While most of us are privy to meal services like HelloFresh and Chef’s Plate, Loblaws is about to change the game with their own home delivery service. The Queens Quay location, right here in Toronto just launched Instacart, a service that will ship anything on your shopping list directly to your front door.
Yup, that means you can purchase all your favourite President’s Choice products without even stepping foot in a brick & mortar location, AND there are no set recipes like in many of the popular meal services currently available. Partnering with Instacart one year ago, Loblaws will be the first major grocery retailer in Canada to offer a service of this kind; even conglomerate Walmart will be playing catch up as they currently only offer pickup options.
In an article by Grocery Business, an Instacart representative stated that this is the first Loblaws branded store to acquire the service. The only other Canadian store that launched the service earlier this October is Loblaw banner Real Canadian Superstore in Winnipeg. However, with over 2,500 locations Canada-wide, these initial two locations are only the beginning.
In the same Grocery Business article, it states that Loblaws plans to roll out Instacart to more Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstores, and T&T locations, all of which will function through the Instacart website or app. Essentially customers visit either platform, pick from a local store’s online inventory (as many as 30,000 products), add their selections to a virtual shopping cart, and then choose a delivery window (one hour or up to five days later).
On the flip side, an Instacart shopper will receive and accept the order on their smartphone – similar to how Uber works – use the app the guide them through the shopping list, and then finally deliver the order within the selected time window. Instacart states that orders of $35 or more have a delivery fee of $3.99 or alternatively, an Instacart Express membership for $9.99 a month or $99 a year, enables free same-day delivery on orders $35 or more.
Check out the Instacart service on Loblaws website here, and enter your postal code to see if the Queens Quay location delivers to your area.
Being a quarter Chinese, I grew up with dim sum as a typical Sunday meal, and it’s still one of my favourite ways to spend a Sunday morning today. From shrimp noodle rolls to deep-fried spring rolls, sticky rice and all types of dumplings, it doesn’t get any better in my books. Pair your dim sum eats with tea for the ultimate mouth-watering feast.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional dim sum restaurant, or want to go a little more upscale, these are the best places to get dim sum in Toronto.
1. Dim Sum King
Image: Instagram/@paychen
One of the only restaurants left with old-school cart service in Toronto, Dim Sum King is one of the best dim sum spots in Chinatown. The traditional dishes are always served fresh and daily specials make it a hot spot for Torontonians. Make your way up to the top floor and join the fast-paced eatery.
2. Luckee
Image: Instagram/@luckeeto
Blending Chinese tradition with culinary mastery, Susur Lee’s Luckee is a great spot for upscale dim sum. From lobster and asparagus dumplings to lobster rice roll with poached medallions, and crispy vegetable spring rolls, you can stick with classics or take things up a notch. Pair the beautifully presented dishes with a cocktail or sake and you’re in for a treat.
3. Rol San
Image: Instagram/@stephlimm
Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table at Rol San. The average wait time is 15-minutes (and even higher at peak meal times), but it will be worth it. Open until 2 am, it’s a popular late-night joint, which means you can enjoy dim sum at pretty much any time of the day.
4. Pearl Harbourfront
Image: Instagram/@pearltoronto
If you’re in the mood for dim sum with a view, check out this spot inside Queens Quay terminal at Harbourfront. Another one of the few dim sum places that still pushes carts around, you’ll get that authentic feeling with a panoramic view of Lake Ontario and the islands. Sip on jasmine, chrysanthemum or oolong tea while you enjoy traditional dishes like siu mai and steamed curry cuttle.
5. Rosewood
Image: Instagram/@katerryna
An all-day dim sum spot in the heart of Chinatown, Rosewood has become a local favourite. Offering the classics like steamed dumplings, steamed rice rolls, congee, and fried dishes like squid tentacles and shrimp and chive dumplings, it’s a go-to spot for your dim sum cravings.
Do you know any other great dim sum places in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @luckeeto
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Although there are many upsides to living in the great white north, one of the indisputable downsides is that we just don’t have the same number of delicious restaurant chains as our American neighbours. While we finally have The Cheesecake Factory and can check Eataly off the list next year, there’s still a lot of places Canadians are hungry for (literally). Keep reading to find out the top 6 US restaurant chains we’d like to see come to Canada asap.
CHICK-FIL-A
https://www.instagram.com/p/7qKZEHBQ8U/
With its all-chicken menu and perfectly crisp waffle fries, Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular American fast-food joints for good reason. As it turns out, there’s actually already one location in Canada – at the Calgary airport! Now if they could just expand throughout the rest of the country, that would be fantastic.
