OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News March 12-18, 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
🕘 20 min read
If this repeat of another insanely long edition has you asking, “What the hell is happening?” it’s a legit question. With nearly 40 establishments - 31 arrivals. 8 closures - it begs the question, how are you ever going to get through this list, never mind the preceding weeks/months of options? Even if you went to a new restaurant every day this month, you’d just make it through this week’s roundup. What about the 40 before that, and the two editions to close out the month? It’s just not feasible.
And not by design, but it just so happens this edition came out cafe focused and Markham forward, not to mention dessert heavy, which le't’s face it is the only way to get through this never-ending winter/frenzy. But then the savoury options will have you drooling all over your screen too. And Kingston Road, are you okay? Tracking your comings-and-goings alone has become an almost full-time gig. That said, you’ve never given me any trouble until now, so no hard feelings.
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
After a decade of service, Michelin Guide-listed Alo closed its fine dining destination at the corner of Queen and Spadina (163 Spadina Ave., 2nd Fl.) temporarily for a refresh. Reservations reopened as of Monday. TR Tracker: As I reported a few months back, Michelin colleagues Antler and MIMI Chinese also shut down briefly to refurbish, and have recently welcomed back guests, as have numerous other establishments across the city.
I told you the 6ix can’t get enough banh mi. The proliferation continues with Markham’s Banh and Bowl Co. (7040 Warden Ave.). In addition to Viet sandos, pho, and rice bowls, get in on an array of rolls, vermicelli, snacks (Are you eyeing the Nuoc Cham Fried Wings and Saigon Platter too?) and refreshments at Warden and Steeles.
In keeping with the theme of Viet sub fixations, street food centric Banh Me House in Markham (King Square Mall 9390 Woodbine Ave., Entrance 4) just welcomed a sibling. For fire-licked meat and crisp veg dressed in housemade sauces on fresh baguette, head to Banh Mi House Plus (6545 Highway 7 E, Unit 20). TR Pro Tip: Looking to stretch your dollar even further? Check out their fab daily promotions.
I gave you the inside track on Bar Etc. (1036 Gerrard St. E.) back in January. Update: Grand opening of the new cocktail bar by industry vets is happening tonight.
Scarborough’s Big Jerk Spot (4180 Kingston Rd.) has reopened after temporarily closing at the end of last year. Grand opening kicks off tomorrow, running through the weekend with prizes and giveaways.
Psst. Blue Cat Coffee isn’t your typical coffee shop. The spacious coffee lounge is part of new Scarborough’s new padel* club, Blue Cat Padel (1510 Birchmount Rd., Unit 120, Rear Unit). On the menu: Espresso-based drinks, Red Matcha, and fresh pastries, to name a few. *Similar to pickleball.
TR Hot Tip: Che Peru just touched down at the corner of Bathurst and Eglinton (852 Eglinton Ave. W.) and is already earning high praise for its authentic Peruvian and Argentinian fare, prices, and service. See you there.
Choco Choo was a recent addition near Cabbagetown (249 Gerrard St.E.). While that locale didn’t stick, a better fit was secured in the Bay-Wellesley vicinity (35 St. Joseph St.) with its dramatic setting, decadent breakfast and dessert options (Crepes or waffles? Smoothie or shake?), and is that a chocolate fountain in the background? Yes. It. Is., TR Fun Fact: The St. Joseph addy previously held similarly sweet-themed joint, HolyChoco.
Unlike some businesses these days, Circles & Squares isn’t one to expand locations every few months. The last addition for the 18-year-old from-scratch bakery? Took place back in 2023. Now they’re about to take FiDi by storm with their addictive roster (TD Centre 77 King St. W.). p.s. More locations are on the way.
A slew of desserts have been taking the spotlight lately (Viral much?), but the classics endure for a reason. The arrival of D’Amo’s new digs in Scarborough (1275 Morningside Ave., Unit 5) is good reason to put Tres Leche Cake back into your rotation. FYI: Crepes, shakes, and other cakes are also on offer.
On the topic of sweet treats, D Spot Dessert Cafe just dropped their beloved lineup in North York (77 Billy Bishop Way, Unit B1A) including homemade ice cream, sushi cakes, waffles, croffles, french toast, skillet cookies, and extensive confectionless items now including breakfast. In other words: Whatever you do, leave the hard pants at home.
TR Pro Tip: Add Eastend Pie & Mash (1031 Gerrard St. E.) to your to-do list. Chef Davy Love’s savoury pie shop at Gerrard and Jones showcases proper Brit fare of the coziest, comforting variety - sausage rolls, pasties , and pies - served with creamy mash and requisite parsley “liquor,” aka sauce.
