What’s in store for 2017? Filipino fare is taking over, vegan Big Macs, and dairy’s comeback is upon us for starters. Keep tabs on the amazing eats below to stay up on your trend game.
Know of some other freshly minted gems? Throw them into the comments below.
Filipino Soul Food
Who couldn’t use an extra little bit of soul? There is a new bumper crop of restaurants spreading the love with a flavourful menu of Filipino fare, and the offerings are as scenic as they are sumptuous. Check out these new (and new-ish) hot spots:
DOLLY’S
Location: 1285 Bloor Street West
PLATITO
Location: 35 Baldwin Street
LASA BY LAMESA
Location: 643 St. Clair Avenue West
Vegan Comfort Food
Now, this is a movement everybody can get behind. More and more vegan spots are popping up throughout the city, offering ethical alternatives to longstanding favourites like turkey, burgers, ice cream and chilli. Luckily, this trend shows no sign of slowing down, especially with the recent introduction of L.A. based Doomie’s in Parkdale. Nutritional value aside (there is probably none), this hipster haven has become more than just a late night go-to for pre-hangover chow. You can grab a vegan Big Mac, ‘shroom fries or nachos on Foodora during daylight hours, or stop in any day of the week (noon to midnight, mostly). It may be far from fine dining, but it’s a step in the right direction.
THE HOGTOWN VEGAN
Location: 1056 Bloor Street West
GRASSHOPPER
Location: 310 College St
DOOMIES
Location: 1263 Queen Street West
NO-FUSS PIZZA
Some take their crust game very seriously—and rightfully so. But what if you just want a simple Friday night slice in a lively, well-lit environment? Fortunately, the struggle is no longer real, as one hip pie-house after another continues to pop up. The coolest new joint that should make your 2017 must-list is Superpoint. An expansive Ossington bar complete with craft beers, organic wines and everything in between—not to mention a smattering of intimate tables in the front (and back)—all but guarantee a good time. Oh, and amazing pizza. Newer favourites like Pi-Co, Pizzeria Libretto and recently added locations from North of Brooklyn are also keeping this scrumptious tradition alive.
SUPERPOINT
Location: 184 Ossington Avenue
PI CO
Location: 1200 BAY ST
PIZZERIA LIBRETTO
Location: 550 DanForth Ave
DISH OF THE MOMENT: BURRATA
For those who have yet to jump aboard the dairy bandwagon, please educate yourself on the intoxicating flavour and versatility of this super trendy Italian starter. Essentially a giant ball of soft cheese, burrata (when served correctly), is a carefully blended mix of mozzarella and stracciatella cheeses, cream and butter—the texture and taste of which makes bocconcini seem like a stack of Kraft Singles. Here are some spots where you can sample this heavenly dish:
MR.FLAMIGO
Location: 1265 Dundas Street West
Buca/Bar Buca
Location: 604 King Street West / 75 Portland Avenue
CIBO
Location: 522 King Street West
Ascari Enoteca
Location: 1111 Queen Street East
Ardo
Location: 243 King Street East
The Best New Restaurants
You need to check out the city’s latest additions!
Oakwood Hardware
Location: 337 Oakwood Avenue
Doma
Location: 50 Clinton Street
Baro
Location: King Street West
Angolino
Location: 1595 Dupont Street
Lena
Location: 176 Yonge Street
Revere
Location: 804 Danforth Avenue
Ufficio
Location: 1214 Dundas Street West
Always follow your gut.