Toronto’s Hottest New Restaurants for Summer 2025

This summer, Toronto’s dining scene unfurls like a well-set table — abundant, inviting, and full of promise. Across the city, a new generation of restaurants is quietly and confidently reshaping how we eat, sip, and gather. From moody upstairs lounges to sun-drenched patios, this curated list offers a glimpse into the season’s most compelling culinary newcomers.

louf
501 Davenport Rd.
@louf.toronto
Opened by Chef Fadi Kattan near Casa Loma, louf offers a globe-trotting tribute to Palestinian cuisine. Ancient recipes meet modern sensibility, with sustainable sourcing and a flair for presentation that turns each plate into a story. Don’t miss the labaneh or sumac-spiced dishes, best enjoyed on the patio under a summer sky.

Occhiolino
499 Bathurst St.
@occhiolino_pastificio
This Italian gem in the Annex invites you to slow down and savour. With hand-made pasta, dreamy interiors, and an ambiance that feels lifted from the pages of a design magazine, Occhiolino is where craftsmanship meets comfort. Their tagliatelle, paired with a glass of something sparkling, makes for a perfect escape.

Dopamina
45 Grosvenor St.
@dopamina.to
Designed for delight, Dopamina is a sensory playground of bold cocktails and inventive plates. The menu dances between Asian and Mediterranean flavours, with atmospheric lighting and science-lab drinks that feel almost alchemical. A dopamine rush indeed — and one you’ll want to repeat.

Arbequina
325 Roncesvalles Ave.
@arbequina_restaurant
Named after a Spanish olive, this Mediterranean oasis in Roncesvalles serves up Halal, zero-proof cuisine with soul. Fresh Ontario produce shines in mezze-style dishes rooted in Middle Eastern tradition. With a warm welcome and vibrant, non-alcoholic mocktails, Arbequina invites you to linger.

Ayla
794 Dundas St. W., 2nd Floor
@aylaupstairs
Ayla is a hidden gem perched above Dundas West, blending Toronto energy with nostalgic Cantonese touches. With its moody lighting and a menu that zigzags between East and West, Ayla makes every plate feel like a cross-cultural love letter.

Belle Isle
1455 Gerrard St. E.
@belleisle__
From the team behind Lake Inez comes this joyful Little India newcomer. Belle Isle rewrites the rules of dining with quirky snacks, inventive drinks, and an atmosphere that hums with personality. Each visit feels spontaneous — like an impromptu dinner party with wildly talented friends.

Ariete e Toro
12 Keewatin Ave.
@ariete.e.toro
This midtown newcomer is all about schiacciata — that impossibly airy, crispy flatbread sandwich straight out of Florence. With its wood-fired focus and rustic charm, Ariete e Toro is equal parts sandwich shop and Italian daydream.

Bonito’s
180 Ossington Ave.
@boniiitos
Don’t be fooled by the laundromat façade — Bonito’s is a playful mashup of Ecuadorian and Korean comfort food tucked into a diner-bar setting. The menu is as bold as it is unexpected, full of spicy, tangy, and delightfully cheeky creations. Come curious, leave obsessed.

Casa Morales
152 Augusta Ave.
@casamorales.to
This modern cantina brings Mexican soul to Kensington Market with a refined edge. Think elevated street food meets Spanish-style tapas, wrapped in a lively atmosphere and lifted by an outstanding cocktail program. Casa Morales is made for lingering — and ordering one more round.

Tutto Panino
100 Sorauren Ave.
@tutto.panino
Born from a pop-up and the musical minds of Charlotte Day Wilson and friends, Tutto Panino is now a Roncesvalles fixture. This sandwich shop hits every note with perfectly stacked Italian panini, creamy cannoli, and a vibe that blends retro charm with downtown cool.

On the Radar (Opening Soon or Just Reopened)

Sal’s Pasta & Chops
614 College St.
@dinnerwithsal
A heartfelt homage to family, Sal’s channels old-school Italian-Canadian hospitality into hearty pasta and chops. Slated to open in July, this newcomer will likely become a favourite for comfort food with a modern twist.

Lunch Lady
93 Ossington Ave.
@thelunchladytoronto
A beloved name in Vietnamese street food, Lunch Lady is crossing continents to bring Saigon soul to Toronto. With rich bowls of phở, crispy bánh mì, and a buzzy night-market feel, this spot is poised to be an instant hit.

N.L. Ginzburg
548 College St.
Inspired by the lives of Italian-Jewish intellectuals Natalia and Leone Ginzburg, this soon-to-open trattoria promises rustic Italian fare with echoes of Jewish diaspora cuisine. Expect thoughtful, slow-cooked dishes in a space that feels as storied as the food.

Zia’s Place
1543 Dundas St. W.
@ziasplace
Comfort is on the menu at Zia’s, where handmade pasta and Sunday-supper warmth welcome you like family. Co-founded by pop-up darling Jess Maiorano, this homey eatery promises Southern Italian flavour served with heart — and second helpings.

Harlem
745 Queen St. W.
@harlemrestaurant
A triumphant return to Queen West, Harlem blends soul food, art, and live music into a space that’s as much a cultural institution as a restaurant. Whether you’re there for the catfish, the jazz, or the sense of community, Harlem delivers with feeling.

Bisous,

Mme. M. xoxo

Hungry for more? Check out my other reviews, guides and lists.

Operations are subject to change, so please contact each restaurant for the most up-to-date information.