Ah, yes, the city has come alive – and we love to see it. Pop-ups, collaborations, events and celebrations are happening across the city, and Torontonian summer feels so close we can taste it. The Blue Jays are on, the cherry blossoms graced High Park yet again, and the sound of construction is near-constant. And, with the sounds and sights of summer come a ton of buzzy restaurant happenings across the city, from openings to new menus and more. Here’s what we’re looking forward to this season.
This is the buzzy restaurant news in the city:
Shake Shack’s location is finally revealed
One of the most popular American fast-food chains has been teasing Torontonians for some time, promising an opening worth waiting for. And, now, we finally have details: It found a home right at the corner of Yonge and Dundas. The location in The 6ix is set to open sometime this summer. But if you drop by the location now, you’ll see an art installation by local Toronto artist Briony Douglas which features iconic landmarks from Toronto’s rich history, like Honest Ed’s, Massey Hall, and Sam the Record Man.
A cocktail collaboration from a buzzy restaurant:
Called “The Obscure Art of Pairing,” this York Street restaurant is bringing in Mother Cocktail Bar’s Massimo Zitti for a one-of-a-kind experience on May 15 and 16. Alongside Sushi Yugen’s head chef, Chef Kyohei Igarashi, Zitti will create ten cocktails and ten Kaiseki-inspired Japanese courses that combine traditional Japanese delicacies and modern flavours. Tickets for the thoughtfully designed event, held at the buzzy restaurant, are $395 and can be purchased on Resy.
ADVERTISEMENT |
This Armenian restaurant has quickly become one of the most buzzy restaurants in the city – with good reason. The flavourful, savoury dishes meet a curated cocktail menu that’s sure to please. The new spring menu bursts with hearty, mouth-watering flavours, and everything, from the dip trio to the Soong (a vegetarian dish that can be made vegan) down to the ground spices, is made in-house. , Taline is introducing Yalla-Per, a menu option where guests are asked about allergies, dietary restrictions and preferences, and the culinary team brings them a custom selection of dishes.
Prince Street Pizza partners with an artist
In partnership with The Well, this New York transplant tapped one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, Daniel Mazzone, to celebrate the relationship between Toronto and NYC through art. The collaboration means two unique pieces by Mazzone will not only adorn the exterior of Prince Street Pizza but also be featured on limited-edition pizza boxes. And, to celebrate, the pizzeria is hosting an event on May 7 at 1:00 p.m. as an unveiling.
A Vancouver-based Michelin-starred Japanese eatery is coming
A buzzy restaurant from the West Coast? Yes, please! A renowned Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, originally from Vancouver, is making its way onto Toronto’s culinary scene. Renowned for its award-winning omakase, Okeya Kyujiro takes diners on a journey with ingredients sourced straight from Japan. What sets both its Vancouver and Montreal outposts apart is the captivating theatrical flair in the 20-dish dining experience.
A new buzzy restaurant with a cinematic inspiration
Inside what was once a Hilton Garden Inn, a new chef-driven eatery will soon be born. The hotel is finding new life at Revery and, inside, Deauville Club is a French-inspired restaurant with cinematic themes. Think of over-the-top details, luxurious colours, and details that draw from some of the best films and can’t be found in other hotels across the city or the globe. Deavulle Club’s opening is set for some time this spring.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Eataly is finally coming to the East End
With outposts in the downtown core and Etobicoke, it was time for the Italian market and restaurant hub to satisfy fans on the east side of Yonge Street. Eataly is making every foodie’s dreams come true in Shops at Don Mills, making Toronto the second North American city, after New York, to have three locations. The new location stands at nearly 10,000 square feet. As per the brand’s signature style, there will be one restaurant, one store with imported and local delicacies, and multiple counters that will serve a variety of dishes.
Canada’s largest non-alcoholic retail destination reopens
After a six-week renovation, Sobr Market returns to the streets of Toronto. It officially reopened on April 24 and, the 1,600 square foot space at 511 Richmond St. W will carry more than 500 offerings from the world’s top brands, making it Canada’s largest non-alcoholic retail destination. Goodies include beer, wine, spirits, ready-to-drink, functional, and more, and Sobr Market prioritizes products free from chemical dyes and sweeteners and accommodating dietary preferences and allergy sensitivities, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, organic, and non-GMO. What’s more, it includes two new tasting bars and will offer complimentary wine tastings every Wednesday afternoon as well as cocktail workshops and more.
A buzzy vegan spot gets a new location
Opening on May 16, Fresh Kitchen + Bar is opening a new outpost – just two blocks west of its previous location. Now situated at 386 Bloor Street W, the new iteration has a massive outdoor patio and tie into the beautiful Annex neighbourhood the vegan restaurant has called home for years. Inside, the space will be just as picturesque, and the celebrated menu – which includes meat-free favourites like burgers, wraps, protein bowls and more – will take the spotlight.
