Changes to the big cuisine list:
- 2024-03-27
- Australia: Added DoDoner and Electric Bill.
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Beef King Noodle ended its short run in March 2024.
- Fujian (Min, Hokkien), China: Putian Lor Mee closed in the autumn of 2023. Added a different type of Fujian restaurant, Hui Xiang Fujian Cuisine.
- National, United States: Replaced Frenchie’s Doughnuts with Better Days Coffee and Donuts which has incredibly moist cake doughnuts.
- 2024-02-23
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Added Cafe De Hong Kong.
- Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, China: Replaced Kroran Uyghur Cuisine with Oguz Uyghur Cuisine because the latter has superior cooking.
- Greece: Replaced Athens Pastries with Filosophy Pastry and Espresso Bar which has more flavourful pastries.
- Lebanon: Added Miss Aida.
- Mexico: Added La Unica Panaderia.
- Canadian-Vietnamese, Vietnam: Added Konia Kitchen and Bar.
- 2024-02-21
- Armenia: Ani Ristorante closed in the autumn of 2023. Lavash Restaurant is the next best casual spot.
- Azerbaijan: Removed Baku Bakery since it hasn’t stayed open in years.
- Sichuan and Chongqing, China: Szechuan Legend closed in February 2024. Added Nian Yi Kuai Zi, which has more authentic flavours.
- Germany: Little Bavaria closed in the autumn of 2023. There are very few German restaurants left in Toronto. The Golden Pigeon Beerhall takes its place as the top German spot.
- 2023-11-14
- National, China: New sub-cuisine for the rare, good Chinese restaurants that don’t specialize in any regional foods. Like Fuji Wonton House.
- Guadeloupe, France: Bokits are back in Toronto, courtesy of Riko Bokito.
- Iran: Added Gandom Bakery.
- Kansai, Japan. Added Ushi Shabu Shabu.
- Canadian-American, United States: New sub-cuisine for one-off Toronto creations whose closest relatives are American. Added Grandma Loves You and One Night Only Pizza.
- 2023-11-13
- West Bengal, India: Added Flavors of Kolkata.
- Sicily, Italy: Added Futura Granita and Gelato.
- Canadian-Japanese, Japan: Added Nakamori Japanese Restaurant.
- Mexico: Added Tacos Casa Sonora.
- South Korea: Added Dessert Fox.
- Venezuela: Added Dulcinella.
- 2023-11-07
- Yunnan and Guangxi, China: Added One Restaurant.
- Greece: Added Fat Fork.
- Tokyo, Japan. Added Ramen Buta-Nibo.
- Nepal: Replaced Mt Everest Restaurant with Jimbu Himalayan Thakali Kitchen because the latter has more interesting dishes and tastier cooking.
- South Korea: Added Guksu.
- Turkey: Added MaBelle Baklavacisi.
- 2023-11-05
- Brazil: Paulo’s Cake Shop closed in October 2023.
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong (Cantonese, Yue), China: Added Beef King Noodle.
- Georgia: Added SunnyCheese Grill and Bakery.
- Grenada: Added Nutmeg Spiced.
- Nigeria: Added BSTO.
- Spain: Added Spanish Pig.
- United Kingdom: Added Baker and Scone.
- 2023-09-26
- Atlantic Canada, Canada: Continuing the curse of donair restaurants in the GTA, Halifax Donair closed on 2023-07-29.
- Costa Rica: New cuisine! Added El Mae Restaurant.
- Côte d’Ivoire: Replaced Le Plato with Instant du Palais because the latter has superior cooking and more menu offerings.
- Haiti: Alabon Libon closed in late spring 2023. Boukan now remains as the sole authentic Haitian restaurant.
- Morocco: Replaced Morocco House with Morocco’s Kitchen which has more authentic food.
- Singapore: The owners of Lion City retired on 2023-07-02. Added Kiss My Pans, the only Singaporean restaurant left in the GTA.
- South Korea: Replaced Chaban with Bap.zip because their bibimbap is slightly more vibrant.
- Tanzania: Pili Pili closed on 2023-04-27. Added Muchachos Grill.
- Louisiana (Creole, Cajun), United States: Added Upper Beaches Bourbon House.
- 2023-09-16
- Armenia: Replaced Mayrik with Taline for a top-end pick because it has superior cooking and more Armenian dishes.
- Tibet, China: Tibet Kitchen closed in March 2023. Good news is that a better restaurant, Shambhala Kitchen has taken the mantle for range and quality of Tibetan cuisine.
- Hyderabad (Nizami), India: Replaced Bawarchi with 4 Seasons Indian Cuisine which has a larger menu and not just biryanis.
- Lebanon: Added Laylak.
- Philippines: Added Mineral.
- 2023-07-21
- Philippines: Removed Lamesa which closed on 2023-06-25.