Ella Restaurant & Lounge just joined Dundas and Dixie (1488 Dundas St. E.). The halal Middle Eastern restaurant and lounge in Mississauga opens Saturday. Expect a modern setting finished in sand and cobalt tones and countless fixtures and fittings designed to draw your eye across the expansive space, As for the food? Ella is “set to redefine modern Middle Eastern dining.” Stay tuned. p.s. TR Trend Watch: Female-named joints are still on the rise.
The name says it all. Gul Gul Lebanese & Turkish Cuisine’s halal Lebanese Turkish food is known throughout the GTA thanks to posts in Burlington, one that opened in Vaughan Q4/24 with pink accents (Pink restos are still a thing), and as far flung as Niagara, as of this week Windsor, and soon, Kingston. Mississauga’s new arrival keeps the blush vibes going. Grand opening is Sunday.
Award-winning curry from Japan is heeeerre. Winner of the coveted Kanda Curry Grand Prix, Japan’s Hinoya Curry unveiled its first outpost in the Big Smoke at anything but pretentious Yonge and Carlton (20 Carlton St.).
Istanbul Doner House’s fragrant Turkish fare such as Cig and icli kofte, doner, kebobs, pide, wraps, durum, salads, baklava and other desserts are available across the province in Mississauga, Burlington Niagara Falls, and now Scarborough at Victoria Park and Eglinton (1646 Victoria Park Ave., Unit 2).
York students, celebrate a job well done with a build-your-own La Diperie ice cream experience at York Lanes Mall (York University 80 York Blvd.). Choose hard or soft serve, toppings and/or dip.
PSA: Handmade Argentinian empanadas have landed at Scarborough Town Centre. Find Malvón Empanadas on the upper level (300 Borough Dr., TASTE MRKT) with a staggering 17 varieties.
I’ve been keeping tabs on Marry Me Mochi’s moves allll over town lately. The latest stop with mochi doughnuts, puffs, and dessert drinks in tow? York University at York Lanes Mall (80 York Blvd.). TR Pro Move: With neighbour La Diperie right there (se above), would it be crazy to pick up ice cream AND mochi doughnuts?
Ramen and noodle shops straight outta Japan have been looking to the 6ix to set up shop overseas for years now. Discover the one and only Marugame Udon at Yonge south of Wellesley (494 Yonge St.). And the timing couldn’t be better. Winter warmup via creamy tonkatsu udon in a pre-heated bowl? Done. For handcrafted Sanuki-style udon, kake-dashi broth and tempura, prepared fresh every day in the open kitchen, put this in your calendar right now: Soft opening is Tuesday with grand opening to follow on Saturday the 21st.
Matcha Matcha Lab is the city’s latest drink lab. (It’s a thing). Look to Markham for Matcha Matcha’s new iteration (200 Steelcase Rd. E., Unit 5). Grand opening is tomorrow through til Saturday with BOGO and 50 per cent off all drinks. Conditions apply.
With North York’s culinary incubator Food Hall TO (5210 Yonge St.) welcoming new vendors as of late, it’a the perfect time to check it out: First Chōju, and now Meat On Rice Turkish Bowl, claiming, “The best Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in North America.” See for yourself.
Did you know? Canada’s first Niyyah Coffee in Markham (3322 Bur Oak Ave.) boasts a “fully” halal menu.
Mark your calendar. Chef Zach Keeshig and his lauded modern Indigenous tasting menu restaurant in Owen Sound, Naagan (279 10th St. E.), are coming to T.O. for a limited time. Resos have opened for the launch of his residency at Rily Kitchen in The Junction Triangle (26 Sousa Mendez St.). TR Prediction: Seatings will sell out like that.
Loyal readers (and anyone who knows me) know I’m ride or die everything hospitality and especially here in Hogtown. That said, j'adore Montreal’s food scene. So when I discovered Pakwan Express (766 Rue Jean-Talon O) was on its way, I made room in my schedule. After all, their specialty? “Serving authentic Hyderabadi flavours with a twist of tradition.” Translation: Spicy curries, royal biryanis and Zafrani chai. TR Hot Tip: Grand opening for Pakwan Express in Scarborough (2781 Markham Rd.) just south of Markham and Steeles is tomorrow. À bientôt.
In the downtown core and in need of a nosh? Authentic Turkish flavours have landed at the corner of King and Dufferin, courtesy of Pasha Döner (700 King St. W., Unit 105).
The Junction has been hopping lately. The activity continues wth local chain Potluck Caribbean Cuisine bringing its “Taste of the Caribbean” - aka good grub since 1994 - to the nabe (3074 Dundas St. W.). Top of the must-try list: Oxtail, Jerk Chicken, and Curry Goat, for starters. TR History: In 2022 they joined a crowded food hall at Yonge and Gerrard (372 Yonge St., Uinit 2) which has since shuttered. Fortunately, others scattered around Mississauga await.
