LibbyJuly promises 31 days of hot, summer fun for Toronto. Take that, Muskoka! If you’re stuck in the 6, don’t fret. There’s a ton of fun to be had, so don’t feel bad if you’re not scoring those coveted cottage invites.
Toronto’s signature summer sizzle is on. Here’s what we’re excited about this month.
🍦 Hot events happening in Toronto this month 🍦
Union Summer is back. This casual patio in the city’s hub offers entertainment, eats and cold drinks to enjoy without the fuss or formality of a traditional restaurant. Look for a rotating cast of entertainment, including QE Trivia, DJs and live music.
We love to hate it! Face it, Summerlicious is back. We love the access to fancier restaurants like DASHA (lead photo), Rosalinda, STK and Tabule at Bayview Village. Other notables include Byblos, King Taps, and PAI Uptown. From July 7-23rd, book your table now before they’re gone.
The Ontario Oyster Festival and Oyster Opening Championship are taking place July 16th from 1-9 pm at Rodney’s Oyster House. Get hooked up with tickets and spend the day shucking.
Beerfest is coming do you have your tickets yet? Ice Cube is headlining Friday evening, and we’re checking ourselves, it will be a good day, if you get tickets before they sell out….This favourite summer event runs July 28-30th at the CNE Bandshell grounds.
🍕 MORE REASONS TO MAKE PLANS -SUMMER FUN EDITION 🍕
Tickets are selling out for the very soon Wine Fest Toronto. RendezViews on Richmond Street will bring wine lovers en masse for a three-day wine extravaganza. Tickets for the July 7-9th event are on sale now for separate three-hour windows.
Pizza Pizza is introducing its newest ‘za just in time for summer picnics. The Buzz Off pizza boasts toppings that naturally repel mosquitos, like garlic, onions and hot peppers.
Ultra Supper Club is the latest beauty concept from the king of Toronto nightlife, Charles Khabouth. Amassing the “best of every Asian country, all under one roof” is a bold mission, but what else do you expect from this kingpin?
🥂 Here’s what’s NEW in Toronto this month. 🥂
Miss Aida is opening in Roncesvalles on July 20th. Owned by the team behind our fave steakhouse J’s Steak Frites, Jad and Tara are branching out from the steak frites combo that garnered much-deserved accolades in Toronto media (including us, read our full story here). “Miss Aida is the perfect marriage of traditional Levantine food with Toronto’s modern culture and world-class restaurant scene,” offers Jad. Stay tuned for more as we can’t wait to plot our visit.
Myth Restaurant has reopened after a fire forced the restaurant to close. The newly renovated space boasts the same eclectic energy, backed by a delectable Greek-inspired menu. Think succulent octopus, whole fish or Tiropita, a pie filled with cheese, then drizzled with chilli honey for a sweet kick.
99 Bottles, an east-end bodega-style cafe, has opened a second location on Sheppard Ave East, just west of Bayview. The 7am-11pm concept is a boon to all the condo citizens that live close by. Coffees are excellent, service is friendly, and dogs are welcome.
Ristorante Sociale is now open at 545 King W. Brought to you by the same team as Enoteca Sociale, this new hotspot incorporates DJ, dancing and dinner parties into the fold.
Kissa Toronto is also coming to King West- the Japanese-themed vinyl lounge is inching closer to opening. Cocktails, of course, paired with a Japanese-inspired menu and disco balls.
Mezcalero is opening on July 9th on Bloor Street West. The tapas and tequila bar is injecting some nightlife into the already super fun corridor, expect late nights at this neon-soaked situation.
🥬 CAN’T WAIT- COMING SOON TO TORONTO! 🥬
Astoria Great Hall is the newest project from the legends over at Bar Poet. Opening as a French American Bistro & Cocktail Bar, on Queen Street West.
Lucie is ready to launch in downtown Toronto. Located at 100 Yonge Street, the new French restaurant is aiming for an early July opening.
Sibel is launching soon on Avenue Road. The Turkish restaurant promises gourmet dining in a supper club, like a bigger and fancier A la Turk.
The Kingston House is coming to the beaches. The A ‘modern gastro pub’ is located at 676 Kingston Road. Look for their opening later this month.
Grillies is coming to Yonge Street, north of Sheppard. The NoSh quick takeaway will offer burgers, burritos and more quick-service guilty pleasures.
Sing Sing Beer Bar is coming to First Canadian Place. It’s a celebrated spot on the West Coast with craft beers and great bar bites, a perfect fit on Adelaide where the old Duke of Westminster occupied. Backed by the hospitality powerhouses behind Belfast Love, Walrus and Death & Taxes.
🍌 MORE OPENINGS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT…🍌
Yonge and Sheppard continues to prove diversity is our strength, both in demographics and food. Ehwa just took over the space that was once Vic Tone dry cleaners. Stay tuned as we track the development of this new restaurant.
TABLE Fare + Social is opening on the fourth floor of CIBC Square. The casual space looks pretty cool, with communal tables and standard fare for walk-ins and groups alike.
Char Bistro is opening on Wellington Street, in Old Town, where Bravi once stood. Look for this opening later this summer.
🍴 JULY CLOSING TIME 🍴
For The Love Of Cake has closed in Liberty Village.
Waterfront favourite Touti Café is calling it quits. Known for lakeside treats like sorbets and gelatos, the shop had been open since 2015.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
All images by Libby Roach.