The final phase of construction on a transformative 7.8-acre mixed-use community located at Front and Spadina set to begin, there is news of an exciting lineup of restaurants and bars set to create a dining district along Wellington Street. These new dining establishments, including internationally renowned brands and beloved local favourites, are expected to bring a fresh wave of culinary experiences to the city’s dining scene.
Imagine, an old-timey streetscape with wide sidewalks, a canopy of trees and a long row of streetside restaurants and patios. It’s coming at the huge development dubbed The Well. And the hospitality purveyors come from right here in the city as well as Montreal, Calgary and beyond punctuated by a rooftop restaurant and patio on the 38th floor that should be an instantly iconic spot.
Among the newly confirmed tenants are Bridgette Bar, L’Avenue, and Lulu Bar, as well as a luxurious sky-high Oliver & Bonacini concept on the 38th floor at 8 Spadina Ave. The rooftop restaurant boasts views of the CN Tower and Lake Ontario. Additionally, The Well will feature Wellington Market, a world-class food market offering a wide range of culinary delights, and The National, a beer market showcasing select craft beers, North American-inspired dishes, and various entertainment options.
“The Well will deliver a total of 320,000 square feet of reimagined retail and food service concepts, including the Wellington Restaurants,” said Oliver Harrison, SVP of leasing and tenant experience for RioCan, one of the principals behind the development. “Carefully curated food offerings inspired by international flair and culinary innovation will line Wellington Street. Our exceptional tenant mix will play a vital role in establishing The Well as a vibrant, lively destination for residents and visitors to Toronto.”
Exciting additions to the Wellington dining district also include two Montreal favourites. Mandy’s Gourmet Salads, a Montreal-based salad bar, will open its 10th location and second in Toronto later this year. Founded in 2004 by two sisters, Mandy’s offers a diverse menu of salads, healthy bowls, smoothies, juices, and seasonal soups. Another Montreal hotspot, L’Avenue, will open its doors at The Well in 2024.
La Plume, a new concept set to open in Fall 2023, will offer a mix of timeless French classics and fresh seaside flavors, complemented by a strong rotisserie program and tartare bar. The Dorset, scheduled to open in 2024, will showcase British coastal and countryside-inspired cuisine, adding to the diverse culinary offerings at The Well.
Calgary’s esteemed Concorde Entertainment Group is making its way into the Toronto market, introducing two acclaimed concepts to the Wellington dining district this fall. Bridgette Bar will offer a fusion of craft and culture in a mid-century modern setting, driven by an award-winning chef’s concept. Lulu Bar is influenced by Asian, Hawaiian, Californian, and British Columbian cuisines. The Pacific-inspired food menu and refreshing drink selection, including sake and creative cocktails, promise a delightful dining experience.
“Each new restaurant and bar is an intentionally designed integration of food and unique culinary experience that is set to bring a new wave of culinary trends to Toronto,” Harrison says. “We are excited to see residents and visitors of The Well experience Wellington Street in a completely new way.”
Once complete, Wellington Street will also feature a 450-meter linear park with an 18-meter-wide promenade, stretching from Clarence Square to Victoria Memorial Park. The development aims to bring the streetscape to life with trees and restaurants, creating a marquee destination and gathering place in line with a 19th-century vision for the area.
