Stop Restaurant

After bouncing from Ossington to Dundas West and eventually landing in Roncesvalles following a fire, Stop has settled into a century-old storefront that feels right at home in the neighbourhood. Chef-owner Denis Ganshonkov runs the kitchen, blending his post-Soviet roots with the technical precision of classical French training. It’s a refined space that manages to keep the atmosphere approachable, leaning into a bit of belle époque aesthetic without feeling like it’s trying too hard to impress the passersby on Roncesvalles Avenue.

Expect a menu that rotates often, so don't get too attached to a specific plate. The borscht is a mainstay, usually elevated with roasted bone marrow and crème fraîche, but the kitchen is just as comfortable working with rabbit confit, Digby scallops, or dry-aged rib eye. Everything from the rye bread to the tournéed vegetables shows a level of detail that’s rare for a spot this intimate. It works for a random Tuesday or a planned night out, but since the dining room is small, you’ll want to book through Resy before you head over.