OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto/GTA Restaurant News May 28-June 3, 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
🕘 22 min read
If you thought last week’s developments were substantial, wait ‘til you see what I’ve cooked up for you in this edition. It’s insane. 45 establishments in a week? You betcha - 35 arrivals, 10 closures, some quick changes and news, all accompanied by comebacks, triumphs, rebrands, and companies rolling out numerous branches in quick succession… It’s all happening in such a flurry, blink, and you just might miss it.
And in case you still think Toronto/GTA doesn’t have much to offer by way of a food scene (Pfft. Get outta here.), keep in mind that not everyone has hundreds of restaurants in their vicinity to choose from. Citizens of St. Clairsville, Ohio, for instance, are about to get - gasp - their first Thai restaurant. Can you imagine? Only one? And none before 2026? Fun fact: It’s courtesy of someone in Toronto.
THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ‘BOUT. 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
TR Tracker: Have you noticed how many out-of-towners are setting up shop in Scarborough lately? I’ve been clocking ‘em left and right. See: Ajax and Whitby, to name a few. “Whitby's premier Afghan restaurant” Al-Nur Kebab House brings its signature fare to The Boro (1960 Lawrence Ave. E., Unit B1). Meat lovers will be wholly satisfied with The Shahi twofer (Chunks of beef tikka, chicken thigh and breast served with rice, salad and naan), Goat Karahi, Qabuli Pulao’s lamb shank, and the like. In the mood for seafood? Al-Nur Fish stars a whole fish fried until crispy. As for other meatless options, look to the Bolani, their vegetable stuffed bread.
As multitudinous and varied as Toronto’s food scene is, there are countless areas that require immediate attention. Khmer cuisine is def one of them. Enter Cambodian destination Angkor Kitchen in Markham (3 Wootten Way N., Unit 5). Standouts of Pnom Penh Noodle starring savoury pork bone broth rice noodles topped with ground meat, shrimp and herbs, and Fish Amok (Amok Trey) steamed fish with rich, creamy coconut curry (Also available with tofu), are a good place to start.
It’s standard practice these days for shawarma places to be swapped out for one another. Case in point: The Entertainment District’s Baba Shawarma (248 Queen St.W.) just replaced recently shuttered German Doner Kebab.
TR Hot Tip: If you’re on the early/late shift, The Bagel House will be one of your best kept secrets. The Montreal bagel chain est. 1999 is always there for you, open 24/7, with not only deli delights of freshly baked bagels and sandos, but all-day brekkie and array of sweet and savoury baked goods from samosas to knishes, strudel to homentashen. (Bonus: On the hunt for chopped chicken liver? You’re in luck.) With five locations in the Midtown/Uptown range, those in Thornhill can finally get in on the action via Promenade Mall (1 Promenade Cir, near Entrance 2.) Note: The restaurant is accessed via exterior doors only.
Bánh Mì Happy at Runnymede and St. Clair (2391 St. Clair Ave. W., Suite 106) is the spot for fresh bánh mì in what was once a computer shop.
Are you ready? This is wild: Banh Mi Journey is wasting no time taking over the city. After a debut in the Beaches two months ago, BMJ launched an outpost days later at Yonge & Eg (2409 Yonge St., Unit 101), then revealed another a few days after that at the corner of Landsdowne and St. Clair (1355 St Clair Ave. W.). That’s not all. In the days to follow, they set up shop in Koreatown (706 Bloor St. W.). This last one’s particularly meaningful as it’s the same spot on the strip they operated their first business at for a decade. As for what to order? Stir-Fried Tofu, Betel Leaf Beef, Fish Cake, and Salted Egg Meatball handhelds are the gateway to your new addiction. And if you prefer your food cute, cuddly, and kawaii, get the Sticky Rice. Did you know? They make their own buns and use beet juice to create the signature red colour.
Port Credit’s Bar Soho (80 Lakeshore Rd. E.) transitions from “elevated BBQ” and cocktail menu into nightclub, so your experience is largely determined by what time you attend. Grand re-opening on Saturday (details below) is 80s-themed. Note, the usual club dress code applies: No hoodies, hats, athletic wear, or slides.
