Amid a flood of new eateries that open each week, a few manage to rise above the rest. From an Indian-style pizza joint to a spot boasting traditional Italian cuisine, here are 11 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week.
1. 612 Harlowe
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Step into the heart of Italy at the new downtown spot, 612 Harlowe. The menu reads like a love letter to traditional Italian cuisine with classics like caprese salad, mushroom arancini, tiramisu, chicken piccata and a pasta lineup that includes arabiata, linguine pesto and penne alla vodka. But just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the menu throws you a curveball with non-Italian items like chicken wings, miso salmon and corn steaks. 612 Richmond St. W.
2. Elements Restaurant
Located on Richmond Street, Elements boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and an art-deco inspired design. The restaurant’s menu is a mix of global flavours, including mozzarella spring rolls and polenta fries. For something heartier, the spaghetti di mare features al dente pasta in a garlic and white wine sauce, loaded with calamari and shrimp, with other seafood option like shrimp fried rice and fritto misto.  21 Grenville St.Â
3. B-Town Pizza
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A big hit in Brampton, B-Town Pizza has now expanded to a downtown location. Known for its Indian-style pizzas, the menu features unique pizza options like paneer, tikka chicken, butter chicken and even a fried chicken pizza topped with French fries and cheese curds — say goodbye to ordering a side of fries with your pizza. Beyond pizza, B-Town offers a variety of non-pizza dishes including pasta, poutine and French fries, plus indulgent desserts like lava cake and the traditional Indian treat, moong hawla. 13 Elm St.
4. Chillax Eatery & Mart
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In North York, Chillax Eatery & Mart offers a fresh take on all-day breakfast and Asian fusion. Created by husband-and-
wife team Allen Li and Ning Jia, it combines delicious food with a unique grocery twist, just south of Yonge and Sheppard. he spot puts a unique spin on brunch, offering classic favourites with a fusion twist. The breakfast menu includes dishes like chicken and waffles. After 4 p.m., the menu transitions to Asian fusion options like salty egg yolk fried chicken wings and rice and noodles. Exclusive dishes at this location include the braised beef noodle soup and the mouthwatering basil n’duja ragu rigatoni. 4679 Yonge St., North York.
5. Gochu Libre Kantina
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Gochu Libre Kantina features an all-new lineup of unique offerings, crafted by the new executive chef, Rodrigo Salas-Aguilar, who brings his expertise in Mexican cuisine to the table. The menu boasts share plate and small bite options including the special ssireum smash fries — which is decadently topped with a red bean curry, tofu bulgogi and multiple salsas —and the crispy Korean fried chicken wings with homemade cotija ranch.n A beef bulgogi is among the options that can be found on the taco menu, which includes Korean-inspired twists on pulled pork and tempura cod. 815 Bloor St. W.
6. Sophia Turkish Restaurant
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The team at Sophia’s Turkish Restaurant wants their customers to feel like invited guests at a party, and the vibe and food certainly live up to that expectation. Must-try dishes include the ezme, a blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, and parsley, finely chopped by hand using a traditional half-moon knife. Follow that up with the Babaganough, a smoky roasted eggplant dip mixed with tahini, garlic, and lemon. For something a bit more indulgent, try the crispy Handmade Roll Borek, stuffed with creamy feta cheese for the perfect crunch. And no meal is complete without the Adana Kebab, spicy ground lamb skewers grilled to perfection. 302 Eglinton Ave. W.Â
7. Arada Bar and Restaurant
This Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant offers an authentic dining experience, due in part to the menu that features the bold and flavourful dishes from both cultures. The menu includes traditional meals like injera, a sourdough flatbread and rich stews such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and tsebhi (beef stew), common to both Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Ethiopian dishes are often known for their unique spicing with berbere (a spicy chili blend), while Eritrean dishes feature the use of niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) for deep, aromatic flavours. The restaurant also serves various vegetable stews like misir wat (spicy lentils) and shiro (chickpea stew). 965 Bloor St. W.
8. Enoteca 89
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What was once a hidden pizza shop has now transformed into Enoteca 89, a vibrant space that’s buzzing by day as a coffee shop and pizzeria and comes alive at night as a wine bar, restaurant and bottle shop. With the same passionate ownership, it’s not just a place to eat, but a community hub that invites you to experience something new at every visit.  Enoteca 89 now serves traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas throughout the day. In addition to a popular truffle pizza and a unique pear and gorgonzola option, there’s also a weekly chef’s choice pizza, inspired by seasonal ingredients. Enoteca 89’s menu also features a variety of share plates, including two types of arancini balls (beef and mushroom), oven-baked meatballs, focaccia and more. 2196 Bloor St. W.
9. Rumeli
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A beyond stunning North York restaurant serving mouthwatering Turkish cuisine has finally opened. Dishes include crispy, thin, and flavourful freshly baked lahmacun, topped with a perfectly spiced minced meat mixture, fresh herbs, tomatoes and aromatic spices. The spot is perfect for everything from upscale and romantic dinner dates to special occasions, while offering traditional Turkish cuisine brimming with bold flavours and fresh ingredients. 4700 Dufferin St.
10. Guerilla Burger
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A collaboration with Eva’s Original Chimney, Guerrilla Burgers are must-try vegan burgers “approved by carnivores,” so you know they’re good. On the menu, you’ll find everything from juicy burgers (obviously) to creamy mac and cheese and even vegan milkshakes in irresistible flavours like Oreo, chocolate peanut butter and mango. The dessert menu is just as exciting, offering everything from vegan ice cream and sundaes to a delicious vegan apple pie. 55 St. Clair Ave. W.
11. Chao Lay Thai
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Chao Lay Thai Seafood BBQ brings the  flavours of Thailand to Toronto, blending the laid-back beach vibes with bold BBQ and seafood dishes. Chef Chao Lay, a former photojournalist turned chef, drew inspiration from his travels and passion for food to create this unique spot. After over a decade of culinary experience in Toronto, he wanted to capture the essence of Thailand’s coastal cuisine and share it with the city. 809 St. Clair Ave. W.