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🕘 8.5 min read

Did you know? Michelin destinations are not impervious to closure. In fact, they are shuttering right alongside the swell of businesses that have recently ceased operations. And as I’ve clocked below, there’s no stopping the constant influx of new ventures either. No wonder it’s such a struggle to stay in the know these days.

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

Dig into banh mi, vermicelli, pho and poké at Gerrard and Jones’ new Cafe Xin Chao (1027 Gerrard St. E.), in what was previously a poké joint.

From the man who brought you The Burger’s Priest comes another epic burger joint. Shant Mardirosian knows how to build a superb patty so you best believe that when Elijah’s Automatic Flame Broiled debuts tomorrow in a former law office on the Queensway of all places (821 The Queensway), there will be lineups non-stop. Fun fact: He’s also known for his ‘za (See: The Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria) and addictive desserts (Harry and Heels California Donuts).

Epōs Coffee Bar at Parliament and Gerrard (290 Gerrard St.) is Cabbagetown’s newest addition for brews and baked goods.

Freddy’s The Greek (148 Sumach St.) takes over the footprint of another Hellenic outfit in Regent Park.

Hidden cafe alert: Ish Coffee just set up inside Eastbound Brewery Company at Queen and Broadview (700 Queen St. E.).

255 Augusta Avenue - Then: Kensington Market stalwart Oxford Fruit. Now: Kensington Kitchen (255 Augusta Ave.) filled with Korean fried chicken, corn dogs, coffee and ice cream.

Fragrant flavours of Organic Dried Fig, Tahini Walnut, Organic Chestnut, and Smoky are a few reasons to check out Pink Ice Cream (666 St Clair Ave. W.), the latest addition to the TR Ultimate Guide to Ice Cream + Frozen Treats.

Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill has been on a tear lately. Discover their new digs in Markham (4451 Highway 7 E) at Saturday’s grand opening.

Sinjeon Food Sys, now going by Sinjeon Topokki, has been making serious moves since my last check in: After launching in September 2020, Sinjeon Uptown in Thornhill (7051 Yonge St.) has wrapped up service, Sinjeon Topokki & Pocha touched down in Koreatown (712 Bloor St. W.), and ST added Yonge and Finch (5 Byng Ave.) to the roster.

Hot tip: Three Horses Cafe & Speed Shop (1250 Dupont St.) is your one-stop-shop for all things coffee, motorcycle parts, and accessories.

Thai One Eats and WingCircle come together under one roof in East Chinatown (688 Gerrard St. E.), in the space formerly held by Mi Mi - now nestled next door.

VaVa Designer Cakes brings its signature selections to the downtown core (620 Yonge St.) beside last week’s arrival, Beach Hill Smokehouse.

Psst. Phyllo pie pop-up Vera Vera (1166 Queen St. W.) is only here until fall. Then stay tuned - the team is transforming the West Queen West addy into Bar Antonii, a “Sicilian-inspired” cocktail bar slated to open Christmas 2025.

Consider cat hair glitter? Then get yourself to the Vintage Cat Cafe Toronto (1274 St Clair Ave. W.).

Croissants, who? Bagels are what’s up, at least at What a Bagel’s new Beaches outpost (1984 Queen St. E.).

CLOSED

The Annex Wine Bar at The Annex Hotel (296 Brunswick Ave.) has closed, however is available to use by private events.

Eat Yet kicked off in Chinatown (409 Spadina Ave.) only two years ago. It’s about to become a Nigerian resto.

Another Michelin restaurant is bidding farewell. Wednesday marks the final service for Frilu in Thornhill (7713 Yonge St.).

Farmers’ market and shop The Great Mallard arrived in Cabbagetown 503 Parliament St.) Winter ‘21.

Krystos Modern Greek Taverna upped sticks in Regent Park (148 Sumach St.), but a venue in North York remains.

Yorkville’s changeup continues with Paramount Fine Foods space (1250 Bay St.) operating solely for catering now.

Phamilyeats at Laird and Eglinton’s East York Eats (858 Eglinton Ave. E.) was a hit from the get-go in July ‘21. Last day to get in on Peter Pham’s patties and pot pies at the shop is Sunday. p.s. A new eatery joined the Leaside food hall a few weeks back.

I broke the news today that Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant Pompette (597 College St.) is coming to an end. Last service is Saturday August 3, but good news: The team’s scheduled to reopen with “a completely refreshed experience.” Watch this space. (And this one.)

Sushi Mugen’s home base in Leslieville for eons (1105 Queen St. E.) has been cleared out. TR Flashback: Back in my restaurant critic days, I paid a visit to Chef Mugen’s former site on the edge of Leaside. Situated in the midst of an industrial park on Laird, there was little or no indoor seating. Not wanting to chance ruining the great care in which each piece had been made, I dined on a park bench in the outdoor mall across the street. Despite the lacklustre surroundings. it’s one of my fondest food memories and meals.

NEWS

The recent LCBO strike came to an end earlier this week, with stores reopening on Tuesday.

Shouting out celebs when they’re dining around town is so 2017, but I’m making an exception for Antoni Porowski, fellow Canuck and co-host of Queer Eye, as he came into town this week downing All-Dressed and Ketchup chips and was blown away by Imanishi Japanese Kitchen. (As he should be.) I met him when he was in town on his cookbook tour in 2019 and scored a few tried-and-true recipes: Cheesy Lemon-Rosemary Artichoke Dip and Chile-Maple Roasted Chicken.

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