Speaking of comebacks, this one might surprise you. After a recent permanent closure, Beaches Brewing Company (1953 Queen St. E.) slips back into its original space, complete with reimagined interior, menu, new chefs - Stephane Lacoste (Where the River Narrows) and Indian chef Rajesh Panday (Bombay Bar & Grill, Gorkha Place), hence the new tandoor oven) - and Krishna Gaudel, owner of nearby The Kingston House, filling the administrator role. (Master Brewer Carl Pratt “continues to oversee operations.”) Doors re-open tomorrow.
And I’m not done with homecomings: If you recall, Kramer’s Bar & Grill had to vacate its longtime digs at Yonge & Davisville last fall. In March I introduced you to The Blue Horse Cucina and gave you the inside scoop on forthcoming projects The Blue Horse Eatery and The Blue Horse Rotisserie. Update: The Blue Horse Eatery is hosting one helluva grand opening this Saturday with free food and live karaoke. Doors open at 3pm, just two blocks south of the original Kramer’s post, where Fionn MacCool’s once stood (1867 Yonge St.) p.s. Keep your eyes locked here. The opening of The Blue Horse Rotisserie in Cabbagetown is right around the corner.
Psst. Hidden cafe alert. As of Monday at 8am, Molinari Coffee Canada welcomes guests inside their HQ in North York to Caffe 1808 (220 Norfinch Dr.) serving, what else? Molinari espresso-based beverages.
Also powered by caffeine: Columbus Cafe has been on a tear lately. Grand opening for their latest branch at Mississauga’s Erin Mills Town Centre (5100 Erin Mills Pkwy) takes place Saturday.
Harmony Kitchen’s new outpost at Metro Square in Markham (3636 Steeles Ave. E., Unit 150) is earning high praise for its housemade noods and broths. (PSA: The Golden variety is made with kabocha squash.) Bonus: Free noodle refills upon request.
Back in January, I tipped you off about Kabbana Bar + Grill Restaurant’s arrival in Mississauga and upcoming sites in Toronto and surprisingly, Michigan. You’re not going to believe where it’s landed here in Hogtown - The colossal footprint in the Entertainment District (132 John St.) that recently, and ever-so-briefly, held aviation-themed Runway 006 (<-click link and scroll through IG highlights to witness the bonkers vip preview event) before abruptly closing last summer. Prior to that, it was brunch/late night haunt, Marked Restaurant.
If you don’t know the name Las Muns, you will now. The empanada co. is making its presence known across the 6ix with new eateries all over: Mississauga’s Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) a few weeks ago, and now a second site on Bay Street* at Bay and Bloor (1250 Bay St.) where Freshii previously stood. (And notably, across the street from recently shuttered Planta.) The one at Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St.)? Arrived only eight months ago. *LM entered FiDi around this time last year.
Luna Private Banquets in Markham (7225 Woodbine Ave.) is a Chinese restaurant open daily for dim sum and other scrumptious selections with space for private parties and banquets. Sounds pretty straightforward right? The big surprise comes by way of seating: Sweeping semi-private booths designed to keep other guests largely out of view and at bay, giving you an almost having-the-restaurant-to-yourselves kinda vibe.
Maki Mart’s been on the grind lately. For those west side wanting in on their viral grab ‘n go sushi hand rolls, head to Koreatown (706 Bloor St. W.). TR Tracker: It’s at the same addy as one near and dear to a new banh mi destination. Details up top.
Masala Story (21 Davenport Rd.) takes up residence at Yonge and Davenport where Bhoj Indian Cuisine held it down for years before moving to Spadina. The specialty here? Comforing curries from meat-focused Homestyle Chicken and Delhi Nalli Nihari (aka lamb shanks) to vegetarian varities such as Palak Corn, and Amritsari Baingan Bharta centred around fire-roasted eggplant.
