The ongoing pandemic has wreaked havoc on Toronto restaurants, with many of them – newer spots and decades-old staples alike – permanently closing up shop as a result. Others have managed to stay afloat, shifting operations to accommodate both a longtime loyal clientele and new customers via takeout and delivery.
In the midst of it all the COVID-inspired chaos and craziness, however, some great new Toronto restaurants actually opened their doors during the pandemic – some, even when the city was in the “Red Zone” of COVID-19 restrictions, which prohibits indoor dining.
The first few months of business can make or break a new Toronto restaurant in typical times; opening up shop in the grips of a global pandemic obviously only compounds the pressure. It’s not only a nice idea to support new (and old) Toronto restaurants during this time, it’s imperative for their survival. Here are 13 new Toronto restaurants to enjoy from the comfort of your home (and sweatpants) this winter …
13 New Toronto Restaurants That Opened During The Pandemic
1. Dzo Viet Eatery
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) goers have a new restaurant option once life returns to normal(ish), with the addition of Vietnamese fusion spot Dzo Viet Eatery (308 Dundas St W). The popular restaurant opened up shop spring 2020 and sits on prime corner real estate on Dundas Street. It features a patio with a fire pit for guests to enjoy in better times. In the meantime, the restaurant is offering things like its pho and rice bowls, bun bo hue, caramelized claypot pork belly, crispy lemongrass tofu, Viet tacos, and wings (to name a few) via takeout or through its delivery partners.
2. Eat Nabati
Eat Nabati, a summer 2020 addition to Kensington Market (160 Baldwin St.), became Toronto’s first restaurant to offer 100 per cent plant-based Middle Eastern food. The casual spot’s colourful – and extremely photogenic – dishes include fixing-filled pitas and bowls, with choices like Egyptian falafel, chicken or beef shawarma, cauliflower, eggplant, halloumi, or hearty mushrooms. Mint lemonade and iced hibiscus make for refreshing drink options.
3. Pompette
Little Italy added a new French restaurant in May, when Pompette (597 College St.) opened up shop, debuting with to-go options due to indoor dining restrictions. With indoor dining most likely suspended for the foreseeable future, the restaurant is offering a weekly four-course menu package (Wed. through Sun.) for pick-up or delivery. In addition to quality home-style Italian fare, Pompette also houses a well curated selection of wine, with its bottle shop open for business Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm-8pm.
4. Minami
While the experiential dining experience at King West’s Minami (225 King St. W) is probably best enjoyed in-person within its stylish walls, the high-end Japanese spot is a solid go-to for an elevated at-home sushi night. Freshly opened in November, the latest concept from the team behind Aburi and Miku offers an expansive to-go menu of sushi and rolls, small plates (ranging from brown butter gratin potatoes and Brussels sprouts, to Atlantic salmon mushiyaki and Halibut Tatsuta-Age), bentos, bowls, and desserts. Make a night out of it with beverage options like sake (naturally), wine, beer (Japanese, European, and local options), or cider.
5. Azhar Kitchen
One of the most anticipated spots to open its doors in 2020 was Janet Zuccarini’s (the powerhouse behind the Gusto 54 Restaurant Group) new west-end spot, Azhar Kitchen (96 Ossington Ave.) In response to Toronto’s lockdown, the Middle Eastern restaurant is currently offering a glimpse of what’s in store in the future by functioning as a marketplace. Here, you can find quality items to make days and nights at home better, like fresh fire-baked bread, house-made dips, sauces, and marinated cheeses, in addition to Turkish coffees and loose-leaf tea.
6. Padaria
While it’s not exactly a restaurant, Padaria (5 Manor Rd. E) – midtown’s new Brazilian bakery – is definitely worth tasting. Since opening its doors this past summer, the goodness-filled spot has become known for its indulgent Brigadeiro cakes of different sizes and varieties, along with other Brazilian-style baked goods, like bombas, doughnuts, and flans. Savoury options include comforting sandwiches, breads and croissants. Customers can also opt to start their day off with a freshly delivered breakfast basket – a perfect treat for special occasions.
