15 most anticipated Toronto restaurant openings in 2013
It was a banner year for new restaurant openings in Toronto and already it seems as if 2013 will keep up the frenetic pace. These soon-to-open establishments are just a sample of what we can look forward to in the new year ahead.
Porzia
The new Italian restaurant from chef Basilio Pesce (Biff's Bistro). Located at 1314 Queen Street West, the new Parkdale eatery will offer seasonal menus making use of ethically raised and local ingredients.
Crown Cooks
Already garnering lots of buzz because the new restaurant is from the ever popular Chef Grant van Gameren (Enoteca Sociale, The Black Hoof) and is slated to open this January at 797 College Street in the space formerly home to Grappa Ristorante.
Nu B端gel
At 240 Augusta Avenue, this is the one restaurant I'm personally most excited for. After months of delays, the new retail shop/cafe looks almost ready to start serving up steaming hot Montreal bagels in Kensington Market.
The continued expansion of dining options at YYZ.
Terminals 1 and 3 will see an influx of new eateries like Trillium, a global tapas restaurant and bar from chef Claudio Aprile (Origin), Corso, a rustic Italian concept from Chef Rocco Agostino (Pizzeria Libretto) and Acer, a Japanese restaurant from chef Guy Rubino (Strada 241).
Osteria dei Ganzi
This place will operate as a restaurant and event venue when it opens its doors in the enormous historic mansion it occupies at 504 Jarvis Street. The restaurant's website promises a unique European atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine.
Banh Mi Boys's second location
This popular sandwich shop has already made its mark on Queen West but now it's set to open a much anticipated second location as early as this January at 399 Yonge Street (at Gerrard).
Ryoji Ramen and Izakaya
Here's hoping Toronto maintains its appetite for casual Japanese eateries that have popped-up all across the city this past year. This chain from Okinawa, Japan is set to open its first Toronto location in mid-January at 692 College Street in Little Italy.
Tabule in Riverside
Popular Middle Eastern restaurant Tabule is opening a second location some time this February in Riverside at 810 Queen Street East. Finally, something that's not an Irish pub or Italian restaurant opening in the 'hood.
The Cactus Club
This casual west coast chain will open its first Ontario location some time this year. Executive Chef Rob Feenie will bring his globally inspired menu sourced from fresh, local ingredients to 100 King Street West in the Financial District.
Bricco Kitchen and Wine Bar
This restaurant is but a license application in the window of 3047 Dundas Street West, but will be a welcome addition to the ongoing revival of the Junction's nightlife.
Duffy's Diner
The venerable Duffy's Tavern at 1238 Bloor St. West just got a major update courtesy of Restaurant Takeover and as part of the overhaul they've now added a diner in the space immediately adjacent on the east side. Signage is already up and furniture is half installed so an opening date looks likely for sometime in January.
Cafe+Bar+Pasta
Locals can't wait for the opening of this new spot at 1588 Dundas West that promised to serve up coffee, wine and pasta. They're currently working out the final kinks and according to their Instagram they should be opening sometime in January.
The Guild Restaurant
Just down the street at 1442 Dundas St West, The Guild Restaurant has been under construction forever with the owner posting updates frequently on Facebook. Or, at least he was posting updates under the former name, NoNo's, which was plastered on the window for most of this past year. Here's hoping owner/chef Mani Binelli can get this thing open soon.
Samuel J Moore
There were once rumblings of a new restaurant from Cowbell's Mark Cutrara, but we're still watching to see if the Samuel J. Moore inside The Great Hall materializes. Former Brockton General head chef Alexandra Feswick may or may not still be involved.
Red Rocket Cafe
I know this isn't a restaurant but I couldn't resist....I'm told the lease isn't yet finalized but there's a strong possibility that Red Rocket Cafe will be returning to Leslieville and opening this spring across the street from its former location (now Rakia Bar) and beside the Russell streetcar yard.
What restaurant opening are you most looking forward to in 2013? Share the love in the comment thread below.
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