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.