Toronto Restaurant Openings and Closings: April 2017

Vv Magazine’s Libby Roach fills us in on the best new Toronto restaurants, those opening in April 2017 and the buzziest in-the-works hot spots. Here’s what’s opening and closing this month:

Now Open

Figures 
Yorkville is having a bit of a revival these days, and the newest hotspotFigures is adding fuel to that fire. Part resto-lounge, part bar, this concept puts heroes and villains in the spotlight, with killer cocktails from James Bailey and pretty plates to match from Chef Ron Stratton.

Union Chicken 
The first of a few (maybe many,) outlets ofUnion Chicken by Carbon Bar co-workers Adam Teolis and Yannick Bigourdan has opened at Sherway Gardens. Look for their upcoming location at the renovated Union Station in the near future.

Illstyl3 Sammies
A new Philly-style sandwich shop has opened on Richmond, near the Scotiabank theatre. Illstyl3 Sammies promises loads of cheesy meaty combos, so kosher kids look elsewhere.

Chez Nous
This wine bar has just launched in the recently closed County General Riverside space. A quick reno gave way to this new concept, who carry Ontario-only vintages.

Coming Soon

La Palma 
Campagnolo is ready to launch its sister restaurant withLa Palma gearing up for a spring opening, just down the street on Dundas West. Chef Craig Harding is adding coffee and cocktails to this daytime/nighttime concept, with a swoon worthy design perfect for DuWest.

Café Cancan
The owners ofPiano Piano have announced plans to take over the Harbord Room on Dupont. The new space, dubbed Café Cancan, will inject some Parisian charm to the neighbourhood, with Chef Victor Barry executing on French food – we literally can’t wait.

King Taps
The new beerhall in the financial district is on a hiring spree, so you can bet that King Taps is inching closer to opening, just in time for post-season playoff games.

Sud Forno 
A stone’s throw away, Sud Forno is opening on Yonge street, by Temperance. This marks the second location for the Terroni backed bakery/restaurant.

Madame Boeuf and Flea
And nearby neighbour and king of the back door entry, Anthony Rose has announced he’ll be openingMadame Beouf and Flea behind Bar Begonia later this spring.  

Tennessee Tavern 
Tattooed titan Grant Van Gameren is on a tear, with the announcement ofTennessee Tavern taking over The Tennessee, by Queen and Dowling. The Prince of Parkdale is promising Eastern European eats and a massive patio to take it all in with. Look for the opening later this spring.

Dundas General
Dundas West is ready to saluteDundas General when it opens later this month. Part grab and go, part café, this entirely new space rests at the bottom of a new condo building, injecting some modern design to the gentrified strip of Dundas.

Rosie’s Eatery
Rosie’s Eatery has announced April 24th as their grand opening date on Avenue Road by Fairlawn. Rosie’s specializes in vegan and gluten free eats and treats, and breakfast bites to balance it all out with.

Pacific Park Social
This spot is promising to open any day now, with swift coffee service and a grab and go meals in the heart of the Junction. 

Flock 
The fifth Flock is almost ready to fly the coop with chief egg hatcher Cory Vitiello amping up for the unveil of his MaRS building location.

NishDish Marketeria 
First NationsNishDish Marketeria is set to open on Bloor Street West at end of this month. Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette has been putting the finishing touches on the design and build, with a beautiful mural by Cree artist Ren Lonechild flanking the entry. Look for traditional Anishnawbe cuisine, and loads of gluten free desserts for a sweet finish.

Ono Poke Bar
This Liberty Village poke spot recently held an intimate tasting to test out menu options. Expect it to open very, very soon!

Eastbound Brewing Company 
Leslieville will soon be home to Eastbound Brewing Company this spring. EBC will also feature an onsite kitchen, so expect this brewery to be the toast of east enders come summer months.

Gare de l’Est 
Gare de l’Est is teasing a spring opening, in alliance with the new Streetcar Crowsnest Theatre on Dundas East. Hiring is now on, so hopefully this French concept will be opening later this month.

In the Works

Blue Blood Steakhouse 
Liberty Entertainment Group, owner of the historic Casa Loma, has made carnivores crazy with the announcement of a massive steakhouse. DubbedBlue Blood Steakhouse, the eatery is gearing up for a June opening.

Hollywood Cone
Known for their over-the-top ice cream concoctions, Hollywood Cone is gearing up to open on Queen St. West, across from the Drake Hotel. No word on the exact date yet, but the hunt for employees began mid-March. We have a notion that it’ll open in time for warmer weather, so keep your eyes peeled!

A new venture by Claudio Aprile 
Claudio Aprile has been hinting at the latest venture – a redesign of the King and Church space where the original Origin just recently closed. Henry Wu, investor for the Wahlburgers chain, is reportedly involved so expect this Masterchef to deliver. No word on the name or concept yet, but you can be sure we will be lining up for this one.

Nobu
Tongues were wagging with the mega-announcement of a new Nobu coming to Toronto, but hold off any TIFF spotting here – the project is part of a condo development making it likely a few years out still.

Closed

The Fat Beet
This spot quietly closed after a year in business just north of the city in Thornhill.

Nao Steakhouse
This popular steakhouse is undergoing a facelift. The Yorkville restaurant is rebranding to a Mediterranean ‘estiatorio’ with Chef Ben Heaton at the helm. Stay tuned next month for more on their redesign and new menu.

Urban Herbivore
Veg heads on College Street are left weeping with the announcement of theUrban Herbivore closing. Word on the street is that they are moving, so stay tuned for more next month.

R Squared
Queen West is saying goodbye to a beloved bean brewery. The indie coffee shop is being taken over by the owners of Tokyo Smoke. 

The Commodore
Critics darlingThe Commodore has closed. With an announcement on Instagram earlier this week, the owner cited personal reasons for the departure.

Stelvio
Stelvio on Queen West is celebrating their one year anniversary by renovating. In an Instagram post they promise to reopen this month.

The Baro
Queen Street West kings have tossed their last salad. The Baro, known briefly for their pretty tasty veg based bowls have closed. Look for a new restaurant to open in the space in the coming months by new owners.

RELATED LINK: What to do in Toronto this Month: April 2017 

Did we miss any notable restaurant openings and closings in Toronto? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.