Amid a flood of new eateries that open each week, a few manage to rise above the rest. From a spicy hotpot spot to a Middle Eastern restaurant that’s redefining tradition, here are 11 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week.
1. 612 Harlowe
612 Harlowe brings Italy’s timeless flavours to Toronto, serving up hand-crafted dishes rooted in family tradition. Think pillowy ricotta-filled ravioli, smoky wood-fired pizza and tender osso buco. The brunch menu doesn’t disappoint either, with creamy ricotta pancakes, crispy pancetta and a hearty frittata. 103-612 Richmond St. W.
2. The Royal King Pub
Located on Dupont, The Royal King Pub offers a laid-back spot where food, craft beer and community meet. The menu features a mix of pub staples and inventive dishes, like grilled salmon, 10oz AAA striploin steak and chicken parm, all complemented by a rotating selection of local craft brews. With a cozy atmosphere, open mic nights and a menu that includes everything from BBQ ribs to asiago-stuffed chicken, it’s the kind of place that feels like home whether you’re grabbing a drink or enjoying a hearty meal. 641 Dupont St.
3. Pii Nong
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Toronto is about to experience a new dining destination with Pii Nong, opening December 7. Blending food, shopping and wellness, Pii Nong’s heart is its food. With over 100 items on the menu, including fan favourites like pandan leaf chicken and green curry baked scallops, the restaurant also introduces 30 new dishes. The seafood-heavy raw bar offers Thai-style sashimi, prawns, Dungeness crab and more. The spacious restaurant seats 120-130 guests. 3321 Yonge St.
4. Gud Daae Sandwich Shop
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Gluten-free and delicious might not usually go hand in hand, but this new sandwich shop in Etobicoke is here to prove otherwise. Serving up a menu of coffee, sandwiches and hot cakes, the shop offers unique options like brown chicken with curry butter, chunky beef chilli and a mushroom garden sandwich. 2641 Lakeshore Blvd., W.
5. Bar Niro
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Bar Niro, an aperitivo bar in Little Portugal, celebrates Italy’s tradition of pre-dinner drinks and bites. The menu features Italian cheeses, Parma prosciutto, cacciatore sausage, olives, chips and locally made focaccia. Guests can sip on organic wines, Italian beers, classic cocktails, or a non-alcoholic bitter. Co-owners Martino Niro and Carla La Marca, both with deep Italian roots, create a warm, inviting space designed to inspire those special moments between meals. 1134 Dundas St. W.
6. Kati
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Kati, from the creators of Koh Lipe reimagines Thai street food with playful twists and bold flavours. Start with the Namya Kati a dish consisting of creamy coconut red curry noodles with shrimp and fish balls. Or go for the crispy Roti Mataba, a chicken curry pancake served with tangy vinegar sauce. For a refreshing, savoury kick, the Satay Bao buns with chicken and peanut sauce hit all the right notes. And, of course, their Thai-inspired gelato, like creamy mango or tangy tamarind, is a must-try. 567 College St.
7. The Base Kitchen & Bar
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The Base Kitchen + Bar serves up a bold fusion of Sri Lankan and Canadian flavours, offering everything from rich curries and biryanis to inventive pastas and noodles. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients sourced from sustainable Sri Lankan farms, bringing a fresh, authentic touch to every bite. 3482 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough
8. A Tavola
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A Tavola, the newest addition from the 7 Numbers family, is more than just a market—it’s a destination for great food. Tucked behind their Danforth location with an entrance off Bowden Ave, this cozy spot serves up a curated selection of quality butcher meats, fresh sandwiches, and pantry essentials at wallet-friendly prices. Chef Deron’s ever-changing menu brings a delicious mix of Italian, French, and Spanish flavours to your table, with freshly made meals, sauces, and daily specials. Whether you’re picking up dinner or stocking your pantry, A Tavola’s handpicked goods are sure to elevate your next meal. 307 Danforth Ave.
9. Zafoon Middle Eastern Restaurant
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Zafoon is the latest restaurant to hit Toronto, blending Yemeni and Palestinian flavours with warmth and hospitality. The menu features dishes like Mandi, a rich Yemeni rice dish packed with spices and Musakhan, a Palestinian classic with slow-cooked chicken, caramelized onions and sumac on taboon bread. Chef Abbas Wadi, with 10 years of experience across Canada, is bringing his culinary vision to life, inspired by his mother and a journey of self-discovery. 384 College St.
10. La La Spicy Lab
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If you’re looking for something fiery and flavorful, Lala Spicy Lab is the newest hotpot spot in Toronto, serving up single-serve maocai that packs a punch. Their spicy beef brisket maocai is a must-try, offering a perfect balance of heat and richness. For a crunchier bite, the crispy chicken skin hits the spot. Don’t miss their soft serves either —oolong and matcha with tea jelly and cereal, — smooth, creamy and a great way to cool off after all that spice. 181 College St.6. El Inka Peruvian Cuisine
11. El Inca Peruvian Cuisine
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El Inka offers an authentic Peruvian experience, combining family-owned warmth with upscale dining in a laid-back setting. From savoury appetizers like Choros a la Chalaca (mussels with red onions, cilantro and aji amarillo) to Anticuchos (grilled veal hearts), the menu is packed with rich, diverse flavours. Signature dishes include the Pescado a Lo Macho (grouper filet with a creamy aji amarillo sauce), Arroz con Mariscos (Peruvian-style paella with octopus, calamari and shrimp) and comforting Aji de Gallina (shredded chicken in a creamy aji amarillo sauce).21 St. Clair Ave. E.
