sugar-dusted iceberg.
Stuffed cookies, stuffed pizza crusts, even stuffed chicken wings have become a thing, but Dolmaz’s POV might be the best yet: What if you brought a mezze of stuffed vegetables together for a cornucopia of layered flavours? Think grape leaves enveloping rice and vegetables, peppers packed with your choice of veg or meat, zucchini crammed with so much flavour, it takes top spot for your favourite snack. Now we’re onto something. Also on the agenda: Fettah (Chickpeas, yogurt, pita), Rolls (Think taquitos but with global flavours), salads, desserts (TR Hot Tip: Order the Matilda Cake), and other newfound faves. Grand opening for the new venture in Mississauga at the crazily crowded Ridgeway Plaza (3870 Eglinton Ave. W., Unit 52) is happening Saturday at 6pm with free samples, opening specials, exclusive offers, and live music and entertainment.
Eighteen inches. That’s what you get when you order the Infinity Wrap at Doner Loop in Thornhill (180 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 14). For reference, sub sandwiches usually come in at 6” and 12”. Should you wish for something less hefty, look to the range of tacos, bowls, and desserts including churros and cheesecake.
I know how much you loooove hidden haunts. And you know I’m always the fiiiirst to bring them to you. This one’s exciting. But you’ve gotta keep it between just us, okay? Because you know how outta control spots can get in this town. Things to know:
1. The Gemini launches tomorrow on Dundas West between Ossington and Dovercourt.
2. It’s tucked away above a bakery. How sexy is that? Keep an eye out for home of Portuguese custard tarts, Caldense Bakery (1209A Dundas St. W., 2nd Fl.).
3. If seafood’s your jam, this is for you, but it’s not all they do. Win-win.
4. There‘s wine. Win-win-win(e).
5. Tired of the same ol’ same ol’? The menu changes with the szn and then some.
6. Hours are limited, yes - Thursdays to Mondays 5-10pm - but finally there’s another place open on a Monday.
7. Low-key (not really), see you there.
Since crossing the border, Jersey Mike’s Subs has been traversing the city. The American co.’s third sub shop downtown drops at the corner of Church and Bloor (160 Bloor St. E.) Wednesday.
La La Bakeshop was pretty sedate there for a while, however expansion and production has ramped up recently, including the new one south of Finch in North York (5449 Yonge St.). The contemporary Vietnamese bakery “softly, quietly” welcomed customers Sunday.
Mailo’s The Pasta Project (357 Bremner Blvd.) has received a slew of attention prior to launch. What’s the hubbub? The fast-casual chain out of Athens, Greece centres on handmade pasta in its “signature ‘street pasta’ concept” - to-go cups. Is it worth the fuss? See for yourself starting tomorrow, 3pm at their first venture in North America. Bonus: Free pasta for the first 100 in line, TR Trivia: 1. Mailo’s boasts 50+ locations throughout Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon. 2. It’s not the first time a cuppa pasta co. has tried its hand here. There was Pastucci's “Canada's first build-your-own pasta shop,” and Pasta Pronto entered the market a while back, however ended up shuttering all locations. Dal Moro's “Fresh Pasta To Go” concept remains operational.
Last month, iconic dive bar and karaoke destination Maria’s Sports Bar shut down for what appeared to be good. UPDATE: Doors softly re-opened on Friday (1135 College St.), with a fresh feel and kitchen duties helmed by chef Graham Pratt (Milou, Fat Pasha).
Surprise! It’s been a long time coming. I gave you the inside scoop on Mickey Limbos on my podcast March 2025. Psst. ML finally, though ever so softly, opened tonight in The Dakota Tavern’s ol’ stomping grounds (249 Ossington Ave.). TR Pro Tip: If you followed TR on Instagram, you’d already know. The gist? Interior: A welcome surprise with a warm glow, Victuals: Focused menu featuring classics to take you through the night. Libations: Crafted cocktails you’ll want on repeat.
A slew of establishments have been dropping multiple units simultaneously, or at least in rapid succession lately, making it challenging to remember who went where when. (The May 28-June 3 edition is a prime example of the madness that’s ensued recently.) Thus, when New York Sliders settled in at Queen and Spadina, it was around the same time Mississauga (1400 Aimco Blvd., Unit 7–8) moved in with their signature lineup: smash burgers, hot chicken, chopped cheese, loaded fries, and “messy” sodas. Now you’re all caught up.
