It’s an exciting year coming up for restaurants in 2016. Popular restaurants are expanding this year, Toronto’s getting a new steak house and there’s some exciting new eateries popping up on the scene. Grab your knife and fork, and get ready to eat your way through the best new restaurants opening in Toronto in 2016!
Jen Agg's New Bar
It's nameless, but that doesn't mean the hype is any less. Jen Agg, from The Black Hoof and Rhum Corner, is opening yet another restaurant in the city. This one will focus on cider and wine, and if it's anything like Agg's other establishments, there's bound to be some surprises.
Opening: Spring
Where: Kensington Market
Recess
First there was Old School, now there's Recess. A six-in-one restaurant concept, the 4,000 square feet space includes Recess Diner, Fountain, Bar Bronson, Mini Bar, a grocery section and Oven Bakery. Expect old school eats and cheap drinks from Chefs Brad Moore and Ian Kapitan.
Opening: Early 2016
Where: 8 Dovercourt Road
PROVO Food Bar
Staying on top of the snack bar trend, PROVO Food Bar is slated to open in January. The resto will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we hear its going to have a stellar cocktail menu!
Opening: January 2016
Where: 308 Dundas Street West
Carver
Rob Bragagnolo, of Marben, is finally opening a brick and mortar restaurant for his sandwich delivery service, Carver. You can look forward to some slow-roasted sandwiches and fresh salads in the next couple of months.
Opening: March 2016
Where: 101 Peter Street
Cacao 70
The hot chocolate cafe from Montreal is a newbie on Toronto's food scene, and its already opening a second location. The first shop in the Distillery District was a popular spot during the Christmas Market in the last months of 2015, so there's no reason to think the second location won't be the same.
Opening: Early 2016
Where: Queen West
STK
Yorkville is getting a new steakhouse in 2016. STK, is an upscale steakhouse import from the States, with its first Canadian location in Toronto.
Opening: Mid-2016
Where: Yorkville
Cafeteria
Playa Cabana just keeps expanding, they opened Cocina Economica last year, and they are planning to open yet another restaurant. At Cafeteria it will be brunch, lunch and dinner on the menu, and of course, you can expect traditional Mexican cuisine. There will also be a no-reservations bar.
Opening: Early-2016
Where: Little Italy
Sak's Fifth Avenue - Eaton's Centre
Everyone in Toronto has been excited about the opening of the famous retail store in Toronto. While there will be tonnes of shopping involved, there will also be eating. There's word of an upscale food hall inside one of two Sak's Fifth Avenue locations. Expect to see Pusateri's and a massive O&B space that spans three floors at the corner of Yonge and Richmond.
Opening: March 2016
Where: Eaton's Centre
Beaumont Kitchen
Oliver and Bonacini is opening a new restaurant - Beaumont Kitchen and this one will be Sherway Garden's Sak's Fifth Avenue location. They are keeping tight lipped about the concept of the new spot, but we will keep you posted. Beaumont Kitchen will be opening alongside JOEY and the second location of The Cactus Club.
Opening: February 2016
Where: Sherway Gardens
Organic Garage
Not quite a restaurant, food retailer the Organic Garage, opens its first location in Toronto late this year. The store offers all organic ingredients as well as a take-away counter for the lunch rush.
Opening: Late 2016
Where: TBA
Gusto 501
The sister restaurant to popular Italian eatery, Gusto 101, plans to open in 2016. Located in the East-end, Gusto 501 focuses on Tuscan food and will have a flexible menu. The restaurant will be three storeys, with the third floor completely encased in glass.
Opening: Late 2016
Where: 501 King Street East
Bar Volo's New Bar
The owners of popular craft beer spot Bar Volo are planning on opening a second bar this year. There's not much information out there, except that the bar will have a strong focus on rare beers. There will also be a small snack menu.
Opening: Mid 2016
Where: Little Italy
Bangkok Buri
This is probably the most anticipated partnership in Toronto for 2016. Khao San Road and Burger's Priest are teaming up this year to bring us, Bangkok Buri. The quick service restaurant will focus on Thai street food, and is sure to be a success, they're already planning on opening several locations in the next two years.
Opening: TBA
Where: Union Station
Kwan
One of Toronto's most well-known dim sum spot, Kwan, is expanding in 2016. Expect to see all the delicious dumplings, including the adorable bunny dumplings at their new location! The only difference at the second location? The dim sum menu will be available all day.
Opening: Early 2016
Where: North York
Eataly
Since early 2015 there have been rumours about Mario Batali opening his famous Eataly restaurant in Toronto. We can now put those rumours to bed, because Batali is opening Eataly in 2016! The Italian food emporium will be Batali's first restaurant in Canada.
Opening: TBA
Where: Yorkville
Jamie's Italian
After a strong debut at the end of 2015, Jamie's Italian is already expanding! This time they will be opening the casual Italian eatery in Mississauga's Square One.
Opening: June 2016
Where: Square One Shopping Centre
Originally published on Toronto.com