- South Korea: Added Myeongdong Gyoza Kalguksu and Yubu.
- Taiwan: Added Simpl Things.
- Northeast (Isan), Thailand: This regional cuisine returns with Som Tum Jinda.
- National, United States: Added Frenchie’s Doughnuts and The Donuterie.
- South, United States: Added Cubano Kings.
- 2023-07-19
- Emilia-Romagna, Italy: New regional cuisine! Added Rimini Rimini.
- Chubu, Japan: New regional cuisine! Added Megumi Mazesoba.
- National, Japan: Added Bloom Cafe and STuu STuu.
- Laos: Added Lao Lao Bar.
- 2023-07-18
- Colombia: Added La Mulata.
- Cuba: Added CubaLambé.
- Bretagne, France: New regional cuisine! Added Chez Paul.
- Iran: Added Mr Dizi.
- Canadian-Japanese, Japan: Added Tatsu’s Bread.
- 2023-04-11
- Brazil: Added Tapi Go!.
- Quebec, Canada: Replaced Centre Street Deli with Dave’s Genuine Deli.
- Shandong, Dongbei, and Beijing: Added Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice.
- Somalia: Replaced Sahan with Istar.
- South, United States: Added Oklahoma Burgers.
- South, Vietnam: Added I Love Pho.
- 2023-04-02
- Azerbaijan: Replaced Baku Life with Old Avenue Restaurant because the latter has more Azeri dishes that are prepared slightly better.
- Jamaica: Replaced Nicey’s Takeout & Eatery with Smoke ‘N’ Roti because the latter has smoky jerk chicken and better sides.
- Philippines: Added Perlas de Pilipinas.
- Russia: Added Victoria K Cakes.
- Sri Lanka: Added Quality Bread Bakery.
- South Korea: Replaced Mymy Chicken with BBQ Chicken & Pub. Mymy had the best Korean Fried Chicken until a few years ago, when BBQ Chicken expanded into Canada.
- 2023-03-20
- Argentina: Added Gaucho Pie Co.
- Canadian-Indian, India: Added Curryish Tavern.
- Guyana: Added Lucky Lin’s Restaurant.
- South Korea: Added Woojoo Bunsik.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Added Miss Likklemore’s.
- 2023-03-03. New additions for the new year.
- Congo: Added back Congo Coffee and Beignets.
- Jammu and Kashmir, India: Added Kashmiri Kitchen.
- Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Mumbai Frankie.
- Andhra, India: Added Godavari, a USA chain not to be confused with an earlier Mississauga restaurant of the same name.
- 2023-03-02. Big update after a winter hiatus. Sad number of closures.
- Bolivia: The only Bolivian food place, Munay, closed on 2023-01-28.
- Cameroon: Ariilon closed in Summer 2022.
- Shandong, Dongbei, and Beijing: SanTong Snack Bar closed in 2022.
- Congo: Cassava Cuisine closed in 2022.
- Estonia: Estonian House’s lease is up and is awaiting to move to their new premises, whose construction was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Germany: Otto’s Bierhalle closed on 2023-01-31.
- Jammu and Kashmir, India: Removed Kishmini as they have been inactive for a long time.
- Mumbai and Parsi, India: Bombay Snack Bar closed in Autumn 2022.
- Andhra, India: Godavari closed in Autumn 2020.
- North Macedonia: Macedonian Secrets closed on 2022-12-23.
- Philippines: Chef George Breakfast and Lunch closed on 2022-12-24. They might be back in a part-time capacity in future.
- Northeast, United States: Momofuku Toronto closed on 2022-12-23.
- South, United States: The Stockyards closed on 2022-10-30.
- Uzbekistan: Samarkand Hall closed on 2022-11-28.
- Vietnam: Forget Me Not closed on 2022-11-30.
- 2022-11-18
- Brazil: Added Rio 40 and Geladona.
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Added Cho-Kwok-Lat.
- Egypt: Added Masrawy Egyptian Kitchen.
- Sudan: After a short 2-year run, Zoal Restaurant, the only Sudanese restaurant in the Toronto region closed in September 2022.
- Venezuela: Added Latin Dough.
- 2022-09-25
- Australia: Removed Kanga Pies because it hasn’t re-opened after a year.
- Anhui, China: Toronto lost Old Taste, its only Anhui restaurant, in September 2022.
- Osaka, Japan: Naniwa Taro closed in August 2022 and Gushi takes the top spot for takoyaki again.
- Mexico: Added Sinaloa Factory.
- Philippines: Added Bao Mama and iSLAS Filipino BBQ and Bar. iSLAS replaces Sampaguita for traditional Filipino dishes.
- Canadian-Thai, Thailand: Added Lamoon Thai Cafe.
- Zimbabwe: Added Mnandi Pies. They seem to be doing fine without a storefront.
- 2022-08-29
- Brazil: Added Paulo’s Cake Shop.
- Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, China: Replaced GB Hand-pulled Noodles with Big Beef Bowl. The latter has a deeper broth, though GB is still the king downtown.
- Israel: Added Eisenbergs Sandwich.
- Sicily, Italy: Added Holy Cannoli.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Added Chadon Beni.
- 2022-08-18
- Fujian, China: Added Putian Lor Mee.
- Shandong, Dongbei, and Beijing, China: Added Yu Henan Cuisine.
- Guyana: Removed Sa-Fire Restaurant and Bar after it closed in spring 2022.
- Nepal: Removed Gorkha Durbar after it closed in June 2022. Added Mt Everest Restaurant back.
- Hawaii, United States: Removed North Poke since it looks like it’s not going to re-open. Added Umami Poke in its place.
- 2022-07-25
- Brazil: Removed Sabor Brasil after its last day on 21st June 2022.
- Modern Canadian, Canada: Added Lake Inez.
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Added Good Taste Casserole Rice.
- New sub-cuisine: Hakka, China. Actual Hakka, not the Indian-Chinese version. Hong Kong Chicken is the lone representative.
- National, United States: Removed Jeneral’s after it closed in June 2022. It survived only 3 months in this brutal industry.
- 2022-07-04
- Prairies Canada, Canada: Added Hy’s Steakhouse.
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Added The Noodle Bar.
- Colombia: Added The Toston.
- Jamaica: Removed Randy’s Take-Out since it closed in 26th February 2022 and Drake’s offer to save it hasn’t panned out. Added Pattie World Bakery, which is even better than Randy’s.
- Mauritius: Leo’s Cuisine brings Mauritian cuisine back from extinction in the Toronto area.
- 2022-06-17
- Jiangsu and Shanghai, China: Added Shanghai Shao Mai Guan.
- Croatia: Croatia Restaurant is back!
- Sri Lanka: Added Bhai Biryani.
- 2022-05-03
- Atlantic Canada, Canada: Continuing the curse of donairs in Toronto, Jessy’s Pizza closed in April 2022 after its owner moved back to Halifax.
- Prairies Canada, Canada: Added OEB Breakfast Co.
- 2022-04-26
- Bangladesh: Replaced Gharoa Restaurant with Adda Bengali Kitchen because Adda has superior food and ambience.
- Colombia: Replaced Columbus Bakery with Delicious Empanadas because the latter has, well, more delicious empanadas.
- Spain: Replaced Bar Raval with Madrina Bar y Tapas because Madrina has more innovative tapas at the same (expensive) price point.
- 2022-04-05
- Pacific Canada, Canada: Added Dufflet.
- Cuba : Removed El Habanero and Churrobar after it closed on 2022-03-31.
- Northeast, United States: Added Pizzeria Badiali.
- Catch-all American cuisine finally finds a home in the latest sub-cuisine: National, United States. Added Burger Drops, Jeneral, and White Lily Diner.
- 2022-02-26
- New sub-cuisine: Shikoku, Japan. Added Zen Sanuki Udon.
- New sub-cuisine: Okinawa, Japan. Added Tondou Ramen.
- Tokyo, Japan: Added Katsuya.
- Kansai, Japan: Replaced Gushi with Naniwa Taro because the latter is more traditional.
- 2022-01-27
- Ontario, Canada: Added Antler Kitchen & Bar
- Ireland: Added The George Street Diner. Removed Brennan, which only had frozen cured meats.
- Northeast, United States: Added Illstyl3 Sammies.
- Midwest, United States: Added Marq’s Chicago Beef.
- 2022-01-17
- Say ohayo-san to Kansai, the newest sub-cuisine entry for Japan.
Added Gushi, Okonomi House, and Raku. - Hokkaido, Japan: Added Pablo Cheese Tart.
- Tokyo, Japan: Added Fuwa Fuwa.
- Say ohayo-san to Kansai, the newest sub-cuisine entry for Japan.
- 2022-01-07
- Quebec, Canada: Replaced St Urbain Bagel Bakery with Bagels on Fire because the latter has better bagels.
- Yunnan and Guangxi, China: Removed Yunnan Steamed Fish Pot as it was more a novelty than traditional Yunnan cuisine. Added Dream Yunnan.
- Colombia: Added Esto es Colombia.
- Ecuador: Added Las Fronteras Restaurant.
- El Salvador: Added Amanecer Salvadoreño Restaurant.
- 2021-12-15
- Greece: Removed Folia Grill which closed last year.
- Taiwan: Replaced ChiChop with Monga Fried Chicken after the former closed in Fall 2021.
- Northeast (Isan), Thailand: Siri Kitchen closed in Summer 2021.
- 2021-12-14
- Belgium: Wafels & More rebranded as Lekker in September 2020.
- Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China: Replaced Casa Imperial with Yang’s Fine Chinese Cuisine as the latter has more innovative and tasty dim sum.
- Colombia: Removed Mi Tierra after owners retired in May 2021.
- Ecuador: Removed Cocina de Doña Julia after owners retired in August 2021.
- National, Japan: Added Patisserie 27.
- Portugal: Added Mercado Negro. Removed Moliceiro Restaurant which closed in May 2021 because of COVID-19 difficulties.
- 2021-11-07
- Greece: Added Ballissimo Loukoumades Bar.
- Karnataka, India: Replaced Udupi Palace with Radha Krushna because of a larger range of Karnatakan specialties and better consistency.
- Lebanon: Added Patisserie Royale.
- Nepal: Replaced Mt Everest Restaurant with Gorkha Durbar because of tastier Nepali entrées.
- Uruguay: Replaced Marjo Bakery with Montevideo Bakery and Cafe because of wider selection of Uruguayan savoury items.
- 2021-10-12
- Ontario, Canada: Added Ambassador Pizza Co.
- Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Gansu, China: Replaced Xin Jiang Restaurant with Charcoal Kebab House because of better cooking.
- Kerala, India: Added Oruma Indian Takeout & Bakers and Thanima Kerala Kitchen. Removed Kairali as the selection, flavours, and prices are better at the other two.
- Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Bombay Snack Bar.
- Mexico: Added Tita’s Mexican Food. Removed Tacos El Asador as they don’t comply with health and safety requirements.
- South, United States: Added Kansas King BBQ.
- 2021-09-13
- Hunan, China: Replaced Panpan Noodle Bar with Wuhan Noodle 1950 because the latter has a more flavourful sauce for its re gan noodles.
- Gujarat, India: Replaced Govardhan Thal with Sabras because the latter is tastier and has greater variety.
- Andhra, India: Added Minerva Tiffins.
- Jordan: Added Zaad.
- Ukraine: Replaced Golden Lion with Barrel House Korchma because the latter has bigger variety and better cooking.
- South, United States: Added Memphis BBQ.
- Canadian-Vietnamese, Vietnam: Added Baguette & Co.
- 2021-08-26
- Île de France and Paris, France: Replaced Tasso with Le Beau because the latter is more puff and not too crisp.
- Singapore: Added My Pandan Cake.
- Taiwan: Added Maeli Market.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Replaced ACR Hot Roti & Doubles with Leela’s Roti and Doubles because it has bigger variety and better flavours.
- 2021-08-10
- Angola: Removed Yauca’s Lounge because it closed and hasn’t hosted any Angolan events since the pandemic.
- Hungary: Added Rhapsody Continental Hungarian Cuisine.
- Thailand: Added Favorites Thai.
- 2021-07-22
- Croatia: Added Joso’s. Removed Croatia Restaurant as they are selling the restaurant and only accepting large takeout orders.
- Mumbai and Parsi, India: Added Bombay Bakers and Milan. Removed Colaba Junction since both were better for chaat.
- West Bengal, India: Added Chaska Express.
- 2021-07-10
- Israel: Added Limon.
- Serbia: Added Fancy Kafana.
- South, United States: Removed Uncle Ray’s because they have closed. The lone surviving branch is the original in Hamilton. But some menu items live on in Union Chicken.
- 2021-06-20
- Cameroon: Added African Village.
- Fujian, China: Added Lao Fu Zhou Xiang Wei.
- Ghana: Replaced Golden Gate Restaurant with African Chop Bar because the latter has tastier food.
- Uzbekistan: Added Puff Samosa. Taj Restaurant was renamed to Samarkand Hall after new owners took over.
- 2021-06-09
- Dominican Republic, El Salvador: Moved Sazón Latino from El Salvador to Dominican Republic because its menu is more Dominican than Salvadoran.
- El Salvador: Added La Guanaquita
- Guatemala: Added El Quetzal Bakery and Restaurant
- 2021-05-29
- Indonesia: Added Samara Kitchen.
- Jamaica: Removed Albert’s Real Jamaican as there are better restaurants with the same menu.
- Lebanon: Added Maro’s Bistro.
- Palestine, Lebanon: Moved Shawarma Empire from Lebanon to Palestine since it is Palestinian style.
- 2021-05-24
- Barbados: Removed Street Shak since they haven’t resumed business after pivoting to the patty business (Street Bites) in August 2020. Added The Bajan Kitchen.
- El Salvador: Removed Emporium Latino because they haven’t re-opened after the big fire in October 2020.
- 2021-05-16
- Fujian, China: Removed Lao Fu Zhou (at Silver Star Boulevard) because it closed.
- Serbia: Added new supermarket, Pop’s Market.
- 2021-05-09
- Azerbaijan: Baku Life added.
- North Macedonia: California Restaurant added.
- Poland: Izba replaced with Kovalsky Restaurant, with better food.