OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News June 18-24, 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
🕘 15 min read
I told you to keep your puffer close by. Chef and BOH, I feel for you - Trying to promote summer menus while all the public wants right now is winter essentials half the time. And this week’s roster boasting 44 establishments - 24 arrivals, 13 closures, 7 sneak peeks - proves no matter what the weather, there’s always something new to look forward to.
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
Ak Hakka & Momo Kingdom With Timur Thakali (648 College St.) is the first spot dedicated to momos in Little Italy in ages, perhaps all-time. TR Trivia: The addy was formerly home to Samrat Indian, and back in the day, Eat My Martini for nearly two decades.
Sushi boîte Atto Sushi (2231 Danforth Ave.) is back. This iteration includes new management (Say hey to Jay and Josh) and expanded menu options.
Earlier this week, Avoca opened in Riverdale (689 Broadview Ave.) around the corner from their former digs. In addition to celebrated hand-made artisanal chocolates, ice cream, and gelato, they’ve added Grilled Cheese on sourdough and indulgent Chocolate Strawberry Cups to the menu. TR Pro Tip: Now minutes from Toronto’s favourite hang, Riverdale Park, you’ve got a ready-made picnic to-go.
Flowers and lattes are the ideal pairing - and the idea behind Blossom Moments Floral Cafe. Discover their third petal-boosted cafe in the Financial District’s Scotia Plaza (40 King St. W.) - the first one downtown.
K-food is all the rage these days and North York newcomer Busan Deck at Yonge and Sheppard (4914 Yonge St.) ticks all the boxes by offering classic comfort fare alongside grilled BBQ - but this time, they’re doing the cooking.
Toronto’s got a thing for coffee made by robots: It’s just what it sounds like - a machine making your beverage, no humans (or conversations) required. The new Caffeo flagship in the Fashion District (405 Richmond St. W.) is up and at ‘em ready to brew your drink anytime day or night.
Epic ceilings and fresh ground coffee? Point the way. Head to Coffee at Carlton’s new digs in Port Credit (Brightwater Experience Centre, 220 Missinnihe Way) or the Toronto branch (36 Toronto St.) that touched down in 2024.
TR Hot Tip: Flak’d Burger is changing the burger game in one fell swoop. It’s all thanks to their premium halal smash burgers and hand-battered, whole fried chicken breast, served on your choice of potato bun, cooked-to-order paratha, or fresh-baked croissant, with five from-scratch sauces, to boot. Soft opening is happening tomorrow at 6pm at Mississauga’s halal bonanza, Ridgeway Plaza (3505 Odyssey Dr., Unit 65).
Japanese pub grub and sushi mingle at Harbord Village’s latest arrival: Hazu Izakaya (168 Major St.).
Himalayan Kitchen & Bar (1526 Queen St. W.) has been a fixture in Parkdale’s Little Tibet since 2010. Find their signature dishes, live music, and patio across the street (1439 Queen St. W.) in the structure that held Yummy Momo until recently.
Honestly Good Chicken Fingers was rockin’ it in 2024. They’ve picked up the pace again, this time setting down roots at Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.) in March, and last week at Stockyards (80 Weston Rd., Unit H101). TR Tracker: This is just the latest example of companies unleashing multiple units at once or in quick succession.
Icha Tea settled in Chinatown in 2017, then landed a prime spot at Queen and Ossington in 2022. So right about now seems the perfect time to bring their pure-leaf and matcha teas to Yonge and Sheppard (2 Sheppard Ave. E.).
Long-running Greek restaurant Kalyvia (420 Danforth Ave.) has reopened after renos.
Orchard Kitchen (700 King St. W.) rolls up to King and Bathurst on Tuesday “on a mission to eliminate ultra-processed foods.”
Acai bowls, oatmeal bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and cold brew have arrived at The Well (486 Front St. W.), courtesy of Playa Bowls. The Jersey Shore health co. boasts 300+ locations, this being the first in Canada - and not the last. Next up: CF Sherway Gardens and Vaughan.
Qualittty Rolllz moved in a plum corner spot in Liberty Village (141 Jefferson Ave.) with vermicelli bowls they’ve dubbed ‘Bowcellis’, bento boxes, summer rolls, egg rolls, slushies and more. TR Trivia: The space held an Egg Club up until recently.
Rolltation has been on an expansion streak lately and shows no signs of slowing down. Introducing their latest Pan-Asian kitchen serving sushi burritos and poke bowls in FiDi at Royal Bank Plaza (200 Bay St.).
Santa Marta Bar & Tapas has made a home in The Beaches (2066 Queen St. E.) where Isabella’s Donuts used to kick it. Tapas? Finer dining Spanish fare? Near the water? Here for it. TR Trivia: You might remember SMBT from their recent locale at Manning and Dundas (869 Dundas St. W.) under the almost identical designation, Santa Marta Bar y Tapas.
Wellness cafes are a definite vibe in Yorkville. Psst. If you prefer your haunts hidden, Sip Sip situated inside one of Toronto’s established yoga and pilates studio, 889 Community (101 Yorkville Ave.) is for you.
Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill unveiled the first resto downtown this week at Queen and Spadina (469 Queen St. W.) in a modern, clean-lined space complete with de rigueur neon signs for socials. (“I’m not yelling. I’m Iraqi.”). As for the menu, expect dishes such as Arabi Platters, Shawarma and Kebab Plates, Wraps such as Iraqi Kebab, Falafel, Veal Shawarma, and Lamb Tikka. TR Trivia: It takes over two frontages: what were Aji Sai and Oishi Tea back in the day.
