Toronto’s most exciting new restaurants have in common faraway cuisines getting local love.
And that’s fitting for a Toronto Film Festival relying this year on glitzy international cinema talent from Europe and Asia especially to replace striking Hollywood A-listers not expected on its red carpets.
Here’s a closer look at new hotspots in a city as diverse as its neighborhoods and where you’re likely to get a table without reservations in the absence of American celebrities in town.
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Laylak
Laylak offers an escape to Lebanon with elevated traditional dishes from chef Hazem Al Hamwi. Besides classic mezze plates like hummus, baba ghanouj and tabbouleh, there are classic main dishes like Kibbeh Safarjaleah, meatballs prepared with quince, pearl onions and pomegranate ($44), or Branzino fish grilled with orfa chili, pine nuts and fennel ($62). Or go for the mixed grill for two ($77). “Our goal is to transport our guests to Lebanon as they walk through the door,” says Al Hamwi. 25 Toronto St., 647-368-8838 www.laylak.ca
Sunny’s Chinese
“Sunnys is inspired by high-energy dining cultures found throughout China,” says chef David Schwartz. “We look to regional traditions to create an experience that’s casual and playful.” The downtown cousin to chef Schwartz’s more swanky Mimi’s Chinese in Yorkville, the old school Hong Kong-like cafe offers Typhoon Shelter Squid, flavored with garlic, shallots and chili ($21), and King Stir Fry, with shrimp, cashews and chives ($24). 60 Kensington Ave. Enter through indoor hallway in Kensington Mall. 437-833-5798. www.sunnyschinese.com
Alder
This new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant inside the Ace Hotel wins points for its wood-fired meat and seafood dishes from chef Patrick Kriss. “There’s a lot of creativity to be explored, even when you’re cooking with something so elemental and primal as fire,” Kriss explains. His favorites include Beef Carpaccio with grilled chive, aioli, pickled and mustard seed ($24), grilled chicken with harissa jus and sweety drop pepper ($36), and Baked Clams ($22) with croutons, brown butter, ’nduja and lemon. 51 Camden St., 416-637 3737. www.aldertoronto.com
Adrak Yorkville
“We wanted to showcase a blend of traditions with modernity and innovation, in order to honor the past, while embracing the future,” says chef Narendra Panwar of his menu’s inspiration. “That is why our menus are a mix between historical India and modern-day cuisine.” Big hits include Kashmiri slow-cooked lamb shank ($50) and Chilean seabass, cilantro, mint and coconut marinade ($47). The Yorkville location draws visiting stars like Jessica Alba and film director Shekhar Kapur. 138 Avenue Road, 416-413 0777, www.adrakyorkville.ca
Miss Likkemores
Chef Lonie Murdock taps into her Jamaican roots at the city’s first high-end Caribbean-inspired restaurant. Favorites include Miss Edna’s Jerk Chicken (half $35, whole $70), Likkle Patties, stuffed with slow-braised oxtail and spicy beef ($17), and Salt Cod Fritters ($16). “I want you to feel the warmth of Miss Likklemore’s. Everything from the smell of fresh carrot cake cooking to the music filling the room is part of what makes this restaurant so special,” says Murdock. 433 King St. West, 647-484-8789, www.misslikklemores.com
