OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News August 7-13, 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
🕘 9 min read
Pfft. A short week doesn’t mean a thing these days, especially when it comes to arrivals. And closures - including temporary ones -are always in the mix. See for yourself.
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
After a stretch of soft opening, tonight marks grand opening of Antylia in Bloorcourt (1059 Bloor St. W.). Behind the new project: Chefs Ashley McKay and Aldo Camarena. Find out more about their exciting new venture in Episode 1 of my new TORONTO RESTAURANTS | THE PODCAST. TR Pro Tip: I recommend watching it on YouTube. Prefer audio only? Listen on Spotify, Apple and other platforms where you get your podcasts. Bonus: Read the 2021 interview in my acclaimed chef series, At The Pass.
Saturday marks the grand opening of cupcake-centric Baked By Bean (1238 Queen St. E.). The Leslieville biz moves into what was home to another bakery, It’s the Icing on the Cake, until recently.
Brandor Coffee does everything from coffee to fragrances with a deft eye for design and branding. Find their aesthetic spot downtown at King and University (100 University Ave., Suite 106). Swoon.
Forever Young just touched down at Yonge and Steeles (6600 Yonge St.) with an “all-ages indoor paradise for food, play and unforgettable parties.”
Arabic/European coffee shop Hailed Coffee expands with another site downtown, this time at Dundas and Bay (112 Elizabeth St., Unit 2). Grand opening is Saturday. TR Trivia: The addy was formerly home to foodie fave, Snapture This.
ISO Chongqing noodles? Look no further than North York’s new Modu Three Brothers (4860 Yonge St.). TR Fun Fact: There’s also a MTB in Scarborough (Skycity Shopping Centre, 3260 Midland Ave., Unit F101-102).
Popular patisserie and boulangerie Nord Lyon expanded toThe Well last summer and landed at Queen and John mere weeks ago (complete with AYCE French buffet, fyi) and now brings its “taste of France” to Union Station (65 Front St. W., Lower Level). Doors opened Tuesday.
Oakberry, which coincidentally also boasts a location at Union Station, is serving up its signature açai smoothies and bowls in FiDi at Bay Adelaide Centre (333 Bay St., Unit F2, PATH Level).
The slogan of Baldwin Village’s new Omai Rice Bar (21 Baldwin St.)? “Rice is life.” Think rice bowls: Miso Glazed Salmon, Korean BBQ Beef, Crispy Pork Belly, and the like from the fine folks of neighbouring Japanese eatery Omai (3 Baldwin St.) and one half of popular Takja BBQ House (962 College St.). Did you know? The addy was formerly home to Sambuca Grill and until lately, Arctic Bites.
Psst. After a slight delay, reservations for modern Indian restaurant, Oro Luxury Dining (501 College St.) are now open. I was first to report restaurateur/chef Hemant Bhagwani’s latest project back in April on my new podcast, then on Insta.
PWD* (788 King St. W.) reopened after a brief temporary closure (Of course I cover those as well. See: Here, here and here, to name a few.) *Pizza Wine Disco for the olds.
Rumi has been in the works in Leaside for so long, many posited it may never happen. Psst. Doors at Rumi Steakhouse (1597 Bayview Ave.) are now open. In addition to a selection of à la carte steaks ($42-$108), discover a range of starters, Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, mains, sides and desserts.
The Annex’s new cafe and dessert destination Simit-Chi (501 Bloor St. W.) features freshly baked goods - think bagels, baklava, cookies, and other pastries - and states “No U.S. products used in our recipes.”
A Persian restaurant has replaced a longstanding food hall in Leaside. Introducing Vozara Food Factory (858 Eglinton Ave. E.), where Conspiracy Pizza and numerous other vendors held court over the years.
Zero Gravity (988 St. Clair Ave. W.) is more than a convenience store. It’s also a gelateria and dry cleaner, making it an ultimate one-stop shop.
p.s. While I don’t normally cover the opening of chain eateries such as Swiss Chalet, as it has taken over where The Palace (722 Pape Ave.) stood for decades before shuttering for good during the pandemic, it is worth noting, as this phenomenon of large corporations taking over spaces that would normally by occupied by small business owners is on the rise.
CLOSED
Thai rolled Ice cream joint Arctic Bites (21 Baldwin St.) set down roots in Baldwin Village in 2016. To discover who’s taken over the space, pop up top.
Italian and Mediterranean restaurant Hungry Jack’s Grill (820 St. Clair Ave. W.) has closed for now, with a new location is in the works. Stay tuned.
Vietnamese bakery La La Bakeshop wrapped up service at Oceans Fresh Food Market‘s Mississauga shop (4557 Hurontario St.) on Monday. The Vietnamese bakery joined the supermarket in 2023. Other LLB’s in Toronto and GTA remain in operation.
The beginning of the end of Offworld/The Grizzly Bar (739 Queen St. W.) kicks off Wednesday.
Filipino eatery known for its Kamayan feast, Tinuno, has temporary closed the downtown location (31 Howard St.). The one in North York’s Little Manila (3520 Bathurst St.) is in full effect.
NEWS
Alcohol tax cuts in Ontario are now in effect. Here’s the lowdown.
Not long after celebrating its first anniversary, Cafeteria (1650 Dupont St.) experienced an epic break-in. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help
Live music and entertainment venue the El Mocambo boasts new ownership.
Latest food recalls: Andalos pastry products recalled due to Salmonella, Dubai Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate recalled due to Salmonella.
ICYMI
There’s still lots of time to enjoy local famers’ markets in and around town.
Tired of reading about the same 20 restos? Same.
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