IN-N-OUT BURGER
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgxsJUuBOI7/
Not even east coast Americans have access to In-N-Out, however that doesn’t mean we still don’t pray for some locations to open up in Canada. Pro tip if you ever visit: order your burger and/or fries “Animal Style,” which is code for a topping of melted cheese, grilled onions and thousand island dressing. Yum.
SHAKE SHACK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhsHI-vgOgb/
Toronto got a taste of Shake Shack last year with a one-day pop-up, which you probably missed unless you were patient enough to wait hours in line. The cult-favorite burger chain has already opened up international locations outside of the US in places like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Moscow, Dubai, and London. Here’s to hoping Canada is next…
PORTILLO’S
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdS6gDQH9sH/
Sure burgers are all the rage right now, but there’s nothing like a Chicago-style hotdog with all the fixings from Portillo’s. A joint like this would definitely not go to waste in Canada, especially if they incorporate poutine into the menu.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAX4wbIzYZ5/
After taking what felt like forever for us to get The Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang’s, we can only imagine how much longer we’ll have to wait for CPK to make its way north of the border. Here’s to hoping there’s some secret opening plans underway because just looking at this pizza has us drooling.
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdx5YoOBptQ/
For those who are unfamiliar, The Capital Grille is a restaurant chain of upscale steakhouses throughout the US. Why do we need it here? We’ll just let the juicy steak in this photo do the talking for us.
Which US restaurant chain would you be most excited to see open in Canada? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram/@ShakeShack
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When it comes to comfort food, it doesn’t get much better than dumplings. The best are made with delicious fillings and light, dainty wraps that you can pop into your mouth in one shot. Around Toronto, you can find dumplings of all types, from steamed to pan-fried, soup-filled, and more. Whether you love meat dumplings, vegetable dumplings or a mix, there’s no way you won’t find the right dumpling for you at one of these spots. Check out where to get the best dumplings in Toronto! You’re welcome.
1. Mother’s Dumplings
Image: Instagram/ @d.unjat
The dumplings at Mother’s Dumplings are handmade from scratch every single day. Situated in Chinatown, it’s a favourite among many Torontonians who consider themselves dumpling conessieurs. They offer dumplings 3 ways: Boiled, steamed or pan-fried, with fillings ranging from pork and chives to beef and celery to melon, tofu and vegetable. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to love!
2. Dumpling House Restaurant
Image: Instagram/ @sara_inthecity
This cozy Chinese eatery has made a name for itself as one of the most affordable, delicious dumpling spots in Chinatown. With pan fried and steamed dumplings, ranging from minced beef to fried pork and lamb meat, they’re all delicately made and served with an addicting hot sauce.
3. Loga’s Corner
Image: Instagram/ @mooon.food
Loga’s Corner serves up momos, the Tibetan version of a classic dumpling. The family-run joint located in Parkdale offers both a takeout and a sit-down section for guests to enjoy their eats. The momos are made from scratch and you have your choice of beef or veggie, steamed or fried. If you’re new to momos, keep in mind they’re filled with hot juices around the filling, so be careful when you bite into them.
4. King’s Cafe
Image: Instagram/ @kingsvegetarian
Vegetarian dumpling lovers, rejoice! King’s Cafe has a menu devoted especially to you. Their dumpling selection is entirely vegetarian and made with all natural ingredients and no preservatives. Pair your dumplings with a tea from their extensive tea list, and one of their other delicious vegetarian plates!
5. Yummy Yummy Dumplings
Image: Instagram/ @travellinfoodie
A mom and pop dumpling shop, you can count on Yummy Yummy Dumplings to always have an amazing selection. Choose from options like pork and pickled cabbage, beef and white turnip, chicken, cabbage and mushroom, squid and chive, and so much more. Plus, there are a few vegetarian options to choose from. Think chive and egg and cucumber, bean curd and egg.
6. Shanghai Dim Sum
Image: Instagram/ @_lindaeats
With locations in Scarborough and Richmond Hill, Torontonians make their way to Shanghai Dim Sum for their delicious dumplings, especially their xiao long bao (or soup-filled dumplings). The dainty wraps are filled with steaming hot broth with pork, or pork and crabmeat. Get them steamed or fried, either way, they’re hard to beat!
Do you know any other great dumpling places in Toronto? Share with us in the comment section below.
