OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News March 5-11, 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
🕘 17 min read
Sometimes you can see it coming. Other times, it’s a complete surprise. Are you gobsmacked by this week’s unveiling - 37 establishments in all: 22 arrivals, 15 closures - or is it just standard to you now? Either way, the numerous closures, many under the radar, until now, will leave you shook.
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
Calgary’s Anatolia Turkish Restaurant brings its signature lineup including Adana and Iskender kebabs to Erin Mills. See for yourself at Winston Churchill and Eglinton (2975 Eglinton Ave. W.).
The city is obsessed with Vietnamese sandwiches lately. Are you in hot pursuit? TR Hot Tip: The Beaches just got their own HQ. See: Banh Mi Journey (2383 Queen St. E.) across from Fox Theatre.
Biryani, curries, and craft cocktails are at the heart of Scarborough’s new Benz Circle (4286 Kingston Rd., Unit 10).
Kramer’s Bar & Grill had to vacate its longtime digs at Yonge & Davisville recently (1915 Yonge St.), but didn’t waste any time setting up shop elsewhere. Now for something completely different. In a deep departure from its previous lineup that included burgers, breakfast, and Muskoka Craft battered haddock, say ciao to The Blue Horse Cucina (848 The Queensway), a red sauce joint in Etobicoke of all places, outfitted with checkered tablecloths. Psst. That’s not all. TR Tracker: Stay tuned for The Blue Horse Eatery, not far from Kramer’s original post (1867 Yonge St.) and The Blue Horse Rotisserie in Cabbagetown (554 Parliament St.). which was the addy for a neighbourhood pub and karaoke bar until mere days ago - See closures for info. As for any updates about Kramer’s next door neighbour Fresh Buy Market? Yes. This week, in fact. A few paragraphs below. Spoiler alert: The news is of the good variety.
Coffee, cream tarts, canelés, and matcha in a modern minimalist setting? Who needs cake? See you at Chérie at College and Spadina (233 College St.).
Tonight’s the night. Côte de Bœuf’s new gem in the Annex Brasserie Côte kicks off at Bloor and Brunswick (400 Bloor St. W.) in By The Way Cafe’s previous digs. TR Prediction: Not only will it be one of the buzziest restos of the year, it’ll live up to the hype. Expect lineups.
A few months back, I gave you a sneak peek into Enoteca Rossio (1444 Dupont St.) before doors opened. Update: Little Italy’s newest Italian haunt is up and running. Amongst the offerings? Selections of Risotto al Funghi Selvatici and Branzino allo Zefferano await.
Bikes and botox? Why not? New year, new you. Introducing Étape 22’s new shop at Ave and Dav* (182 Davenport Rd., Lower Level) softly opening tomorrow with a carefully curated collection of minimalist cycling apparel, accessories, coffee and other beverages. Bonus: In attendance? Adorbs whippet GG. *TR Fun Fact: It happens to be surrounded by medical spas should that be of interest.
Last fall I reported Midtown stalwart Fresh Buy Market was on the move. It turns out they didn’t have to go far. Find their new setup replete with fresh produce and pantry items a few doors south on the opposite corner of Yonge and Davisville (1901 Yonge St.), in what was formerly a discount store.
Perfect timing. As one wing-centric door closes (see below), another opens. Est. 2022 in Scarborough, Game Night Wings and Sports Bar (1347 Danforth Rd.) launches their second branch with billiards nearby at Sheppard and Birchmount: (2260 Birchmount Rd.). In addition to wings and cold brews, dig into everything from Gar Par (garlic parmesan) Rings and Texas Homicide Fries to Spicy Mutton Rolls and budget-friendly combos.
JP Food Mart at Yonge and Gerrard (376 Yonge St.) solves mealtime dilemmas with plenty of prepared grab-and-go grub. Select from hand rolls, special rolls, maki, sashimi, chirashi don, aburi oshi, donburi, poke bowls and more.
