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🕘 14 min read

While a plethora of launches and shutdowns occurred prior to the pandemic, the global crisis caused record movement across the city and GTA. Case in point: Last week’s turbulent ride and this week’s 33 establishments with more than a third in closures. Brace yourself. There’s much more to come. Insider tip: Want to be the first to know? Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news and updates.

Here’s the very latest:

OPEN

Grand opening celebrations for Alpha’s Shawarma (598 Queen St. W.) took place earlier this week. The most popular order so far? The namesake dish, natch.

bb.q Chicken’s self-proclaimed “best K-chicken in your town” lands in Richmond Hill at Hwy 7 & Leslie (420 Hwy 7, Unit 26) and Scarborough’s Skycity Shopping Centre (3262 Midland Ave., Unit E-107) with a bevy of birds (Chicken n’ Waffle, Lemon Cheesling Chicken, Gangham Style) and and fowl-less fare (Cheese Balls, Dukk-bokki, salads, fries).

A year-and-a-half after shuttering their digs in Chinatown, Big Trouble Pizza is back, this time on Geary (191 Geary Ave.) slingin’ signature ‘za (Butter Jam Jam is still in effect) and smash burgers.

Comin’ in hot: Finer dining restaurants that ooze luxury and grandeur. The latest drop: Glowbal Restaurant Group’s lush two-storey 9,000 sq. ft. flagship in the Financial District Black+Blue (130 King St. W.) showcasing 28-45 day dry-aged beef, Japanese A5 Wagyu and certified Japanese Kobe beef, seasonal seafood, quintessential tableside Caesar, and show-stopping seafood towers ($250-$450). Doors officially open tonight. (Stay tuned for a sneak peek.) Psst. This is just the beginning: Emad Yacoub and his award-winning restaurant group out of Vancouver plan to further expand in the province this year.

Carolina Pizzeria (772A Dundas St. W.) moved into Queen Margherita’s former digs with similar fare. Makes sense: Owner/chef Graziano ‘Graz’ Tortora hails from Naples and helmed the QMP location for the last seven years.

From burgers to bowls. For their second Korean fried chicken spot, Thornhill’s Chibap chose right downtown at Queen and Spadina (463 Queen St. W.). The brand serves solely boneless chicken, available in a variety of flavours, with a few other options - Dupbap, Tteokbokki, sides - on offer. Did you know? The space was home to The Burger's Priest until recently.

After lengthy delays, Dallas ‘cue co. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit kicks off in Toronto. The American joint - the “world's largest barbecue concept” which has grown to 650+ restos since its start back in 1941 - opens the first Canadian branch today at Yonge and Carlton (472 Yonge St.), with more slated to launch across the province.

Foodrama at Queen and McCaul (232A Queen St. W.) has got you for Middle Eastern eats - shawarma, gyro, kafta, halloumi, fattoush salad, Jerusalem fries, kunafa - and as it turns out, burritos and tacos, including birria.

The latest establishment from Fab Restaurant Concepts - the group behind local pubs including Black Sheep, Brazen Head, and Pogue Mahone - isn’t so much new as a redo. Against the Grain is “re-opening under a new name with a fresh look.” Irene at Corus Quay (25 Dockside Dr.) commences April 24 with a mélange of cuisines under one roof.

Joystar Café north of Lawrence (3451 Yonge St.) does everything from profiteroles and éclairs to Turkish baklava and coffee, with a few burgers to satiate deeper hunger pangs.

Kosher schnitzel sandos are the name of the game of Kapara in Thornhill (7700 Bathurst St.). Falafels, kebabs and fries are also readily available.

Grand opening for Madre De Lobo (1226 King St. W.) isn’t until the first weekend in May, but it’s already sold out - as is the entire month and the following two for that matter - therefore getting your hands on “exotic Mexican cuisine” by four chefs “well known from Tulum” that have a “massive following” is unlikely. The restaurant is private – no walk-ins, email appointment only – open Thursdays to Sundays. Owners include a demolition company and restaurateurs with establishments in Mexico City and Tulum,

Mamaz Shawarma Turkish Cuisine in Mississauga (488 Eglinton Ave. W., Unit 6.) celebrates grand opening on April 22. In addition to an array of shawarma and kebaps, find an extensive pide menu.

You already know INK Entertainment Group’s many establishments sprawled across the 6ix: Akira Back, Amal, KOST, Sofia Yorkville, and new arrival Bar Chica, to name a few. Tucked away on the fourth floor of their strictly-for-members-only club, Clio (600 King St. W.), Margo a “reimagined, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and lounge” opens to the public April 25

Mr. Puffs debuted in Mississauga last summer. By the time Christmas rolled around, another was added nearby. For those in the east end wanting in on their popular dessert bites, you’re in luck. Head to Scarborough’s West Hill to their new patisserie and cafe at Mornigside and Lawrence (259 Morningside Ave.).

Speaking of dessert, Nadège Patisserie lands in Oakville (249 Lakeshore Rd. E.) with an array of sweet treats including cakes, croissants and chocolates.

