OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News June 4-10, 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
What the hell, Toronto? Openings and closures are maxxing out every week. I’ve been doing this for eons now, yet I’m still gobsmacked by the pace in which things are developing - and disappearing - these days. You’d think after last week’s outrageous behaviour, things would ease up a bit. Hellll no. Not even close. My tome of evidence below proves otherwise.
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 scoop on Afro’s Pizza in the Garden District (107 Mutual St.) back in 2023, way before Keith Lee entered the scene (It shouldn’t take someone outside the city to bring recognition to local businesses.) The addictive Detroit-style ‘za that’s captured the hearts of citizens near and far* has dropped at shipping container shopping district Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.). *What makes it so epic? Four words: Cheese and waffle dough. And how ‘bout those toppings? Jerk chicken and jackfruit (See: Jackie Brown) or bacon cheeseburger (Order the King). TR Pro Tip: Get the seasonal speshes while you can - Yao Ming (Ma Po Tofu), Tiger Woods (Thai Green Curry Shrimps), and The G.O.A.T. (Goat Birria).
Akashiro rolls into York University (105 The Pond Rd., Suite 80) with an array of signature rolls, sashimi, donburi, karaage, and standout selection, student or otherwise - Buldak Cheese Fried Udon. Bonus: Enjoy 30 per cent off items during Happy Hour 2pm-4pm.
Introducing CityPlace’s new rendezvous - restaurant, bar, and pub Charlie Social House (17 Fort York Blvd.), with seriously comfy fare to delve into - e.g. Viral Irish Pub Spice Bag, Rib Eye Steak as appetizer, Charlie’s Smash Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Bangers & Mac, and Miami Short Rib Plate.
#TRending: ISO the next viral drink? Look no further than Cherie Cherry at Dundas and Bloor (1572 Bloor St. W.) with its made-for-your-feed blooming Flower Latte. As for buzzworthy food, is panna cotta poised to be the next tiramisu? This one topped with fresh strawberry purée, perhaps. Find these amongst full-on breakfast and lunch options, in addition to fresh and frozen Eastern European delectables. TR Trivia: The resto’s situated where China Island made its mark for all those years and generations.
The loss of ice cream at Pape and Danforth almost instantaneously has been restored. And this time ‘round it’s non-dairy soft serve. Practically moments after I announced the end of iHalo Krunch, Cloudberry (602 Danforth Ave., Unit B) stepped up with exhilarating fruit-driven concoctions (Dragonfruit, Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry) along with trending all over your socials sippers - aka Dirty Sodas.
Bulletin: After closure for renovations, Dipped Donuts is back at it in Kensington Market (161 Baldwin St., Unit 1).
Leaside’s go-to healthy haunt Drink Juice Co. (463 Manor Rd. E.), known for its range of cold-pressed juices, functional smoothies, wellness shots, bone broths, and carefully crafted eats made using real ingredients (olive oil, grass-fed butter), expands downtown via dynamic food emporium Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.).
Gelateria Dolce Mia’s second shop at Bloor and Clinton (690 Bloor St. W.) arrives just in time for the incoming heat wave (of course keep your puffer close by, b/c C-A-N-A-D-A). This joins the OG location that debuted last spring at Dundas and Roncy (36 Howard Park Ave., Unit 143). The Italian-style gelato is the real deal btw, made by the fam’s Sicilian pastry chefs. TR Hot Tip: Sicilian Brioche with Gelato? Guaranteed mood-lifter.
“Premium shisha, signature drinks, and smooth music” are at the heart of Vaughan’s new Kalyan Cafe and Lounge (9000 Keele St.).
Like a seasoned P.I., I’ve been keeping close tabs on Kinton Ramen since Day One. Newsflash: Just added to KR’s case file TR0018FH: Their new noodle shop at Mississauga’s Heartland Town Centre (6045 Mavis Rd.).
Two weeks ago, La Barbacha found themselves suddenly without brick-and-mortar surroundings in Kensington. Update: Problem solved. Seemingly moments after I announced the closure of Roja’s Kitchem last week, the substantial space at the corner of Queen and Roncy (1647 Queen St. W.) has been transformed into their new HQ filled with barbacoa, birria, and birria pizza.
Speaking of Mexican grub, Masa’s pop-up at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St,) boasts Mexican recipes made with “100 per cent Canadian ingredients.” Where to start? The Halal Rib Eye Tacos, for one. Did you know? Stackt is hosting a ‘Lunch & Local’ series throughout the summer. Enjoy lunch specials or special discounts at $15 or less on Wednesdays 12-3pm. Participating restaurants and shops include: Afro’s Pizza (details above), Bodego Energy Supply Co., Haydn's Açaí & Frozen Yogurt, Imacookie, Las Muns (I just wrote about their new spot last week) Milky’s, Monday’s Off, and Sunday’s Pasta Lab.
Megumi Mazesoba, home of the “first dedicated brothless ramen in Toronto,” chose Yonge and St. Clair (46 St Clair Ave. E., Unit 101) for its launch in 2023. For those downtown, head to their noodle bar on King west of Spadina (367 King St. W., Unit 1) where Calii Love famously came and went.
