7 new restaurants to try in Toronto this weekend
New restaurants in Toronto this week tap into a gamut of flavours that range from Indian to Portuguese, Haitian to Trinidadian. Besides new concepts, there are crowd favourites that have relocated, neighbourhood stalwarts that have rebranded, and a new specialty bakery that's drawing hours-long lines.
Here are some new places to check out in Toronto this weekend.
Mercado Restaurant
Fans of Mercado Negro might have wondered about what had happened with the space now that it's moved to Caledonia Rd., but also changed its name. Via the same owner, the restaurant has a new vibe, with rehauled design, more seating, a takeout pick-up area, and a patio that's covered by 100 umbrellas (up from 40). Food-wise, you can expect modern Portuguese with a focus on seafood on the updated menu.
Brasa Peruvian Kitchen Bloor West
Serving fast, functional food that's flavour-packed and transportable, this third Bloor West location of the quickly expanding Brasa Peruvian empire specializes in customizable bowls that tap into the Peruvian pantry. Try ingredients like rocoto and sweet drop peppers, toasted Peruvian corn, organic Peruvian quinoa and other imported foods from the Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Dotty's
Co-owners Jay Carter and Susan Beckett resurrect beloved (and missed) Dandylion’s vibes at this relaxed neighbourhood restaurant where there is no reservation, no signage (yet) nor phone number but all the snacks and wines.
Hindusthali
This new Indian vegan restaurant aims to serve healthy and tasty cuisine that's both environmentally conscious and ethical. Originally based in Montreal, owner Hakim Remtola brings his 20-year experience in food and hospitality from France to the space on Bayview Avenue in the form of thali (Indian-style meal featuring a variety of food items on a large platter).
Maracas
Although the Trinidadian restaurant shuttered its Kensington location in 2020, chef-owner Douglas Ling reopens this week in Cabbagetown. Expect crowd favourites like bake n shark, doubles, and barbecue chicken with macaroni pie and callaloo.
Lead photo by Mercado Restaurant
