Amid a flood of new eateries that open each week, a few manage to rise above the rest. From an upscale hot spot serving up a fancy blooming onion, to a barbecue food truck that has found a permanent home, here are five delicious new restaurants to try in Toronto this week.
Conjeo Negro
On College Street, a new restaurant, Conjeo Negro, draws inspiration from Caribbean, Creole and Latin American flavours. These diverse culinary influences shape the space’s menu, offering a fusion of spices and ingredients that marry all three cultures into tantalizing food and drinks.The food menu, curated by Wahn, features dishes like Brazilian Cheese Puffs made with tapioca flour (gluten-free), Caribbean-style braised beef with cheddar grits, squash dumplings, gumbo, and more.For dessert, guests can order a flourless chocolate torte, with a chocolate ganache, maldon salt, and mango and lime coulis. 838 College St.
Penelope Social
Penelope Social, the sister restaurant to Artigianale Ristorante & Enoteca, brings glitz to Woodbridge with its new cocktail bar and restaurant. The menu boasts artistic creations such as carne cruda, a luxurious blooming onion, lamb ribs and bluefin tuna. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring offerings like the Branca-Rita crafted with Branca Menta, El Jimador Blanco, Strawberry, and Lime.125 Hawkview Blvd, WoodbridgeÂ
Aera
Climb 38 floors at The Well to find Aera—Toronto’s latest offering from Oliver and Bonacini. Offering 21st-century American cuisine, Aera’s menu has elevated classics, raw bar delights, and steakhouse favuorites, all with stunning city views. With a chic cocktail bar, sushi counter, and upcoming open-air terrace, Aera blends great design and tasty food for fine dining and lively nights. 8 Spadina Ave. #3800
Dang Smoke BBQ
After running their successful food truck in the GTA for a number of years,  Dang Smoke BBQ has found a permanent spot in Leslieville. Known for their tasty brisket sandwich and ribs and their smoked pork ribs are dry-rubbed and slow-smoked over apple and cherrywood for a crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Vegetarians, they’ve got a grilled portobello sandwich just for you. And don’t forget the sides: meat poutine, creamy coleslaw, and crispy fries. 4 Greenwood Ave.
Café BluBlu
Nestled near Kensington Market is a charming minimalistic cafe offering caffeine boosts, brunch  and dinner. On the menu you’ll find beets with charcoal aioli and guanciale, roasted potatoes with brown butter and sage,and the duck leg confit with pickled veggies. The menu evolves with the seasons, so for the latest offerings, visit their website. 374 Bathurst St.