Celebrity chef opening ambitious new chophouse in Ontario

A celebrity chef who boasts two Michelin stars and a storied career, both in the kitchen and on the screen, is bringing an epic new concept to Ontario this fall.

When one hears the name Alvin Leung, it's hard to decide which of his exploits to associate with first. Is it his two-Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant Bo Innovation? The one-Michelin-starred aKin in Toronto? His tenure as a judge on MasterChef Canada?

Ultimately, it's all of his many celebrated exploits that have built Leung's reputation and name into one that precedes him. And at the age of 65, he's neither slowing down nor abandoning Ontario any time soon.

For his next trick, Leung has set his sights on Markham for an ambitious new pan-Asian chophouse called The Leo.

The new restaurant is Leung's first stab at a chophouse concept, and aims to take inspiration from culinary traditions across East and Southeast Asia, undefined by precise borders but rather individual influences, woven together in unexpected ways — an approach Leung has become equally famous for.

"I didn't want to open just another chop house," says Leung. "The Leo is about taking
premium beef and seafood and serving it with flavours I've spent my career cooking.”

At the restaurant, you can expect equally impressive selections of steak — like Canadian prime beef and Australian wagyu — and premium seafood, prepared and served in ways that pay homage to regional traditions.

Diners in the 68-seat, Van Gogh-inspired dining room will have the option to choose from The Leo's $120 tasting menu or to order à la carte.

Joining Leung to bring the vision to life are aKin's chef Edan Lister-Stevens and beverage director Nathan Murray. In other words, we may just have Markham's next big thing on our hands.

The Leo will be located at 162 Enterprise Blvd. in Markham, and is slated to open in September 2026.