OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News June 25-July 1, 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
🕘 19.5 min read
Summer used to be the slow season for arrivals. However, as you’ll see below and from the bonkers activity that took place earlier this month, it’s not slowing down in the least. In fact, it’s only just getting started… Say hello to 32 new destinations, the end of 9 establishments, and 5 previews for now…
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
Since opening Summer ‘24, Waterworks Food Hall has kept things hopping by introducing new concepts on the regular. The latest occupant: Bubble tea chain The Alley joins the lineup on Sunday.
Alma’s Indian Cuisine brings “a new chapter of royal Indian dining” to Scarborough. Doors softly open at Warden and Ellesmere (209 Ellesmere Rd.) on Saturday with grand opening to follow July 4. Bonus: Grand Opening Special - Enjoy 40 per cent off all menu items. Conditions apply.
Chinatown continues its rapid rotation with the arrival of Aunt Kui Rice Noodles near College (419 Spadina Ave.). The specialty of the house? Snail Rice Noodles - Snails mixed with offal, vegetables and noodles - however ‘Snail Flesh’ is available on its own as a marinated side as are Pork Trotter, Honeycomb Tribe and Chicken Feet. This marks the second outpost for the gastropod-focused eatery (formerly Kung Fu Duck), the first is situated in Scarborough at Sheppard and Brimley (4465 Sheppard Ave. E., Unit 43).
As I mentioned, Archie’s is the new kid on the Queen and Broadview block. Nestled inside The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave.), the theme here is laidback, non-fussy fare. A focused menu features Reuben Croquettes, Fried Pickles, burgers, a few salads, classic mains that don’t conform to one cuisine or genre - Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Supreme, Fish & Chips, Steak Frites, Steak Pot Pie - and only two desserts. (Cake, cookie.) Doors open tomorrow.
ISO cold ones to beat this heat? The Beer Store added two more sites for loading up on suds: On Monday 1089 Kingston Rd. in Scarborough reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and “light refreshments,” and this coming Monday the 29th, 3078 Don Mills Rd. reopens in North York, just in time for Canada Day.
Benie’s (160 Baldwin Ave., Unit 7B) brings salad n’ bowls to Kensington. It gets better: Prices start at $9.95 including protein.
You got the head’s up last month: Highly-anticipated Book Bar (900 Markham St.) kicks off this weekend in the newly redesigned Mirvish Village. Think books, bites, bevvies, bashes, and all around good times. See you in the stacks.
TR Hot Tip: Buon Riso, the new project by chef Kaitlyn Lasagna (Tutto Panino), is officially in effect with Roman street food Suppli drops. The latest: Mafaldine pasta with garlic scape béchamel and fresh Ontario peas, available for a limited time in the west end at Pasta Forever.
Fine dining lovers, there’s a new Mediterranean destination in Oakville. Introducing: Centro on the Square (210 Lakeshore Rd. E.). That’s not all. TR Tracker: It replaces a Michelin-starred restaurant that appeared to be only temporarily closed. Details below.
Korean-style hot dogs have landed at the corner of Yonge and Eglinton. Grand opening for Chungchun Rice Dog is happening until Friday (11am-6pm) at Eglinton ePlace (8 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit RU 2). All hotdogs are $4.99. Limit 2 per person. Toppings are extra.
My radius for coverage is far-reaching*, but Hamilton? That’s a whole other kettle of fish. That said, when local butchers and then some Cumbrae’s sets up shop in a 100-year-old theatre in Dundas (24 King St. W.) following two years of renos, you make an exception. And watch this space: Yorkville (57 Yorkville Ave.) is in the works…. *Toronto, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Port Credit, North York, East York, Oakville, and all the areas and neighbourhoods in between.
Dear Darling (612 Richmond St. W.) identifies as a cocktail bar, kitchen, and third space. What to expect? A tight role call of dishes - Crispy Calamari, Steak Tartare, Double D Chicken, Grilled Yuzu Sea Bass, The Wagyu Striploin - entices, but the drinks menu is what ppl should be talking about on visuals alone: Love Bomb (Raspberry Vodka, Crème De Cacao, Sherry, White Chocolate, Cocoa), and made-for-summer Maybe Mango - aka Vodka spiked mango slush, for starters. Sluuuurp. TR History: Discover what the space has been lately.
Psst. Want in on a li’l secret hidden in plain sight? Restaurant and bar Don’t Tell (59 Ossington Ave.) moves into previous undisclosed Pastiche that closed years ago and has been on and off the market ever since. Grand opening is Saturday with live music, “surprises and unforgettable experience.”