Featured image: Instagram/ @finest_one
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Toronto might be most known for the Blue Jays, Drake and the Fords, but beyond that, it’s also known for amazing food. So when it comes to cheesy french toast, eggs, and bacon among other brunch things, the 6ix hits it outta the park.
Quite honestly, the brunch situation here is my greatest motivator as to why I wake up before the clock hits the pm’s (plain and simple). It’s things like Mildred’s Temple pancakes, Lisa Marie Poutine Benedicts, and School Resto Apple Crumble Pancakes that gets my heart racing in the morning – that and coffee!
Check out 20 brunch items in Toronto that will make you drool below; these delicious bites might actually give me full on cardiac arrest.
Mrs. Biederhof’s blueberry buttermilk pancakes
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – 85 Hanna Avenue #104
Instagram/@in.mytummy
Duck Eggs Benny
Bar Reyna – 158 Cumberland St
Instagram/@mmmindilicious
S’Mores Pancakes
Lisa Marie – 638 Queen St W
Instagram/@andreaccascone
Fried Egg Bravas
Portland Variety – 587 King St W
Instagram/@crave.agency
Smoked Salmon Rosti
The Green Wood – 1402 Queen St E
Instagram/@hungry.toronto
New York Cheesecake French Toast
Rose and Sons – 176 Dupont St
Instagram/@yamisohungry
Croque Madame Sandwich
White Lily Diner – 678 Queen St E
Instagram/@whitelilydiner
Frenchie Pullman French Toast
Baddies – 679 Lansdowne Ave
Instagram/@baddies.caf
Waffle + Fried Chicken
East Thirty-Six – 36 Wellington St E
Instagram/@theeverydayfoodie
Poutine Benedict
Lisa Marie – 638 Queen St W
Instagram/@meetandeats
Banana Bread Nutella French Toast
Ramona’s Kitchen – 7355 Bayview Ave
Instagram/@brokeandmarved
Fried Chicken and Waffles
The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles – 79 Kensington Ave
Instagram/@toreats
Veda’s Choice: Poached Eggs on a Croissant
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – 85 Hanna Avenue #104
Instagram/@lydonthecan
Challah French Toast
Wish Restaurant – 3 Charles St E
Instagram/@re2bs
Huevos Rancheros
The Good Son Restaurant – 1096 Queen St W
Instagram/@thegoodson_to
Beet Eggs Benedict
Early Bird Cafe – 613 Queen St W
Instagram/@kayanyassine
Apple Crumble Pancakes
School Resto – 70 Fraser Ave
Instagram/@toreats
Cream Cheese Everything Bagel with Pastrami
Schmaltz Appetizing – 414 Dupont St
Instagram/@claudiamcneilly
Super Cheesy Bacon French Toast
School Resto – 70 Fraser Ave
Instagram/@cheatdayeats
Buttermilk Pancakes
Cafe Cancan – 89 Harbord St
Instagram/@datethiscitytoronto
Featured image: Instagram/@baddies.caf
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Beginning today, one of the top on-demand food delivery services in Canada, foodora, will be delivering meals directly to the doors of Mississauga, Burnaby and Laval foodies.
If you haven’t heard of foodora yet, the service uses bike couriers to pick up your meal from your chosen restaurant and deliver it to your doorstep. Just enter your address in the app and it will bring up the closest restaurants to you that you can order from.
If you live in Mississauga, Burnaby or Laval, you can now order fresh restaurant food of your choice from more than 150 places. And the best part is that delivery on all foodora orders will be free for the first month in each city!
“Providing convenient and fresh delivery to Canadians has always been our top priority, and we are excited to continue expanding foodora’s services to Burnaby, Laval, and Mississauga,” said David Albert, Managing Director, foodora Canada. “With more restaurants being added to the platform, we look forward to the coming weeks where users in these communities can experience easy access to popular food spots and delivery that the larger neighbouring cities already have.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiX7WiuAHqZ/?hl=en&taken-by=foodora_ca
To celebrate the company’s expansion, foodora partnered up with one restaurant in each city to offer a special dish made to represent the city:
In Mississauga, users can order the “Special Jerk Chicken Fried Rice” from Charlie’s Caribbean Cuisine. This dish includes Caribbean fusion fried rice, mixed with vegetables and bits of jerk chicken throughout and three pieces of jerk chicken leg and thigh on top. To celebrate the launch, Charlie’s Caribbean Cuisine is offering this popular dish for $7.99.
