Sometimes it feels like every corner you look at in Toronto, there’s a new restaurant in the process of opening. For foodies and date night explorers alike, this is nothing short than exciting and we wanted to round up some of the hottest new restaurants that have popped up in the city over the past little while!
These are trendy, look gorgeous, and having raving reviews on their food and cocktails – even though they’re new to the scene!
So, check out our round-up of new restaurants open in Toronto and add them to your list.
Bar Prima
COMING OCTOBER 20, 2023
Chefs Craig Harding and Julian D’Ippolito are set to launch their newest restaurant venture, Bar Prima. The new Italian restaurant is anticipated to become an instant staple in the Queen West area.
The neighbourhood spot you’ve always dreamed of, Bar Prima will feature a luxurious atmosphere that evokes a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. The restaurant design will capture an old-school charm with dimly lit ambiance. From Italian disco inspired music to vintage design touches, Harding and D’Ippolito have curated a space that feels as though it’s been there forever.
“Bar Prima is a refreshing twist on a classic Italian restaurant,” says Chef Craig Harding. “We’re excited to offer Toronto something new that we haven’t seen done before – elevated Italian cuisine with a backdrop of old-school charm.”
Located: 1136 Queen Street West.
Contrada
COMING OCTOBER 24, 2023
This modern Italian-inspired restaurant will offer a thoughtfully crafted menu made with local and seasonal ingredients. Contrada will open its doors in the heart of Little Italy on October 24.
The restaurant has emerged as the result of three friends and veterans in the industry. Patrick Groves will serve as General Manager and Sommelier, Jessie Mak holds the position of Assistant General Manager and Lead Designer and Mike Vieira will head the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine. Together, they bring an impressive resume full of experience at some of Toronto’s most prominent establishments including Alo and alobar Yorkville, Lee Restaurant, Brothers Food & Wine, Giuletta, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie and Aburi Hana.
Located: 537 College Street, Toronto
ABRIELLE
Coastal Mediterranean restaurant, ABRIELLE, is now open to the public in Toronto! A dining experience at ABRIELLE means indulging in a variety of mediterranean dishes, alongside a vibrant and relaxing ambience. This will set to the be King Street West’s opening of the year!
The relaxed luxury atmosphere and interiors are approachable, yet rooted in classic elegance and sophistication. It emanates a western coastal Mediterranean vibe with bright flavours, vegetable-forward plates and stunning wines, creating a distinctive style, stripped of pretence and full of vibrancy.
Located: 355 King Street West, Toronto at the new Sutton Place Hotel
Paros
Inspired by the Greek island that seems to be all the rave this year, Rosewood Hospitality has recently opened its latest restaurant venture in Yorkville, Paros. This new ultra-stylish spot that whisks you away to Europe, no matter the time of year, offers classic Greek dishes with a modern, trendy energy.
It’s open for both lunch and dinner and while the weather allows, extends outside for al fresco dining!
Located: 119 Yorkville Ave., Toronto
Daphne
INK Entertainment‘s newest restaurant, Daphne, is a gorgeously designed new American-style restaurant and bar in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District.
Opened this past summer (2023), Daphne serves up elevated versions of those American style dishes with a garden terrace totalling over 8,000sq. ft! The one-of-a-kind restaurant is nestled among Toronto’s high-rises and marks INK’s first foray into the Financial District.
Complementary to each dish is the carefully curated wine collection which highlights the benchmarks of American winemaking. Paying homage to its famous West Coast heritage, it also incorporates classic old-world regions that have stood the test of time. The cocktails, designed by Daphne’s Mixologist Nishan Chandra, emphasize the ingredients and taste of Americana that serve notes of nostalgia and the comfort of tradition with each sip.
Located: 67 Richmond St. West, Toronto
DaNico
Liberty Entertainment Group’s latest jewel is located in a heritage bank building and a nod to Michelin styled cuisine, service and award-winning design.
The restaurant showcases the talent of executive chef Daniele Corona of Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto, and was created in partnership with Nick Di Donato of Liberty Group, multi-starred chef Ernesto Iaccarino of the Don Alfonso 1890 Group, and chef Corona. The menu consists of modern Italian culinary tradition, combining modern Asian influences, while using local and sustainable ingredients.
They also offer a luxurious eight course signature tasting menu full of distinctively crafted dishes and plated on one-of-a-kind serving vessels, designed to tell a story of the food in a presentation that stimulates all senses.
Located: 440 College St., Toronto
Ultra
Ultra is a new supper club experience from INK Entertainment Group and Harlo Entertainment. The rooms are decked out with Alexander McQueen-inspired decor curated by internationally acclaimed design collective, Studio Munge, and dined on exceptional Pan-Asian cuisine and exquisite cocktails composed of coconut cream and watermelon tequila concoctions.
Ultra’s three captivating rooms really set the ambiance of your date night – The Ochre Room, a magnificent octagonal space and the heart of the Ultra supper club experience, The Onyx Bar, celebrating the allure and sophistication of the colour black, and the Mineral Lounge that provides an upscale patio setting, perfect for indulging in al-fresco dining.
Located: 12 St Clair Ave E, Toronto
The Salon at Miss Aida
Miss Aida, Roncesvalles’ newest restaurant offering Levantine cuisine and cocktails, is launching a secret back room “The Salon.”
The restaurant, by the owners of J’s Steak Frites, is modelled after the traditional and authentic dishes of Lebanon and offers a specially curated selection of delectable small appetizers, hearty and meaty mains and exquisite desserts. The menu — which harkens back to Jad’s Lebanese roots — presents modern interpretations of Levantine favourites.
Also launching soon, the ‘Selection of the Chef’ offering, presented in The Salon. This intimate spaced only seats 26 guests and the menu is made up of a variety of the chef’s choosing including housemade desserts by Chef Tara Tang. Mains include fish, beef, chicken, pork and vegetable dishes.
Located: 413 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto
Laylak
If you just can’t get enough of the amazing Lebanese food offerings throughout Toronto, then you’ might’ll want to check out this new spot in the Financial District, Laylak. Offering both lunch and dinner, popular dishes include classic Mezze plates. Makdous Fatteh, Kibbeh Al Seakh, Kefta Kebab, and Mixed Grills.
The menu is put together by Executive Chef Hazem Al Hamwi and is owned by Youssef Harb and Hashem Almasri. The team is also opening an Oakville in late 2023, named Layl by Laylak.
Located: 25 Toronto St, Toronto
mssm Yorkville
Sushi Masaki Saito is one of the most iconic restaurants in the city and the only two-starred Michelin chef in Canada! Now, Chef is returning with a new spot bringing affordable but delicious Omakase to Toronto. The new Omakase restaurant is complete with an affordable $98 price tag, and yes, that’s considered affordable!
MSSM Yorkville aims to offer a more casual, lively dining experience and is centred around education. The intimate, modern setting is designed to make the craftsmanship of sushi the focal point while encouraging participation from sushi lovers and diners.
Located: Second floor at 154 Cumberland Street, Toronto
Aleria
There’s a brand-new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on Queen West! Think dishes like a delicious flaming cheese, gorgeous cocktails, and immaculate vibes at Aleria. Guests may remember the previous tenant of this spot, Bar Fancy, which is now completely revamped and more than double in size!
The stunning redesigned space features a vibrant front cocktail bar with a weekend DJ and a multi-level dining room in the bar.
Located: 1070 Queen Street West, Toronto
Pair these restaurants with a fun fall activity for the perfect date night!
