This week in food: Toronto restaurant openings, closings, and our top picks

March is in full swing and spring is fast approaching. Whether that means you’re getting a final fill of winter comfort foods, or your transitioning into lighter fare, the city’s got something for you.

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

• Jerome Robinson, aka The Heartbreak Chef, has opened a storefront at 1316 Queen Street West, and the fried chicken on offer looks unreal.
• Robots are now serving up seafood at 895 Yonge Street, where Robot Boil House now resides.
• You can tuck into fine Italian food with a pescatarian focus at 633 College Street; Ballaro has opened up shop.
• KABOOM Kitchen is now serving up goods out of Superfly, at 5 Brock Avenue in Parkdale.

Opening Soon

• Amal is set to open this spring at 131 Bloor Street West, replacing shuttered La Société.
• Boxcar Social is opening up a roastery space “very soon,” at 130 Cawthra in the Junction.
• The Wheatsheaf will open its newly-renovated doors once again at King and Bathurst on March 17.
• Dzô Viet Eatery is opening soon at 308 Dundas Street West, across from the AGO.
• Bar Room, by The Commoner, will open its doors at 614 College Street this spring.

Our Top Picks

Heartbreak Chef

 

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A post shared by Jerome Robinson (@theheartbreakchef) on Mar 10, 2020 at 10:42am PDT

With a picture like that, few words are necessary. Juicy fried chicken is the dish of focus at this newly-opened joint, served on sandwiches, over waffles, or on its own. Don’t wait to taste the serious flavours Jerome Robinson is offering the west end.

Address: 1316 Queen Street West

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• See also:
  • Your first look at The Wheatsheaf Tavern after its renovations
  • Recently-shuttered vegan restaurant reopening in new location

Ballaro

 

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A post shared by Ballaro Italian Fine Dining (@ballaro.ca) on Mar 11, 2020 at 4:49pm PDT

As spring approaches, you may feel called to tuck into some lighter fare. Eating with the seasons, we think they call it? This new spot is serving up Italian with a focus on pescatarian options, so you can amp up your fish and veg intake while still enjoying all the pasta your heart desires.

Address: 633 College Street

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KABOOM Kitchen at Superfly

 

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A post shared by KABOOM Kitchen ❤️🇰🇷🍗 (@kaboomkitchentoronto) on Mar 4, 2020 at 4:51pm PST

When Superfly came onto the scene, Parkdale gained a groovy place to enjoy a strong cocktail. And now, the space has been elevated to include fierce eats, too. The ideal weekend destination, this spot is offering all you need in the food and drink department, so you don’t need to relocate between dinner and the after-party!