Pearl Chinese Cuisine marked a significant milestone in 2023, celebrating 40 years since the original Queen’s Quay opening and expanding to a fifth hub in Yorkville.
The momentum continues into 2024 as the beloved dim-sum restaurant is relocating from its Bayview Village location to a dedicated storefront at 305 York Mills Road.
Once the residence of Oliver & Bonacini’s Babel, a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant (unexpectedly closed in early 2023), the venue featured more than 130 indoor seats and a private dining room capable of hosting events for 50 guests.
Pearl has been a fixture in the Bayview Village Shopping Centre for over a decade, with owners Jeffrey Mak and Kim Fung Mak launching the restaurant in 2011 after acquiring Pearl. This second location aimed to cater to the demand from customers in the area who previously had to travel downtown. With the recent move to 305 York Mills Rd., Pearl is now even more accessible, sparing diners the trip to Bayview Village while still offering a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.
The 180 waterfront views initially drew customers to the original restaurant. However, it became evident that it wasn’t the only attraction, as loyal patrons embraced the Chinese-Canadian menu at every location, even as far as Oakville. From seafood to noodles and their unique pan-fried “hockey pucks,” Pearl has no shortage of delicious food items which will obviously continue to be served at the new location.
Pearl’s team is keeping details about the new location under wraps, but a representative has confirmed the move will take place in March. Until then, Village shoppers can savour their last post-shopping “hockey pucks” at one of Toronto’s best dim sum spots.