Unlike the weather, the restaurant scene is heating up in Toronto with restaurants opening on the daily. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new date night spot or want to try some amazing regional cuisines, it’s easier than ever to get your wanderlust on in the city.
We’ve rounded up five delicious new restaurants to try in Toronto this week.
Zuzu
After much success with some of the city’s most beloved eateries, including Gusto 101, Gusto 501, Trattoria Nervosa and Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, the Gusto 54 Restaurant Group has added yet another Italian eatery to its lineup. Zuzu, located in Toronto’s Regent Park community, was born as a nod to Gusto’s humble beginnings and Janet Zuccarini’s father, Giacomo, who brought the first Italian espresso machine to Canada. On the menu, diners can expect to find classic Italian cuisine but with a modern twist. Much like in Italy, it’s characterized by antipasti, salate, primi, pasta, secondi, and dolci. 555 Dundas St. E
Afrobeat Kitchen
A few months ago, Victor Ugwuek took his eatery from a pop-up to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the west end. Now, Parkdale is home to some of the best West African eats in the city, thanks to Afrobeat Kitchen. Ugwuek’s widely popular recipes range from Nigerian jollof to Buka beef to oxtail pepper soup, each crafted with a fusion twist, which is inspired by his own upbringing in Lagos, Nigeria, where his mother owned restaurants. 1510 Queen St. W.
Lao Lao Bar
Head downtown to Lao Lao Bar for authentic Lao hospitality in a vibrant and transformative environment serving delicious small plates. The shareable menu is designed to reinterpret the owner’s memories of home by providing a Toronto spin. Bold flavours and unique flavour combinations are the focus here with fresh and exciting dishes up for grabs including Som Tum Tod, a fried papaya salad with palm sugar, fish sauce, chili pepper, lime, mint, peanuts, shallots and bell peppers or Satay Chicken made flavourful with turmeric, coconut milk, served with peanut sauce, and a shallot cucumber vinaigrette. 5 St. Joseph St. Unit 5
Chick Wings
If you love all things chicken wings at new Queen St. E eatery Chick Wings you’ll find more than 25 flavoured sauces including Caribbean jerk, BBQ burning hot and Parmesan ranch as well as dry rubbed options including Cajun dust, lemon pepper and mango habanero. On the menu you’ll also find a selection of burgers including prime rib as well as entrees including chicken skewers, New York striploin steak and salmon. 689 Queen St. E.
Brochettes Nomads
Located inside Chefs’s Hall — Canada’s first chef-driven community market —Brochettes Nomads is bringing the nostalgia of the Canuck BBQ experience to Toronto, but with a twist! On the menu you’ll find savoury meats and fresh veggies inspired by cuisines form around the world. Expect build-your-own bowls and grilled skewers bursting with a multitude of flavours. 111 Richmond St. W.