7. Pai Uptown
Chef Nuit’s beloved Northern Thai spot Pai opened up another location uptown in the Yonge St./Elginton Ave. area (2335 Yonge St.). The new spot features the same menu as the flagship location on Duncan St., like Thai chicken wings, Grabong, Khao Soi, Pad Gra Prow, and the Chef Nuit Pad Thai, as well as a few new additions. During lockdown, the restaurant takes the Thai takeout game up a notch; customers can order the memorable fare online, or delivery through delivery partners Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, DoorDash, and Ritual.
8. Nord Lyon
Sprawling French bakery and restaurant Nord Lyon (665 Queen St. W) opened its doors in November, when Toronto was locked in the Red Zone. The refined yet welcoming Queen West spot is filled with calorie-worthy goodness made with dreamy French butter, like an endless assortment of baked goods – from bread, sandwiches, and croissants, to éclairs, macarons, and biscuits. You’ll also find a quality caffeine kick here that hits the spot. Online ordering and delivery is available.
9. PG Clucks
While it was sad to see late-night staple Poutini’s leave its Queen West location (RIP), its comforting replacement, PG Clucks (1112 Queen St. W), is just as shamelessly satisfying. Joining its current much tinier location on College St, its new Queen St. digs offers up the same Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches that made the brand a local hero. An expanded kitchen in the new location means the addition of menu items like tenders, various French fry options, and desserts.
10. Casa Mezcal
Casa Mezcal (291 King St. W) gave King Street something to talk about when it opened up shop last spring in the restaurant-filled real estate across from the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The instantly popular spot switches things up with Mexican-style sushi (!), along with tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, and more. The restaurant also offers frequent daily specials (like two enchiladas for $22, or two Mexican sushi rolls for $22), as well as cocktail kits to complete a Mexican-themed night in, with mango chili margaritas and classic mojitos.
11. North of Brooklyn
Beloved west-end pizza spot North of Brooklyn is expanding east to the coveted corner of Danforth and Greenwood Ave. (663 Greenwood Ave). While it hasn’t officially opened its doors quite yet, those familiar with the Brooklyn-style pizza place know exactly what to expect: thin crusts, a diverse selection of high-quality toppings (both for meat and veggie-lovers), and sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes. In the meantime, each of the spot’s other five locations are open for pick-up and delivery.
12. Little Sister on Portland
The downtown addition of popular midtown Indonesian-Dutch spot Little Sister – aptly named Little Sister on Portland (102 Portland St) – opened for business at the end of last year. Here, you’ll find a well-rounded menu divided into skewers, snacks, side, and traditional dishes – many that feature delicious house-made spice blends. The menu lends itself to sharing, with small to medium-sized dishes, and is available for pick-up or delivery via DoorDash and UberEats.
13. Rudy Resto
Plans were in place for an east-end location of addictive burger joint Rudy before the pandemic really hit Toronto. The latest Rudy Resto opened up shop in the spring to satisfy the city’s growing craving for its elevated comfort food. A small but spot-hitting menu includes a choice of burgers – some with the brand’s signature Rudy Sauce – a fried chicken sandwich, fries, poutine, pickle chips, coleslaw, and brownies. Items are currently available for pick-up and delivery.
4 Comments
Lori Bosworth
March 6, 2021 at 4:06 pmI am excited that North of Brooklyn is opening up just north of my hood! I also would love to check out Minami – the interior looks amazing!
Solmaz
March 7, 2021 at 10:43 amOooh that’s exciting! Their pizza is amazing.
Britt K
March 7, 2021 at 10:22 amThese all sound incredible! We haven’t been travelling outside of our small town for the most part throughout the current restrictions, however, I can’t wait to try some of these out when we’re venturing out of our ‘safe place’ in the near future! We have been trying to make a point of supporting local businesses whenever possible throughout this – they need us! Every Friday, since the start of the first lockdown, we have ordered delivery or takeout from a local business. It’s not much, but if everyone were to just do a little bit when they can, it adds up! Saving this so that we can give them a try. Thank you for highlighting so many different options.
Solmaz
March 7, 2021 at 10:43 amThat’s incredible! I’m sure the local businesses really appreciate this Britt. We can all play a part in helping them recover.