Fresas con crema and cheesecake. Las Marquesitas estilo Dubai llegaron. Pastel de 3 leches con Oreo. Just some of the offerings at the new Dulzura Mexican Desserts at the corner of Spadina and Dupont (260 Dupont St.). You might know their outpost in North York (9 Milvan Dr.) as well.
TR Hot Tip: Evana Patisserie & Cafe # 2 (334 Dundas St. W.) just touched down across from AGO Art Gallery of Ontario with “French Influenced x Asian Inspired” baked goods. Bonus: Enjoy 10 per cent off during soft opening until grand opening (tbd). Road trip? Find the OG location in Scarborough (390 Silver Star Blvd., Unit 118).
Following up on last month’s exclusive, grand opening for Master Chef Didier Leroy’s intimate The French Kitchen in The Junction (3054 Dundas St. W.) is tonight. p.s. Perhaps the best part? No menu in advance - simply enjoy the discovery in the moment. TR Tracker: Calling it. A trend on the rise after the overexposure and saturation we’ve been inundated with thanks to social media. No phones. Instead meaningful moments committed to memory.
Dolce vita with Gelato Stop kicking off tomorrow at 3pm at Dundas and Crawford St. (256 Crawford St.) in a shade that has staying power. Psst. It’s the same addy for the 2023 edition of Morning Parade Coffee Bar.
Chinatown’s evolution continues with Hao’s Bistro (339 Spadina Ave.), currently in soft opening. What’s on offer: Wok-fired, stir-fried Sichuan dishes: Molten Cheese Egg Tofu Pot, Hand-folded Xiao Long Bao, Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Wings, Black Pepper Pineapple Beef, Golden Crispy Bullfrog (Med Spicy), Cumin Lamb Stir, Chengdu Mala Blood Curd Hot Pot (Extra Spicy), Crab Roe Prawn Fried Rice, and Lobster Flying Noodles boasting 27” noods. Bonus: Soft Opening Promo - Spend $100 and get $50 credit for your next visit. Effective June 12 to July 2.
Nightlife wasn’t a part of Sherbourne and Adelaide before Hawa Beirut Restaurant & Lounge (466 Adelaide St. E.) moved in. Now HB’s bringing those bumpin’ vibes and Lebanese eats to North York (237 Consumers Rd,). t
I introduced you to Hen n' Bun last month, however the chicken chain’s wasting no time in spreading news of its ‘injected fried chicken’ across the province. Find their latest joint in soft opening on a food-lined strip in Scarborough (41 Lebovic Ave.).
As mentioned above, the scope of my coverage extends well beyond the city proper, but as one woman operation, I can only cover so much.* That said, there are times something out of town warrants a mention**. The Hydda definitely qualifies. Think modern wine bar in the midst of a forest in the Haliburton Highlands (Hartwood Treehouse Hotel 1251 Geeza Rd., Minden). **And excuse for a fun road trip. Did you pack the fried pickles?
This soft serve ain’t like the rest: Kela’s specialty brings together Greek frozen yogurt with kefir for a heathy frozen treat. The shop softly opened Sunday at Yonge and St. Clair (81 St. Clair Ave. E., Unit 112), of all places.
Now that patio szn is here to stay (It’s staying, right?), Kensington Corner Cafe arrives at the perfect time. The former cafe returns with an outdoor edition - aka shipping container kitchen “with soul - at the corner of Baldwin and Spadina in Kensington Market. Soft launch was Saturday. Menu items include scratch-made fare by way of chicken wings, burgers, tantuni sandwiches, drinks such as saffron lattes, and more.
Last month City Cottage added a mini mart onto its concept Bodega by City Cottage complete with ice cream component. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, The Local Cafe by City Cottage (1666 Kingston Rd.) arrives. Doors opened Friday. opened, Birchcliff Scarborough. Note: Not to be confused with Centennial College’s The Local Cafe and Restaurant also in Scarborough.
Mari Sixfive 8 Cafe (658 Queen St. W.) officially debuts tomorrow near Trinity Bellwoods Park. with the holy trinity for coffee lovers and creatives: “Coffee, art, community.”
Back in 2018-2019, when it was known as PappaRoti, Pappa Roti Café and Bakery seemed to be taking over. Admittedly it’s been a minute and they’ve all since shuttered. However, Father Coffee Bun is on the comeback in a dense traffic area. Grand opening is underway at Queen and McCaul (202 Queen St. W.). TR Flashback: Remember when this was New Era’s multi-level flagship boasting hats, apparel and accessories, and once a spot to get dope kicks?
I told you Souvlaki Boyzzz (541 Danforth Ave.) was on the way. Grand opening is happening in Greektown tomorrow at 5pm, complete with free Chicken and Pork Wraps while supplies last.
