13 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week, Canada Reviews

Amid a flood of new eateries that open each week, a few manage to rise above the rest. From an anticipated brunch spot from Montreal to a Vietnamese spot serving up southern BBQ, here are 13 of the best new restaurants to check out in Toronto this week.

1. Barba

Barba, the new snack and wine bar from the team behind Simit & Chai and Pasaj, is a cozy 800-square-foot spot in a downtown heritage building. Featuring Mediterranean small plates and curated wines, the space blends brick walls, brass trimmings, and marble tabletops to create a stylish yet intimate atmosphere. The menu highlights familiar flavors with a twist, including cheese and paste-focused dishes like cantaloupe and feta brined in raki, borek with honey yogurt and roasted chestnuts, and beer-battered fried mussels. For full meals, Barba offers a burger and a rack of lamb with bulgur and muhammara sauce. 19 Duncan St.

2. L’Avenue

Toronto has its amazing share of brunch spots, but a new restaurant from Montreal is looking to add a little French flair to the scene. L’Avenue, Montreal’s brunch institution since 1994, has just landed its first flagship location outside of Quebec, right in the heart of Toronto’s buzzing The Well. Stepping into L’Avenue is like entering a brunch lover’s wonderland. The menu is a hearty affair with plates so generous, sharing is practically mandatory. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes, rich French toast, hearty omelettes and legendary eggs Benedict. 433 Wellington St. W.

3. Holmpei Cafe

Holmpei Cafe, a new Asian-owned spot in Bay/Dundas, offers a diverse menu including coffee, brunch, dinner, and cocktails. Recent brunch highlights were the beautifully presented Wild Smoked Salmon Cornbread Waffle Benny, the large Holmpei Pancake with prosciutto, figs, and burrata, and the elevated Filet-O-Fish. 122 Dundas St. W.

4. Bun Appetit

Bun Appetit serves incredible sourdough buns made with a nine-day process. Their Eurasian Sourdough Bun is huge, crispy outside, and fluffy inside. The pretzel buns are soft and chewy, with a great matcha version. Pair any bun with their excellent coffee. Vegan and fruity options, like the strawberry bun, are also available 505 Hwy 7 Building B, Unit 39, Thornhill

5. Lucky Donkatsu

Craving authentic donkatsu? Head to Lucky Donkatsu, a Korean restaurant with a nostalgic diner vibe. They specialize in donkatsu, a Japanese dish of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. Alongside their Original Donkatsu Pork Cutlet and Hamburg Steak, you’ll find other delicious offerings like Old K-Spaghetti and Burrata Salad. 415 Yonge St.

6. Saigon Pai

Saigon Pai made its debut in Cabbagetown in 2019, but after a renovation hiatus, it’s back in action. The revamped spot is serving up Thai appetizers like chicken satay and mango salad, alongside pho noodle soup, banh mi and a selection of curry and Thai dishes such as drunken noodles and, of course, pad Thai. 446 Parliament St.

7. Dopamina

Named after the neurotransmitter that floods your brain with pleasure, Dopamina, the new upscale Asian-influenced Mediterranean restaurant on Bay Street, aims to deliver exactly that — culinary euphoria. Dopamina soft opened earlier this month in the 50-storey Burano Condos at 832 Bay Street. Owner Gary, who’s no stranger to the restaurant scene in Markham, had his eye on this corner spot for years. Now, he’s brought his vision to life in a space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides and soaring three-storey-high ceilings — no wonder it was hard to resist. On the menu are dishes which Gary describes as igniting the “dopamine effect,” with items you can’t find elsewhere in Toronto. Such is the case for the Spanish octopus paired with the Malaysian laksa sauce, the cabbage-wrapped halibut served with a dashi reduction poured tableside  and the bulgogi bone marrow beef tartare. 832 Bay Street.

8. Electric Piggy

Electric Piggy is a unique restaurant specializing in a blend of Vietnamese and Southern American BBQ. The menu features delicious items such as pork side ribs, mac & truffle cheese, and mini pho bo noodle soup. Everything is made in-house, including the sauces, using the chef’s own recipes. 8384 Woodbine Ave., Markham.

9. Hello Cupbop

Located inside Kachi in Chinatown, Cup Bop offers a variety of Korean BBQ bowls. Choose from options like LA short ribs, KFC, or vegetarian dishes and enjoy the taste of Korean BBQ in a convenient cup. 414 Dundas St W.

10. Jersey Mikes

A new sandwich spot has opened in Toronto! Jersey Mike’s, the popular New Jersey chain, has now set up shop in Markham. They’ve finally listened to our requests and brought their sandwiches to Canada. Watch as they slice your cold cuts fresh to order right before your eyes. For the best experience, try it ‘Mike’s Way’ with red wine vinegar, olive oil, tomato, onion and lettuce. 8600 Woodbine Ave., Markham 

11. Holi Taco

12. Urban Maharajas

Earlier this month, this popular Indian restaurant announced a soft opening of their location on The Esplanade — patrons can dine on the most delicious Indian cuisines, including roasted butter chicken simmered in buttery flavoured gravy, boneless Rogan Josh lamb cooked in a thick, spicy gravy, or their aromatic Goan curry paired with fish or shrimp! 22 The Esplanade