I’ve been reporting so much hotel news recently, it’s feeling like practically every edition. This is the first item in forever, solely dedicated to dessert. Discover luxe chocolatier Ministry of Chocolate’s first downtown location inside the Hilton Toronto Hotel (145 Richmond St. W.) with an array of artistic creations in addition to savoury items such as sandwiches, salads, bowls, wraps, and pasta.
#TRending lately: Oversized food items. Take your pick: Giant croissant, nigiri, and 1-litre drinks including fruit teas and Thai milk tea, for instance. And now, ginormous mochi, courtesy of Mochi Lab in North York (10 Northtown Way, Unit 112). Handcrafted rice treats boasting that essential springy ‘Q’ factor, fresh seasonal fruit, and no preservatives? No wonder it’s poppin’ off.
Munchies King (1575 The Chase, Unit 36) doesn’t give anything away as to what it’s all about by name alone. It’s not until you get a gander at the menu that you see the vastness of what’s on offer at the new casual resto in Mississauga: King buns (sweet and savoury), ramen, salad, bowls (fruit, cereal, cake), bread, rice pudding, jelly, shakes, smoothies, and various coffees give you an idea. That, combined with the crazy daily deals, means you can give a few things a go on the regular. Win-win.
Matcha and speakeasies are truly becoming a thing. See: Last week’s OPEN/CLOSED and Matcha Matcha’s store that opened two years ago at the corner of Church and Carlton (403 Church St.) with a mixed drinks component. While the store kep trucking along, the cocktail concept wrapped up last fall. Newsflash: M2 Bar has relaunched in its place, with lush desserts, drinks, and sleek message board you can co-create with.
Jamaican fusion eatery Ocha’s Leslieville (1022 Queen St. E.) was closed for a while for renos. Update: They’re back to business. Translation: You can finally get back on the Jamaican Style Snapper, Ackee & Saltfish, Rasta Pasta, Curry Goat Roti, Jerk Chicken Quesadilla, Shrimp Burger, and Chef Poutine With Oxtail Gravy train.
Warning: If you have a weakness for fresh baked cookies, skip ahead. O’Chunky opens tomorrow in Oakville (2690 Westoak Trails Blvd., Unit 9) with warm, cushy, stuffed in the middle confections. Bonus: Be one of the first 100 customers on Friday and receive a free cookie.
Pho Hong Phong in Thornhill (180 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 20) not only serves up fresh classic Viet fare - Until May 30 enjoy 20 per cent off your meal during Happy Hour: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-5pm.
Markham’s new Pho Viet Aroma (HSBC Plaza 3621 Hwy 7, Unit 111) has you covered with the classic banh mi, pho, and vermicelli bowls. Not-to-be-missed: Enticing items including Vietnamese Pancake, Steamed Rice Rolls, Wet Wings, Chicken Truffle Salad, and Grilled Pork Jowl accompanied by fine vermicelli.
Prem Sweets & Restaurant has been serving up vegetarian plates, breads, snacks, and desserts since 2008. (TR Hot TIp: Saag & Makki di Roti available only on Tuesdays.) Their only location outside of Brampton is now in full swing in Mississauga (3176 Ridgeway Dr., Unit 66).
Rikki Tikki arrived in Kensington Market (209 Augusta Ave.) in 2022. The modern Indian joint just added an addy you might be familiar with - the ol’ Bombay Palace stomping grounds in Old Town/St. Lawrence nabe (71 Jarvis St.). Dishes that standout on concept alonez; Coconut Paneer Steak featuring housemade paneer, Lobster Butter Curry, and Greek Salad.
Queen and Jarvis Convenience Store (114 Queen St. E.) moves into what was home for not one, but two back-to-back ice cream joints. TR Tracker: Still craving ice cream? You’re in the right ‘hood. Find cool treats in-store, across the street at Super Parsian, Moss Park Espresso, and Alberobello Gelato at Michelin Recommended fine dining destination George Restaurant.
I gave you the inside track to Shiroshi Japanese Cuisine’s new location earlier this month. Update: Doors softly opened at Queen and Lisgar (1128 Queen St. W.) on Tuesday, marking the second restaurant currently in operation featuring elevated takeaway.
