restaurant openings 2015

10 most anticipated Toronto restaurant openings in 2015

Looking forward to 2015, Toronto restaurant openings show no signs of slowing down. On the horizon are a whole new crop of snack shops, splurge sushi bars, spaghetti houses and bistros promising to make the new year happier (and more delicious) than ever.

Honourable mentions go to the imminent openings of QMP's fourth location, the side by side Libretto and Porchetta & Co., and the multi-restaurant Memory Lane & Co. project.

Here are my picks for the most anticipated restaurant openings in Toronto for 2015... so far.

Kanpai
This Taiwanese night market-inspired, snack bar at 252 Carlton aims to open in early January with owner Trevor Lui teasing to large-format Caesar cocktails, a rotating selection of a classic batch-made cocktails in pressurized kegs, an original cocktail list developed in collaboration with Dustin Keating of Montauk, and a food menu featuring yakitori grilled items, up to 15 variations on fried rice, and TFC, Taiwanese fried chicken.

Bar Raval
Soon to open where Teatro used to be at 505 College St., this new Spanish taverna from Grant Van Gameren and partners, Mike Webster and Robin Goodfellow is slated to open towards the end of January. Expect the new spot to operate week round from 8am to 2am offering coffees, snack foods and a menu of low-octane cocktails that encourage daytime imbibing.

Furlough
Taking over 924 Queen West address recently vacated by Ursa, this new bistro bar from Brent VanderVeen and Frankie Solarik of BarChef is shooting to open before the end of January. Expect a comfortable warm setting and menu of good honest cooking the covers the basis of bistro favourites (think tartare and steak frites), plus a few playful dishes like foie gras on brioche, and pork belly with butter beans.

Miku
Aburi-style, flame-kissed sushi is coming to the base of the new RBC Building next summer. This will be the second outpost for the popular Vancouver brand of upscale Japanese establishments operated by Aburi Restaurants Canada.

Maple Leaf Tavern
The historic 100-year old landmark on Gerrard is undergoing a detailed restoration and will reopen in early 2015 with chef Eric Wood (ex-Beverley Hotel, Hawthorne Food & Drink) heading up the kitchen.

Jamie's Italian
Jamie Oliver's rustic Italian eatery continues its quest for global domination (there are already 40+ outposts internationally) with its Toronto debut at Yorkdale Mall set for the spring. To kickstart the first of many Jamie's in the GTA, the famed Brit chef is partnering with King Street Food Company, the same folks behind Buca and Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse.

Honest Weight
In the works at 2766 Dundas St. West and Indian Road, this new fish shop is not just some chippy, but rather a boutique shellfish shop and 20-seat lunch counter with a seafood-centric menu.

Drupati's Roti & Doubles
Good news for fans of Rexdale and Scarborough's superior doubles, this Caribbean snack shop is opening a new location at 2038 Yonge Street south of Eglinton in mid-January.

Sweet Olenka's
Good news for fans of this confection shop; the Queen West pop-up will be sticking around a while longer after a brief reno planned for the new year. Better still, there's a new factory with on-site retail store coming soon to 23 Jutlan Rd. in Etobicoke.

Odin Hus
The new licensed project from the same folks behind Thor Espresso Bar is aiming for a February 1st opening at 515 King East. While the concept is still evolving, expect this new community hub to operate daily from 7am to midnight, serving a seated brunch menu on weekends, salads and sandwiches in the afternoon, and craft beers, wines and nibbles into the evening.

toyota corolla

What did I miss? Add your most anticipated restaurant openings to the comments below.

Photo from the Jamie's Italian


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