The OPEN/CLOSED is THE most comprehensive resource of the latest restaurant openings – virtual, brick-and-mortar, pop-ups, allll the things - and food/drink news in the city. No one does it bigger or better. Watch for the drop every Thursday. #iykyk

🕘 6.5 min read

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but fall is on the quick approach. Luckily, as illustrated below, candy, cocktails (including lots of n/a options), ice cream and comfort foods are in full effect to soothe any end-of-summer woes you may be experiencing.

Psst. Want the inside track on what’s happening? In addition to subscribing to the TR Newsletter, keep your eyes peeled on the website (the #TRrending section is a good place to start) and follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook for breaking news and updates. 

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

A Mediterranean wine bar is just what this summer calls for, and Barba (19 Duncan St.) answered.* The new venture sidling up to sister biz Simit & Chai that just touched down at the same addy, and mere weeks ago in the east end, is also sibling to Pasaj that debuted east side in 2020. *OPEN/CLOSED readers got advance notice last month.

French restaurants are all the rage these days, but Biff’s Bistro has been a fixture at Yonge and Front since waay back - 2000 to be exact. BB’s upped sticks recently, steps from the original (2 Front St. E.). Portes ouvertes yesterday. p.s. Stay tuned: Taking over their previous digs? Surefire hit Sammarco (4 Front St. E.) from the team behind Giulietta and Michelin Starred Osteria Giulia, slated for Fall ‘24.

Broadway Bagels in Thornhill (7241 Bathurst St.) claims to be doing “the GTA’s first New York hand-rolled bagels.” See for yourself.

Cactus Club Cafe’s expansion to North York’s Yonge Sheppard Centre (4841 Yonge St.) has been in the works for years. UPDATE: Tuesday marks the grand opening. Did you know? The Canadian chain boasts more than 30 locations, largely on the west coast (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan). The 6ix’s first branch premiered at First Canadian Place in 2015, followed by an outpost at Sherway Gardens in 2018. The three CCC’s in Toronto are the only in Ontario.

As of Sunday, Markham will have a ChickQueen (5775 Hwy 7) to call its very own. Grand opening special includes a free Royal Crunchy sandwich with any purchase of $35 or more.

Civil Works - sibling to Civil Liberties (878 Bloor St. W.) whose accolades include “The Best Bar in Canada” awarded by The World’s 50 Best Bars - kicks off today at Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.).

Cycle Restaurant & Bar takes over Senso Cafe’s former stomping grounds in Hillcrest Village (730 St Clair Ave. W.) with nachos, burgers, calamari and other comfort fare.

From Gamjatang to Hot Pot Bulgogi, Richmond Hill’s new Gamasot (13075 Yonge St., Unit 7) boasts all the Korean classics you’ve been craving.

“B.C.’s biggest candy store” has found a home in The Big Smoke. Starting tomorrow, head to Ricardo’s Kandy Korner at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.) for a teeth-tingling array of sweets and treats.

Another dessert destination awaits down the hall: Scooped By Demetres pops-up at Queen’s Cross Food Hall, the O&B joint that launched this past spring at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge St.).

Act fast. Sörbetter Ice Cream is here for a good time not a long time. Their pop-up in East Chinatown (718 Gerrard St. E.) ends Wednesday.

Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine brought its lineup of doners, pide, barbecued meat, and more to Mississauga in 2022. Oakville, it’s your turn (3505 Wyecroft Rd.).

Mediterranean fusion is the name of the game according to Tahini’s. Find their latest setup in York near The Stockyards (2151 St Clair Ave. W., Unit 104).

“Toronto’s first sober bar” has arrived in Cabbagetown of all places. Find Zero Cocktail Bar, Tasting Room & Bottle Shop (223 Carlton St.) in what was stationery and home goods shop, Labour of Love.

CLOSED

After shutting down their long-standing Yorkville store earlier this year, Pusateri’s Fine Foods’ longstanding Bayview Village location (2901 Bayview Ave.) has come to an end.

Pop up top for details to discover what’s taken over where Senso Cafe (730 St Clair Ave. W.) was up until very recently.

NEWS

A third person in Ontario has died from listeriosis linked to plant-based milks. A recall for the products went out last month.

Fire broke out at 406 Queen St. W., above My Roti Place/My Dosa Place. No injuries were reported.

The date for this year’s Toronto Michelin awards ceremony has been set. Better get caught up.

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