Burnaby can satisfy their cravings with the “Hail, Caesar-acha” from Big Star Sandwich Co.. The sandwich features roast beef, capocollo, lettuce, tomato, onion, caesar dressing, sriracha mayo and parmesan, priced at $9.89 for small and $12.49 for large.
In Laval, users can order the Calzone Spilinga from Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna. Priced at $18, this dish features a wood-burning-oven baked folded pizza stuffed with San Marzano tomato sauce, crumbled Italian sausage, Nduja, fior di latte, and fresh basil.
Featured image: Instagram/ @foodora_ca
With all of those subscription boxes out there it’s hard to pick one that’s just right for you. Good thing SD editors have narrowed down one of their favourites, truLOCAL monthly meat delivery. With three easy steps, individually packaged locally sourced meat gets delivered right to you.
Step 1: Build your box at www.trulocal.ca
This is our favourite step in the process because it’s so fun to see all of the options and try new things. One thing in particular that we love about truLOCAL is that you don’t need to commit to the monthly model right away. You can simply purchase a single box with your meat selections and try out a completely different selection the following month until you decide what you would like on repeat. Some of the options are AAA steaks, air-chilled chicken, wild caught fish, ground beef, sausage, and more. For a full list of items click here.
Step 2: Wait for your box to be shipped
The items are shipped in refrigerated disposable coolers so that the meat stays frozen all day. You can be out all day long at work and no matter what time you arrive home, the dry ice will be intact and the food will be frozen.
Step 3: Cook
Below are my personal attempts at cooking. Besides the fact that my cooking skills are not amazing, the meat was all extremely fresh with great taste and texture. One thing for sure is that with great meat you can just keep it simple with the recipes and opt for fresh ingredients that complement the meat.
Where do they deliver? ALL OVER ONTARIO!
Perks: home delivery, no freezer burn, free run, 100% local, no added hormones & antibiotics!
Tip: sign up for their mailing list for delicious recipes, exclusive offers, and truLOCAL news, and get a free steak when you purchase your first box at www.trulocal.ca
Watch: truLOCAL’s pitch on Dragon’s Den here.
Will you try this meat delivery service? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @trulocal
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It’s not quite the city that never sleeps; Torontonians do enjoy their rest after all. But there are multiple food spots across the city that keep their doors open into the wee hours of the morning.
Whether you’re an early riser, late night partier or get the occasional Korean BBQ craving at 4 a.m., there’s sure to be a restaurant in the city near you open 24/7. Check out some of our favourite 24/7 food spots below for the next time you’re in need of some late night snacks.
7 West Cafe
7 Charles St. W
This tiny cafe bordering on Yorkville is open rain or shine, 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The adorable spot is one of the most notable places in Toronto for quality comfort food. From pasta to pizza, breakfast foods to gourmet salads, plus an extensive cocktail and wine list makes 7 West Cafe the perfect dining spot no matter the time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeYqAwjlLZj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Lakeview Restaurant
1132 Dundas St. W
This popular Dundas West diner is a favourite among locals and serves up 24-hour burgers and sandwiches plus hearty dishes like mac and cheese and shepherd’s pie. This makes the spot a great late-night post-bar option and , of course, we couldn’t forget to mention their $4 caesars.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdtJLUrnTAa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Fran’s Restaurant
20 College St. & 200 Victoria St.
Fran’s is a late night go-to in the city and never seems to disappoint. Their two locations are always packed with students and locals regardless of what time it is. With all-day breakfast, old-school style milkshakes and delicious pies, Fran’s is sure to give you some serious local diner vibes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeveWUXBOKc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Pho Pasteur
525 Dundas St. W
Everyone gets major pho cravings from time to time regardless of the hour. Thankfully this Chinatown gem understands that. Pho Pasteur offers hot bowls around the clock and with pho staples like steamed chicken and beef noodle, you’re sure to be coming back for more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSjimrmFdEk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Huh Ga Ne
19 Finch Ave. W
If Korean eats seem to be your regular late-night craving, you have to check out Huh Ga Ne. Located right near Finch Station, Huh Ga Ne offers Korean BBQ if you want to cook up your own food in addition to made to order options round the clock.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP34A8LAoW8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Vesta Lunch
