ViewtheVIBE’s Libby Roach fills us in on the best new Toronto restaurants, those opening in January 2017 and the buzziest in-the-works hot spots.

new toronto restaurants january 2017 — Tabule (Image: Facebook/Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine)

Now that the apocalypse known as 2016 has come to a close, it’s time to channel some positive vibes for the New Year and welcome January in with a bang! Winter has finally settled in on the 6ix, so while it may be a bit on the brrr side out, don’t let the weather hold you back from exploring the city, let’s leave hibernation to the bears, shall we?

Celebrate everyone’s favourite Scot with an evening at St. Andrew’s in honour of Robbie Burns, the poet who brought you the only song for New Year’s Eve toasts. January 20th will see kilted men congregate over the brownest of the brown liquor, and many Groundskeeper Willie-esque impressions.

No better cure for the winter blues than a road trip and these wine angels will guarantee to leave you educated and entertained! iYellow Wine Club is hosting a gallivanting tour of Niagara’s best on January 21st. Four wineries and a gourmet lunch are included, so come and get your drink on without getting your drive on.

If you’re looking for family fun, the Wild Winter Wonderland at Evergreen Brickworks takes place on Saturday, January 21st with a day devoted to everything blueberry. While Violet Beauregarde likely won’t be making an appearance, Chef Christine Tizzard will be on hand doing cooking demos, with loads of food trucks and vendors onsite too.

The second coming that is Winterlicious will see restaurants fill up as fast as water glasses for the prix fixe meal deal that will see savers swarm at Toronto’s trendiest restaurants. Start making your resos early – Winterlicious kicks off January 27th.

Now Open

Hopscotch
Brothers and do-gooders Wyatt and Aiden have launched Hopscotch, located in the belly of a beast that is the PATH, right at Yonge and King. Sustainable and organic eats are their main draw, with healthy salads, wraps and bowls making up their grab and go menu.

Poké Wrap
The latest poké stop has just opened on Yonge by Gerrard. If you haven’t been tempted into this latest food craze then there’s no better time to jump on the bandwagon. Here burrito style poké lives up to its namesake, and the biggie sized bowls look on par with its competition.

Hotmess Texmex
This restaurant opened at the end of December on College, near Clinton. The 60 seat space is full service, with boozy cantina style drinks to wash down all the queso based cuisine.

Pork Rings & Beer from Hotmess Texmex (Image: Instagram/@hotmesstexmess)

January Openings

The Halal Guys
These guys got their humble start with a modest food cart in NYC and now, they’re taking the world and Toronto by storm, opening their first Canadian restaurant up at Yonge and Wellesley in January.

Tabülè
Bayview Village was bruised when it lost Origin North last year but will start 2017 on the right foot when falafel factory Tabülè opens its doors. Located in the heart of the mall, Tabülè is known for its middle eastern fare and BYOB no corkage wine nights, a winning combo and welcome addition to the ‘hood.

Junked Food Co.
Munchie mecca Junked Food Co is opening a new location, taking over P&L Burger on Queen West. The new space is more of what you love, a bigger restaurant to handle the late night crowds seeking a down payment on that crushing (and impending) hangover. Dundas West will miss you.

Mac Smash Bag from Junked Food Co. (Image: Instagram/@junkedfoodco)

Buster’s Sea Cove
Yonge and Scollard will soon reel in a new restaurant when Buster’s Sea Cove opens their latest location. The tidy space will offer mostly grab-and-go, with some counter style seating options for those looking to dig in on today’s catch.

La Banane
Ossington will inherit a new hotspot early this month when La Banane peels open its doors, taking over where the Saint Tavern left off. Brandon Olsen has curated a fully French menu, with yes, foie gras, but we can expect so much more, as the owner of the nearby gourmet chocolate factory CxBO.

Charidise Gourmet Taiwan
Looking to inject some new flavour on busy Baldwin Street, Charidise Gourmet Taiwan is opening in early January featuring a bountiful beverage menu and Taiwanese treats to pair with it all.

Charidise Gourmet (Image: Instagram/@charidise_gourmet)

Liberty Commons Big Rock Brewery
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the latest O&B adventure, and it’s looking like the Liberty Commons Big Rock Brewery is ready to rock. Liberty Village scores another eatery with this one, which has been in soft opening for the last few weeks.

Kiin
Thai power couple Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular are branching out beyond their Northern Thai roots to bring you Kiin, their latest restaurant, which focuses on delicacies found throughout Thailand. Look for Kiin to set up shop in the old Khao San Road location on Adelaide West sometime in January.

February Openings

Petite Shell
Yorkville Village will also snag the newest US import with Petite Shell opening in February. Known for their impressive sweet and savoury rugelach and creative coffee menu, Petit Shell is sure to warm up your winter.

Calii Love
Chef Joe Friday is on a hot streak, with the announcement that a Second Calii Love is already in the works, coming to Yorkville, at Bay and Cumberland. Look for this spot to open in February.

Rorschach Brewing Co.
More breweries are on their way, this time to Eastern Avenue, with Rorschach Brewing Co. announcing they were taking over the defunct space that was once Le Papillon on the Park. Look for this concept to open in February.

Closed

Honest Ed’s
While it’s not known for its foodie finds, the discount department store at Bathurst and Bloor has just closed its doors.

Angelo’s Coal Fired Pizza
After being open for only 5-months, this St. Lawrence Market pizza joint closed their doors late December.