:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38795462/eater814_libretto.0.jpg)
Seasonally speaking, autumn can be unfortunate. The air cools down and reminds us that summer is fleeting. The days become shorter and darker. But as the harvest takes hold, there are still new Toronto restaurants being cultivated. Here, now, the most anticipated fall restaurant openings around Toronto. Looking forward to something else? Do leave a comment below.
America
Location: 325 Bay St., Financial DistrictThe Team: Oliver & Bonacini and INK Entertainment, executive chef Anthony Walsh, chef de cuisine Bill Osborne
Projected Opening: August 28
Since Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants took over the culinary operations at the Trump Tower's 31st floor restaurant last December, they've been focused on updating the banal Stock space. According to The Star, they'll be shuttering for a week at the end of August and reopening as America. Think: high-end supper club for the older more sophisticated clientele, according to INK's Charles Khabouth. The lobby bar of the Trump Hotel will also be transformed into The Calvin.
Louis Cifer Brew Works
Location: 417 Danforth Ave., DanforthThe Team: Erin Gamelin and Craig Abbott (Stout Irish Pub), brewmaster Christine Nagy, chef not yet chosen
Projected Opening: October
The 4,500-square-foot space will house a glassed-in brewing system that can produce up to 1,000 hectolitres annually alongside a retail area and a full-service restaurant.
There will be a total of 26 draft taps pouring at least six flagship beers and four rotating taps of in-house, seasonal brews. The bar will also serve several draft beers from Ontario Craft Brewers members, a house-made root beer and two taps for wine through a partnership with Mike Weir Winery.
Rose City Kitchen
Location: 36 Toronto St., Financial DistrictThe Team: Operations Nipun Sharma
Projected Opening: October – November
The team behind Rose City Kitchen wasn't satisfied with just one restaurant and a food truck in a year. The Mediterranean eatery will set up shop near Church and Adelaide in the Financial District and bring along two more concepts – Smash, a juice bar, and Clockwork, a coffee shop.
Pizzeria Libretto (Libretto 155)
Location: 155 University Avenue, Financial DistrictThe Team: Chef Rocco Agostino, Managing Partner Gary Quinto
Projected Opening: September
Same great food, new slick style; The new Pizzeria Libretto location will cater to the Black Card crowd at their PATH-accessible spot. Swap: vinyl for leather and barn board for refined wood, according to Quinto. Also exciting is the first certified hybrid pizza oven coming to Canada from Italian manufacturer Stefano Ferrara. Chef Agostino will be able to use gas for his daily bread program in the morning and wood fire for his Neapolitan style pizza later in the day.
Thoroughbred
Location: 304 Richmond St. West, Entertainment DistrictThe Team: Co-owners chef Ariel Coplan, Jacob Fox (maitre d'), and Robin Kemp (GM)
Projected Opening: September 2
Originally slated for a mid-July launch, the team that garnered micro-fame for their foie-gras pop tart at TUM are putting the finishing touches on their multi-story super concept. Thoroughbread will serve lunch, dinner, and cocktails. The first floor will focus on the bar— beer, wine, and cocktails— while upstairs seats people for an "intimate, refined dining experience" and has a private dining room with a chef's table overlooking the kitchen.
—Jason Finestone
· All Coming Attractions Coverage [-ETO-]