Have you noticed? Taqueria el Pastorcito’s all been building a mini empire lately. For those in Little Italy, their authentic Mexican tortas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and other good stuff have landed in your vicinity (718 College St.).
Toasted on Roncy (89 Roncesvalles Ave.) brings the brunch game to the west end strip.
Today marks the first day of Zellers Canadian comeback. If it feels like deja vu, you’re correct. The discount store came thru once before not long ago. Find the new store in North York (80 Orfus Rd.), with bonus diner on wheels doling out Big Z Burgers and other comfort fare.
CLOSED
Harbord Village’s Akai Sushi (168 Major St.) has been replaced by another Japanese venture. Worried about satiating your sushi fix? No problem, the new spot’s got you covered as well.
Was Ballers Restaurant & Bar (560 Queen St. W.) a fever dream? Did it ever really exist IRL? Doesn’t matter, it’s already been supplanted. And yes, by another dance-focused, nightlife venue, though with touches of burlesque. Watch this space for the opening date for Queen of Hearts.
Coast to Coast Seafood (760 College St.) launched in a sweeping space in Little Italy in 2024. The fishmonger continues to operate out of the Davenport shop (1220 Davenport Rd.).
Gargantuan Galata Restaurant (940 Danforth Ave.) has shuttered for good. A Letter of Receivership has been posted to the front of the Turkish and Middle Eastern eatery near Donlands.
A few weeks ago, it appeared Garden Garden was on the move this summer. Update: Plans are on hold for now. Stay tuned.
Asian fusion eatery Glass Kitchen (505 Hwy 7, Unit 98 & 99) made its debut in Thornhill in 2023. This location is kaput, with a new location in the works.
As I previously reported, Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar is exiting King and Bathurst (550 Wellington St. W.) Sunday. Should you want in on their ‘dinner and a show' premise, three locations are ready to serve you.
The lengthy journey of Holy Wiches in Mississauga (6039 Erin Mills Pkwy., Unit 1B) came to an end June 14 due to “rising operating costs.”
Indian restaurant Mohabbat Biryani and Mandi Restaurant (638 Queen St. W.) arrived last summer in a location that has seen high turnover.* Note: A handwritten note on the door says the Bucket Biryani concept is still in effect. (“Please use back door for pick up.”). *Recently it’s been home for Delly Belly, Desi Hakka Chinese, Peckish Fish and Chicken, The Indian Thing, 6ix Pizza. And remember Lisa Marie and Prague Deli from back in the day?
A few doors over, French-Asian concept Ngogo (646 Queen St. W.), established 2024, was known for its affordable and deft prix fixe and specials. The space has been cleared out.
Pizza Fan (541 Danforth Ave.) only lasted a matter of weeks despite the range on offer - pasta, pizza, souvlaki, and burgers. Changeovers prior to PF were quick service joints Royalty Cuisine Shawarma and Yalla by Paramount. The shawarma rein seems to be over now that Souvlaki Boyzzz (yes, that’s the spelling they’re going with) is about to take over.
On Friday INK Entertainment’s Ultra (12 St Clair Ave E) shared the supperclub closed down June 6. The hotspot returned to the scene years after the original closed, in a more sedate nabe - Midtown, of all places - in 2023.
“Fine dining Mexican” was the heart of Little Italy’s 416 Restaurant Bar (718 College St.) which later went by 416 Social Restaurant. They’re the folks behind La Patrona down the block (669 College St.). Now that it’s under new management and undergoing other changes, could 416 be moving in? Keep your eyes locked here for updates.
NEWS
Kinton Ramen, one of Canada’s original Japanese ramen brands, is the latest company to be acquired Foodtastic, whose portfolio includes Jimmy John’s, Milestones, Shoeless Joe’s, and the forthcoming Canadian branches of highly-anticipated Dunkin’ Donuts.
Summerlicious reservations are now open for the prix fixe fest happening July 3-19.
Latest food recalls: Lactantia UltraPūr 2% M.F. Lactose Free Dairy Product recalled due to over-fortification of Vitamins A and D.
TR SNEAK PEEK
Roywoods just left and Blondies just set up another spot in town, but the pink pizzeria isn’t wasting anytime snapping up prime real estate. Find them slinging ‘za any day now at their new digs at Bay and Dundas (598 Bay St.).
Café Juventus Espresso Bar (2200 Danforth Ave.) is opening a second cafe on Bloor West. Stay tuned.
Ampersand Bakehouse (1808 Danforth Ave.) wrapped up at the end of last year. Sweets will still be effect, thanks to Do Good Donuts, a bakery and coffeeshop that helps get young people with disabilities ready for the workforce. Opening details to follow.
The Eastwood is moving into the ol’ Unicorn Cafe (2036 Danforth Ave.).
If it’s felt like Little Italy has been anything but Italian lately, get ready for Morellina’s (633 College St.), taking over where Rooh came and left soon after.
The large expanse that was Taverne Tamblyn (1426 Danforth Ave.) is transitioning to the east end version of “the best cafe in Vaughan,” Loukoumania Café.
“Toronto’s first pottery studio and specialty coffee shop” drops next month. Keep your eyes peeled for TigerBaby Coffee & Clay (977 College St.).
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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