While the fourth wave is creating anxiety as the back-to-work/back-to-school season begins, a few Toronto restaurants are popping up to attract the 9-to-5 crowd. The Food Dudes’ Pantry businesses are returning, a healthy brunch spot from Quebec lands in Mississauga and a King West hotel is courting financial district workers with a fast-casual cafe.
And if you’re heading back to class at the University of Toronto this month, there are a couple new places in the Annex – including one spot that’s offering a $1 noodle deal.
Here are the Toronto restaurants that opened and close for the week of September 1-7.
Toronto restaurants that closed
Viajero Cantina
The High Park tapas and tacos restaurant has called it quits. In an Instagram post thanking customers, Viajero Cantina’s owners wrote: “This is not the end, but a beautiful chapter of a story with much more to come.”
Toronto restaurants that opened
Daily Ritual Cafe
The One King West hotel has opened a new fast-casual cafe and dining spot aimed at coffee drinkers and the after-work crowd in the Financial District. Daily Ritual Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and offers baked goods and grocery items.
1 King West, onekingwest.com
LÀ LÁ Bakeshop
Vietnamese bakery LÀ LÁ has soft-launched in the Annex and is offering a 10-per-cent discount. The bakery has been selling out daily and so they are doubling the amount of mini cakes that will be on offer this Wednesday. The official grand opening is in two weeks.
346A Bloor West, lalabakeshop.ca
Pantry Lawrence West
The Food Dudes’ catering and combo-box-focused brand Pantry is reopening its location on Lawrence West this weekend. The company pivoted to home meals during COVID, but the catering business is now returning.
901 Lawrence West, orderpantry.com
Hey Noodles
Chongqing street food spot Hey Noodles has opened a seventh Toronto location in the Annex. To celebrate, the restaurant is offering its Chongqing noodles for a dollar until September 10 – dine-in only.
526 Bloor West, heynoodles.com
Pür&Simple
Originally founded in Quebec, breakfast, the brunch and lunch chain restaurant that emphasizes healthy menu options has opened a new location in Mississauga.
6045 Mavis, pursimple.com
Other buzzy news
Supermarket Farm Boy is opening a 41st Toronto location near Kipling Station in Etobicoke on September 16. The 25,452-square-foot store is located at 5249 Dundas West at the corner of Aukland.
The 37th annual Veg Food Fest is popping up at Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner) on September 11. The free event runs from noon to 5 pm and will feature vendors such as Apiecalypse Now!, Sausage Party Toronto, Ital Vital Rastarant and more.
Le Burger Week is continuing through September 14. The event sees restaurants across Canada – including more than 20 in Toronto – offering unique and over-the-top burger creations for a limited time. Check out the full list of participating restaurants at leburgerweek.com.