The Junction has seen serious movement lately, especially these last few weeks. Latest occupant KYMA Mediterranean Grill takes up residence at the corner of Dundas and Keele (2865 Dundas St. W.). The concept? A health-focused menu developed by perennial restaurateur chef Hemant Bhagwani (Oro, Goa Indian Farm Kitchen) and a clinical nutritionist boasting protein-dense pitas, bowls, and beverages, implementing fermented and sprouted ingredients, and olive oil in place of seed alternatives. Doors open Saturday. TR Trivia: The building was once home to Bhagwani’s Amaya Express, and his Leela Indian Food Bar (originally dubbed Leela by Amaya and eventually swathed in pink - a move made by establishments all over town) is a few blocks down the strip. Did you know? Prior to the current incarnation, the addy was a striking pink cafe. Details below.
No matter how much the temperature increases, it’s still technically winter, which means curries and tandoor plates are practically a daily requirement. Discover traditional Indian fare from north to south under one roof at Madras Maeina Restaurant in Etobicoke (21 Rexdale Blvd., Unit 400B).
Breakfast sandwiches are as ubiquitous as septum rings, North Face puffers, and UGG Micros right now. The latest shop to take the city by storm? Introducing Makann (866 Bathurst St.) specializing in “Palestinian-inspired” handhelds. Think Za’atar infused, bolstered by fava bean paste, and schmeared with labneh concotions.
M Chá Bar x Oryzao Sushi come together at Dundas and Bay (120 Dundas St W.) to offer premium takeout via boba, matcha, sushi, and gelato. In other words, everything you need right now.
It’s been years since Mercatto expanded the brand - Cantina Mercatto in 2018, to be exact. With four sites across the 6ix, it was time for the local Italian eatery to spread its wings further afield. Grand opening of Mercatto Centrale in Port Credit (230 Missinnihe Way) takes place Wednesday.
Pizza Cantina (3011 Dundas St. W.) has taken over Libretto’s ol’ stomping grounds in The Junction. While the ‘za vibes continue, the focus here is Roman-style pies. The not-so-secret formula? High hydration, 72-hour fermented dough, and stone baked.
Rolltation has been making moves lately. Now in effect: Their sushi burritos and bowls at Queen and Spadina (430 Queen St. W.).
North York and Richmond Hill folks might already be familiar with Soul Made Patisserie & Café. For those downtown, one has softly opened in Chinatown (385 Spadina Ave.) with a stellar lineup of sweets and treats (Basque Cheesecake, Tanghulu, Crème Brûlée Croissant) and drinks including the Kyoho Grape Americano and new Red Bean Crème Brûlée and Thai Milk Tea Latte series. Bonus: Enjoy 20 per cent off during soft opening.
DIY hot pot experiences are Souper Hot Pot & Tea’s specialty. After launching in the city centre last year, North York is getting in on the fun.* Find them at Yonge and Sheppard (4899 Yonge St.). Grand opening celebrations include a Lucky Feast Week giveaway. *Waterloo is too, though outside my usual radius that includes: Toronto, East York, North York, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Markham, Scarborough, Oakville, and all the nooks, crannies, and neighbourhoods in between.
The Ontario line is upending businesses left and right. Pape Village’s Tzatziki (840 Pape Ave.) is one of the latest casualties. Fortunately, a space was found in the vicinity (971 O'Connor Dr.). The Greek restaurant and cafe can also be found Midtown in Mount Pleasant Village (758 Mt Pleasant Rd.).
North York’s Yonge Burger (6178 Yonge St.) extends its street named creations made with Ontario beef to Midtown. Head to Yonge and St. Clair (44 St. Clair E.) for its namesake alongside Yorkville & Yonge, Bloor, Rosedale & Yonge, Eglinton, Finch, Sheppard & Yonge, and Wilson & Yonge, to name a few. However, something tells me you should start with the go-big-or-go-home St. Clair, a bacon cheeseburger topped with egg.
CLOSED
A fixture in Bloor West Village since waay back - 1988 - A Dark Horse (2401 Bloor St W.) has shuttered without fanfare. Psst. Is the building about to become a Fox & John’s project? Watch this space.
After 15 years, Alice's Place (554 Parliament St.), Cabbagetown’s go-to for pints and karaoke, closed January 13. The reason? “Rising rent is forcing us out.” To discover the next occupant, head up top.