Raja Chettinad Fine Indian Kitchen welcomes guests to its new setup in Scarborough (825 Passmore Ave.) starting Monday. Did you know? The eatery specializing in South and North Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Halal grub. began its journey in Kitchener where it currently resides.
Revolver Pizza Co.’s New York and wood-fired style ‘za has been happening in South Etobicoke, Woodbridge and St. Clair West for a while now. Leslieville, it’s finally your turn (916 Queen St. E.).
With snow back on the forecast, the call for ramen is loud. Grand opening for Ramen Isshin’s latest haunt in Mississauga(5080 Hurontario St.) is Friday-Saturday, 12pm-9pm. To celebrate, $1 ramen for the first 50 customers, then 50 per cent off all ramen and kakigori.
Speaking of ramen, a dedicated bar has landed in Vaughan, attracting a ton of attention. (You know we have them downtown, right? See: 1. 2. and 3.) For those in the area, Aisle 24 Market & Self Ramen Bar (100 Eagle Rock Way, Unit 2) has all your nood needs covered.
CLOSED
Atlantic Bakery in Mississauga (4025 Brandon Gate Dr.) had to relocate. In the meantime, AB’s customized cakes, pastries, and other good stuff are available in their temporary spot for pre-order delivery. And stay tuned for news of their next locations.
Family restaurant Amanecer Latino Restaurante Mexicano at Bathurst and Eglinton (852 Eglinton Ave. W.) was built to “transport you to Mexico.”
Over the years, relocation has been a common theme for east end parlour, Brett’s Ice Cream. Another transition is underway, but this time the move feels not only a match made in heaven, but pretty permanent. So while 3148 Kingston Rd. has come to a close, you’ve got options: 1. Nearby at Upper Beaches outpost at Victoria Park and Kingston Road (1007 Kingston Rd.) is up-and-running. 2. Soon, Brett’s will be available up the road inside widely-covered and highly-anticipated forthcoming extension of Liana and Daniel Naraine’s popular City Cottage Market (1666 Kingston Rd,) nearly next door, Bodega by City Cottage, (1680 Kingston Rd.) this spring. Keep your eyes peeled here for details.
Choco Choo was a recent addition near Cabbagetown (249 Gerrard St.E.). Luckily, a better suited locale has been secured. Details above.
D’Amo may have wrapped things up at 2263 Kingston Rd. but it’s not the end of the story. Pop up top for info.
The Original Hot Chicken (20 Carlton St.) arrived with fanfare from Atlanta late ‘24, but the space has already been filled. See openings above. Does this mark the end for the brand in the 6ix? It appears so, at least for now.
After some time on the market, Pizza Wine Disco’s four year run on King West (788 King St. W.) comes to a close as of Sunday. Of course local hospitality co’s Liberty Entertainment Group and Municipal Goods have a slew of other destinations about town for you to check out including MG’s buzzy new Small Talk on Ossington.
Where art thou, Trini Bites Hot Roti & Doubles (4286 Kingston Rd., Unit 8)?
CHANGES
Following the departure of Master Chef Didier Leroy from his eponymous fine dining venture LSL on Avenue Road with renowned chefs Christian Le Squer and Masaki Saito this winter, the restaurant is about to become Onze. Watch this space.
NEWS
Big birthday shoutout to Garden Gate’s Hazel Hoegs.
Community cafe and local grocer Finch Store is finally permitted to serve coffee again.
Late last week, workers were seen posting ‘For Lease’ signs on the front of Pusateri’s sole store (1539 Avenue Rd.). Following their recent closures, naturally this caused a bit of a frenzy. Does this mean the end for the local upscale grocer? Nope. It turns out the company affixed it to the wrong building: It was meant to go in next door at 1537, where Maker Pizza stood up until very recently. Oops.
Months ago, I broke news of Planta’s bankruptcy. It’s now been converted to liquidation.
The Fox on John went viral for a job wanted post that included a fake burglary, while numerous local restaurants have been hit hard with actual break-ins lately, many more than once.
Following an article in The New York Times, the downfall of one of the world’s top restaurants Noma and chef René Redzepi happened in a matter of days.
Does poutine’s squeaky cheese deserve special recognition?
Latest food recalls: Baixiang Artificial Spicy Beef Soup Flavor Instant Noodles recalled due to undeclared peanut, Choco Lake Diamond Twist Milk Chocolate with Kunafa Pistachio Paste Flavour recalled due to contamination with aflatoxins, ICIM Halloumi Cheese recalled due to undeclared sheep milk and goat milk, Katilo Classic Roomy recalled due to Salmonella, The Worthy Crumb Pastry Co. Cheddar and Chive Artisan Scones recalled due to mould, ZoRaw Milk Chocolate recalled due to improperly declared almond and peanut.
ICYMI
I just launched the TR Late Night Resto Guide, but have already added more places.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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