The restaurant scene in Toronto is perpetually in flux. One week we’ll have six new openings, the next eight sad so-longs. But, because of this kinetic motion, we’re usually left with a bevy of new and notable choices that simply scream, “Come! Eat me!” (In a non-sexual, food porn not real porn way, obviously.) Here are some of the more intriguing changes on the TO eats scene from the past couple months…
Happy Hellos
Gourmet Gringos and Hogtown Smoke join the food truck-turned brick and mortar model with the opening of their joints, found at 1384 Bathurst Street and 1959 Queen Street East, respectively.
Soos on Ossington brings us a taste of Malaysia with their small plate menu, while La Cubana brings the sensibilities of Ossington fave Delux to Roncesvalles.
Drake One Fifty and Hudson Kitchen provide two new scenic hot spots to get a fanciful bite and a fill of people watching.
Rhum Corner is bringing us island fare next door to sister restaurant The Black Hoof, while The Real Jerk finally reopened in a new location, exciting steadfast fans the city-wide.
Nespresso Boutique Bar brought our fave quick-service cappuccino machines to the forefront in a stunning 14,000 sq. ft. space in Yorkville.
REDS Wine Tavern moves slightly farther north with the opening of REDS Midtown Tavern at Yonge and Gerrard. Not much further up the Yonge Street strip you’ll find Teppan Kenta tucked away gingerly off Wellesley Street.
Huntsman Tavern replaces Red Fish on College Street, bringing us more Canadian flair, while Olde Towne Bistro & Oyster Bar replaces Lucien in the St. Lawrence Market ‘hood.
Over on Queen West we now have It’s All GRK, a darling li’l QSR and take-out joint serving up authentic flavours of its namesake homeland.
And it seems the taco trend just won’t die thanks to the opening of Estrella Taqueria in North York, while Indian cuisine is starting see a bit of a resurgence with the opening of Pukka on St. Clair West and Bindia on Market Street.
Fond Farewells
A-OK Foods officially closed up shop on October 30th, while Bar Salumi – another Queen West fave – has been sold to a chef from Local Kitchen.
Indian Rice Factory shuttered up, as did BLD Restaurant. And Keriwa has served its last meals as well.
Obika down at Yonge and Front bids us adieu, as does KiWe Kitchen at King and Portland.
We sighed when we heard Mavrik Wine Bar was ending its run. Same goes for The Big Fish, our former lunchtime haunt at the past VTV HQ.
On The Horizon
The Delta Chelsea has become the Eaton Chelsea, and with this change comes a new restaurant experience. Duke’s Refresher + Bar should be open by end of month in the DT hotel.
Trish Gill is part of the opening team behind The Dock Ellis near Dundas and Dovercourt, a new sports bar with, we’re assuming, gourmet bites that’ll be opening soon.
Oysters and whiskeys will make fast friends once Black Irish opens up at 235 Queen Street East.
The Scotia Plaza will have a new spot for apres-work drinks come the launch of Speakeasy No. 21.
Gilead Wine Bar officially opens December 5th. Technically it’s not a new spot so much as simply a return to dinnertime eats for Jamie Kennedy, with the new concept operating out of the same space as Gilead Cafe.
We’ve a good ole country bar + restaurant on the horizon, that’ll also house live country music, line dancing, and some big scoreboard screens. It’s called Boots ‘n Bourbon Salloon. It’ll open December 6th on the downtown east side.
Sansotei Ramen’s second location should be up and running within the month near Yonge and Bloor.
And burger barons Holy Chuck will have their second location, in Vaughan, open for biz in the not too distant future, while Toronto Life reported this morning that Parts & Labour is opening P&L Burger in the spot left vacant by White Squirrel Snack Shop (yes… right nearby the Queen Street location of Burger’s Priest).
Rowdy Rumours
We’ve heard that there’s yet another new taco/Mexican joint as well as a tequila bar coming soon to King West. Can’t divulge anything further… yet.
Also, apparently there’s an Indonesian tapas restaurant set to take over a small spot (we’ve heard it’ll seat 50) in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood.
A new authentic Sicilian gelateria will be coming our way in the coming months, too.