Searching out daily brunch options in the concrete jungle? Midtown’s Mia Brunch Bar new branch near Yonge and College (21 Grenville St.) is da spot for indulgent pleasures: I mean: Coldfoam Black Sesame Iced Latte, Matcha Biscoff Parfait, Lemon Ricotta & Pear French Toast, and The Morning Beef Rib Plate? Oomph. TR Trivia: Remember when the building housed Tomyum Restaurant and Wine Bar in 2021 before doors closed in 2023? The addy was also where the “first monorail sushi in Canada,” courtesy of Hana Sushi & Café, happened, prior to last year’s short-lived addition, Elements Restaurant.
Following my initial report from a few weeks back, chefs Noor Gandhi Narula and Mudit Narula’s debut restaurant Moba has kicked off at Dundas and Manning (869 Dundas St. W.). In addition to elevated Indian fare - Chèvre Kebab, Guchhi Khumb Risotto, Bhuna Mutton, Alleppey Shrimp Curry - discover 5-Course Tasting Menus (Veg $69, Meat/Seafood $79).
Psst. No Idea just emerged. Vibe check? Drinks, music, and hangs at Dundas and Ossington (1110 Dundas St. W.) where Youthful Vengeance stood. Translation: Good times.
I spy with my steely almond eyes a fascinating new food truck in Scarborough. Find Old Soul Pizzeria parked on Lawrence between Pharmacy and Warden (1940 Lawrence Ave. E.) doling out “authentic Neapolitan wood-fired sourdough pizza.” I know.
Merriam-Webster states it’s an outdated and offensive term, however Oriental Shawarma (1549 Bayview Ave.) it is. Find the Mediterranean eatery on Leaside’s main stretch where Maurya East Indian Roti used to reign.
I haven’t peeped the official stats lately, but by feel alone I’ve definitely covered more comebacks the last few years than my entire career. Truly off the charts. The latest example: The Parkdale Drink (1292 Queen St. W.) welcoming guests as of tomorrow, 7pm. What’s changed? The space, for one - it underwent renos and there’s a new patio out back now - and of course we need to discuss the food. On the menu: Classic Viet and Chinese eats. So in other words, just what this summer calls for. I’ll see if we can get a table out back…
PSA: Vaughan’s Pho 128 (207 Edgeley Blvd., Unit 12) set up shop at a plaza at Bloor and Sherbourne (345 Bloor St. E.) - but you knew that already, right? Now that it’s open, what are you going to get? The namesake dish comes in seriously lush varieties, particularly Rib, Vietnamese Pork and Crab Noodle, Spicy Lemongrass Noodle, and Bone Marrow. Drool.
“Canada’s first Qishr experience” has landed smack dab downtown. For authentic Yemeni coffee, head to the spacious Qishr Coffee House. Doors softly opened Monday (21 Dundas Sq., Suite 100), steps from the Eaton Centre.
Kensington Market’s live music venue and bar Supermarket (268 Augusta Ave.) since 2004 has secured Sabor Macho in the kitchen. What does that mean? In addition to de rigeur tacos, distinct dishes await: Quesabirrias, Flaming Hot Birria Balls (Crispy birria balls stuffed with slow-cooked beef and cheese, coated in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crumbs, served with birria consommé), and the super saucy El Macho Burger (6 oz smashed beef, bacon-onion jam, chili oil heat, chipotle mayo, and guacamole), for example. TR Pro Tip: Leave room for Churros.
The never-ending Mexican bonanza continues with Santa Madre Mexican Restaurant’s arrival in Gerrard India Bazaar (1437 Gerrard St. E.) with festive fare such as Elotes Callejeros, Baja Fries, Enchiladas De Mole, Golden Rolled Tacos, Mexican Fried Rice, and Birria Ramen.
Saudade’s new digs across from Trinity Bellwoods Park (1006 Dundas St. W.) aren’t far from their ol’ stomping grounds (1191 Dundas St. W.) and this time ‘round, they’ve added a café component to their dreamy Portuguese gift shop. In addition to tableware, jewelry, gift sets, and other items ideal for this season filled with housewarmings, weddings, and other celebratory occasions, the pantry section is where it’s at.
From wedding bells to roasted beans. Calling all brides-to-be and coffee lovers: Luxe bridal boutique Savoir Bridal in Liberty Village (15 Atlantic Ave.) added an on-site European-inspired cafe Savoir Coffee on Monday. Think grab-and-go convenience intersecting with chic aesthetics. Picking up specialty coffees and pastries AND browsing dresses with your soon-to-be bridesmaid? I do.
Savyon’s Cuisine (761 Dundas St. W.) swears theirs is “A sandwich experience you’ve never tasted in Canada,” To see if their claim is legit, head to the space at Dundas and Bathurst that has been in constant motion. TR Tracker: You know I keep a super close eye on places and corners that turnover like . This one spot at Dundas and Bathurst has been through it lately: In 2024 alone you knew it as Felfel Mediterranean Cuisine, Souvlaki Plus Burgers, and Gyro Bar.
