Toronto’s newest restaurant openings are giving diners plenty of reasons to make plans. From charcoal-grilled yakitori to a Midtown Italian favourite reopening its doors and a delicious spot serving all-you-can-eat Japanese fare, there’s something new for every kind of appetite. Whether you’re after a quick skewer, a long lunch or a table full of dishes to share, here are the 10 latest spots to check out.
1. Bushidō
Opening October 23, Bushidō at Casa Loma is an intimate Japanese dining experience that takes guests through four of the castle’s heritage rooms over 10 courses. With just 16 diners seated each evening, the experience pairs Japanese cuisine with the grandeur of the 112-year-old Gothic Revival landmark. Forget settling in for the night at one table — here, the meal unfolds room by room. 1 Austin Terrace.
2. Cucina Buca
Cucina Buca is back at Yonge and St. Clair after water damage forced a temporary closure. The Midtown Italian restaurant has refreshed its dining room with subtle updates, but the kitchen team and menu remain unchanged. Expect house-made pastas such as pansotti and grilled gnocchi, seafood from the Josper oven and the restaurant’s signature focaccia di Recco, a thin, cheese-filled Ligurian flatbread. Reservations are available online, so Midtown diners can get back to their Buca favourites. 2 St. Clair Ave. W. Suite 100
3. The Dialog Cafe
The Dialog Cafe serves all-day brunch alongside coffee, pastries, sandwiches and comforting hot dishes. The menu ranges from shakshuka and challah French toast to smoked salmon bagels, beef ragù fettuccine and Mediterranean-inspired dips, including house-made labneh, hummus and baba ganoush. There’s also a full espresso bar, signature drinks such as a saffron honey iced latte and a pastry case stocked with croissants, babka and burekas. 106 Mutual St.
4. Kiishi Izakaya
Near Finch Station, Kiishi Izakaya brings Japanese pub fare to Yonge Street, with binchotan charcoal-grilled yakitori, small plates and rice bowls. Skewer options range from enoki mushrooms to chicken and wagyu beef tongue, while the menu also features hamachi, unagi don and creamy udon. It’s a cozy spot for sharing a spread with friends, whether you’re after a few grilled bites or a more substantial bowl of rice topped with eel or beef. 5437 Yonge St.
5. Matsumi
At Matsumi Asian AYCE Lounge in North York, diners can order far beyond the usual sushi lineup. Made-to-order sushi and sashimi share the menu with hot kitchen dishes, including steak teppanyaki, black pepper steak and shrimp tempura, alongside noodles and other Asian-inspired plates. Orders are placed on a tabletop iPad, and serving robots help ferry dishes to the table. There’s also bubble tea for sipping between rounds, so save room for another order or two. 6464 Yonge St.
6. Moba
Moba blends traditional Indian flavours with contemporary decor, making it perfect for a celebratory dinner or even a cocktail-fuelled night out. Start with the crispy Palak Patta Chaat or the Guntur Chilli Chicken before moving on to richer mains like the slow-cooked Mutton Nihari or the Guchhi Khumb Risotto, a lux dish featuring prized morel mushrooms. Save room for dessert because the Chocolate Affair, served with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream and coffee crema, is so good that you’ll want another serving or two. 869 Dundas St W.
7. Tony’s Focaccia
Tony’s Focaccia is bringing carb-loaded comfort to Kensington Market with focaccia sandwiches, coffee, pizza slices and sweet focaccia treats. The menu ranges from the Soprano, stacked with prosciutto, provolone and olive tapenade, to the Bourdain with fried mortadella and provolone. Vegans can opt for the Antonia, packed with roasted vegetables, mushroom-walnut pâté and pistachio pesto. Save room for rosemary focaccia stuffed with Tiger Tail ice cream or filled with Nutella. 283 Augusta Ave.
8. Iris
French country cooking gets a polished Toronto update at Iris, a new Bloor West Village restaurant inspired by the flavours and spirit of Provence. Industry veteran Romain Avril consulted on a menu featuring escargots bourguignon, coq au vin, steak tartare and a duck burger, alongside brunch staples like croque madame and Parisian ham benedict. The stylish space pairs patterned wallpaper with banquette seating, while a French-focused wine and cocktail list rounds out the experience. 2256 Bloor Street W.
9. La Tavola
Fresh seafood and understated elegance take centre stage at La Tavola, a new 30-seat Italian restaurant in North York from industry veteran Daniela Pagliaroli. Designed as an intimate spot for long dinners and great wine, the restaurant pairs Tuscan-inspired interiors with scratch-made sauces, handmade pasta and comforting dishes like rigatoni alla bolognese, ravioli alla veneta and crispy arancini. Italian-born chef and partner Cristian Murciano leads the kitchen. 1943 Avenue Rd.
10. Rose’s Pantry
Toronto’s newest pantry and café, Rose’s Pantry, trades viral food trends for something more personal. From chef Shauna Godfrey, the force behind Harbord Village restaurant Maven, the cozy new spot is inspired by the recipes and traditions of her two bubbies, both named Rose. Expect prepared meals, fresh bread, nostalgic sweets and thoughtfully made sandwiches, including a standout egg salad on Maven’s signature challah Pullman loaf. It’s comfort food with a deeply personal story. 141 Robert St.
10. Esquire Restaurant
Esquire Restaurant has been serving up Greek and Mediterranean comfort food to the Scarborough crowd since 1981, but it officially made the leap downtown earlier this week with a second location on Queen West, with made-to-order food and late-night hours that run until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Classics like chicken and pork souvlaki are available on a stick, pita or bun, while the gyro can be ordered by the slice or stuffed into a pita. For something very loaded, go for the Greek fries topped with feta, tzatziki and lemon sauce, or make it a full comfort-food feast with an eight-ounce homemade burger, poutine or a veal sandwich on a Kaiser. Still hungry? End with a slice of baklava. 566 Queen St. W.