Corso Italia mourned the loss of sushi joint Shunoko (1201 St Clair Ave. W.) last fall (The space was filled less than two months later.) and fans awaited a possible reopening elsewhere. TR Insider tip: Doors have reopened at Yonge and Lawrence (3220 Yonge St.), though the set up is different this time ‘round. There are no sets, rolls or bowls. No takeout or delivery either. The concept is now strictly omakase (Omasake was previously on offer at the St. Clair location, in addition to à la carte items) at $100/pp to be consumed in a one-hour seating. Eight seatings per hour session are currently available (5pm to last seating at 8:45pm). The reason for the change? As per a post on IG, “As inflation grows, the cost of running a past restaurant was a real struggle as well as keeping the consistent quality among many of our staff despite our hard effort. Therefore, to offer my best in quality and value, I decided to minimize the team and focus on one menu.”

Souv Like expands with a second location westside in Roncy Village (217 Roncesvalles Ave.) complete with traditional Greek fare - gyros, souvlaki, potatoes, rice - made popular at the OG outpost across from Pape Station (708 Pape Ave.).

Tinga Kim Taqueria (1182 Queen St. E.) arrives in Leslieville, moving into Leslie Jones that shuttered earlier this year. Hot tip: Doors softly open tonight with tacos, nachos and cocktails.

CLOSED

The group that launched “urban tavern” Against the Grain lakeside at Corus Quay (25 Dockside Dr.) in 2011 is introducing a new look and feel for the latest iteration. See above for details. Of particular note, Fab Restaurant Concepts’ sudden closure of Dominion Pub and Kitchen (500 Queen St E.) in Corktown. Open at the beginning of the month and despite a large banner hung below scaffolding across the front of the building with the message, “Renovations in progress but our doors are still open” written in bold letters, the gastropub and historical landmark once home to Trivia Thursdays, Folk N' Comedy Sundays, and $13 Weekend Grumpy Brunch is not only closed, it’s been marked permanent on Google and no longer appears on the restaurant group’s website.

Long history short: Dominion Brewery’s The Dominion Hotel started out in 1889. According to the eatery, the hotel and brew pub underwent “massive” renos “sometime in the late 1980's to early 1990's” becoming local haunt Dominion on Queen. In 2015, “We restored the historic beauty of the building and reopened on November 31st as Dominion Pub & Kitchen. Our design team did a beautiful job exposing the original tin ceilings from when Dominion was first constructed and bridging the classic Victorian architecture with our contemporary vision!” p.s. Further east at Queen and Kingston Road, Murphy’s Law (1702 Queen St. E.) has been closed for renos since May, however remains a part of the FAB fam and is set to “be back soon.”

Barn Restaurant (598 Queen St. W.) was a staple at the corner of Queen and Bathurst for over 40 years. For who’s moved in, see above. 

The space formerly BlackBall Taiwanese Desserts (472 Yonge St.) is about low and smoked fare now. Details above.

Fried chicken and cocktails were just a few reasons to stop by West Queen West’s Councillor (1188 Queen St. W.).

Donerland (217 Roncesvalles Ave.) arrived Fall 2019.

Dufflet Pastries (787 Queen St. W.) has been a permanent fixture on Queen West for nearly half a century. Yesterday the cake shop announced after 48 years is closing its flagship location to focus on wholesale. Last day is April 29.

Etobicoke’s Ghost Kitchens (270 Brown’s Line) was home to numerous concepts during the pandemic. Good news: Taco Tuesdays will be in effect as the space will soon be home to Gus Tacos.

Parkdale’s Liberty Garden Chinese Restaurant (1508 Queen St. W.) is papered up. En route: Jimbu Himalayan Thakali Kitchen. 

Maiz Latin Food launched in 2017 and within a year debuted six locations including Queen and Portland (490 Queen St. W.) and the Junction (2901 Dundas St. W.). The remaining outpost at Yonge and Lawrence (3220 Yonge St.) came to an end recently, however you can find their signature fare and Maiz Pilsner at their new Burlington Brewery (3600 Dundas St.) that debuted in September.

The windows of Caribbean fusion tapas and cocktail destination The Mix 669 in Little Italy (669 College St.) are covered up.

I broke the news of the sudden closure of  Pandoughra’s Box.

After being awarded Michelin Recommended in the Fall, stand up sushi joint Tachi is leaving Chefs Hall. The last day to experience “Canada’s first and only stand-up omakase” serving top-tier sushi in 30 minutes is April 29. However, this is not the end for the sister eatery to Chef Masaki Saito’s Sushi Masaki Saito that received the only two Michelin stars in Toronto: A “new elevated omakase experience” is in the works. As for the food hall, it continues to evolve - the exit quickly follows the recent departure of Piano Piano, who made a different kind of move last week.

NEWS

According to a national restaurant group, the PSAC strike is adversely affecting the foodservice industry.

After last week’s food recalls, add these to your list: Boosh Coconut Curry Cauli Bowl recalled due to undeclared milk, M&M Food Market Angus Beef Burgers recalled due to undeclared gluten and wheat. [UPDATE: 04.21.23 Certain Oysters recalled due to improper harvest authorization.]

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