The HIT list: 10 of Toronto's hottest restaurants, Spring 2018
Spring has sprung and as Torontonians awake from winter hibernation one thing is certain: this city is hungry.
Between all the new eateries that opened over winter, newly doled accolades and, that insatiable urge to start annexing every patio table in sight, here’s a list of the hottest restaurants to check out this spring.
This upscale luncheonette – from the same team behind Toronto’s highly acclaimed Alo restaurant – is dishing out foie gras terrine, chicken katsu, tuna tostadas, and iceberg wedge salads. The no-reservations policy here is both a blessing and a curse – sure you won’t have to wait months for a table, just minutes… which can feel like months if you’re hungry.
Address: 163 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
Phone: 416-260-3444
Agora
In what’s become a prevailing theme of 2018; this casual take-out spot is a spin-off from an esteemed upscale restaurant; Ossington’s Mamakas. The new eatery does take-out but upholds the same standards as its predecessor so while there’s no seating inside, just consider Trinty Bellwoods your dining room and grab some top-notch Moussaka or scratch-made pita and dips to go.
Address: 921 Queen Street West, Toronto
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Campo
A variety of tapas and pintxos ready-made and waiting to be plucked from the counter. Salads, juice bar, and fresh baked goods are all on offer at this Spanish food hall from Chef RobBragagnolo. At night, Labora in the back room deals in cocktails and sharable entrees of seafood-studded rice and slow roasted pork shoulder.
Address: 433 King Street West, Toronto
Phone: 416-260-9993
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Hot out of the jerk pit and straight to the table: chicken, pork, and shrimp plus oxtail stew, ackee and saltfish bites, and tropical cocktails. The island-inspired restaurant is the latest from the same folks behind Gusto 101.
Address: 104 Portland Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-792-8105
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Assembly Chef’s Hall
With 17 different food vendors onsite serving everything from lobster rolls and stand-up omakase, to crispy fried chicken sandwiches and truffle fried rice, this upscale food court offers something for everyone.
Address: 111 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-557-5993
Five Points: Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken is having a moment in Toronto right now. This hot chicken counter inside a Bloor Street bar is doing it right, with spicy fried chicken loaded onto sliced white bread with pickles, onions, and krinkle-cut fries on the side.
Address: 1051 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Kay Pacha
Pisco cocktails fuel the excitement at this new Peruvian restaurant from Chef Elias Salazar. Vibrant dishes on the menu here include South American standards like Saltado and Empanadas along with coastal faves including Ceviche and Pescado Frito.
Address: 744 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Phone: 416-658-0568
Kid Lee
Susur Lee’s signature, 19-ingredient Singaporean-Style Slaw is a standout at this food court spin-off from the celebrity chef and fam. The quick-service concept is doing grab-and-go along with mix and match combos featuring options like Asian BBQ chicken, Miso-glazed salmon, stirfries, and more.
Address: First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-352-0092
Mythology
Old school greasy spoon faves, veganized! The new pioneer of Parkdale Vegandale is dishing out Vegan Benedicts and triple-decker club sandwiches at brunch, plus plant-based renditions of meatloaf, wings, Salsibury steaks, and other comforting classics.
Address: 1265 Queen Street West, Toronto
Address: 115 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-540-4030