This week in food: Toronto restaurant openings, closings, and our top picks
This round-up spotlights the newest Toronto restaurant openings, bar openings, upcoming closings, and some special spots that should be on your radar.
Here’s what’s up in the city’s food scene right now.
Just Opened
- Canada’s first shop totally dedicated to Korean rice dogs, Chungchun, has opened at 11 Byng Avenue.
- The Office Pub in the King West neighbourhood has reopened after a failed health inspection forced a temporary closure.
- Le TAO has soft opened at 356 College Street, and the spot’s serving up free cheesecake on October 26 and 27 to introduce themselves to the neighbourhood.
- Nügateau has officially opened a location inside Square One Shopping Centre.
- Tapas-style lobby bar Lobby Boy is now serving olives in and out of martinis inside the Beverley Hotel at 335 Queen West.
Opening Soon
- Putting a spin on classic comfort food, Lobster Burger Bar is coming to 214 King Street West.
- Opening at noon on October 26, Lait Night Cafe is going to be open all hours of the day, serving up bubble tea, coffee, and sweet treats including Daifuku.
- Long-awaited Italian marketplace Eataly is set to open in the Manulife Centre, located near Bloor-Yonge, on November 13.
- Christmas-themed booze hub Miracle Bar will be returning to the city this fall, taking over 146 Ossington Avenue starting on November 25.
- Different from the above Lobby Boy, a spot called Lobby is opening at 1032 Queen Street West on October 25.
- Born in Leslieville and ready to take on the west end, laid-back local eatery The Green Wood is bringing sustainably sourced wholesome food to 461 King Street West in November.
- Inspired by regional French flavours, Lapinou is a soon-to-be-opened neo-bistro and wine bar coming to 642 King Street West.
Our Top Picks
Chungchun Rice Dogs
Chungchun Rice Dogs / Instagram
Chunchun Rice Dogs has more than 200 branches in Korea, Australia, China, Japan, and many other countries. Similar to a corndog, the treat’s popularity comes from the coating of sticky rice layered with fermented dough, offering a chewy, crispy, and savoury experience. What better way to embrace the cold weather than by tucking into some cozy comfort food?
Address: 11 Byng Avenue
- See also:
Lobby Boy
Lobby Boy / Instagram
Serving snacks, small plates, wines and cocktails, this new spot inside the Beverley Hotel is open daily and ready to whet your appetite for indulgence. Visit for a midday meeting, stop in after work for a drink with a friend, or pop by solo for a self-date with some fine wine, a special snack, and a sweet novel.
Address: The Beverley Hotel – 335 Queen Street West
Le TAO
Le TAO / Instagram
Tuck into delectable cheesecakes, cookies, and chocolates, now available on College Street and straight from Japan. There are no preservatives or artificial ingredients in any of these sweet treats, and they’re all exclusively flown weekly to the city from Hokkaido, Japan. They’re the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little indulgence, on a weekend afternoon or on your trek home from work.
Address: 356 College Street
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.
- According to an Instagram post, Rag Doll Eatery, previously at 2110 Yonge Street, has shuttered due to circumstances out of their control.
- Known across the city for attracting both Tom Hanks and Ryan Gosling during consecutive TIFF runs, Grinder Coffee is gearing up to close its doors on October 27.
- Grand Electric’s Trinity Bellwoods location is set to shutter in November, but the owners have something new in-store.
- “After 18 years of business it is time for change,” Chef Anthony Rose wrote in an Instagram post, announcing that Rose and Sons is closing (and Big Crow already has).
- Dundas West’s lovable Unlovable has announced that it’ll be closing its doors after a final service (read: party) on October 31.
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