Hey sweet stuff. Panash Bakery No. 3 is celebrating soft opening at Major Mac and Leslie in Richmond Hill (1480 Major Mackenzie Dr. E., Unit 15) with a selection of freshly made cakes, pastries, and other treats.
Panchvati Supermarket celebrates grand opening this Saturday at noon next to Square One in Mississauga (3950 Grand Park Dr.), marking their ninth store specializing in Indian groceries and essentials.
These days, it’s not an OPEN/CLOSED unless there’s a new Vietnamese resto. Introducing: Mississauga’s Premium Bánh (966 Dundas St. E.) with street food that truly stands out from the crowd such as Bánh Tráng Trộn and confections including cake and chè. That’s not all. They also just unveiled one here in the city in Stock Yards Village (1980 St Clair Ave. W., 2nd Fl.). TR Predictions: 1. I’m calling it. Bánh Tráng is the next dish to catch the viral wave following the new yet already saturated banh mi movement. 2. Move over Dubai strawberry matcha whatever. PB’s specialty cakes (Vietnamese Coffee Coconut, Classic Tiramisu, Salted Egg Yolk, Durian Cream) will pop off on socials and cause lineups. Get in on them before the frenzy.
Subsequent to a reno at the original Cabbagetown locale (est 2019), stellar casual Viet and Thai resto Saigon Pai expanded nearby to East Chinatown in 2024. And on Saturday unexpectedly opened on Queen West (1138 Queen St. W.), next to The Drake Hotel in former home of Saigon Flower that served comforting Chinese and Vietnamese classics for four decades before doors closed at the end of last year.
Not far down the strip, Sirra Indian and Hakka set out a shingle at the corner of Queen and Bathurst (580 Queen St. W.), right next to the club district. Dig into delacacies such as Manchow Soup, Hare Bhare Kebab, Vegetable Yacai Fried Rice, Shrimp Desi Chow Mein, Honey-Sesame Main Dish with your choice of protein, gravy and spice level, and Combo Meals. It takes over the near corner spot where Bangkok Queen stood until verrry recently.
TR Hot Tip: Sushi Yeon (59 Merchants’ Wharf, Unit G) is doing luxe eats near the water without the muss/fuss (read: cost/pomp and circumstance) of fine dining. Prime examples: Truffle Dashi Carbonara, creamy Monkfish topped with red caviar (on the menu as Ankimo Ikura Bomb), and fresh Japanese A5 Wagyu. The precise location? Where Nforno Pizza did its 90-second thang for a while.
Taco Guys Mexican Grill is whipping up a what of cozy comforts at Keele and Eglinton (2542 Eglinton Ave. W.). In addition to the titular item, expect quesabirrias, wings, loaded fries, and other dishes that may require fits with extra give and/or drawstrings.
Elevated sushi has been the name of Toro Toro’s game since the get-go. In the vicinity of Leslie and York Mills (808 York Mills Rd.)? Lucky you. You’re one step closer to upscale Japanese grub in the form of sushi, poke, sushi tacos, et al. Doors open Wednesday.
PSA: New all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue has landed in Richmond Hill, Visit Yakiniku Legend at Hillcrest Mall (9350 Yonge St.) should you wish to cook up a storm grilling your own meal at your table.
CLOSED
After 11 years Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar is leaving their gargantuan space near King and Bathurst (550 Wellington St. W.), located next door to sustainable luxury hotel 1 Hotel Toronto. You’ve got until June 21st, with three others ready to put on a show - Fairview, Mississauga, and Scarborough. TR Backstory: Earlier this year, the location drew controversy as workers staged a protest against the hotel and its co. regarding its entryway. It’s not the first time, either - I documented the one they staged in 2022.
Kati Thai Gelato’s exit from Little Italy (567 College St.) doesn’t mean the frozen dessert gone from your life forever. You can still load up courtesy of four sites downtown. See what replaced it up top. TR Tracker: Aaand soon to share the same addy, Birdies Sports Bar & Pub, a “classic sports bar - elevated” with “proper cocktails.” As if movement right now isn’t complicated enough, Birdies was originally slated to open at 292 College.