474 Dupont St.
For the last 60-some years, the narrow counter at Vesta Lunch has been serving up 24-hour breakfasts, souvlaki sandwiches, chicken fingers and more to early birds and night owls alike. Vesta Lunch has all your favourite comfort foods and is the perfect spot after a night out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRNUKbkgs5E/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
The Bagel House
Multiple locations
The Bagel House has a wide variety of locations across the city that are, for the most part, all 24/7. Finally, Montréal-style bagels available whenever you want. From breakfast bagels to bagel salads, you can get just about anything sandwiched between two bagel halves here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcfRRcAjmJE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Commisso Brothers & Racco Italian Bakery
8 Kincort St.
Commisso serves up classic homestyle Italian dishes 24/7 and has since become an iconic, traditional bakery in the North York area. From their hot veal sandwiches to their deep-dish lasagna, they have everything to feed your late night hunger.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BInTjh5AgBL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
The Owl
700 Bloor St. W
The Owl works to satisfy your pork bone soup and bulgogi cravings round the clock. This Bloor Street spot is a late night staple when it comes to good, flavourful Korean eats.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWVy3fuA2Vr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
Leslieville Pumps
929 Queen St. E
Not entirely 24/7, Leslieville Pumps doubles as a gas station and a smokehouse in Toronto’s east end. The petrol is available 24 hours a day, so customers are stopping by at every hour – and they can get hungry no matter the time. Their kitchen actually closes at 9 p.m., but the staff dishes out chicken curry until the early hours of the morning.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGVy8sHheo_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_test
What other Toronto restaurants do you know that are open 24/7? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram/@haixin13
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Every winter, Toronto plays host to Winterlicious, a renowned food festival featuring culinary events and delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at over 200 of the city’s top restaurants. The annual event will run from January 26 to February 8 this year and I would suggest making reservations ASAP.
Here are 6 Winterlicious restaurants you have to try this time around.
To Book a Restaurant Click Here
Canoe
$33 Lunch | $55 Dinner
Sitting high atop the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, Canoe is one of Toronto’s most celebrated restaurants. With breathtaking views of the city, dishes inspired by our country’s landscape and culture, and an extensive, well-curated wine list, Winterlicious is the perfect time to dine at Canoe. Available on the lunch menu are dishes like Alberta beef short rib and root cellar vegetable lasagna, and for dinner, you can choose from plates such as braised tamarack pork or Atlantic halibut.
Image: Instagram/@canoerestaurant
Leña
$33 Lunch | $53 Dinner
At Leña, Chef Anthony Walsh pays homage to his Argentinian mother-in-law to draw culinary inspiration and passionate food philosophy, embodied in his cuisine. Rooted in tradition, Leña’s menu is authentically South American with Spanish and Italian influences. Choose from apps like cured sardine toast and arugula & radicchio salad, and mains like albacore tuna and pork & guajillo meatballs. The entire Winterlicious menu was crafted by executive chef Julie Marteleira and was made to be enjoyed among friends.
Image: Instagram/@lenarestaurant
R&D
$23 Lunch | $33 Dinner
Situated in the centre of Toronto’s Chinatown, R&D offers Canadian-Asian dishes with their own unique flare. The whole place is pulsing with good vibes, featuring graffiti walls, funky lighting and 90’s R&B tunes. Try their egg drop soup or chicken wings to start and choose from mains such as the sweet and sour pork loin or tom yum salmon belly. Finish off with the upside down mandarin cake or yuzu meringue tart, and leave completely satisfied.
Image: Instagram/@rdspadina
People’s Eatery
$43 Dinner
With a menu that celebrates Toronto’s cultural diversity, People’s Eatery offers distinctly unique dishes that are easy to share and absolutely mouth-watering. For Winterlicious, join them for dinner and have your pick of general tso-fu, butter lamb croquettes or Moroccan roasted cauliflower to start, and Thai vegetable curry, sea bass or Jamaican braised beef for your main.
Image: Instagram/@peopleseatery
Weslodge
$43 Dinner
If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal in a modern saloon, make your way to Weslodge on King West. Both rugged and refined, the cuisine explores North America fare with an international twist. Feast on roasted mushrooms with braised spinach and truffle gravy or roasted ling cod with cauliflower and almonds. And don’t forget to order one of their expertly mixed cocktails featuring house-made ingredients.
Image: Instagram/@weslodge
Cluny
$28 Lunch | $43 Dinner
Located in the heart of Toronto’s distillery district, Cluny is known and loved for its delicious French cuisine and exquisite décor. Enjoy a prix fixe lunch or dinner amid the bright, airy space and indulge your taste buds with French classics mixed with Asian Moroccan influences. Choose from options like the croquet monsieur or steak frites at lunch, and bourguignon braised beef short ribs or twice baked cheese soufflé for dinner.
