New restaurants and stores opening in our city are always exciting but especially now in the current state of the world, they’re certainly something to celebrate. Whether you’re looking for a new spot for tasty plant-based grub or you’re in search of some self-care, these new hot spots have you covered. Unfortunately we have some closings to report this month as well. From popular birthday party spot venue Laser Quest to one of the city’s coolest Chinese restaurants, Soso Food Club and well-loved The Office Pub.
Openings–Welcome to the Neighbourhood:
Marked
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(Hero photo: MARKED Restaurant)
Wishing you could get away? Aren’t we all! One of TO’s newest restaurants is Marked, located near King & John and it’s there that you’ll dig into mouth-watering South American dishes. Plus, the space is divided into four areas which will result in a whole new experience everytime you visit. Explore the Pan-Am Bar inspired by the 1950s, check out the Comedor that’s an artsy South American-inspired dining room, tuck into Tucano that’s the restaurant’s private dining space, or enjoy the Corsair cocktail bar for a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience. Safe to say that you’re sure to take in new flavours here like never before!
Touch Massage Bar
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It’s no secret that humans need human contact and after a long quarantine and continuing to keep a distance from friends and family, a massage is probably much needed. Enter King West’s Touch Massage Bar that not only feels like a haven, but it honestly feels like you’ve escaped to Tulum thanks to its beachy interior. Touch soft-launched just weeks before lockdown but we’re proud to say that it survived and is thankfully thriving these days. Enjoy deep tissue massages, lymphatic drainage, and even prenatal massages if you’re expecting.
Aroma Food Hall
New to Toronto is Aroma Food Hall and it’s all about Asian-fusion crepes — yum, right?! Located on Yonge just south of Bloor, this spot is going to blow your socks off when it comes to flavour. Think Sweet Thai Shrimp all rolled up in a crepe or the Signature Fried Chicken if that’s more your vibe. And don’t even think of walking away without trying the eatery’s signature milk teas.
Planta Cocina
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Got a hankering for plant-based Mexican? If so, you’ll want to check out Planta Cocina ASAP. The new space is located on Temperance, just down the street from Planta Burger and it’s taken over The Chase Fish and Oyster Bar. Plant-based cuisine is clearly not going anywhere and to anyone who is still skeptical, just wait until you dive into Planta’s mouth watering nachos with BBQ jackfruit, cashew crema, and queso. If tacos are more your vibe they’ve got them in spades, too.
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PAI expanding Uptown
Attention all uptowners! It’s official — PAI Toronto is opening its second location in late 2020 and it’ll be located at Yonge & Eglinton giving you another reason to venture north of Bloor. The 12,000 square foot space boasts two storeys and it’ll even have a stage for live entertainment. Diners can be transported to Thailand through the restaurant’s signature dishes like Grabong, Thai Chicken Wings, Khao Soi, and more as well as new menu items that will be available at both locations. Be sure to check back in to next month’s New Openings for even more info!
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Pop-Up Chapel
If you’re someone whose wedding was bumped due to the pandemic, then you NEED to know about Pop-Up Chapel that is truly a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Available in cities across Canada and even a few in the U.S, this is seriously the simplest way to get married thanks to the complete and inclusive package. All you have to do is go online, select your date and make your payment. Then you email 20 friends who you want to share the day with. There are a variety of dates and gorgeous venues to choose from so you can find one that works for you and suits you and your partner’s style.
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The House of Jute Pop-Up
It’s no secret that local small businesses have continued to suffer during COVID so if you’re looking to help them out, then head over to The House of Jute pop-up that’s happening on Saturday, October 3 on the patio at Campechano Taqueria from 11-3. Expect to shop goodies from brands like Unsalted Honey, 1Day Beauty, Lobo Florals, and more! Keep in mind that masks are mandatory for entry and COVID-19 spcial distancing protocols will be put in place.
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Cineplex
In case you missed it, movie theatres received the green light to reopen as of July 1 and since safely reopening, Cineplex has welcomed over 1.5 million movie-goers back into its theatres. It’s no surprise that folks were missing escaping into a great film these days, especially since real life is proving to be a bit tougher than we thought.
Fall N Leaves Outdoor Pop-Up
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Looking for a fun fall activity to take in before the weather turns even chillier? Enter Toronto’s socially-distant Fall N’ Leaves pop-up that is on from October 1 until the 13th at 621 Richmond Street. This harvest-themed extravaganza has everything you could ever want like a wood fire BBQ pit, fall-themed drinks, lots of hay, and of course, a whole ton of pumpkins.
Kibo Secret Garden
If you’re a major sushi fan, then you’ve probably ordered and heard of the beloved Kibo Sushi House that has over 20 GTA locations. It was just announced that the brand is stepping into the luxury market with Kibo Secret Garden that’s set to open on October 2nd. Located in the heart of Yorkville, this new restaurant will offer diners a unique and luxe ‘omakase’ experience which means that your whole menu will be decided totally by the chef. Kibo Secret Garden is situated in a gorgeous Victorian-style space that’s modern yet still intimate. This is definitely the next level of sushi that you’ll be glad to try!
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Lambo’s Deli
Attention all sandwich lovers, Lambo’s Deli is here and yes, you need to try it. This Italian sandwich spot is about to be your go-to lunch place with its piled-high offerings like Italian Combo with mortadella, capicollo, and proscuitto as well as chili spread and crunchy veg on a soft roll. Safe to say you’ll be saying “that’s amore” after just your first bite!
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DineOut TO
We all know that Toronto has a wicked culinary scene and if you are looking for a way to celebrate it, then look no further than DineOutTO that’s on until October 30th. The newly launched program encourages folks to discover new dishes and special offers from some of the city’s top restaurants like Byblos, Miku, Union Chicken, and many, many more. Whether you’re looking to save 10% on dinner, sip on bottomless mimosas, or enjoy a 2-for-1 special, DineOutTO is an amazing way to support local restos that most likely suffered during lockdown and get a deal on dinner at the same time!
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Closings–Farewell:
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Laser Quest
It’s the end of an era. Beloved birthday party venue Laser Quest has officially shut down its operations in North America. The reason for the devastating closure is, of course, because of the current pandemic and presumably how challenging it must be to sanitize every single surface in the place. There’s also the fact that the whole point of Laser Tag is to play with a whole group which is certainly tricky these days. #RIP
Soso Food Club
One of Toronto’s coolest Chinese restaurants has permanently shut its doors for good. Soso Food Club, located on Dunas West recently announced via Instagram that its closure is to ensure the safety of its team and community. The hotspot was known for its eclectic Chinese dishes, natural wine, and Instagrammable neon vibe and it will certainly be missed.
The Office Pub
Another TO institution that’s closed due to COVID is The Office Pub on John Street. The pub sadly cites leasing issues with its landlord as the reason for the closure and it’s another community fave that will also be sorely missed.
Miss Likklemores
Wanna stay in the know? Check back monthly for our Openings + Closings column each month.
