OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News March 19-25, 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
Following last week’s insanity and commotion from recent months, this edition isn’t slacking in the least. Introducing 45 establishments with 29 arrivals, more than half in closures (16), and changes and news you need to get up to speed on.
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
This just in: Halal Arab Hyderabadi flavours are happening at Kennedy and Lawrence (1176 Kennedy Rd.). Scarborough’s Aadab, “a contemporary tribute to Hyderabad," is serving up an array of fragrant fare - think mandi, biryani, and charcoal-grilled kebabs - in a “refined, high-energy dining experience.”
.Japanese & Italian–inspired Bellis Café & Bar softly opens in the Annex (561 Bloor St. W.) tonight. The twofer offers a cafe experience during daytime hours, with the bar in full effect come nightfall. And stay tuned: Accompanying Nomas Hotel is next to launch. Expect both projects by industry pros Jeffrey Chu and Attila Baksa of Tebasaki Wing House, Yuugi Izakaya, and 915 Dupont to be bumpin’, so go early/often. TR Trivia: It takes over the ol’ Unicorn Cafe footprint.
Big Skillet lands in North York (100 Marmora St.) with serious comfort food by way of burgers, loaded skillets, and wings, for starters. TR Hot Tip: ISO viral Matilda cups? Ta da.
From breakfast to bevvies, Bobby's Breakfast Cafe & Bar at College and Ossington (810 College St.) is your one-stop-shop for everything from Eggy Bennies to cocktails.
Ever since its debut in 2023, I’ve been tracking the movements of Cong Caphe. Obsessed with cộng cà phê and/or authentic Vietnamese cafes? You’ll want in on this one that debuted over the weekend in Mississauga (7 Watergarden Dr.).
Is a Tex-Mex sports bar the balm to cure the winter doldrums? Maybe. After all, The Copper Boot (171 College St.) comes equipped with pool tables and made in-house grub including dessert. Uh, hello Apple Pie Cheesecake Tacos and Fry Bread w/ Ice Cream.
Today marks grand opening for Dakshin Flavours Indian Kitchen and Bar in Baldwin Village (5 Baldwin St.). What to expect? Authentic Indian dishes including Hyderabadi-style biryani. To celebrate, enjoy opening special ‘Biryani Bonanza’ for $11.99 - available for dine-in and takeout from March 19-22.
DL Chicken out of Vancouver has a cult following. No wonder. In addition to Nashville hot chicken sandos sans GMOs and antibiotics that hit no matter what time of day, exhilarating iterations abound including The Paisano (Italian sausage dust, sautéed onions and peppers, basil garlic mayo), limited edition The Bahn Mi on the DL (Crispy fried chicken, hoisin sriracha mayo, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, crispy onions, cilantro on fresh baguette) and can’t-stop-thinking-about Hashbrown Sticks. The fact that it’s in Harbord Village? Even better. Doors open tomorrow where Y Not Italian! was.
Psst. Dumpling Drip’s handmade steamed fusion dumplings are back in a new hidden location. [Hint: Passing by 24/7 resto Pizza Rustica (37 Blue Jays Way)? You’re very warm.] Bonus: It turns out to be the same addy for a if-you-know-you-know taqueria as well.
Toronto born indie K-grocer Galleria Supermarket kicks off grand opening today in Thornhill’s K-Town near Yonge and Steeles (300 Steeles Ave. W.) with promotions and events to mark the occasion.
While the Ging may be new to Cabbagetown (482 Parliament St.), hometown chain Ginger Restaurant has been bringing the city their affordable classic Viet dishes including pho and banh mi alongside other Asian fare for decades. TR Flashback: The space has been home to the cuisine for eons including 2019’s Phosome, taking over from previous establishments Pho Pas Social Bistro and Hue’s Kitchen.
The city has been losing breweries left and right lately (The Aviary, Beaches Brewing, Laylow’s brick-and-mortar, Northern Maverick, Saulter Street) - nice to add to the list for once. House of McGrath (75 Victoria St.) held a sneak peek on Saturday/St. Patrick’s Day before doors officially opened on Tuesday. In addition to Lager, Pilsner, Stout, you can expect a full food menu. TR Flashback: Hands up if you remember when the building was Batch? While you’re reminiscing, take a look at that OPEN/CLOSED from a decade ago. How times have changed.
Japan Taco, the same outfit that went viral at Distillery Winter Village with their Japanese take on Mexican fare, just took over Tanghulu Tanghulu’s original location in the Entertainment District (252 Queen St. W.). The sweet shops’ “temporary closure” was short as they’ve set up shop down the block - by way of a walk-up window in a pet store of all places. See: Petview (322 Queen St. W.).
