Amid a flood of new eateries that open each week, a few manage to rise above the rest. From an upscale eateries featuring the freshest seafood to affordable spots dishing out comfort food, here are 11 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week.
1. Dopamina
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Named after the neurotransmitter that floods your brain with pleasure, Dopamina, the new upscale Asian-influenced Mediterranean restaurant on Bay Street, aims to deliver exactly that — culinary euphoria. Dopamina soft opened earlier this month in the 50-storey Burano Condos at 832 Bay Street. Owner Gary, who’s no stranger to the restaurant scene in Markham, had his eye on this corner spot for years. Now, he’s brought his vision to life in a space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides and soaring three-storey-high ceilings — no wonder it was hard to resist. On the menu are dishes which Gary describes as igniting the “dopamine effect,” with items you can’t find elsewhere in Toronto. Such is the case for the Spanish octopus paired with the Malaysian laksa sauce, the cabbage-wrapped halibut served with a dashi reduction poured tableside and the bulgogi bone marrow beef tartare. 832 Bay Street.
2. Electric Piggy
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Electric Piggy is a unique restaurant specializing in a blend of Vietnamese and Southern American BBQ. The menu features delicious items such as pork side ribs, mac & truffle cheese, and mini pho bo noodle soup. Everything is made in-house, including the sauces, using the chef’s own recipes. 8384 Woodbine Ave., Markham.
3. Hello Cupbop
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Located inside Kachi in Chinatown, Cup Bop offers a variety of Korean BBQ bowls. Choose from options like LA short ribs, KFC, or vegetarian dishes and enjoy the taste of Korean BBQ in a convenient cup. 414 Dundas St W.
4. Jersey Mikes
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A new sandwich spot has opened in Toronto! Jersey Mike’s, the popular New Jersey chain, has now set up shop in Markham. They’ve finally listened to our requests and brought their sandwiches to Canada. Watch as they slice your cold cuts fresh to order right before your eyes. For the best experience, try it ‘Mike’s Way’ with red wine vinegar, olive oil, tomato, onion and lettuce. 8600 Woodbine Ave., Markham
5. Holi Taco
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Welcome to Holi Taco, a cozy take-out taqueria in the heart of Queen East. This spot brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico to life with seven iconic tacos, including slow-cooked brisket, spicy campechano, and delicious vegetarian options. Each bite celebrates traditional tastes. Inside, there’s one counter with three stools and two small benches at the front. 1636 Queen St. E.
6. Urban Maharajas
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Earlier this month, this popular Indian restaurant announced a soft opening of their location on The Esplanade — patrons can dine on the most delicious Indian cuisines, including roasted butter chicken simmered in buttery flavoured gravy, boneless Rogan Josh lamb cooked in a thick, spicy gravy, or their aromatic Goan curry paired with fish or shrimp! 22 The Esplanade
7. Made Rite Coffee
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This retro-inspired coffee shop is the newest addition to the Kensington neighbourhood in Toronto (and it’s just steps away from the Kensington strip). It has friendly baristas and a lovely outdoor patio. Patrons can dine on coffee, breakfast and lunch — one Instagram post recommends trying their vanilla iced latte with almond milk along with their famous 50-50 egg salad–tuna salad on sourdough! 68 Wales Ave.
8. Mott 32 Toronto
This is one of the most awarded Chinese restaurant brands globally (and was listed as one of our most anticipated restaurant openings of 2024 and our list of 20 new Toronto restaurants to see this summer)! Patrons will love their wide selection of cuisine, everything from homemade dim sum, the finest Kobe & Wagyu beef, to 42-day apple wood-roasted Peking duck (all sampled from various regions, including Canton, Shanghai, and Beijing). Their Toronto venue is located within the upscale Shangri-La hotel, so patrons can experience three floors of distinct dining experience. 190 University Ave.
9. I’m Mochi
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Queen Street West has a new spot for coffee and doughnuts (and it’s an introvert’s dream)! I’m Mochi offers zero human interaction as well as the tastiest mochi (snack on matcha jelly and white chocolate pistachio), which will make for a perfect quiet evening! Just hit the button on the order screen and your order slides through a hole in the wall. 677 Queen St.
9. Pink Ice Cream
Located in the St. Clair West neighbourhood, this ice cream parlour is headed by Halil Gokce and his daughter Zehra, who offer the most delicious Turkish-style ice cream in the city. Try everything from their new Dubai chocolate-inspired ice cream to their apple crumble ice cream filled with real apples, cinnamon and oatmeal cookie crumble in every layer! 666 St Clair Ave. W.
10. Civil Works
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This cocktail bar co-launched by Nick Kennedy is located on the mezzanine level off Brant Street, overlooking the Waterworks and offering a full view of the art installations floating above. The menu features everything from cocktails, martinis, and alcohol-free drinks to a curated selection of wine, beer, and custom water inspired by regions from around the globe! 50 Brant St.
11. Pizzeria No.900
Montreal’s No.900, a Neapolitan pizza restaurant, is very new to Toronto, with a brand new location in The Beaches. The name is based on the eatery’s pizza cooking style — they bake their pizzas at 900 degrees for 90 seconds. Offering Neapolitan fare with a menu crafted by world champion chefs, expect artisanal pies made with 00 flour, organic Amalfi tomatoes, and a range of starters like burrata and charcuterie.
