OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News October 30-November 5, 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
🕘 7 min read
My findings this week forgo the usual coffee and pizza shops. Instead, the focus is on comfort foods by way of India, Vietnam, Georgia, Korea, the Philippines, U.K., Australia, and Quebec. In other words, just what these autumn days call for.
NO ONE COVERS THE CITY LIKE THIS.
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Here’s the very latest:
OPEN
Shwa’s The Bollywood Tacos is all about “Indian-inspired Mexican street food.” Picture Indian dishes such as Butter Chicken, Curry Lamb, and Chana Masala doled out in tacos, burritos, nachos, bowls and poutine. See for yourself at their new digs at College and Bathurst (422 College St.), previously home to Sheherzade Persian Grill.
Broken Rice (613 Yonge St.) is serving “real Vietnamese comfort food” at Yonge near Gloucester. Grand opening celebrations take place Saturday.
Following the announcement of the closure of the shop in Parkdale, Dipped Donuts is joining the lineup at the historic St Lawrence Market. Until construction is completed, they’ll be operating a pop-up onsite (93 Front St. E., Lower Level, Unit B19) Fridays to Sundays.
Georgian Bakery Puri in Thornhill (800 Steeles Ave. W., Unit B02) is the spot for Georgian pastries, breads and other baked goods.
If your mantra is ‘Keto, not Cheetos,” this low-carb restaurant and bakery is for you. Grand opening for Ketodelia (1772 Danforth Ave.) is tomorrow east of Coxwell. This marks the brand’s third gluten-free, low-carb destination - the first remains at Yonge and Lawrence, with a second in Baby Point, now closed.
Brekkie and brunch are happening steps from Trinity Bellwoods Park at Motto Toronto (764 Queen St. W.) in what was previously Hanky Panky, a store lined with lingerie and sex toys.
North York’s Nopo Korean Bistro at Yonge and Finch (5523 Yonge St.) celebrates grand opening today. What to expect? Cozy Korean fare - tteokbokki, ddukbul - and cocktails including matcha and soju-based sippers, served in a contemporary setting.
The Pie Commission has held it down in Etobicoke for six years at 927 The Queensway. While that addy has come to a close, one five minutes away (919 Oxford St.) is on the quick approach, loaded with their signature savoury meat and veg pies. Grand opening is tomorrow.
Filipino fry chain Potato Corner claims to have “world's best flavoured french fries." Check it out for yourself at the new site at Scarborough Town Centre (300 Borough Dr. Lower Level). Did you know? Following a successful pop-up at Square One (100 City Centre Dr.) in Summer 2024, a permanent outpost launched last fall.
Speaking of Square One, Rock’N Deli, home of halal smoked meat sandos and smash burgers, has moved into the Mississauga mall (100 City Centre Dr., Level 1, Food Central). TR Quick Backstory: The first Toronto branch of the Quebec chain commenced operations at CF Shops at Don Mills (32 Clock Tower Rd.) Spring 2019. A few more followed over the years: Later in 2019 on St. Clair West and in 2020, Mississauga’s Dixie Road - all since closed. According to their website, Square One is currently the sole location in the province.
Soy Boys’ second plant-based burger joint debuts today. Head to Leslieville east of Pape (1056 Queen St. E.) where Samaira's Kitchen stood until recently. Did you know? SB first landed in The Village in 2022.
The activity on King West continues, this time with a new nightclub. From the folks that brought you Early Mercy comes Sunrise Forgives (545 King St. W.) dropping today across the street from EM’s long-running spot, in the space that was formerly Enoteca Sociale’s lively counterpart, Ristorante Sociale. Drinks and dancing are in effect Thursday to Saturday.
CLOSED
On Monday, wildly underrated Atto Sushi (2231 Danforth Ave.) announced last day is today. It set down roots in the east end between Main and Woodbine in 2020.
After being on the market for a long stretch, news of Northern Maverick Brewing Co’s (115 Bathurst St.) quiet closure made the rounds this week. The extensive space, a 11,000 sq. ft. facility, featured a 10-hectolitre brewhouse with eight 20-HL fermenters, 400-seat restaurant, a bar and retail store. This follows a number of local brewery closures of late including The Aviary Brewpub/Longslice Brewery, Laylow (Note: While their digs on College might be gone, Laylow’s brews and vibes are still happening around town), and Saulter Street Brewery, to name just a few.TR Trivia: NMB started out with chef Mark Cutrara in the kitchen, and once hosted the Suits crew for a bash.
NEWS
Latest food recalls: Certain Raw Pistachios recalled due to Salmonella, Various pistachios and pistachio-containing products recalled due to Salmonella.
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