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

Dec 12 2019, 8:00 pm

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

  • Today, Queen West is warmly welcoming Order of Divine Sweets — the newest nerdy establishment in town offering up cakes, cookies, lattes, and more.
  • Strange Love has opened a new location inside the Beverley Hotel at 335 Queen Street West.
  • Chef Anthony Rose has officially replaced Rose and Sons and Big Crow with a new spot called The Grand Elvis.
  • Piano Piano has opened a new location, this time in Midtown at 632 Mt. Pleasant Road.
  • Ontario’s provincial government has officially expanded airport alcohol sales to 24-hours a day, up from the previous 9 am to 2 am allowance.
  • BARQUE has converted its Butcher Bar at 287 Roncesvalles Avenue into BAR*Q, serving burgers and more.
  • That Freakin Greek is now serving noms at 291 Harbord Street.
  • All of the city’s holiday-themed bars are officially up and running for the season, which means you have plenty of options for where to get your holly jolly on.

Opening Soon

  • USA-based bakeshop The Dapper Doughnut is gearing up to open its doors at 5027 Spectrum Way in Mississauga.
  • Calgary-import Añejo will soon take over Bier Markt’s old home at 600 King Street West, serving up tacos and tequila.
  • Farm Boy has announced plans to open 9 new stores across Ontario in the next two years, including 5 in Toronto.
  • The Butcher Chef will open its doors at 8 Harbour Street on December 17, serving steak and seafood, plus fine wine.
  • From December 20 to 23, Aunty Lucy’s Burger Shop will be taking over 96 Ossington Avenue, creating replicas of a beloved In N Out burger.
  • “Modern Lifestyle Massage Bar to Escape the Everyday,” reads Touch Massage and Wine Bar’s Instagram bio. “RMT. Wellness Café & Wine Bar. King Street West.”
  • Ruby Soho Bar, described as a “relaxed neighbourhood bar and eatery,” is ultra close to moving into the space at 587 King Street West, where Portland Variety used to live.

Our Top Picks

BAR*Q

 

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Burgers — with a Beyond Meat option — plus wings, fries, salads, popcorn shrimp, and more are on offer at BAR*Q, the new mostly-burger joint that BARQUE’s Butcher Bar has been converted into. Stop in for a juicy handheld made from premium cuts of beef, plus a cold beer to wash it all down.

Address: 287 Roncesvalles Avenue

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The Grand Elvis

 

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While some are still licking the wound that the closures of Rose and Sons and Big Crow left behind, chef Anthony Rose has already moved on to new things.

The restauranteur and all-around food person has replaced his old establishments with a new spot called The Grand Elvis. And to say that it does indeed look grand is an understatement.

The menu is speckled with comforting eats like burgers, ricotta dumplings and country ham grilled pizza, plus upscale options including wild boar, octopus, and mussels.

Address: 176 Dupont Street
Phone: 647-748-3287

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Miracle Bar

 

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While some people easily find their Christmas cheer, others struggle to feel merry and bright during the holiday season. Miracle gets it. That’s the magic.

Inspired by quirky office Christmas parties, the halls will be decked with kitschy Christmas decor. Guests are encouraged to dress in their most festive gear as they sip on seasonal cocktails, so you can take this opportunity to dig out your most cringey Christmas sweater and reindeer head-gear.

Address: 146 Ossington Avenue

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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.

  • After more than 14 years serving members in Toronto’s downtown core, The Spoke Club will close — albeit temporarily — on January 1 for a full venue renovation.
  • On New Year’s Eve, 3 Brewers will close four locations across the GTA, leaving only the Yonge Street and Oakville restaurants in operation.
  • Beloved Roncesvalles spot ANIQ has officially shuttered.
  • Yogurty’s 652 Queen Street West location is now closed.
  • Those who love restaurants with a little je ne sais quoi are going to need to find a new spot to brunch, because La Société will celebrate its final night of service this New Year’s Eve.
  • Known as a reliable spot for authentic Italian in the Yorkville neighbourhood, L’Unità is gearing up to close on New Year’s Eve after 12 years serving the city.

Kayla GladyszKayla Gladysz

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