Image: Instagram/@kkazandj
To Book a Restaurant Click Here
What restaurants are you going to try during Winterlicious? Share with us in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @canoerestaurant
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From some of the most Instagram-worthy Thai food you’ll find, to a completely redefined food court concept and a convenience store-themed spot, we’ve seen some conversation-starting restaurants pop up in Toronto as of late.
Whether you go to say you did, for the photo op, or for the creative culinary perks, here are eight spots you need to try now (or as soon as they open).
Convenience Bar
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdvytOPgo2D/?taken-by=conveniencerestobar
Serving up creative bar bites and convenience store offerings with a side of nostalgia, the newly opened Convenience Bar is Toronto’s new retro convenience store-inspired spot. Transforming the old Addis Ababa (1184 Queen St. W) into a portal back to your candy-filled childhood, the restaurant features satisfying dishes (and ones that won’t break the bank either) like a Jah Bacon Beef Pattie Sammie, Pogo Sticks, and Convenience Fried Chicken.
Pick 6ix
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd3b-42nJ_I/?taken-by=pick6ixto
The former Houston at the corner of Wellington and Yonge (33 Yonge St.) has become Pick 6ix, a high-end restaurant/sports bar owned by homegrown superstar Drake that will surely shake up the more rigid financial district when it opens its doors soon (an exact date is currently unknown). The spot will feature the eats of celebrated chef Antonio Park (Chopped Canada), with a menu heavy in Japanese and Korean-inspired fare. Though I can’t guarantee that the crowd will be anything to write home about once word spreads far and wide, this is the type of place you can’t not check out for yourself.
Assembly Chef’s Hall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd1RN2BjEvN/?taken-by=eatassembly
Assembly Chef’s Hall opened up shop in December to change how people eat, drink, and be merry in the financial district. With a concept that redefines the food court – think: New York City’s Chelsea Market meets Eataly, minus the grocery component and with more than just Italian food – the spot is essentially a chef-driven community market, with food prepared by some of Toronto’s best chefs and restaurateurs. With so many choices, it’s the type of place that caters to the diverse dietary restrictions of your entire group of friends or coworkers. And yes, alcohol flows freely.
General Assembly Pizza
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdxjqeqF1zU/?taken-by=ga_pizza
If you’re in the market for a new pizza place to throw your diet out the window at, it’s worth checking out General Assembly (331 Adelaide St. W). The modern pizza place opened its doors in November, taking over the ground floor of a fashion district heritage building. In addition to an assortment of pizza worth posting about, here, you’ll find an open kitchen, an industrial-chic design, and service that’s quick enough to keep up with the pace and schedules of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The Civic
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If you have yet to venture out of your comfort zone of the downtown core to hit the Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave.) – the former Gilly’s strip club that was given a major facelift before opening up shop last summer – you should. The restaurant housed in the eclectic hotel and bar, The Civic, opened for business in November, four months after the Broadview Hotel officially opened its doors. At this fine dining spot, you’ll find a menu full of modern spins on the Victorian era – something refreshingly unique for Toronto. Don’t make post-dinner plans; you’ll want to stay and play at the rooftop bar.
Dumbo Snack Bar
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Parkdale will get a new local late night snack bar and watering hole before the ground thaws. In addition to offering no shortage of eclectic, shareable snacks and pricey teacup cocktails, Dumbo Snack Bar will encourage guests to connect like it was the 90s, with the option to check your phone at a charging station at the bar. Taking over the former Raca (1704 Queen St. W), the newly announced spot is set to open in early March.
Kiin
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While it’s not as brand new as the others, if you haven’t tried Kiin – a refined Royal Thai spot (326 Adelaide St. W) that opened its doors last spring – you need to add it to your restaurant list. A far cry from any Toronto Thai restaurant (which tend to focus on Northern Thai cuisine), Kiin features a menu packed with colourful – and totally Instagrammable – dishes from all over Thailand that are designed for sharing.
Tanto Restaurant
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There’s a new option when it comes to wining and dining in Ossington Village. Tanto Restaurant – which takes over the real estate at 74 Ossington Ave (formerly Hungry Amoo) – is a cozy Argentinian-inspired option that offers a wood-burning grill and a warm, historic brick interior. The new spot is from the same team behind the successful Chabrol and Atlas.
Would you visit one of these restaurants in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image: Instagram/@ga_pizza
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