As the city navigates its way towards a new normal, one of the best signs of the hospitality industry's comeback is the opening of new businesses. Toronto's restaurant real estate sure goes quick and so do reservations at these best new Toronto restaurants.
From signature rolls named after the city we call home at Leslieville's latest sushi spot to the Portland Street opening of Little Sister's sister location, we've got the list of Toronto's best new restaurants to try this fall.
Indoor dining is back in action, sweater weather is upon us and patio season is still going strong — talk about the coolest season yet. If there's a heater, consider us dining al fresco next to a heaping plate of seafood, or catch us cozying up inside one of these awesome new restaurants, stat. You should too.
7 new Toronto restaurants you have to try this fall
Zitto Zitto Taverna
593 College St.
Just when we thought College Street had its fair share of Italian restaurants, Zitto Zitto Taverna shows up and steals the show. The new kid on the block has major points for the coolest entranceway on College: A giant barrel-shaped passageway that leads you to a world of grilled Sicilian wonders inside a moody 100-seat restaurant (or, check out their covered patio).
The quality of ingredients speak for themselves, often only needing a touch of seasoning and some expert grill marks. The grilled octopus with saffron potatoes, and the grigliata mista di pesce (grilled calamari, scallop, shrimp and lobster tail dressed with herb-infused olive oil) are a must.
Pink Sky
480 King St. W.
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Seafood is having a moment in Toronto and there’s no cooler place to get your sea-to-fork fix right now than King West’s Pink Sky. This massive restaurant took over the former Weslodge space and is a shellfish-lovers paradise. Level up your night with a two-level seafood platter featuring the crème de la crème of daily catches like mussels escabeche and lively ceviche. For more indulgence, get their truffle lobster mac and cheese with toasted bread crumbs and a side of zero regrets.
Loop Line Wine and Food
643 Dupont St.
Right next to Loop Line Lane in Seaton Village, you’ll find the cutest little wine bar from the owners of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Stratus Vineyards. This cozy spot doubles as a bottle shop and a no-fuss drinking den where you can pull up a barstool and share simple small plates in between sips of organic and biodynamic vino. They’ve partnered with lots of local purveyors and makers, from dex(terity) lab's hand-thrown plateware to chewy baguettes from Blackbird Baking Co.
Little Sister, Portland
102 Portland St.
Downtowners rejoice: Midtown’s beloved Dutch-Indonesian food bar, Little Sister, has a sister spot on Portland Street. Inside the green row house (next door to Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen), you’ll find a tropical oasis with leafy plants and rattan lamp shades dripping from the bamboo ceiling like pendants. Dishes are inspired by the two cultures and feature shareable plates of spiced satay skewers, nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and traditional udang kari — poached shrimp in a slurpable coconut, turmeric curry.
Maru Japanese Bistro
1402 Queen St. E.
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Shortly after The Green Wood closed, Maru Japanese Bistro took over the space. It didn't take long for Maru to wow patrons with colourful plates of fresh sashimi and their beautiful blend of French cooking techniques with Japanese cuisine. You'll see this harmony in signature rolls like the Toronto Roll with Japanese charcoal-grilled beef, mushrooms, parsnip chips and teriyaki sauce.
Atai Bistro
3047 Dundas St. W.
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This new bistro in the Junction also uses French cooking techniques but combines them with Moroccan flavours. Their dishes bring together those classic French bistro vibes with vibrant Moroccan spices and herbs like sweet za’atar and smoky harissa. Spice up your Sunday brunch with brioche french toast and a drizzle of tahini maple syrup and tomato chutney. Their mezze platters are dip-heaven with bowls of creamy buttermilk ricotta, za’alouk and hummus.
Bar St. Lo
26 Market St.
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St. Lawrence Market is an iconic landmark for both visiting and local foodies. Now, market-lovers can enjoy St. Lawrence on a plate with the addition of Bar St. Lo to the neighbourhood. Located right on Market St., this intimate, brick-walled seasonal restaurant sources its ingredients right from the market. Its menu is constantly changing but expect beautifully plated dishes of bright vegetables, daily catches and delicious bites like pork belly glazed with sweet miso. Music-lovers are in for a treat with their rotating list of artists — you might even catch a surprise performance from Daniel Caesar.
