Kusi

Kusi is a permanent restaurant concept born from a popular Filipino supper club that gained a loyal following through pop-up dinners across Toronto. Founded by chef Keanu Francisco and co-owner Rosa Wan, the restaurant is located within the multidisciplinary Squig Space, a redeveloped former auto body shop that also houses a ceramics studio and community centre. The concept focuses on Filipino hospitality and cuisine, aiming to create a welcoming, home-style dining environment that emphasizes shared plates and explores regional flavours and historical origins.

For a first visit, expect a menu that highlights staples from the team's previous pop-up events, such as hipon alavar—fried shell-on prawns served with a rich crab-fat curry—and piaparan na manok, a coconut-braised chicken dish layered with aromatic spices. The beverage program features cocktails designed to complement the food with Filipino-inspired ingredients, alongside a curated list of wine and local craft beers. As a new permanent fixture in the Kensington-Chinatown area, the space is designed to feel like a family dinner or a visit to a friend's home, reflecting the collaborative and community-driven spirit that defined the project's early years.