This week in food: Toronto restaurant openings, closings, and our top picks
Happy February’s end, Toronto. Keep on keepin’ on, as the promise of spring hangs in the air. Until it arrives, why not invest a few more weeks in solid, comfort-food indulgences?
This round-up spotlights the newest Toronto restaurant openings, bar openings, and upcoming closings, plus some special spots that should be on your radar.
Here’s what’s up in the city’s food scene right now.
Just Opened
- Ikkousha Ramen Chicken is officially open at 257 Queen Street West.
- Lovebird is serving up vegan fried chicken in what some call “Vegandale,” with a storefront at 1277 Queen Street West.
- “Pioneering a new concept for Pakistani cuisine,” Naan & Chai is now open at 712 Queen Street West.
- Grape Juice Wine Bar is now serving up special wines in “secret” at Bathurst Local, at 322 Bathurst Street.
- You can now enjoy cookies and Kpop at Fantastic, Baby! at 1193 Dundas Street West.
Opening Soon
- Jerome Robinson, AKA The Heartbreak Chef, will be opening a storefront at 1316 Queen Street West on March 5. Get ready for fried chicken, folks.
- La Canasta Tortas looks to be taking over the space where Bellwoods Coffee and Gelato used to be, at 1006 Dundas Street West.
- Slated to re-open on March 17, The Wheatsheaf will be making a comeback with a massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- South Indian Dosa Mahal is gearing up to reopen on Bloor, replacing Zocalo and neighbouring Sugo at 1285 Bloor West, just down the street from the original location.
Our Top Picks
Grape Juice Wine Bar
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This spot is a hidden away secret at Bathurst Local, open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 pm until late. Stop in to try the best of organic, natural, skin-contact, and bio-dynamic wines that seem to be all the rage right now… and for good reason.
That reason being that they’re delicious.
Address: 322 Bathurst Street
- See also:
Naan & Chai
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Specialize in artisan stuffed naan breads, this is the place to go when you’re craving carbs on carbs. With filling options like tandoori chicken, 24-hour smoked brisket, and mascarpone, honey, and pistachio, your mouth will be watering before you even get through the front door.
Address: 712 Queen Street West
Lovebird
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There’s always room in this life for more veg, and that’s what this spot is serving up. Sort of. It’s fried chicken without the chicken, offered as tenders, on sandwiches, or in salads. Offered in original or spicy, paired with Nashville hot sauce or “butterless chicken” sauce, your tastebuds will be happy, and the chickens will be happy too.
Address: 1277 Queen Street West
Last Call
It’s coming up to closing time for these establishments. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.
- Bellwoods Coffee & Gelato has shuttered, less than a year after opening.
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