Vv Magazine’s Libby Roach fills us in on Toronto’s best new restaurants, those opening in June 2016 and the buzziest in-the-works hot spots.
The season we’ve all been impatiently waiting for is finally upon us. Summer in the city opens the floodgates to patio season (stay tuned for an in-depth look by yours truly on the best bets), not to mention the revelry that is Pride, which is taking over the city for a full month long party this year. The Gladstone (cheekily renamed the Gaystone,) will be hopping from June 3rd on with a slew of Pride parties, and FNL ROM will also be hosting a very special pride party on June 24th.
Food events are just as hot, with Toronto Taste in benefit of Second Harvest hosting their insanely popular party on June 12th at the Corus Quay Building. The city’s top chefs will be serving up their finest dishes for a good cause – get your tickets early for this one.
Feeding your dad could be considered a good cause too and this Father’s Day you don’t even need to lift a finger. The Beach BBQ and Brews Festival at Woodbine Beach will live up to its name, serving up racks of ribs and ice cold beers for your big poppa. If you can’t make it out to the festival, the first annual Toronto BBQ week presented by Samuel Adams is happening from June 6-12th at select restaurants across the city. For just $15, diners will get a BBQ dish paired with a pint of Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
If you missed Mark McEwan at Toronto Taste, then snag a ticket to Taste of Toronto, setting up shop at Fort York for the June 23-26th weekend.
Urban farmer’s market dwellers are in luck, Front Street Foods, formerly at Union Station is back, this time setting up shop at Adelaide Place. Look for gourmet grab-and-go finds, including healthier options like fresh pressed juices and smoothies.
June Openings
Pi Co.
Yorkville has a new pizza joint and for their grand opening on Monday, June 6, they’ll be giving away free pizza for 3 hours and 14 minutes (get it?), starting at noon. The new restaurant offers made-to-order Neapolitan-style craft pizza, made in 90 seconds or less.
Teara Lab
Kaka, one of the best AYCE sushi shops in Markham, has opened a new sandwich ‘lab’ on College. The sandwiches combine Japanese favourites like tonkatsu cutlets with teriyaki sauces on toasted bread, almost like a Japanese style club sandwich.
Recess
The new 24-hour eatery packs in Bar Bronson, Recess Diner as well as groceries, a mini bar, and bakery shop. The ambitious concept is being carried out by Chef Brad Moore on Sudbury Street.
The Belsize Public House
This spot is inching closer and closer to opening. Located near Eglinton and Mount Pleasant, expect a slew of local craft beers on tap and well-crafted pub food to go with it.
Krispy Kreme
Everyone’s favourite melt-in-your-mouth doughnut shop is opening a cafe in Kensington Market the first week of the month. They’re promising to bring a one-of-a-kind served hot experience to the ‘hood, plus free doughnuts at all locations on National Doughnut Day (Friday, June 3)
La Carnita
A pinch east on Eglinton is a hugely anticipated restaurant trinity, the holy combo of La Carnita, Sweet Jesus, and a new concept cocktail bar, all fused into one tidy package. Midtown will have bragging rights to this new massive space, the third from Andrew Richmond and his crew at Monarch and Misfits.
Levetto
This Italian chain is opening a 5th location, just north of Dundas and Spadina on the edge of Kensington Market. The Chinatown outpost is set to soft-launch on June 9th. The area will influence menu offerings, and visitors can expect exclusives like Peking duck pizza.
Black Rock Coffee
Set to fuel Christie Pits with their gourmet grinds, look for this coffee shop concept to open on Bloor near Bathurst later this month.
Valdez 2.0?
Steve Gonzalez is moving quickly on his new project, reopening a to-be-named restaurant just down from the recently shuttered Valdez, taking over 485 King West. We expect big things from this super talented chef!
Ricarda’s
This eatery is inching closer to peeling the vinyl back on their windows, in the newly renovated QRC West Building on Peter. Focused on Mediterranean eats, they’ll also be serving up bakery basics for the morning rush.
Angelo’s Coal Fired Pizza
This new resto uses an entirely different method to cook everyone’s favourite pie. Here, cooking directly over hot coals results in a bubbly and crispy base perfect for holding up to the layers of sauce and toppings that typically weigh the crust down. Located on Front Street, right near George Brown, Angelo’s is making good use of the former Paganelli’s plot, with a prime patio perfect for long sangria-soaked lunches. Look for this spot to open later this month.
Taylor’s Landing
The Landing Group franchise is set to open another location, and this one will be located at Shops at Don Mills. Known for their bar-inspired menu and top notch pints, it’ll be a perfect complement to the adjacent eateries.
Other Notable News
Blowfish
Blowfish has reopened and renovated their King St. location after a short closure. Visitors can expect a brand new menu with some old favourites, and an updated sake menu.
STK
The massive American steak house that’s taking over a prime corner in Yorkville is gearing up to open in the coming months, now grilling interviewees for the coveted head chef title.
Leña
All gussied up and raring to go, Leña at Saks Fifth Avenue will open at Yonge and Richmond this July. Adorably named after Chef Walsh’s mother in law Elena, this new restaurant will appeal to more than just ladies who lunch, with a menu bridging South American cuisine with unique Spanish and Italian influences.
The Big Slice
Toronto has lost another city staple to condo developments. The Yonge Street late night pizza place shuttered at the end of May.
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
This Jamaican spot has officially listed fall for their grand opening. Brought to you by the good people at Gusto101, expect a big launch for this one.
A New Project from Chef Guy Rawlings and Kim Montgomery
After announcing his departure from Bar Raval, Rawlings revealed that the husband and wife duo have plans on opening their own west-end restaurant later this year.
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery
Yet another beer spot is opening in Liberty Village, this one by Oliver & Bonacini and Big Rock Brewery. The two-level restaurant is slated to open Fall 2016 and will offer Big Rock’s selection of craft brews and food inspired by European beer halls with contemporary British pub influences.
Stay tuned for next month, with Summerlicious previews and more food news!
RELATED LINK: New Toronto Restaurants: May 2016
Did we miss any new Toronto restaurants? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
