The Month That Was: the Toronto restaurants and bars that opened and closed in May
Openings
THR & Co.—The owners of The Harbord Room opened a new restaurant in the spot where Harbord Street fixture Messis used to be. Read our Introducing post »
Ardor Bistro—The latest addition to the Ossington strip serves Peruvian food and cocktails made with house-brewed bitters. Read our Introducing post »
Switch—Hanij Harji, who opened King West hotspots Patria and Weslodge alongside Charles Khabouth, opened a clubby new rec-room-and-lounge in Colborne Lane’s former digs. Read our Introducing post »
Marky and Sparky’s Smokehouse—The southern BBQ joint (literally) rose from the ashes of owner Frank “Sparky” DiGenova’s former butcher shop Butcher by Nature.
Woods—Former Modus and Brassai chef Bruce Woods’s new restaurant has an eclectic menu and a farm-to-table ethos. Read our Introducing post »
Osteria dei Ganzi—A casual Italian eatery moved into the historical Gooderham House on Jarvis Street. Read our Introducing post »
Sagra—The owners of the Slow Room espresso shop in Little Italy opened a rustic Italian restaurant in the Junction. A matching food truck named Bestia is coming soon. Read our story »
Fika Café—A coffee shop and bakery from Splendido chef and owner Victor Barry and partner Nikki Leigh McKean. Read our Introducing post »
Craft Dogs—The former co-owners of Beerbistro are getting in on the artisanal street-food trend with a new shop selling haute hot dogs and condiments made from scratch. [PostCity]
Dineen Coffee. Co.—A new indie coffeehouse in the historic Dineen building at Yonge and Temperance. Read our story »
Senisi Fine Foods—A tiny store on College selling food and sundries, inspired by Latin America bodegas. Read our story »
Tabülè—The popular Middle Eastern restaurant expanded south with a new location on Queen East in Leslieville. Read our story »
Belmonte Raw—The Leslieville raw-food purveyor expanded north with a second outpost at the 889 Yoga studio in Rosedale. [Twitter]
Live Market—An organic café in Liberty Village from the owners of Live Organic Food Bar in the Annex and Ezra’s Pound on Dundas West. Read our story »
Valentina—The newest addition to Kensington’s growing taqueria contingent. [Now]
Rooster Coffee House—A second location on King Street East for the beloved Riverdale café. Read our story »
Hot Bunzz—The popular TUM startup found a permanent home inside the Urban Bistro food court at Yonge and St. Clair. Read our story »
Big Al’s Delish—A new takeout and catering business serving deli sandwiches and homemade prepared foods, like knishes and kishka. [YellowPages]
Pisco—The second traditional Peruvian restaurant to open in May. [PostCity]
Man Ramen & Izakaya—Another izakaya in the city’s north end. [Yelp]
Lightweight Mini-Donuts—Doughnuts dusted with sugar and cinnamon sold from a stand in the El Gordo food court in Kensington. [BlogTO]
Beach Boys—The new surf-themed food truck serves classic American greasy spoon dishes. Read our story »
Templeton’s—Burgers and bar snacks are on the menu at the tiny new restaurant in Kensington Market. [BlogTO]
Butter Chicken Roti—A casual snack shop serving sixteen different kinds of Indian roti. [BlogTO]
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co.—The popular artisanal cheese-maker reopened its retail store under new management. [The Globe and Mail]
Superfood Eateries—A new takeout spot on Adelaide offering a range of organic smoothies, salads and vegan snacks. [Superfood Eateries]
Chocolate Brunette Pastry Co.—Cupcakes, truffles and Italian sweets from a new boutique food shop at Ave and Dav. Read our story »
Shawarmama—Another new Kensington eatery. This one serving inexpensive Middle Eastern food, like shawarma and falafel. [BlogTO]
The Wren—A low-key pub on Danforth East for southern comfort food. [Twitter]
Azarias—The new restaurant on Bloor West has an eclectic menu and craft beer. [Facebook]
Forest Hill Pizza—A new spot for takeout and delivery pizza at Bathurst and Eglinton. [Chowhound]
Kathi Roll Express—Grab ‘n go kathi rolls and Mumbai-style sandwiches from the city’s latest ethnic street food shop. Read our story »
Sam’s Philly Cheesesteak—A new hole-in-the-wall sandwich counter at the corner of Dundas and Church. Read our story »
Minuet Café—A new European bakery and café on the Danforth. [Chowhound]
Amani Earls—Another new indie coffeehouse in the Junction. Read our story »
Haisai—Michael Stadtländer reopened his Singhampton, Ontario restaurant with a new chef and a dramatic menu make-under. Read our story »
Closings
Le Canard Mort—The gastro pub closed after less than two years in the east end. [PostCity]
Le Commensal—The country’s largest vegetarian chain closes its Toronto location. [CBC]
Xococava—The midtown gourmet chocolate shop will be replaced by a wine store. [PostCity]
Gold Diamond Chinese Restaurant—The cavernous dim sum spot is rumoured to have closed down after a short stint in the space formerly occupied by Chinatown fixture Bright Pearl. [Chowhound]
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