OPEN/CLOSED: Toronto Restaurant News February 8-14, 2024

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

🕘 9 min read

Despite being the shortest month, February can really drag. The best remedy? Exploring new ventures, digging into vibrant fare, and capitalizing on the abundance of comfort food available across the GTA. Get started with this week’s 15 arrivals below, then work your way through the rest. And steel yourself - there’s nearly as many closures and recalls.

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

Azul just landed in the heart of the Financial District at First Canadian Place (100 King St. W., Mezzanine Level) and is already receiving rave reviews for its authentic Mexican fare by way of tacos, tortas, milpa bowls and other must-haves.

The city can’t get enough of steak and supper clubs. The newest addition combines the two. Introducing Chambers Steakhouse & Supper Club (17 Toronto St., 2nd Fl).

An indulgent trifecta awaits at Dixie and Eglinton. Head to in Mississauga’s Craveables Cafe 5130 Dixie Rd.) for an array of breakfast, brunch and dessert items - Pancakes, waffles, cakes, and crepes are just the beginning. Pro tip: Stretchy pants not included, but highly recommended.

Ghoroaa’s traditional Bangladeshi fare has been a fixture in the city’s east end for eons: As Priyangan from 1996-2003, then Ghoroaa since 2003. Their second outpost, a bit further east (790 Kennedy Rd.), kicked off over the weekend.

The Heartbreak Chef has moved on from Dundas. To get in on Jerome Robinson’s chicken sandos (Likkle Dutty, Half/Big Ass, Hot Honey Biscuits) and serious sides (Deep Fried Brussels, Dirty Wedges, Biscuits & Gravy), head to in Kensington Market (170 Baldwin St.). Fun fact: The space was once home to Graffiti’s Bar & Grill.

Kachiguda Junction’s motto: “Experience the depth of Indian cuisines.” Usually found further afield - Oshawa, Kitchener, London, Ottawa - head to the chain’s first nearby outfit: Scarborough (2938 Finch Ave. E.) for specialities including clay pot chicken and paneer, Egg Masala, KJ Special Fisherman’s Bowl, Kadai Mutton with authentic peshawari spices.

Leslie’s Sandwich Room (969 Queen St. E.) debuts in Leslieville with its namesake - handhelds, many served on focaccia (NOLA, Greens Egg and Ham, La Morta), with a few salads and desserts, carried out in a gable box (aka cardboard box with handles), bringing new meaning to “boxed lunch.” Grand opening is today.

Chinatown’s terrain continues to shift with the arrival of the city’s latest sukiyaki destination, Matsutei Sukiyaki (438 Dundas St W.), taking over Roadside Hot Pot’s former spot. Grand opening specials continue until February 15.

Mama Fatma’s halal Turkish food has been drawing crowds in Vaughan (10385 Weston Rd., Unit 7B) since doors opened. For those in Mississauga, one kicks off near you (6970 Financial Dr.) in a former Swiss Chalet on Valentine’s Day.

Oakville’s new Mesopotamia Kebab House (1131 Nottinghill Gate., Unit 9) is all about its eponymous dish, doner, shish, and pide.

Psst. Octopus Bar is a Friday/Saturday vibe happening at Ichi Tea’s Queen and Ossington shop (996 Queen St. W.). Grand opening is tomorrow.

Present Day Gifts (73 Roncesvalles Ave.) makes shopping for the food-lover in your life easy-peasy from ‘Shareable Charcuturie’ to Espresso Martini sets made with local goods. Find it where Gate 8 stood.

Burgers and bubble tea come together under one roof at Etobicoke’s Scoobies (900 Albion Rd., Unit B20).

Speaking of burgers, Smoked & Smashed has made a home in Vaughan (201 Spinnaker Way, Unit 2), complete with burgers, barbecue and sides.

Report to the dance floor: Grand opening party for 416 Social Club (718 College St.) is happening Valentine’s Day with special guest Yoanis Fuentes Mendez - aka Yoanis Music.

CLOSED

Aroma Espresso Bar has been closing out locations recently. Add long-running King and Spadina (430 King St. W.) to the list.

Bangkok Buri at Union Station’s Union Food Court (65 Front St. W., Unit 485) has been replaced by another Thai outfit - Thai Express.

Following the recent closure of their venture Sausage King at St. Lawrence Market, Bespoke Butchers abruptly closed their remaining locations - Annex (215 Madison Ave.), Greektown (458 Danforth Ave.) and Leslieville (1378 Queen St. E.) - after serving the city for a decade.

After 18 years, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar’s Spadina destination - Fresh on Spadina (147 Spadina Ave.) - wrapping things up on Valentine’s Day. Numerous locations remain downtown and in the GTA.

The Heartbreak Chef may have left Dundas West (823 Dundas St. W.), but didn’t go far. Details above.

Rimini Rimini Restaurant’s seafood venture in Leaside, Rimini De La Mer (1543 Bayview Ave.), was short-lived.

The Tiny Cloud Café (439 Spadina Ave.) was just getting started, however earlier this week co-founders Samer Abdulhussain and Malik Hinds announced suspension of operations for now.

The Uptown Pub House (3185 Yonge St.) debuted Summer 2016. While the Lawrence Park haunt is “closed until further notice,” stay tuned for Taverna Yiannis Greek Grill & Pub.

Leslieville’s Urban Bulk & Refill (1380 Queen St. E.) is leaving after nearly a decade. Doors close for good mid-March.

Little Italy’s The Wing Factory (718 College St.) shuttered before getting in on all the Super Bowl LVIII excitement.

NEWS

Raul Gonzalez of local restaurant equipment and supply shop Nella, died.

Food and drink recalls are out of control: Bauman's Country Meat Shop Summer Sausages recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Kroes Croquettes Frikandellen recalled due to undeclared milk, Monster Energy Monster Green Energy Drink recalled due to pieces of film from delamination of can coating, OGGI Americana Pizza made with Beyond Meat recalled due to undeclared milk, Pinty's Fully Cooked Crispy Chicken Breasts recalled due to pieces of metal, President's Choice and Taylor Farms Mexican-Style Street Corn Salad Kits recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Rojo's Black Bean 6 Layer Dip recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Southwest Potato, Black Bean, & Egg Wrap recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Ice Buckets in Certain Frigidaire Branded Side-By-Side Refrigerators recalled due to choking and laceration hazards. [UPDATE 09.02.24: Dole and President's Choice Salad Kits recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, Indian Heritage Soya Chaap recalled due to undeclared wheat, gluten and soy.]

Please support local businesses whenever possible. 

Life moves fast. Catch up on previous editions of the OPEN/CLOSED.   

Things change quickly. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the TR Newsletter for breaking news, updates, interviews + more.

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