Kara Mia Restaurant boasts locations in Markham and Ottawa. Update: The halal Italian steak house has found a home in Oakville (2501 Hampshire Gate).
I’ve been telling you about the sensation that is Maki Mart for years now. (A small sampling from 2023.) If Markham, North York, Scarborough, and.or Midtown are too much of a slog from downtown, good news: An outpost filled with their signature Japanese sushi handrolls just landed at Dundas and University (205 Dundas St. W .Unit A). Finger’s crossed this trend continues.
There’s a new boutique hotel in town. Or more accurately, a handful? The McCaul by Casa Hotels (168 McCaul St.) is ready to welcome you at Elm and McCaul, with additional locations such as Wychwood and Leslieville, to name a few.
Resto-lounge Miss Ivy at Queen and Portland (502 Queen St. W.) is back in business after a brief closure following gunfire.
What started in Mississauga in 2022 became an instant hit downtown on King West in Winter ‘24 and Yonge and Bloor last fall. Find Oklahoma Burgers’ famous smashed onion patties, fries, and rings in effect Tuesday in another bustling nabe - Queen and Spadina (147 Spadina Ave.), where Ca Phe Rang stood until recently. Not sure where that is exactly? Just follow the oniony scent wafting down the block.
Medical appts and tests can be stressful. A soothing cuppa might help. In North York? You’re in luck. As of Monday, Palgong Tea joins North York General Hospital (4001 Leslie St.).
Ho Chi Minh City’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Phở Lệ has been popular from the get-go (2023) in Richmond Hill (324 Hwy 7). For those in the downtown core wanting in on their famous Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (on offer since 1970) and other signature selections, head to the ever-changing strip in Baldwin Village (51 Baldwin St).
Sanaa Alyemen Restaurant enters the Canadian market with “a taste of Yemen” inspired by historic city Sanaa. Head to Mississauga (2121 Dundas St. E.) to experience classic Yemeni dishes such as “Yemen’s most popular dish” Saltah (Veg, meat, and broth, topped with fenugreek), Haneeth Lamb, and assortment of mandi.
Shahira (1370 Kennedy Rd.) claims to be the “best Indian and Halal multi-cuisine restaurant in in Scarborough.” Do you agree?
Slappin Burger’s tight menu features straight forward selections - classic with a few iterations, a chicken, a veg - and more sides (almost all fry-based) than burgs. FInd them in Scarborough near Warden and Eglinton on food-heavy Lebovic (41 Lebovic Ave., Unit A116).
Sovily at Queen and Manning (779 Queen St. W.) is at your side all day with coffee and breakfast through to sandwiches and pizza.
Just last week I was going on about Montreal restaurants. (Toronto, you always have my heart.) Enter the ciry’s beloved Spano’s Diner, now nestled in North York (1 Hafis Rd., Unit 3) with comforting grub - burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, wraps, salads - in portions that ensure you won’t leave hungry. Win-win.
Tre Restaurant softly opens its finely crafted Vietnamese kitchen and bar concept on Elm tomorrow. Think elevated classics in a contemporary serene setting. In other words, the vibe you and your feed have been searching for. Find it above Flipper's (31 Elm St.).
Underprice Convenience Store at Queen and Spadina (166A Spadina Ave.) isn’t just bright, modern and well-stocked with household essentials, beer, wine and other items. It gets better: They have organic and gourmet items, not to mention heavily discounted items, showcasing prices that not only competes with grocery stores, but in many cases, beats them. The standout feature> As there are a few stairs to navigate, a sign outside says “We’re happy to serve customers with mobility needs outside the store” with a number to call.
It’s never too late. Vanta Coffee Club & Eatery shuttered in Scarborough (101 Brimley Rd.) back in 2021, but is bringing the magic back, this time to North York via Yonge and Sheppard (4711 Yonge St., Concourse Level).
Psst. Can you keep a secret? Add The Virginia (1374 Queen St.W.) to your to-do list.
CLOSED
Effective end of business day Sunday, The Beer Store will close its Etobicoke site at Dixie and Kipling (1735 Kipling Ave.). This is one of many sweeping across the province, with more on the horizon.
Beyond Fusion touched down at Church and Carlton (369 Church St.) practically to the day three years ago. A ‘Notice to Terminate’ dated January 12, 2026 has been affixed to the building’s façade.
After being closed for a few months without a peep, relative newcomer Bonitos (180 Ossington Ave.) cited “minor setbacks” and swears doors are reopening soon once staff is in place in a post on Monday. Natch, keep your eyes locked here for updates.
