As The Well, Toronto’s innovative 7.8-acre mixed-use community, nears completion — with its mix of old-world charm, spacious sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and an enticing row of roadside restaurants and patios — it’s time to get the inside scoop on the upcoming major restaurant openings.
Here are all of the amazing new restaurants that will be opening soon at The Well.
Bridgette Bar
With two locations already established in Alberta, Bridgette Bar, fuses culinary flair with culture. Their collaborative culinary team at the chef-driven bar plans on transforming fresh, local ingredients into seasonal delicacies, ensuring a unique year-round experience. Expect seafood-heavy small plates like oysters, crab toast and grilled octopus, while large plates focus mainly on meat dishes, think wood grilled beef strip steak and grilled farm chicken.
East Tea Can
Established in 2016, East Tea Can is a Middle Eastern culinary gem, offering a diverse menu curated by talented chefs. Beyond  delicious flavours, the restaurant’s immersive experience includes aromatic teas and a vibrant Souq atmosphere. Anticipate a menu akin to the Mississauga location, featuring a hummus bar and an extensive selection of cold and hot mezze, salads, bowls, mana’eesh and grill items.
Aera
Aera, the new hotspot from Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) on 8 Spadina’s 38th floor is bringing peak indulgence with a luxe steakhouse, sushi bar, cocktail spot and rooftop terrace offering stunning downtown views. Chefs Anthony Walsh and Binit Pandey serve up 21st-century American deliciousness, from raw bar specialties to premium steaks.
L’Avenue
Since 1994,  award-winning L’Avenue, hailing directly from Montreal, has been the go-to destination for brunch and breakfast enthusiasts. Known for its eccentric plates, generous portions, festive atmosphere and exceptional service, we can’t confirm if the Toronto menu will replicate the original’s French-inspired offerings, like duck Benedict, the ‘Sugar Shack’ plate and breakfast poutine, we can probably anticipate those infamous long queues.Â
La Plume Brasserie
Opening late November on Wellington Street West, La Plume, another restaurant from O&B is a chic two-level brasserie by executive chef John Horne, that promises a blend of timeless French classics and fresh seaside flavours. With a robust rotisserie program and tartare bar, the menu caters to diverse tastes. The venue includes a tucked-away speakeasy for late-night cocktails and bottle service. Serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late-night drinks, La Plume invites you to experience unruffled Southern French fare in a stylish setting.
Lulu Bar
Calgary’s award-winning Lulu Bar guarantees an escape from the ordinary, offering a welcoming vibe reminiscent of a vacation hideaway right in your own backyard. With its Pacific-inspired menu, Lulu’s dishes are light yet bursting with flavour. Both the food and the drinks are influenced by the region between Southeast Asia and Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. The menu is heavy on meat and fish dishes like BBQ crispy half duck and wood grilled branzino, as well as noodles, rice and dumplings.
Mado
Mado, nestled in the lower ground area of The Well, Wellington Market, promises to be a haven for dessert lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Boasting over 80 dessert items and a tempting array of dishes, from traditional kebabs to vegan delicacies, Mado promises a culinary journey that transports diners to the vibrant streets of Istanbul.
Mandy’s Salads
Founded in 2004 by sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe within a Montreal women’s clothing store, Mandy’s Salads has grown to eight locations in Montreal and, in March 2021, opened its inaugural Toronto spot on the Ossington strip, with a second location at The Well. The menu at Mandy’s Salads is diverse, presenting tried-and-true signature salads, grain bowls, and the opportunity to create your own with a variety of delicious ingredients.
National
At National you can expect delicious food, craft beers in a buzzy space. With communal tables, ample seating, and diverse entertainment options like ping pong and bowling, it’s an ideal spot to relax with friends or host private events.Â
The Dorset
Another upcoming hot spot from Oliver & Bonacini, The Dorset, draws inspiration from the British coastline and countryside. Executive Chef Ryan Lister (The Rabbit Hole) brings his culinary roots to downtown Toronto, offering an airy interior with a main floor bar and an elevated dining experience upstairs. From lunch and dinner to weekend brunch and Sunday roast,  get ready to enjoy delicious contemporary British cuisine and cocktails.
Along with all the exciting new eateries, The Well will also be home to a number of cafes including De Mello and Quantum, gourmet grab & go like Blue Claw Lobster Shack, La Cubana and Hooky’s Fish & Chips, as well as speciality shops, including Aisle 24, Canada’s first 24-hour small format, autonomous, unmanned and cashier-less grocery and convenience store.
