Toronto restaurants that closed this week
Maiz Arepa’s Queen West location has permanently closed. In what has become a sadly familiar type of Instagram post, chef Fernando Sequeda shared “unfortunately, our restaurant has not been approved for many of the government support[s] and it’s almost impossible to keep running out of our pocket with all the current restrictions.” You can still support chef Fernando and his team (and stuff yourself with their signature tequeños) at their three remaining locations: 2901 Dundas West, 3220 Yonge and 403 Roncesvalles.
Family-run Pape favourites Serano Bakery and Serano Café are temporarily closing after several staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The popular European bakery and Greek-style café currently plan to re-open on May 19th.
Toronto restaurant openings/coming soon
Atai Bistro, a French-Moroccan fusion restaurant, is now open for delivery in the Junction. While the pop-up’s menu is currently small, they plan to open brick-and-mortar locations in the Junction and Summerhill plus expand to a full menu when lockdown restrictions are lifted. Until then, you can order through UberEats, DoorDash or SkipTheDishes. Check out one of their mezze platters or the smoked eggplant flatbread featuring pickled zucchini, pomegranate and tahini.
Board game café Snakes and Lattes is now hosting Blissful Bird, a plant-based, fried chicken alternative. A rebranding of Lovebird, which was a Parkdale favourite until their recent COVID-prompted closure, the pop-up also offers gluten-free and halal options. Blissful Bird builds on Lovebird’s menu, with new additions including Bao Chicky Bao Wow (fried chicken, cucumber, pickled carrot and hoisin sauce on a bao) and the Clucket Bucket (a cruelty-free answer to your traditional KFC bucket, fries included).
Earlscourt BBQ is finally reopening after a fire forced them to close nearly 17 months ago. The popular Corsa Italia neighbourhood spot serves up locally sourced, Southern BBQ favourites with seasonal ingredients.
Night Owl is now hosting BBQ joint Matt’s Smokehouse at 647 College. After popping up at a few different locations across the city, most recently Tuck Shop, Matt and co are now settled in Little Italy.
Palgong Tea has a new location at 53 Bloor St. The popular Korean bubble tea chain has partnered with Jakeman’s Maple Products, so you can rest assured that’s genuine Canadian maple syrup in your next maple milk tea.
Sweetie Pie now has a second location at 654 Queen St. West. Serving handmade both sweet and savoury pies, they also offer vegan goodies, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream and cake jars.
