OPEN/CLOSED: TORONTO/GTA Restaurant News November 20-26, 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
Think winter slows things down for restaurant openings? Think again. With nearly 20 arrivals this week, you’ve got serious options - including a few finer dining, if that’s your jam - and more news and closures to get up to speed on.
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
Shune selections are the focus of Richmond Hill’s new The Big Brother (328 Hwy 7, Unit 10-11).
Prefer coffee without the chitchat? Robot barista Caffeo at Richmond and Spadina (405 Richmond St. W.) might be for you.
Toronto’s hotel dining overhaul rages on with the launch of Windsor Arms Hotel’s latest concept Chagall, led by chef David Adjey (Bouffe By Adjey, La Nectarine). Expect global kosher eats in a cozy setting.
CSK Indian Street Kitchen (208 Queens Quay West, Unit 7) is the spot for chaats, kathi rolls, breakfast specials and other comforting fare.
Eataly has been in expansion mode since its arrival in the 6ix in 2019. As I reported, the one at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) welcomes guests Tuesday.
Elm Street Italian Deli debuted Monday in Leslieville (1247 Queen St. E.). The third branch of the popular sandwich shops near Yonge & Dundas is courtesy of Lawrence La Pianta, owner/pitmaster behind Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Cherry St Bar-B-Que.
TR Pro Tip: Get in on viral Irish spice bags and other enticing Irish Chinese grub at the corner of Dundas and Ossington. See: The Golden Dragon hidden in the kitchen of cocktail bar Rhapsody (214 Ossington Ave.).
Authentic Shanghai potstickers are the name of the game at North York’s new Ibund (5457 Yonge St.). Also on offer: soups, noodles, wontons, stews, and other cold weather essentials.
Khayal Shawarma set up shop at Broadview and Danforth (124 Danforth Ave.) in what was recently home to a similarly themed venture. Details below.
TR Hot Tip: Peruvian takeout just landed at the corner of Old Weston Road and St. Clair. Get yourself to Limaq (1828 St. Clair West, Unit 2) for everything from empanadas and ceviche to tamales and jalea.
It may still look like Freshii from the outside, but the small handwritten posters on the front window indicate Lumi Sandwich (457 Danforth Ave.) is now in effect. Options include mostly meaty items: schnitzel sandos, kebabs, entrecôte beef, grilled chicken, and hot dogs.
Maker Pizza’s new stomping grounds on Carlaw (181B Carlaw Ave.) are just down the block from the old (388 Carlaw Ave.). This time ‘round, discover new branding, menu and seating for quick ‘n casual dine in. ICYMI: For more Maker news, check out last week’s OPEN/CLOSED.
Matcha Haus pulled up to Queen and Bathurst not long ago, and now brings its verdant lineup east side (890 Queen St. E.). Psst. Cocktail destination Bar Bokeh that I told you about last summer is slated to follow in February.
The theme of 2537 Yonge St. swiftly transitioned from Middle Eastern to a destination for “modern Greek.” Doors to Meláni open today.
From Liberty Entertainment Group, the folks behind a whack of venues and restos including Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 1890 and DaNico, comes luxe cocktail bar Powder Room (129 Yorkville Ave. 2nd Fl.). The look: Walls swathed in Dolce & Gabbana, seating outfitted in Kelly Wearstler and a Banksy by the bathrooms. The food: Think wagyu hot dogs and caviar. Drinks: Cocktails and champagne galore. Doors open tomorrow, with provisions available for late night service only. Full service food to follow on Wednesday. Stay tuned for a sneak peek.
Despite the name, Etobicoke’s San Vito Bakery (110 Marine Parade Dr., Unit 8) is more than just coffee and dessert. Get in on breakfast and hot table items, and tuck into Nonno-approved Italian staples such as antipasti, panuzzo, pizza and pasta.
Welcome back, Score on King (107 King St. E.).
Sourdough Garden in Mississauga (202 Brown’s Line) is true to its name - the titular ingredient is the basis for everything from buns and bagels to focaccia and loaves, cookies, and even starter.
Smash burgers, chopped cheese, and crinkle fries are happening in Markham (76 Main St.)., thanks to Super Smash Burgs, whom you might know from their burger joint in Port Credit.
CLOSED
Fatty Bear Vegan Pastries’ last pop-up at Ice Cream’s Ice Cream (1607 Dupont St.) is Saturday, but thankfully it’s not the end of the story. Stay tuned for upcoming adventures.
LA LA Bakeshop announced on Sunday it was their last day in the Annex (346A Bloor St. W.). Stand by: At least one more is in the works.
End of an ira. Chef Amira Becarevic and Justin Cheung’s Mira Mira Diner (1963 Queen St. E.), the follow up to their Mira Mira Sandwich + Ice Cream Bar at Queen and Greenwood (Where Lambo’s Deli’s second shop now stands), joined The Beaches in 2021, The couple’s other property nestled in Corktown, The Rosebud (498 King St. E.), has been taken over by new owners: chef Eric and partner Tam.
Bad news: The building where V’s Schnitzel House in Etobicoke (448 Brown’s Line) has been serving the community has been sold. Last day is Wednesday. Good news: It’s official: “It’s not over it’s a new beginning.” Watch this space.
VIncenzo Burger (679 Danforth Ave.), later known as Cafe Vincenzo and Cafe Vincenzo Sandwich & Dessert, replaced what was home to The MoMo House for a while. The frequently turned over space at Pape and Danforth about to become Taki Sushi Japanese Resto.
Zaad arrived at Broadview and Danforth (124 Danforth Ave.) in 2023. For what’s there now, pop up top.
NEWS
Official launch date for chef Matty Matheson’s new destination in Hamilton, The Iron Cow Public House at TD Coliseum, was revealed on Tuesday: Doors open December 8. TR Pro Tip: If you followed Toronto Restaurants on Instagram, you’d already have it on your radar.
Latest food recalls: Superior Meats Premium Beef Jerky - Korean Smoked BBQ containing wheat recalled due to misleading gluten free claim [UPDATE 22.11.25: Yoplait YOP Drinkable Yogurt recalled due to pieces of plastic.
Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.
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