Etobicoke’s Shreeji Panipuri (5010 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 3) is the spot for freshly made chaats and pani puri. Grand opening took place Friday.
TR Fun Fact: I was one of the first people outside of friends and family to try Dan Ewing and Brett Feeley’s pandemic project Slowhand Sourdough Pizza in May 2021, when it was being crafted from a residential kitchen in Leslieville and I waited on the lawn out front. Take a peek. Nearly a year later, a for realz location in the ‘hood (99 Pape Ave.) followed. Now the boyz have branched out to the west end. Soft opening for an out-of-the-way spot near King and Portland (8 Waterloo Terrace) is in effect.
TeaByDo just landed in Richmond Hill (270 West Beaver Creek Rd, Unit 17) with fruit and milk teas including Signature Taro Ball Milk, Mango Pomelo Sago, Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea, and Oolong Milk Tea with Soybean Cheese Foam. TR Trivia: The North York store launched a few months ago.
I broke the story on my podcast back in February 2025: Wilbur Mexicana’s new taqueria was on the approach in Liberty Village. Psst. The counterpart to King Street, Wilbur’s Taco Shop (50 Atlantic Ave.), has finally arrived.
Zaytuna Shawarma Fusion in Mississauga (6425 Dixie Rd., Unit 9) offers an array of takeout from Shish Taouk to Cheddar & Parmesan Shawarma Burger.
[Update: Grand opening for Kabbana from last week’s edition is now happening Sunday.]
CLOSED
If it feels like Central Design Market and Market Cafe (252 Adelaide St. E.) just touched down, they did. Doors closed on their beautiful space over the weekend, but the search for new digs is on. Watch this space.
Club 285 Café in North York (280 Viewmount Ave., Unit 3) was ”Your cozy spot for coffee, conversation and community” - until it wasn’t.
The Geary strip continues to transition with the loss of decade-old Dark Horse Espresso Bar (120 Geary Ave.). Luckily, you can get your java fix at their other locations throughout the city.
Five Guys in FiDi (First Canadian Place 100 King St. W., Unit 93) is kaput, but it won’t be long before patties are back in motion. Moving in: Rosie’s Burgers.
Upscale Asian fusion resto and nightlife experience Jade Yorkville (137 Avenue Rd.) debuted Summer ‘24. Doors are currently closed.
La Cubana (92 Ossington Ave.) shared the end of the era - 13 years in business - is happening next month. The last location of the local chain that started life in the west end on Roncy, including speakeasy Bar Habana, comes to an end June 28.
Three, two, one. And then there were none. It’s the end of the road for Pisac Peruvian Bistro following Dupont’s finale during the pandemic and Oakville operations wrapping up last year. The one that arrived in Cabbagetown in 2024 (195 Carlton St.) has quietly come to a close.
The Zen - Hakka Chinese & Thai Cuisine (263 Queen St. W.) settled in at Queen and McCaul in 2023, later adding jerk and halal dishes to the roster. [See: The Zen Toronto- Hakka Chinese, Thai & Jerk (HALAL)]. Ready to take on the new addy: Big Boss Eatery with serious eats - Guyanese Fried Chicken Leg & Back Chowmein, Pepper Shrimp on Egg Fried Rice, and Special Mix Jerk Chicken, for instance. TR Tracker: This tight-knit corner has been a revolving door of activity lately: Azkadenya Restaurant (235 Queen St. W.), ChickQueen (247 Queen St. W.) and notably recently shuttered Planta (180 Queen St. W.) directly across the street, with Cotti Coffee (200 Queen St. W.) about to drop any day now. p.s. Want exclusive intel on where you should open next? What’s next on the culinary horizon? What’s missing and what you don’t need when it comes to your menu, dining room and overall guest experience? Get in touch.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Modus Ristorante (145 King St. W.) began life in the Financial District in Fall 2011. The fine dining Italian destination has closed for renovations.
CHANGES
Change of Address Notice: The Diners Corner closed its longtime digs at Yonge and Isabella (678 Yonge St.) on May 30 and reopened for solely pickup and delivery starting June 2 at 571 Queen St. W. - where newly appointed Bar Rustica Late Night Pizza operates at the wildly busy intersection at Queen and Portland, now littered with clubs.
NEWS
The Ford government defeats NDP bill that would have cut HST on certain food items.
TR SNEAK PEEK
Guys, Centro is coming back. For real this time. At Vaughan Mills. Watch this space.
Lauded Thai empire Pai is coming to Mississauga’s Square One. Stay tuned for details. While you wait, why not learn how to make Chef Nuit’s famous Pad Gra Prow?
Parlé Speakeasy & Cocktail Lounge is about to drop at King and Portland. The concept? Part sports bar (Parlay) and password enforced speakeasy (Parlé).
Following up on last week’s tidbit, grand opening for The French Kitchen takes place June 25.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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