Up until recently, The Bullger Burger & Steak’s well-received halal burger joints could be found throughout the 6ix. With the Danforth shut down last year and Queen and Parliament (348 Queen St. E.) now kaput, that leaves two currently in operation: North York and Scarborough.
The west end arm of Cheffry’s Artisanal Bistro (33 Powerhouse St.) began last year and welcomed 2026 with positivity, however the Davenport Village chapter has come to an end. Richmond and Spadina that started it all (388 Richmond St. W.) is still up and running.
Before business concluded for good, Cravin Kitchen + Lounge (5164 Dundas St. W.) offered “soulful Afro and Italian-inspired” victuals and bottle service as part of its three-year journey.
Earlier this week, local legend Duff’s Famous Wings announced closure of their long-running spot in Little Italy (558 College St.). TR Trivia: Duffs Leaside (1604 Bayview Ave.) has been kickin’ it since ‘98, followed by Vaughan (9360 Bathurst St., Unit 1) that touched down in 2010.
Fab Cafe (2865 Dundas St. W.), the popular pink rendezvous in The Junction, barely got up and running before doors closed. As for the whimsical swing in the window? It’s still on display. More info above.
Newsflash: One of the city’s most in-demand dumpling shops has ceased operations. Juicy Dumpling’s Midtown outpost (2150 Yonge St.) filled with viral soup dumplings and dim sum on the cheap, has closed after a fire. Good news: You can visit the original at Spadina and Dundas (Dragon City Mall 280 Spadina Ave.) until their return.
One of the Danforth’s last remaining Greek restos has hit pause. Like many establishments these days, Kalyvia Restaurant (420 Danforth Ave.) is closed for renos. TR Flashback: Doors first opened in 1990.
As I reported, after much acclaim and over 40 years, iconic Nami Japanese Restaurant (55 Adelaide St. E.) comes to an end on Saturday.
Pai gave Vaughan a whirl when they debuted PAI Maple at Kitchen Hub Food Hall (2810 Major MacKenzie Dr. W.). The city’s most popular Thai destination is available across the city via locations irl and online. TR Pro Tip: Want to learn to make Chef Nuit’s famous Pad Gra Prow? Grab the recipe now.
Reyna on King (354 King St. E.), the east side spin-off of Yorkville’s Bar Reyna, stuck it out in Corktown for seven years before calling it quits. TR Flashback: Remember when it expanded next door during the pandemic to sell a whack of products?
Just as Roywoods releases a new patty shop at TMU Station, their takeaway site a block away at Bay and Dundas (598 Bay St.) has wrapped up. Is it about to become another Roywoods concept? Stay tuned.
I let you in on the wonders of Super Eater (376 Yonge St.) last spring, showcasing freshly made egg bubble waffles, vending machines (press-on nails, anyone?), ice cream, and unique items throughout. For who’s moved in, pop up top.
Long-time Pape Village resident Tzatziki (840 Pape Ave.) had to up sticks. Details above.
CHANGES
Heron in Etobicoke (3008 Bloor St. W.) started out as a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar in Etobicoke. Modern Mexican is the format now. Think Róbalo Sellado (Pan-seared sea bream), Carne Estofada (Slow braised beef),, ceviche, tacos, and requisite Margaritas and churros.
Dufferin-St. Clair mainstay and Neapolitan HQ Pizza E Pazzi (1182 St Clair Ave. W.) is under new ownership,
NEWS
Crews & Tangos, the country’s “most legendary and iconic drag bar and nightclub,” addresses closure rumours; reveals plans on sticking around for the long haul.
Hankering for the hard stuff from Nova Scotia? You’re in luck.
Latest food recalls: Arbutus Foods Madras Curry Couscous recalled due to undeclared mustard, Compliments Organic Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt recalled due to undeclared almond, Costco Mellow Food Delici Dubai Chocolate Mousse recalled, Discovery Kitchens brand Beef Cabbage Rolls recalled due to pieces of flexible plastic, Various macadamia nuts and macadamia nut-containing products recalled due to Salmonella.
ICYMI
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