I know you love an immersive, multifaceted destination. Meet Style In Liberty (740 Queen St. W.), a fashion boutique, cozy café in which lingering is encouraged, espresso-based coffee, tea, matcha and fresh baked goods await, and back patio. Find it in Greenhouse Juice’s former digs.
Liberty Village’s Tonton Matcha + Coffee (100 Western Battery Rd., Unit 1) has arrived in Bloorcourt (1005 Bloor St. W.) with its namesakes aaaand soft serve.
Head to Unionville’s new Trios Pastry Cafe (147A Main St.) for an array of sweets and treats including Iced Yuzu Matcha Cloud, Iced Strawberry Matcha, Honey and Rosemary Latte, Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich, and Pain Suisse.
Interior designer Marianne Stacey and artist/poet Michael C. Stacey have launched refined refuge Willow Cafe (2256 Queen St. E.) in the Beaches, replacing recently shuttered Haven Cafe.
CLOSED
Last summer on my podcast, I announced Alebrije in Harbord Village (119 Harbord St.) was on the approach. It debuted a month later. The restaurant by chef Adam Ryan and Joshua Mott that “celebrates Mexico through fine dining” appears to have wrapped up now that the phone number is out of service and the website has been redirected to their fine dining haunt, Azura. Alebrije replaced their previous venture, Her Father's Cider Bar + Kitchen.
Art Square Cafe and Lounge (334 Dundas St. W.) landed across from the AGO in 2005. If that doesn’t seem all that long ago to you, consider this: Drake was still a cast member on Degrassi (The Next Generation).
Chopfire (339 Spadina Ave.) didn’t spend long in Chinatown.
Bad news: Last day to get in on wood-fired ‘za and other Italian fare at Defina Woodfired on Dupont (1485 Dupont St.) is Sunday. Due to the end of their lease, the pizzeria is saying arrivderci after a decade Good news: Satiate your craving at their sister spot Pizzeria Defina in Roncesvalles Village (321 Roncesvalles Ave.).
Final warning: La Cubana (92 Ossington Ave.) shared the end of the era - and 13 years in business - is happening next month. The local chain’s last location, complete with speakeasy Bar Habana, comes to an end Sunday.
Tasty House has exited First Markham Place (3255 Hwy 7). Coming in hot: Hong Kong’s best hand-pulled chicken and street food.
A modern cafe has moved into where old school Atlantis Restaurant (1005 Bloor St. W.) held it down in Bloorcourt for eons. Details above.
Northern Thai and Laotian Wiang Kuk Thai Food’s journey has ended after 14 years (First Markham Place (3255 Hwy 7, Unit 252). Moving in: Dong Fried Chicken.
Woah. Wey Cup (260 Dupont St.) isn’t gatekeeping the tea. WC came on the scene accompanied by Mexican vibes last year, but permanently closed recently as “the Weycup Team has decided to go in different directions.”
TR SNEAK PEEK
New brunch cafe alert in Dundas/Ossington ‘hood. Keep your eyes peeled for Calmo Brunch & Coffee (1227 Dundas St. W.)
Dark Horse Espresso Bar is launching three more shops to get your java fix. 1. Taking over former Starbucks at the corner of College and Dovercourt (941 College St.) 2. The corner of Bathurst and Wellington (64 Bathurst St.), and Etobicoke by way of CF Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall).
Little Italy staple Golden Wheat (652 College St.) came to an end Spring 2025. The space is about to welcome La Linea.
In keeping with all the paint, pottery and other creative, experience-based ventures opening in town, part sewing studio, part coffee shop Sew Bar is on its way to Dupont and Bathurst (1085 Bathurst St.).
Psst. New steakhouse alert: Shinji, a modern Japanese meat-centric spot is opening in FiDi next month, Watch this space for movement at 333 Bay St.
NEWS
G. Francis "Fran" Deck of Toronto’s iconic diner, Fran’s, has died.
On Saturday Linda Nguyen, owner of renowned Vietnamese restaurant Pho Rùa Vàng - aka Golden Turtle - on Ossington, shared a warning on social media after her mother was a victim of home invasion.
More drama surrounding Paramount Fine Foods and Mississauga arena.
Church Wellesley Village BIA asked the community to consider this when it comes to Ontario’s new BYOB law and Pride.
Dejavu Restaurant and Lounge wsa issued a ‘Notice of Suspension’ by the Order of the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) effective June 18- June 28.
ICYMI
BREAKING: Another Michelin-starred restaurant has shuttered.
In THE FEED Vol. 07, discover the space restaurant chains are boldly, swiftly taking over, and what a spate of closures - both temporary and permanent - has revealed lately.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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