Borscht Kitchen inside Sushi Hub (74 Lippincott St.) is winding things up at the end of the month. Whether March 31 marks the final day for the hidden Ukrainian eatery remains to be seen. The message on social reads in part: “We don’t know what’s next yet. But if we find the right partner, maybe we’ll be back - in a new place, in a new way.” In the meantime, watch this space.
Delysées Luxury Desserts announced Monday immediate closure of their swish Yorkville destination (161 Yorkville Ave.). Luckily, many are scattered throughout Toronto/GTA including these new additions. That’s not all: More locations are in the works.
‘For Lease’ signs in the window of German Doner Kebab in the Entertainment District mark the not-so-subtle end of the massive branch at Queen and John (246 Queen St. W.). The global brand boasts QSRs (quick service restos) across the globe including Saudi Arabia, Sweden, UAE, UK, US and Canada, though this was it for T.O.
Following a successful launch in Scarborough in 2021, Indraprastha Indian Cuisine joined restaurant-rich Baldwin Village (5 Baldwin St.) in 2023. However, according to the company, the franchise at this location has been “terminated” and “is no longer affiliated with Indraprastha.” For who’s taken over the space, head to openings above.
Harbourfront chix joint Joe Bird and constant companion The Fix Ice Cream Bar held it down at Queen’s Quay Terminal (207 Queens Quay W.) for a solid seven years before doors closed for good.
Kinton Ramen’s original location in Baldwin Village (51 Baldwin St.) has come to a close. Doors opened in 2012. The space is now home to a completely different cuisine. Details above. TR Fun Fact: I reviewed it when I was the restaurant critic at Metro Newspaper. This was back when ramen joints were few and far between - David Chang’s Momofuku cookbook was published only three years prior. Even the noodle bar’s sleek interior was ahead of its time.
Miga’s Thornhill/Markham outpost (7335 Yonge St.) is coming to a sudden end next Sunday. The cause? Metrolinx as per usual. Luckily their premium Korean BBQ, on offer since 2004 continues in the west end. Go see ‘em in Mississauga (2382 Dundas St. W.).
It’s Miller Time. One half of the Miller Tavern is bidding adieu. Last day of Miller Tavern Bay (31 Bay St.) is April 4th, The long-running original in Hogg’s Hollow (3885 Yonge St.) is ready to serve you.
Phosome Restaurant made its debut in Cabbagetown (482 Parliament St.) in 2019. The structure was, and continues to be, Viet themed. Details above.
Originally dubbed The Smith House, Smith Social House (171 College St.) came on the scene near U of T in 2023 and was eventual home for Mike Tam’s Ding-A-Wing. As for the space? More info up top.
Down the block, Terima Coffee Pantry + Bar across from U of T (233B College St.) shuttered “due to rising costs and unforeseen challenges,” a common refrain from businesses these days. Luckily, a cozy cafe awaits nearby at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law School (78 Queens Park). TR Trend Watch: In addition to the usual coffee and pastry offerings, they do specialty lattes such as Mango Matcha and Passion Fruit.
Markham’s Utopia Dream Cafe (7170 Warden Ave., Suite 26-27) was more than an eatery - the community hub had heart, grub (Southern Chinese), and activities including mahjong and board games. TR Tracker: It’s about to become Ippon Sushi.
NEWS
I broke the news earlier this week. (Scroll through ‘Latest 2.0’ Highlights on IG). Ed Pottinger, co-owner of Toronto’s iconic Caribbean restaurant The Real Jerk, died. He was 69.
I’ve been keeping you abreast on what’s happening with Planta lately. See: Last week’s ‘News’ section. As the company has likely been innudated with questions surrounding the proceedings, they posted a story on IG on Friday, titled ‘We're Open - and Growing Strong.’ It reads in part: “You may have seen some recent news about PLANTA. The reports reference a previous corporate entity that is no longer part of our operations, and we wanted to take a moment to share a little clarity with our community.” It goes onto to say their restaurants remain open” in Bethesda, Chicago, Los Angeles,, New York City, Washington DC, and Toronto.” Suffice to say, according to them, case closed.
Changes are coming to the provinces’ BYOB rules for outdoor events.
Latest food recalls: Delight Chocolate Dairy-free Chocolate vegan ice cream recalled due to undeclared milk, Salem Foods 7 Spices and Chicken Shawarma Spices recalled due to undeclared wheat, Various pistachios and pistachio-containing products recalled due to Salmonella.
ICYMI
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