Is Tong Dak (50 Gerrard St. E.) your new BFF? Packing 100 per cent halal KFC/Korean Fried Chicken (TR Pro Move: Get the Tongdak - the chicken is fried whole), Chicken sandos, Tteokbokki, Cheese Balls and more, with low prices and deals in effect, they just might be.
The White Horse Restaurant & Bar (2401 Bloor St. W.) has replaced stalwart pub in Bloor West Village, A Dark Horse.
Okay, she’s giving serious lush beach resort vibes. I mean, Are we in Miami right now? No surprise Markham’s new brunch destination 15th Ave Cafe & Bistro (169 Enterprise Blvd., Unit L103) is blowing up.
CLOSED
After five years in High Park, authentic Texas barbecue dispatch Beach Hill BBQ (2190C Bloor St. W.) came to a sudden close on Sunday. Good news: Two locations remain and a food truck is on the way.
Canvas Art Bar in Port Credit (80 Lakeshore Rd. E.) was cafe by day, nightclub after dark. To check out the new venture in its place, see above for details.
The Fox & Falcon Pub and Wing House (831 Dundas St. W.) touched down in Dundas Video’s ol’ spot last year.
Low carb outfit The Haven Cafe was a steady presence in The Beaches (2256 Queen St. E.) for years.
You’ve got until Saturday to visit Honest Weight (2766 Dundas St. W.) before doors close for good.
I warned you Lao Thai (4 Gladstone Ave.) was coming to an end. Now it’s too late to say goodbye.
Premium Sweets & Desserts (7025 Tomken Rd., Unit 15-17) was ordered closed when it was inspected May 26.
There was a time not long ago where Wine Rack stores were everywhere. Another one bites the dust, this time near Woodbine (1872 Queen St. E.). Numerous locations including another in The Beaches (1081 Queen St. E.) are open to serve you.
I told you industry was dealing with all kinds of issues. On Tueday a burst water main caused businesses to close up for the day including Parallel Brothers and Big Trouble Pizza’s latest concept, Mister Boiga.
Etobicoke’s Super Samosa Snacks & Sweets (837 Albion Rd.) is temporarily closed due to fire earlier today. No injuries were reported.
CHANGES
Ko Fruit Market (143 Roncesvalles Ave.) in Roncesvalles Village is now Amey’s The Fresh Produce Co.
Spaccio East (22 Sackville St.), the précis of Terroni Sud Forno Produzione e Spaccio (Spaccio East), is Terroni Sackville, effective immediately.
NEWS
The City temporarily renamed Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Founder and President of Paramount Fine Foods, Mohamad Fakih, had something to say about it.
Another big festival isn’t happening this year.
Quebec just removed sales tax from select grocery items, proving it can be done. Ontario, it’s time to step up and do the same.
Does it feel like there’s a Tim Hortons on every third block?* Brace yourself. There are about to be a whole whack more. and its Restaurant Owners Invest $400 million to Build 80 New Restaurants and Renovate 400 Existing Restaurants in 2026 *In some areas, absolutely. In Regent Park, there are three across a few blocks between Parliament and River.
Uh oh, should you stocking up on Diet Coke? What about our shushies?
While we’re at it, should you be doubling up on your oyster orders?
And if you’ve been amassing chicken because beef’s too pricey, brace yourself. Is seafood next?
Someone on the west coast thinks certain alcohol should be priced differently.
TR SNEAK PEEK
Psst. Master Chef Didier, coming straight off of finest dining resto LSL, is about to unveil The French Kitchen in The Junction (3054 Dundas St. W.), where Bunner’s Bakeshop once stood. Prediction: The upscale French destination is going to be one of the hardest tables to secure in the city. Watch this space.
Figo (295 Adelaide St. W.) is transitioning to Bar Romy this summer. On the menu: Pizza, pasta, panini, and wine. Soooo, essentially the same but different. Got it.
And you’re not going to believe what’s coming next…
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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