Ontario restaurant once named among best in Canada opening new concept in Toronto

A restaurant in Ontario that was named among the best new restaurants in Canada back in 2018 is setting their sights on Toronto with a new concept that’s a dream for seafood fanatics.

Ever since the doors of Sand and Pearl, a Prince Edward County Fish Shack and Oyster House, opened for the first time in 2017, co-owners Nathan and Nicole Hines have been whipping up everything from caviar bumps to seafood towers and even a selection of hearty pub classics to throngs of hungry cottagers from their casual, homey spot on West Lake.

In recent years, though, they’ve been equally busy putting together a brand-new concept in Toronto, which is expected to open its doors later this year.

A seasonal restaurant operating exlusively in the warm and sunny months, Sand and Pearl closes down each fall, which has, until now, left the restaurant’s fans to scramble for a bite at a series of pop-ups around Toronto and PEC throughout the winter and spring.

Soon, though, you’ll be able to get your fill of ecletic seafood dishes including oysters, caviar and lobster rolls (to name just a few), chilled martinis with stuffed olives and a vast selection of natural wines year-round at International Palace of Joy, Sand and Pearl’s Toronto-based sister location.

Taking over the space left behind by Omnia Coffee Roasters, adjacent to Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe,  the appearance of the new oyster bar takes inspiration from Austin antique shop, in keeping with both Sand and Pearl and Flying Squirrel’s upscale rustic aesthetics amid a lively atmosphere.

The new location will also, in the summer months, be home to a spacious streetside patio, set to open next spring, and will double as an event venue for private parties.

“International Palace of Joy is excited to be a local hangout for this amazing neighborhood,” says Nicole, adding that it’ll also make for an ideal pre- and post-show destination for audiences at History.

While this is Sand and Pearl’s first permanent foray into Toronto, it’s far from Nicole and Nathan’s first rodeo in the city; they were also the former owners of beloved Danforth pub, The Auld Spot.

No official opening date has been announced for the restaurant yet, but Nicole tells blogTO that it’ll be coming near the end of the year — just in time to celebrate the New Year with oysters and champagne, perhaps?

International Palace of Joy will be located at 1347 Queen St. East.