OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News November 27-December 3, 2025
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
🕘 8.5 min read
My findings this week include: A flurry of arrivals (16), the coming and going of local grocers, Thai swap-outs, the continuation of comfort food and coffee destinations, and as always more news and closures you need to know.
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
Mississauga’s Casa Mocha (975 Lakeshore Rd. E.) offers the usual triad - coffee, matcha, sandwiches - with the addition of viral items (Starter Pack: Chicken Caesar Wrap, Buffalo Chicken Fingers, Lotus Biscoff Latte) made with you and your feed in mind.
That was quick. Chon Modern Thai (1677 Bayview Ave.) swiftly moves into Pii Nong’s former digs with similar fare.
Comfort Curbside Eats lands between Warden and Pharmacy (1940 Lawrence Ave. E.) with everything from halal smash burgers to fried chicken rolls.
Speaking of comfort food, Eden Garden Resto & Bar brings cozy eats to Victoria Park and Pharmacy (1806 Pharmacy Ave.). Grand opening is Saturday.
The Eggwala at Dundas and Dixie (2555 Dixie Rd., Unit 12) marks the country’s first for the brand specializing in Indian street food and vegetarian victuals.
Halal Khao Soi, Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon and other good grub are happening at Grand Thai House (1848 Lakeshore Rd. W.), taking over the addy of recently shuttered Mississauga institution, Clarkson Fish & Chips.
Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant Indian Street Food Co. adds a casual outpost to Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.).
Small Canadian grocery chain Marché Leos launched a striking new location at the waterfront (80 Merchants Wharf). What to expect: Fresh meat, seafood and produce, local organic rotos, prepared international fare, libations including gift packs (Adds Bellwoods Brewery Jelly King set to cart. Pro Tip if you’re in the east end: The expansive Canary District store stocks Veuve Clicquot near the caviar.), European pantry essentials (you can never have too much tinned seafood), eco household cleaners and beauty items, a café, and forget customary grocery gear - aka Kirkland clothes, Joe Fresh - thanks to the Boss on-site.
Newsflash: New Orleans Pizza has arrived in Scarborough at Warden and Ellesmere (1585 Warden Ave.). TR Trivia: In operation since 1978, the company boasts numerous pizzerias throughout Ontario and Nova Scotia. And fyi, despite the name, the pizza is not Louisiana style.
Remember when poké bowls were all the rage? The Poke Bowl is here to remind you the trend is still in effect, via North York now (5322 Yonge St.), the seventh TPB currently in the GTA.
Katsu has touched down at Yonge and Dundas courtesy of Vancouver’s Saku (22 Edward St.) - not to be confused with Toronto sushi and taco resto Saku.
Legacy Canadian coffee co. Second Cup Café joins the ranks at North York Centre (5150 Yonge St., 1st Fl., Unit F8), for its 178th store in the country. Grand opening ceremonies take place today featuring ribbon cutting, free samples, and 25 percent discount on all items.
Think sliders were a thing of the past? Think again. Scarborough’s Slider Station is all about ‘em - and now offers the two-bite burgers in Mississauga at Mavis & Britannia (808 Britannia Rd., Unit 105). Bonus: Round out your order with other items including mac ‘n cheese, Tennessee hot chicken, funnel fries, and dirty sodas.
Star Glow Boba & Coffee (880 Bloor St. W.) brings its namesake items along with bahn mi to the corner of Ossington and Bloor.
Taberna Social (40 Wellington St. E.) quietly opened Monday. Behind the inviting Toronto offshoot of Muskoka’s TS that debuted two years ago*: Chef/owner Dave Sidhu of this past spring’s arrival Taco Fuego and long-standing Playa Cabana’s around town, one of which happens to be located a few doors west (36 Wellington St. E.). *It stood next to his Playa Cabana in Bracebridge.
Entering its glow up era, Thairoomgrand adds a sweeping rendezvous to the downtown core. Find their latest iteration on ‘Restaurant Row’ in the Entertainment District (303 King St. W.) taking over from yet another Thai venture.
CLOSED
After 27 years, local supermarket Highland Farms permanently closed its Mississauga store (50 Matheson Blvd. E.) on Sunday. Two locations remain: Scarborough (850 Ellesmere Rd.) and Vaughan (9940 Dufferin St.).
Pisac Peruvian Bistro’s digs in Oakville (1011 Upper Middle Rd. E., Unit A11) wrapped up after a three year run. The one that set down roots in Cabbagetown last year (195 Carlton St.) is currently open. Did you know? There was also a PPB on Dupont for a while.
Same Same (303 King St. W.) just entered the chat in April, but wasn’t built to last. Pop up top for the rebrand reveal.
Toronto’s remaining Indigenous restaurant Tea N Bannock shuttered its Little India eatery est. 2012 (1294 Gerrard St. E.) but it’s not forever - A search for a small joint in the east end is underway.
On Sunday, Village Juicery announced sudden closure of its spot of nine years on Yonge north of Eglinton (2409 Yonge St.).
NEWS
Yesterday Master Chef Didier Leroy announced presentation of his final menu at LSL, his 2025 Michelin Recommended tasting restaurant with chefs Masaki Saito and Christian Le Squer. Stay tuned.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers is ‘not happy with farmers’ call for cap on profits.’
Humber College food service workers averted a strike.
Latest food recalls: Aoun Tahineh recalled due to Salmonella, Celebration Herbals Senna Leaf Herbal Tea recalled due to Salmonella, Readyfoods Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavourings recalled due to pieces of plastic, Various pistachios and pistachio-containing products recalled due to Salmonella. [UPDATE: 28.11.25: Certain Your Fresh Market Broccoli Florets recalled due to Salmonella.]
ICYMI
If you followed Toronto Restaurants on Instagram, you’d already know a bakery is this close to opening. (See: ‘Latest 2.0’ highlights.)
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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