Chef Mustafa held it down in Greektown for a good while before the switchover last year to the similar but slightly different Turkish sitch, Kervan Kebab (516 Danforth Ave.). UPDATE: The space has been cleared out and is about to welcome something completely different.
Woah. After a 6-year stretch, La Boulangerie’s (1134 Dundas St.) reign at the corner of Dundas and Ossington has come to an end. Psst. The space will soon be the backdrop for Cherry on Top Gelato & Cafe, where “Nothing says love more than gelato.”
Leña Restaurante (176 Yonge St.) and accompanying Bar Lola temporarily closed December 23, 2024 as “we address significant damage caused by a pipe burst.” As impermanent shutdowns were increasing, I mentioned the South American kitchen on my podcast a few months later. While no official announcement has been made, the signage is down and the Oliver & Bonacini-backed joint, born 2016 and one of their standouts, has been marked ‘Permanently Closed’ on Google.
Poutine Hub (179 Parliament St.) was the latest venture to try and make the tiny space at Queen and Parliament work. Luckily, they opened not long ago (and not far) in the Garden District. As for what’s taken over the teeny footprint? Deets up top.
Board game cafes are few and far between. RIP Markham’s Utopia Dream Cafe (7170 Warden Ave., Unit 26-27) that gave way to Kippon Sushi a few months back.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
A neighbourhood stalwart has left the building. Harbord Fish and Chips / Harbord Fish and Chicken (147 Harbord St.) served the community-at-large the “Best Fish and Chicken in Harbord Since 1988!” here. They’ve since moved in with East Indian neighbour Matha Roti (141 Harbord St.). For who’s taken over the structure, pop up top.
NEWS
Chef John Higgins shared the recent deaths of James Batt, Regional VP and GM of The Forte Exclusive King Edward Hotel in Toronto, and his wife Angie Batt.
30 Korean restaurants are participating in Korealicious, taking place June 12 to 30. This marks the province’s “first Korean food festival.”
And speaking of restaurant events, Summerlicious is on the approach - July 3 to 19.
Attn Industry: A reminder to be mindful when posting about the World Cup - Re: trademarks.
TR SNEAK PEEK
The Broadview Hotel’s street level resto, Archie’s (106 Broadview Ave.), is about to launch (Wednesday June 24) where The Civic hung out for a while. The concept? “Elevated comfort food, classic cocktails, and game-night energy.” Did you know? Their Bistro + Bar had been closed for months. It’s back.
As I previously reported, Bar Buca is returning and I can finally reveal where: 2 St. Clair Ave. W. , the addy for Cucina Buca which is still temporarily closed “due to water damage.” Hmm, the upper level would suit…
A sweet combo of Viet coffee, matcha, photography and art are about to drop in Cabbagetown. Ca Phê is setting up shop at Rapid Photo (434 Parliament St.).
Consider your staycation sorted now that a French country bistro and cocktail bar is about to drop at Bloor West Village. Stay tuned for Iris Toronto (2256 Bloor St. W.), with menu crafted by local French chef Romain Avril. p.s. This is just the latest example - Female names continue to be a popular option.
And as if Queen and Bathurst doesn’t have enough club action already, Queen of Hearts the city's newest late night destination” where “desire meets discretion” - originally scheduled to debut Feb 21 - is in the works.
The Sovereign Cafe is adding to the fam - #3 is on the way to the Junction Triangle (34 Sousa Mendes St.).
And stay tuned for cafe by day, events by night, Vers Cafe, also joining the Junction Triangle (15 Adrian Ave., Unit 152), complete with patio.
Zzavia Pizzeria’s time in Leaside (1597 Bayview Ave.) was brief. TR Tracker: The square footage would be ideal for another pizza joint or food concept. Instead, it’s about to become home to iconic Canadian fashion brand and national rockstars, Comrags.
My cookbook shelf is crammed - naturally, mostly locals made the cut. Heaps from this stellar bunch. And after these additions, I’m making room for Done Right by Teo Paul, owner/chef/phenom of recently opened Brasserie Côte in The Annex, Ossington standouts Côte de Boeuf and Union, and out-of-towner’s Heart's Tavern and Le Tambour Tavern, with 70+ recipes from his renowned restos, save the latest one. Drool.
ICYMI
The Influence Agency and Nancy Chu added me to their list of food folks to follow on Instagram. While neither a blogger nor influencer, I appreciate the luv and recognition of being local fooderati. xo
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