10 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week

Amid a flood of new eateries that open each week, a few manage to rise above the rest. From a secret burger joint inside a popular watering hole to an Ossington favourite that’s found a home in Rosedale,  here are 10 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week.

1. Bindi’s Burgers

 

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One of the city’s longest-running establishments is the new permanent home for an all-new late-night burger joint called Bindi’s Burgers. But they’re not serving up just any old smash burgers—the Indian twist is something you can’t find anywhere else. Launched as a pop-up last year, Bindi’s Burgers can now be found in the upstairs level of Little Italy’s Monarch Tavern, a space that houses a concert venue downstairs and pub upstairs. Guests can pick up the one-of-a-kind burgers to take away, or enjoy the atmosphere of the bar. he lamb and beef blend draws inspiration from northern Indian kabobs, where the two proteins unite for a flavour explosion. This mix offers a lighter alternative to a pure beef patty, allowing the meats to elevate each other’s best qualities. The burgers are cooked Oklahoma-style, with thinly sliced white onions pressed into the patty on the griddle, infusing them with a slight sweetness. 12 Clinton St.

2. Lahore Tika House

 

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Lahore Tikka House is back, and it’s about time. After a fire and subsequent water damage forced this east-end legend to close last summer, the iconic spot serving up Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine has finally reopened its doors. According to an  customer who recently visited the restaurant, the recipes are just as beloved as ever — perhaps even better. They raved about the classic butter chicken featuring tender pieces of tandoori, the beef stew marinated for over 24 hours and those notorious spicy grilled peppers that pack a serious punch! 1365 Gerrard St. E.

3. Slice of Life

 

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Slice of Life is a dimly lit cocktail bar, tucked away in Kensington Market, serving up ambitious drinks with an experimental edge. Fun cocktails like the highball with gin, cantaloupe and vanilla yogurt and the martini with vodka, ice wine, strawberry and pamigianno shavings are unexpected but flawlessly executed. Chef Andy Kim’s bite-sized snacks are just as creative, with offerings like truffle pommel frittes and a creamy mushroom parfait.  409 College St. 

4. Manita

 

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Manita, the Ossington favourite known for its Mediterranean plates and that perfect burger, has officially set up shop in Rosedale. Taking over the iconic space formerly home to the Rosedale Diner, co-owner Ian McGrenaghan is bringing a fresh energy to the neighbourhood while keeping its legacy in mind. The menu? For now, it’s packed with Manita’s classics, but McGrenaghan hints at some Rosedale-specific additions in the future. As for the space, it’s largely been given the Manita treatment, with a few nods to its history. “It’s 98 per cent Manita,” McGrenaghan says. “We’ve kept some elements of the old diner, like the ceiling and parts of the layout. But it’s got that worn-in, comfortable feel we love.” 1164 Yonge St.

5. Pala 148

 

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Pala 148 might be one of Yorkville’s newest additions, serving up authentic Roman-style slices, but the chef is not new to Toronto’s food scene — and he’s certainly not new to pizza. Simone Martinotti always had a passion for savoury pies, but after moving to Canada 12 years ago, he found himself selling Italian pizza ovens and pasta machines to commercial kitchens. It was a step into the industry but still far from the food he truly loved. Pala 148 gets its name from the “pizza alla pala,” style popular in Rome, with the “pala” referring to the wooden paddle used to put the pies in the oven. The pizza dough is made from flour imported directly from Italian mills and with a high water content, which gives the pizza that Roman-style crisp. In addition to Pala 148’s staple pizzas, like the soppressata and the mortadella, which is made with a mascarpone and pesto cream base with Italian mortadella, stracciatella cheese and topped with pistachio kernel, Pala 148 serves a housemade focaccia and simple salads. 148 Cumberland St.

6. Stella’s Kitchen

 

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After more than 20 years, the Annex’s Pour House has shut its doors for good. But in its place, Fab Restaurant Concepts — which owns 10 restaurants across the city, including Pie Bar, Murphy’s Law and Simona — has opened an all-new concept dubbed
Stella’s Kitchen. Stella’s Kitchen feels like stepping into a warm, welcoming home. The open concept invites diners to watch pizzas being crafted right before their eyes, while the aroma of fresh, from-scratch pasta and sauces fills the air. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni or margherita or something with a bit more kick, like the Angry Stella’s or the rosé sauce Ciao pizza, there’s a delicious option for every taste. The remainder of the menu is packed with starters, inviting salads, homemade pastas and hearty sandwiches, ensuring there’s always something new to try. For the little ones, the kids’ menu features chicken tenders and classic pastas and pizzas. 182 Dupont St.

7. Jardin Kitchen + Juice

 

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