This month, Toronto food news headlines have been dominated by new Toronto restaurant openings, spring menus — with everything cherry blossom-related, new summer festivals and, of course, North America’s 50 Best Bars naming four Toronto spots on its coveted list.

Whether they're worthy of being listed among Toronto's food news stories is questionable, but a whole slew of amazing Toronto patios have opened up for the season, marking the start of summer — or at least the start of patio weather (even if it's with a jacket and a toque on).

With the weather finally (hopefully) getting better and Mother's Day this month, the city is blossoming with fresh things to eat, experience and enjoy. Here are the top Toronto food news stories to help you soak it all up.

The top Toronto food news stories for May 2026

  • Matcha lovers now have a new, globally acclaimed spot to try out on Ossington. Japanese café, The Matcha Tokyo opens on May 16, serving straight matcha, matcha lattes and desserts, plus hojicha-based drinks.
  • TOgether for Toronto Healthcare, a free music festival is taking over Nathan Phillips Square on June 6 with food trucks, wellness activities and a lineup that includes Feist, Alessia Cara, Broken Social Scene and Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip — and it’s all to raise money for Michael Garron Hospital and UHN.
  • Chef Michael Angeloni (The Berczy Tavern, Notte Ristorante, Pasta Privato) has taken the helm at Restaurant Lucie as executive chef and partner, guiding the Michelin-recommended restaurant with a brand-new menu.
  • Toronto chef and former MasterChef Canada judge Claudio Aprile is bringing back his beloved Origin restaurant in the form of Bar Origin, opening next month in Burlington.
  • In case you haven’t had enough of the new fusion food items and restaurants popping up all over the city, Mediterranean fusion spot Tahini’s Restaurants starts serving shawarma ramen at its 73 Canadian locations this month.
  • Library Bar, the legendary drinking den inside Fairmont Royal York has landed at number 19 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, along with three other Toronto spots.
  • Restaurant heavyweight Grant van Gameron (Bar Raval, Martine's Wine Bar, El Rey Mezcal Bar) is heading out to wine country with the opening of the new Rosetta on Picton’s Main Street.
  • Kensington favourite Uncle Pete’s has stopped slinging sandwiches for now, but the shop hopes to come back in the future in a new location.
  • foodism ICON Award-winner chef Zach Smith is on a roll this spring. His Michelin-recommended, whole animal butchery restaurant in St. Catharines, Fat Rabbit is expanding this month with an enlarged, redesigned dining room and a new spring menu. He’s also getting into the Canadian seafood game with his new restaurant Les Incompétants, which just opened a short walk away and will feature a mix of local and French wine.
  • Iconic Irish pub Grace O’Malleys has been shuttered for months and this could mean the end for the party spot.
  • Bar Reyna is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with 10 per cent off all month and a birthday party on May 26 where they’ll be serving the Reyna Gem Box for $26, including a Lebanese taco, lamb baklava, manchego and cauliflower croquette and falafel. On May 31, Reyna's Unapologetic Drag Brunch will feature Tynomi Banks, who launched the series in 2019.
  • A legendary, family-run Montréal spot just landed in Toronto after 40 years in business. Spano’s Diner slings old-school diner dishes like loads of hand-helds in family-sized portions.
    • Northeastern Thai restaurant Isaan Der has launched "Journey to Isaan" at its Spadina location. The seasonal menu is rooted in fermentation; open fire cooking; and the bold, sour flavours of Northern Thai cuisine.
  • Taco Fest is back for 2026, and this year, it's hitting three different cities. The festival kicks off in Mississauga at Port Credit Memorial Park from June 27–28, then returns to Fort York in Toronto from August 7–9, before closing our the summer at Clock Tower Pier in Montréal from September 5–7.