Looking for the best new restaurants in Toronto this week? The city’s dining scene is bursting with 12 must-visit openings across every neighbourhood. From authentic Nigerian street food in High Park to fresh Vietnamese flavours in the East End, here is your definitive guide to the 12 best new places to eat in Toronto right now.
1. Mieluna
Mieluna is a chic new restaurant and café that’s nestled in the heart of the Financial District, blending European and Middle Eastern influences with a 100 per cent halal menu. Go for the truffle eggs Benedict with turkey bacon, lathered in a rich, truffle-infused hollandaise, or the citrus mascarpone French toast topped with orange zest and blueberry. For lunch, the melty cheese burger, served in a cast-iron skillet with a decadent cheese sauce, is a win. 483 Bay St, South Tower.
2. Aangan Toronto
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Aangan brings a sophisticated touch to Indian dining. The restaurant focuses on authentic flavours and regional specialties that elevate traditional Indian comfort eats into a high-end experience. The butter chicken and lamb Rogan Josh are early faves for their depth of spice, and pair perfectly with fresh, garlic-brushed naan. For something more exotic, try the Shakarkandi chaat, highlighted with sweet potatoes, spices, yogurt and pomegranate seeds, topped with crispy potato salli. 556 College St.
3. Gyugyuya
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Gyugyuya is known for its ‘comfort food in a bowl’ philosophy, and this new location serves up the same authentic Japanese-style curry that has earned the brand a cult following across the city! The Gyu cheese curry is a must-try, as it combines tender beef with a gooey layer of melted cheese. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, the Gyu Gyu king curry comes loaded with a pork cutlet, chicken cutlet, shrimp and sausage. 177 Dundas St W.
4. Greelz on Bloor
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Toronto’s first Nigerian street food space is now sharing the vibrant heat of Lagos with the West End! Since opening their newest location on Bloor Street, it has become the go-to for smoky, spicy flavours. If you’re new to West African dishes, try some Naija classics like the beef suya, seasoned with a spicy peanut-based rub, or the agege Cheeseburger. Don’t skip the smoky jollof rice or chicken suya Wrap: they’re both packed with heat and crunch. 2100 Bloor St W.
5. Requinte
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For anyone craving the authentic flavours of the Atlantic, Requinte offers a dedicated tribute to Portuguese culinary traditions. The menu is all about fresh seafood and grilled meats, served in a space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in family heritage. The seafood rice (arroz de mariscos) is a showstopper (and a perfect dinner for two!), while the Azores red sea bream and the surf and turf board (featuring filet mignon, shrimp and grilled octopus) highlight the restaurant’s grill skills. 1480 St Clair Ave W.
6. Sushi Kawamura
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Sushi Kawamura is nestled inside Chef’s Hall and offers a refined, “fast-fine” Japanese dining experience. The restaurant specializes in high-quality nigiri and traditional rolls, making it a perfect midday escape for anyone working in the Richmond and York area. The chef’s select sushi set offers a premium look at the day’s best cuts, including bluefin tuna (akami, chutoro and otoro). For something more indulgent, opt for the uni, ikura, negitoro don: a decadent bowl featuring three types of ocean treasures! 111 Richmond St W, Hall R1.
8. Koko Fino
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Koko Fino is the latest, tastiest addition to the city’s chicken scene. Since the space focuses on poultry-centric dishes, it makes for a quick lunch or dinner. The chicken karaage is a crowd fave, think crispy, juicy, and perfect for snacking! For a fuller meal, look for their signature grilled chicken platters served with fresh sides, like crispy fries. Bonus: the location is just steps from College subway station. 3 Carlton St.
8. Bánh Mì Journey
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Bánh Mì Journey just soft-launched this past Sunday, and it’s already making waves in the East End. This Vietnamese bakery-café offers perfect crusty baguettes with a variety of traditional and modern fillings. Indulge in the betel leaf beef banh mi for its unique herbal aroma, or the nha trang fish cake banh mi for something savoury and chewy. Pair your sandwich with an egg coffee or a salted matcha latte for the full experience. 2383 Queen St E.
9. Lucky House
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Lucky House is your new go-to for all-day dim sum, with soup dumplings right on the marquee! Its hours run late, making it a handy option when other kitchens are winding down. Start with the soup dumplings, then stack a couple of traditional share plates like siu mai and spring rolls. If you want something with a little bite, try the wonton chicken in chilli oil and spicy sauce, or dig into the house-special rice noodles in chicken soup! 304 Richmond St W.
10. Nabe Hana
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Head to Nabe Hana for home-style Korean cooking from a mother-and-daughter chef duo. The namesake Nabe Hana “one pot” dish comes loaded with kombu stock, sliced beef, fishcakes, enoki, greens, Sanuki-style udon and two house sauces (sesame-peanut and wasabi soy). Add a crunchy starter like the deep-fried mandu (beef or veg) or the dark-spiced fried chicken glazed with gochujang glaze. Or warm up on a cold day with a comforting bowl of Dweji Gomtang: slow-simmered pork shoulder with a signature clear broth poured over rice, watercress and chives. Don’t skip the homemade kimchi (and if you’re staying a while, pair it with Korean makgeolli). 70 Ossington Ave.
11. Tacos De Princesa
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This new PATH-friendly taqueria stall is perfect for the downtown lunch rush (or anyone suddenly craving Mexican food mid-day). The tacos default to orders of three with salsa verde and chipotle crema on the side, with protein options like carne asada and barbacoa, as well as fish, shrimp and veggie chorizo. The house fave is birria tacos, made with pulled brisket (served with onions and cilantro). You can use the same proteins in burritos (wrap or bowl), quesadillas, and even nachos or fries. 150 King St W (PATH level, near St Andrew Station).
12. Neon Tiger
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Neon Tiger’s Ossington chapter comes with real comeback energy. Last month, Naveen Chakravarti opened this high-energy Pan Asian-Indian restobar after months of battling cancer and other health issues. The menu is filled with shareables and mains. Start with the Corn Cheese-O-Yaki (cheesy corn fritters with tamarind and bonito flakes) or Momos (veg or chicken) in curry broth with chilli oil. Then go bigger with fried tandoori chicken with mango gastrique, 72-hour tandoori shrimp, or a full plate like short rib biryani or lobster curry over coconut rice. Finish with the saffron tres leches (rabri mousse) if you’re craving dessert. 108 Ossington.
