The temporary return to modified Stage 2 restrictions, that required Toronto restaurants only offer patio-dining, should be coming to an end mid-month.
Until then, thanks to a lucky stroke of unseasonably warm weather, this coming week will be a great time to dine outdoors. At the same time, Toronto said goodbye to a few local favourites while some exciting additions hit the scene.
Here are the Toronto restaurants that opened and closed between October 27-November 3.
Toronto restaurants that closed
Brass Taps Pizza Pub
We missed this one in previous weeks. The Danforth watering hole, a neighbourhood fixture, closed for good on October 9 after a 30-year run. According to an interview with the Toronto Star, co-owner Clare Sturm said 90 per cent of business came from regular customers. The restaurant didn’t qualify for a curb side patio and takeout orders weren’t enough to keep things afloat.
Maha’s Egyptian Brunch
The popular east end brunch spot temporarily closed on October 24 after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Maha’s announced on Instagram that all their staff are now COVID free and they will be reopening on November 6 for takeout only.
Mickey’s Pizza
The Mississauga pizza joint closed on Halloween but is relocating to a bigger space closer to the Mississauga-Oakville border. They’re one of the lucky businesses to be expanding during the pandemic.
Old Nick Pub
Another Danforth institution, the Old Nick had its final hurrah after 15 years in business. The queer-friendly pub relied on musicians and concert goers attending shows at the Danforth Music Hall for a lot of business. Kristine Lukanchoff told the Star that she will never reopen because the debt has become insurmountable.
Pickle Barrel
Even chain restaurants are feeling the brunt of the pandemic. The Yonge and Dundas location of Pickle Barrel is permanently closed.
New restaurants
Craig’s Cookies
Toronto’s spot for out-of-this-world cookies opened a new location on Bayview in Leaside. Their Pop Tart, Fererro Rocher, maple bacon, apple pie cookies and more are now available in three neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Farm Boy
The popular Whole Foods rival juts touched down in midtown, near Yonge and Eglinton. The Canadian grocery store chain is known for farm-to-table food and their own brand of products like grilling sauces, keto bread and ready-made meals.
Mama Akua’s
The Ghanian food pop-up has found a semi-permanent home at Stackt for the next two weeks. They’re serving jollof, groundnut soup, bofrot and waakye out of a nicely revamped crate.
Marukatsu by Aburi TORA
This pop-up, available at Yorkdale or via Uber Eats, is a transplant from Tokyo. It’s a hybrid concept, mixing Japanese katsu and Mexican culinary influences. The first Canadian pop-up was in Vanouver and they plan on running the Toronto iteration as long as people keep ordering. They serve assorted burritos and bowls while also offering traditional comfort foods such as teishoku (meal sets).
Mel’s Pizza
This pizza delivery service is available on Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes. The ghost kitchen by Chef Matthew Sullivan has no physical location that people can order from but there is an Instagram with images of all their pizza variations.
Nihao Dumplings
This new spot on Spadina specializes in homestyle, pan-fried Chinese dumplings.
The Daily Dumpling Wonton Co.
This College Street restaurant, modelled after authentic Shanghai dumpling houses, has opened a new location near Bloor and Spadina. They’re also selling fresh and frozen wontons for people to prepare at home.
If exciting new Toronto restaurants open in your hood or one of your faves is saying goodbye, please send tips to food [at] nowtoronto.com.