5 new bars in Toronto that everyone's talking about right now
New bars in Toronto are offering up everything from simple sophistication to playful takes on dive bar staples.
Now that the 2025 holiday season has come and gone, I'd understand if you've found yourself all partied out. On the other hand, the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 happen to perfectly dovetail into another weekend.
In short, what better time to find the new bar you'll be frequenting with your friends all year long?
Whether you're in the mood for something sleek and sophisticated or a casual neighbourhood wine bar, there's a perfect new spot in Toronto for you to fall in love with.
Lonely Diner
This funky cocktail bar landed in Little Italy with a bang in the fall of 2025, and has been mixing up drinks and Asian-inspired small plates unlike anything else in the city ever since.
A joint venture from folks behind the bites and beverages at Midnight Market, BarChef, Overpressure Club and After Seven, you can rest assured the night's libations are in good hands.
Bar Raton Laveur
This wine bar just off Ossington is so under-the-radar that its Instagram is private, but that hasn't kept scores of those in the know from flocking to it.
Expect no reservations and no cocktails: just a carefully curated selection of wine and beer and an intimate interior. They're closed until Jan. 9, but once they reopen, you'll want to try your luck at a visit: if you can get in, that is.
Small Talk
Taking over the space that most recently housed the beloved Baby Huey, this kitschy jazz bar had some big shoes to fill. Judging by the throngs flocking to it every weekend, it's succeeded.
Novel offerings like a champagne vending machine and wagyu hot dogs meet an approachable, youthful atmosphere where you can catch live jazz performances and DJs intermittently throughout the week.
Lyla's House
This cafe and bar concept originated in Georgetown, Ontario, two years ago, and it's finally expanded to open a location within city limits, too.
A decidedly more relaxed option, at this Bloor West Village wine bar, you can find a comprehensive selection of organic wines alongside droolworthy small plates and shareables.
Powder Room
If caviar and martinis have been flooding your For You Page for the past year, this new Yorkville haunt could very well be your new favourite place.
Gilded mirrors, tifted banquettes and romantic details are the name of the game at this swanky new spot. When you want to level up your night out, it doesn't get much better.
Fareen Karim at Small Talk
