Chef of buzzy Toronto restaurants opening new spot in unexpected neighbourhood
The chef behind perpetually buzzy Toronto restaurants DaiLo and Cafe Renee (among others) is gearing up to open a new concept in the city, but this time he's planting roots outside the downtown core.
Toronto's own master of the brasserie, Nick Liu, has made his mark on the city with a suite of sultry, date-night-approved downtown restaurants, including King West French brasserie Cafe Renee (and its upstairs sibling Charlemagne Cocktail Bar) and Little Italy Asian-French spot DaiLo. For his next trick, though, he's breaking form.
Setting his sights north — as in, north of Bloor —, Liu's latest project, Woodlyns, will be a pas de deux of Jewish and Asian cuisines on Eglinton West, an area that, despite its rich culinary history, is still rebuilding after more than a decade of disruptive TTC construction.
Woodlyns, it seems, is a step in the right direction for the neighbourhood's glow-up.
For the project, Liu has joined forces with head chef Josh Ling, who has had local stints in the kitchens of DaiLo, Vela and Cafe Renee, as well as Hong Kong's Michelin-starred Vea, and partner Jeff Goldstein, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and lifelong resident of the neighbourhood Woodlyns will soon serve.
"Our mission is simple: to create a place where people can gather with loved ones, share food and drink, and take part in one of our most important rituals: coming together around the table," the Woodlyns team says.
They'll bring that intention to life through a menu that blends staples of Jewish and Asian cuisine. Think matzoh ball wonton soup, Reuben spring rolls, and sweet-and-sour chicken knish.
It's a harmony of flavours that fittingly reflects the area's historic demographics and will equally attract diners from across the city.
The interiors will be equally enticing. Inspired by the neighbourhood's dense forested areas, you can expect a sleek-yet-romantic vibe with rich wood accents, equally appropriate for a family get-together or a fifth date.
Woodlyns will be located at 947 Eglinton Ave. W. and is expected to open in October 2026.
Woodlyns
