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

Sep 12 2019, 7:10 pm

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

  • Wonton Kitchen has recently opened its doors at 29B St. Joseph Street, after an overhaul of what used to be Wu Jian Dao Shanghai Dumpling.
  • Chick-fil-A has opened its doors at 1 Bloor Street East, and lineups are still around the block almost a week later.
  • Jollibee celebrated its grand opening at 79 Billy Bishop Way on Friday, and fried chicken fans continue to line up out the front door and around the building.
  • A new spot called Lucca is now open across street from the AGO, at 308 Dundas Street West. Get at it, OCAD.
  • Neapolitan-style pizzeria Pi Co. celebrated a grand opening this week at 100 Wellington Street West, in The Path at the TD Centre Food Court.
  • TRU Bubble Tea is now serving refreshments at 25 Carlton Street.
  • The Raw Lioness is slingin’ plant-based, gluten-free fuel at 2745 Dundas Street West.

See also:

Opening Soon

  • The Roasted Nut looks like it’s almost ready to open at 768 Queen Street West, at the corner of Bellwoods Avenue.
  • DaanGo Cake Lab has announced it’ll be opening a cafe in November, revolving around brunch, treats, and caffeine.
  • Miracle Pop-Up Bar will be returning to the city this fall, taking over 146 Ossington Avenue on November 25.
  • AVIV is gearing up to open its doors at 779 St. Clair West by the end of this month.
  • Eataly is finally prepping to open at Bloor-Yonge, and the eatery is hosting a series of job fairs this month in advance of the opening.
  • Assembly Chef’s Hall will welcome a new spot called LosCo Vegan before fall is over, serving up Mexican flavours in the form of family recipes. Watch this space.
  • DOVA, by the same people behind ARDO, is coming to Cabbagetown with the flavours of Sicily and the Mediterranean.
  • Leslieville will welcome Nutbar to 899 Queen Street East at 7 am on Saturday, September 14.
  • Opening at 3260 Midland Avenue on September 17, Ye Skewers Hot Pot serves up mouthwatering meats and various veggies on skewers with a hot soup base.
  • On September 20, Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice will open seven new locations and offer free signature dishes to guests between 6 pm and 8 pm.

Our Top Picks

Wonton Kitchen

Kayla Gladysz / Daily Hive

Tucked away on a quiet street between UofT and Ryerson is the perfect place to warm up with a bowl of wonton soup, potstickers, and fried mantou. With a streamlined menu, new decor and a space flooded with natural light, the spot is a surefire haven for students and non-students alike during the coming cool months.

Address: 29B St. Joseph Street
Phone: 416-964-9999

Instagram

Jollibee – Wilson Station

Jollibee

Kayla Gladysz / Daily Hive Toronto

In the proverbial family of restaurants, Jollibee is your encouraging aunt who loves you deeply, and wants the very best for you in all of life. She greets you with a warm hug and a personality that, while a little over-the-top and sometimes embarrassing, you wouldn’t change for the world. Get your fried chicken, hotdog-studded-spaghetti and warm fuzzy nostalgia, all in one place.

Address: 79 Billy Bishop Way

Instagram

Lucca

 

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Choose from fried provolone or beef and ricotta meatballs to start at this new eatery, directly across from the AGO. And let the indulgence continue with ricotta, red wine fig and honey to pair with your bread, and a dry aged double-stacked burger. And then indulge in a split bottle of orange wine, for good measure? Welcome to hibernation season.

Address: 308 Dundas Street West

Instagram

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.

  • Only a year after its doors first opened, Dogs & Coffee has closed up its shop at 616 Queen Street West.
  • 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.

Kayla GladyszKayla Gladysz

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