by Jennifer D’Agostino
This fall promises to be an exciting and unique season for new Toronto restaurants. There are some familiar faces with new concepts, like Victor Barry, Grant Van Gameren and Claudio Aprile, but also some new kids on the block that are worth a try. We can also look forward to Drake opening a new spot in the Financial District, as well a bakery that serves adorably shaped macarons! Here are best new restaurants to try this fall. [Photo of Copetin by Libby Roach]
Tennessee Tavern
Grant Van Gameren’s latest restaurant has opened to rave reviews. Focusing on Eastern European cuisine, Tennessee Tavern opened in the first weeks of summer. Customers have enjoyed the Bavarian cuisine like the Tennessee Platter, or “the pile,” which includes veal schnitzels, a paprika spiced pork sausage, smoked pork loin, dill pickles, sauerkraut and carrot salad. On the bar side of things, the cocktail menu is short and sweet, and only offers wines from Eastern European regions.
Copetin
MasterChef Canada judge Claudio Aprile opened the doors to his latest restaurant, Copetin. Located in the former home of Origin, his first restaurant venture, Copetin has a lounge vibe. The restaurant is divided into three sections, with different atmospheres and different menus as well. You can expect small plates packed with flavour! Copetin is open for lunch and dinner, and there is a late night menu.
BlueBlood
Casa Loma is now home to a massive steakhouse. With a regal setting, BlueBlood takes upscale dining to another level. The menu is served a la carte and includes items like short rib ravioli, seafood tower, Canadian prime aged 28 days, Wagyu, Japanese, Kagoshima and more. The steakhouse is home to original art pieces from Warhol, Mr. Brainwash and Salvador Dali.
Planta Burger
Planta’s plant based burger is so popular that they opened a restaurant dedicated to just burgers! Planta Burger opened in Little Fin’s old spot this September, and has been packed ever since. The menu is short and sweet, offering a small selection of vegan burgers made with buns from Petite Thuet Bakery, and vegetable sides like a Caesar salad and Buffalo cauliflower. Planta Burger also serves vegan milkshakes!
The Anne Boleyn
The Anne Boleyn is a massive pub that serves classic elevated British pub food. The pub is owned and operated by the same people behind Parts & Labour, a popular resto bar on Queen West. Menu items include chicken and waffles, Guinness braised beef short ribs and the famous P&L Burger. The pub is open for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Café Cancan
Café Cancan, formally Harbord Room, is the latest French contemporary restaurant to open in Toronto. Owned by Victor Barry and his wife Nikki Leigh McKean, of Piano Piano fame, Café Cancan serves French classics like escargot French onion soup and an entire foie gras menu. They also have contemporary dishes the Barry’s Burger, a beef burger topped with mayo remoulade, red onion, pickles and cheddar cheese. The restaurant is open for brunch on weekends and have late night snack menu.
Gare de L’Est
Gare de L’Est had a soft opening in July, but it’s just starting to gain the attention of the Toronto public. The French brasserie is the epitome of classic French cuisine and includes moules frites, steak tartare, French onion soup, foie gras and more. In the morning, it serves pastries from The Tempered Room, as well as coffee and tea. The cocktail menu highlights French liqueur, while the short menu list features wine from small producers, from Ontario and Belgium.
Kū-kŭm Kitchen
Toronto is now home to a new indigenous restaurant. The restaurant opened in mid July and had the critics’ attention right away. Focusing on food made with indigenous ingredients, the restaurant shares the culture of Manitoulin Island, where Chef Joseph Shawana grew up. You’ll find items like seal tartare, bannock and elk chops on the menu at Kū-kŭm Kitchen.
Mister Frenchy
Mister Frenchy is a new street food restaurant on the East end! Owners Mohamed Bordo and Youcef Boudouh have made it their mission to share French street food with the masses, offering unique items like Le Lyonnais, a sandwich with ground beef, French fries and Algerian sauce, and Le Provencal a sandwich with paprika-seasoned chicken breast and French fries. If the food isn’t enough to get you in, the prices are pretty decent too.
Rooftop at the Broadview
The Broadview Hotel is one of Toronto’s chicest hotels, and the rooftop dining room offers one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline. The rooftop café has an unobscured view of the skyline and serves contemporary snacks like scallop ceviche, jerk ribs and mini kofteh. There is both inside and outside seating.
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen will be a jerk chicken spot. It will focus on home-style Jamaican cooking, so you can expect rustic dishes packed with Caribbean flavour!
Pick6
Rumour has it Toronto’s own Drake is opening a new restaurant in Toronto. Said feature sushi on the menu, as of right now the restaurant is just a sign on Yonge and Wellington, but Drake fans cannot contain their excitement. Drake’s team has been tight lipped about the project.
DaanGo Cake Lab
MasterChef Canada finalist, Christopher Siu is setting up shop in Scarborough. Known for his adorable macarons, it looks like it’s going to be easier to get your hands on his delicious treats this October. From Winnie the Pooh shaped cakes, to adorable ghost shaped macarons, they are all super Instagrammable.
Henrietta Lane
Another café and bar hybrid is opening on the East End of Toronto this fall! You can expect hand-crafted cocktails and bar snacks at night, and a delicious selection of coffee and pastries during the day.
Pollyanna
From the minds behind Eastside Social and The Thirsty Duck, Pollyanna will open this fall. No word on what type of food it will be serving, but it’s promising great food and a relaxing atmosphere to grab a meal among friends. From the Instragram snaps we can see that there will be a back patio!
