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

This round-up spotlights Toronto’s newest restaurant and bar openings, 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

• Kintori Yakitori has officially re-opened at 668 Bloor Street West.
• Montreal-based vegan eatery LOV has opened at 620 King Street West, Suite 102, and the space is as Instagrammable as the food is delicious.
• Pizzaiolo has officially opened a new Toronto location at 722 Queen Street East.
• The venue isn’t new, but the eats sure are. Scotiabank Arena has launched a long list of new grub, just in time for hockey season.
• Dasha, Akira Back’s newest endeavour, is open today at 620 King Street West, in the same building as the aforementioned LOV.
• Daisy has taken over the space at 563 Queen Street West, where Rush Lane used to be.

Opening Soon

• NYC-based vegan restaurant by CHLOE. will be opening its first Canadian location in Yorkdale Mall very soon.
• Real Sports has long been the place to grab wings, nachos, and poutine pre- or post-game in Toronto. It’s been re-branded as RS, and is gearing up to serve an updated menu in an upgraded space.
• The restaurant group behind Gusto 101, Trattoria Nervosa, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, and more is gearing up to open Corktown’s largest eatery, Gusto 501, at 501 King Street East this fall.
• Chat Bar, the city’s first Izakaya-style Chinese Chuan’r brand, will be opening their flagship store at 5312 Yonge Street on October 4.

Our Top Picks

LOV

There’s no question that King West is a prime spot to hit for brunch, and LOV’s menu caters to that with vegan versions of classic faves like a tofu-take on a morning Benny. And if you want to swing by for lunch or dinner, you can count on a wide array of savoury options on deck, too. Anticipate scrumptious bites like vegan burgers, arancini, and lasagna.

Address: 620 King Street W

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• See also:
  • These are the top 5 most delicious burgers in Toronto
  • A taco-ridden tequila festival is landing in Toronto next month
  • Harry’s Charbroiled throwing ‘shindig’ before permanently closing this week

DASHA

Come for the food and drink, stay for the energy. This new spot combines swanky with sassy, offering an elevated menu and complex cocktails alongside private karaoke rooms. Which means that after you indulge in a mouthwatering meal, you can head upstairs and really let your hair down.

Address: 620 King Street West

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Daisy

Let your curiosity about what could possibly fill the shoes of Rush Lane lead you to the front door of this new establishment. With a mysterious, come-hither vibe and an extensive list of gorgeous cocktails, this bright pink spot on the Queen West strip is begging you to come dance the weekend night away.

Address: 563 Queen Street West

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Last Call

It’s coming up to closing time on these establishments. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.

• Grand Electric’s Trinity Bellwoods location is set to shutter in November, but the owners have something new in-store.
• Schmaltz Appetizing, known for slingin’ bagels from the corner lot of Ossington and Dundas with windows that still read “Waltman’s Drug Store,” will be closing its doors on October 6.
• It’s coming up to the end for Harry’s at 160 Springhurst Avenue in Parkdale; the iconic eatery’s last day is October 5, and they’ll be throwing a shindig to say goodbye.
• “After 18 years of business it is time for change,” chef Anthony Rose wrote in an Instagram post, announcing that restaurants Rose and Sons and Big Crow are closing.