Toronto's Early October 2026 Openings Compared: Casa Rubia, Yakitori Momji and Bushido

The first week of October brought one of the more interesting batches of new restaurants Toronto has seen this fall, from a Spanish room next to a beloved bar to tiny counters where you book a handful of seats. Based on the weekly OPEN/CLOSED roundup from Stephanie Dickison, here is how the headline openings compare and which one suits which kind of night.

The Big-Name Reservations

Casa Rubia, at 293 Palmerston Ave., is a Spanish concept from Grant van Gameren serving Galician-inspired dishes. It replaces Martine's, sits next to Bar Raval, and was already booked out at the time of the roundup. If you want it, plan ahead and be flexible on timing.

Shay Ristorante, at 1055 Yonge St. in Rosedale, opened as an Italian restaurant known for tableside tartare, a good pick if you want a classic dinner out rather than a tasting-menu commitment.

The Small, Splurge-Worthy Counters

Two openings are built around very limited seating. Yakitori Momji, at 156 Cumberland St. on the second floor in Yorkville, is a yakitori omakase from chef Masaki Saito with 12 counter seats and a 15-course menu priced at $248. Bushido, at 1 Austin Terrace at Casa Loma, serves multi-course kaiseki dinners by chef Yi-Joo Na across four rooms, with only 16 seats and bookings opening for October 23 onward.

Both are occasion dining. Choose Yakitori Momji if you want a lively counter experience centred on one technique, and Bushido if you prefer a slower, room-by-room kaiseki evening.

Casual Newcomers Worth a Detour

Not every opening is a splurge. Loomi Pita, at 610 College St. in Little Italy, serves sourdough pitas with Middle Eastern and other fillings, plus bowls, from the team behind PG Cluck's, and its fried chicken is back. Japan Taco, in The Well's Wellington Market at 486 Front St. W., replaced La Cubana and launched with $5 tacos for the first 100 in line. Shakes n Shawarma, at 656 Spadina Ave., offers a halal menu of shawarma and burgers, and Cafe Landwer in Etobicoke (259 The Kingsway) brings Israeli brunch, hummus plates and schnitzels.

Wine and Nightlife

If you want a drink-led evening, Wine Stand Bistro at 322 Bathurst St. (second floor, above Bathurst Local) is a wine bistro that opened on a Tuesday, while Salt and Sand, at 92 Avenue Rd. above SPQR Espresso Bar in Yorkville, is a hidden-away spot for gourmet food and wine. For something theatrical, Darling Girl at 44 Wellington St. E. is a song-and-dance venue from the team behind Jean Darlene Piano Room, replacing the former Pravda Vodka Bar.

What Closed

The same roundup noted closures, including Chop Hop at 4 Temperance Ave. in the Financial District (the Commerce Court and First Canadian Place locations remain), CC's Bar and Grill on the Danforth, and the Caplansky's Deli location at Pearson Airport. A late-August roundup also recorded the closure of Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos in Kensington Market and Tapas at Embrujo on the Danforth, which was established in 1972.

Coming Soon

Keep an eye on Sahni at 60 York St., the Union Hotel's restaurant slated for this fall, Esther Queen of Soups at 444 Yonge St., and Ba Ngoai Vietnamese Home Kitchen at 47 Baldwin St. in Baldwin Village.

How to Choose

For a milestone dinner with advance planning, aim for Yakitori Momji or Bushido. For a polished but familiar night out, try Shay Ristorante or push for a Casa Rubia table. For a low-commitment weeknight, Loomi Pita, Japan Taco or Cafe Landwer are easy wins. Always check hours and booking policies directly before you go, since new openings change quickly.