The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings in Toronto This Year
Every year, Toronto's restaurant scene gets a little bigger, a little bolder, and a little more competitive. And 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in recent memory for new openings across the city.
Here are the spots that have the food community buzzing.
Hello Nori — Yorkville
The Vancouver-born handroll bar that's been expanding aggressively across Toronto is opening its third location in the city, this time in the heart of Yorkville. Hello Nori has built a cult following for its clean, minimalist approach to temaki — think pristine nori, warm rice, and impeccably fresh fish, served counter-style. The Yorkville outpost is expected to open in early 2026.
A BC Michelin Star Heads East
One of British Columbia's most acclaimed restaurants — a name synonymous with Michelin-level dining on the West Coast — is making its Toronto debut on Wellington Street West. Details are still under wraps, but insiders say the menu will showcase West Coast ingredients with a distinctly Toronto sensibility. If it lives up to the hype, this could be one of the year's most talked-about openings.
Mamakas — Summerhill
Mamakas, the beloved Greek restaurant that helped put Ossington on the culinary map, is expanding to Summerhill. The original location earned a loyal following for its seafood-forward plates, polished energy, and one of the best patios in the city. The second outpost promises the same modern Greek cooking in a neighbourhood that's been craving a destination restaurant.
Badiali — Mirvish Village
If you've ever waited in line at Badiali's original location for one of its legendary slices, you already know why this expansion matters. The cult-favourite slice shop is heading to Mirvish Village, the mixed-use development built on the former Honest Ed's site. Expect the same crispy, cheesy, no-nonsense pies that made Badiali a Toronto institution.
Brasserie Côte — Bloor and Brunswick
From the team behind Côte de Boeuf comes Brasserie Côte, a modern French brasserie near Bloor and Brunswick. Think steak frites, seafood towers, and a wine list that leans heavily on natural and biodynamic producers. The neighbourhood has been quietly evolving into a dining destination, and Brasserie Côte could be the anchor it needs.
Union Chicken — Waterworks Food Hall
Union Chicken is bringing its signature buttermilk fried chicken to the Waterworks Food Hall in early 2026. Known for its focus on premium, ethically sourced poultry, Union Chicken is betting that its nostalgic comfort food — think crispy tenders, loaded fries, and killer slaw — will stand out in one of the city's busiest food halls.
Whether you're chasing Michelin-level tasting menus or the perfect slice, 2026 has something for every appetite. The only question is where to start.
