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Very Toronto: New & Hot

Toronto's newest restaurants, cafes, and bars — plus the occasional city opening worth knowing about.

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20 recent openings

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Baba wordmark with cafe-by-day and bar-by-night illustrations

Yonge and Lawrence

RestaurantOpened Aug 24

Baba

Baba is a day-to-night restaurant at 3204 Yonge Street, on the corner of Yonge and Woburn in Yonge and Lawrence. It is the first solo venture from hospitality veterans Michael Medeiros and Kevin Chen, who met in the kitchen at One Hazelton, and it replaces the former Chop Hop. By day it runs as a neighbourhood café and brunch room; at night the charcoal grill and bar take over. The 37-to-40-seat room is dark wood and blue-and-white, with a seven-seat bar. The original 1920s bank vault is now a disposable-camera photo wall of friends, family, and regulars. Medeiros leads the kitchen; the menu pulls Western and Asian flavours over the grill — Mapo Bolognese, Ontario lamb and octopus skewers, tuna ssam bop, and a coffee-marinated striploin. Daytime is breakfast plates, handhelds, and Library Coffee. Nick Hao (Uh Bar, formerly Slice of Life) built the cocktail list; house drinks top out at $20. Walk-in only; large groups should call ahead. Official hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Brunch runs until mid-afternoon; the snack bar is Monday–Friday 4–10 p.m. and Saturday 5–10 p.m., with no Sunday evening service.

Malibu Barbie Cafe in St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market

RestaurantOpened Aug 13

Malibu Barbie Cafe

The Malibu Barbie Cafe is a limited-time, immersive dining and entertainment pop-up arriving in Toronto on August 13, 2026. Located at 70 The Esplanade, this Barbiecore-themed destination is a collaboration between Mattel and the media experiences brand Bucket Listers. The space is designed to transport guests to the groovy, beachside energy of 1970s Malibu, featuring vibrant decor, retro glam aesthetics, and a dedicated roller rink. It serves as a family-friendly environment that blends hospitality with interactive play, following successful runs in various cities across the United States and Australia. Visitors can expect a fast-casual menu curated by MasterChef finalist and Chopped champion Chef Becky Brown, featuring all-day favorites, playful desserts, and specialty beverages. Beyond the dining experience, the venue offers interactive activities, including photo opportunities inside a life-size Barbie doll box and a retail section for exclusive merchandise. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot, as the experience is expected to be popular. Proceeds from roller skate rentals are donated to the cafe's charity partner, Girls Inc., and the venue also hosts special events such as cupcake decorating classes and themed skate nights.

Jesmin Foods in Cabbagetown

Cabbagetown

RestaurantReported in August

Jesmin Foods

Jesmin Foods is a compact micro-destination situated along Parliament Street in the historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood. Known for its extremely narrow, intimate storefront footprint that leaves little room to spare, this casual spot serves an expansive selection of traditional South Asian street eats, quick bites, and neighborhood convenience items. The shop acts as a straightforward community fixture for locals looking to pick up comforting cultural staples right in the heart of downtown east. First-time visitors can expect counter-service convenience with a menu featuring classic biryani, chicken rolls, samosas, singara, chola mury, fresh salads, and traditional sweets. Practical refreshments like cold pop and tea are also available alongside specialty grab-and-go items. Given its micro-scale footprint, expect a quick transaction-style visit rather than sit-down dining, making it an easy stop to grab a quick savory snack while exploring the neighborhood.

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