#FOOD: CHEF EMILIANO DEL FRATE AND CHEF JONATHAN WILLIAMS COLLABORATION DINNER – JULY 29, 2026

On Wednesday, July 29, Chef Emiliano Del Frate, Chef and Co-Founder of Radici Project, will welcome Jonathan Williams, Executive Chef of Joni Restaurant at Park Hyatt Toronto, for a one-night-only collaborative dinner celebrating seasonality, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary quality of Canadian ingredients. Held at Radici Project in Toronto’s Little Italy, the multi-course tasting experience will bring together two globally trained chefs whose careers span some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens, including Noma, Gucci Osteria Tokyo, Hedone, Don Alfonso 1890, and DaNico. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m., with multiple seating times available. Guests may choose between the Essence Menu ($120 per person, plus tax and gratuity) or the Immersive Menu ($195 per person, plus tax and gratuity), with optional alcoholic and low-proof beverage pairings available for an additional cost. Reservations: [HERE – Essence Menu] or [HERE – Immersive Menu]

While their culinary backgrounds differ, Del Frate and Williams share a common philosophy: a deep respect for seasonality, sustainability, and ingredient-driven cooking. At Radici Project, Del Frate explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through Itameshi, a style of cuisine rooted in precision, restraint, and cultural exchange. At Joni Restaurant, Williams leads a refined farm-to-table program built around local sourcing, in-house production, and contemporary techniques that honour the integrity of every ingredient. Together, the chefs will present a menu that explores how exceptional ingredients can be interpreted through distinct culinary perspectives.

More than a traditional chef collaboration, the dinner offers a rare opportunity to experience two of Toronto’s most thoughtful culinary voices working side by side. Drawing from decades of experience across Europe, Japan, and Canada, Del Frate and Williams will create a menu shaped by the best ingredients of the season, reflecting both their individual journeys and their shared commitment to craftsmanship.

Event Details
Date: July 29, 2026
Time: Multiple seatings
Location: Radici Project, 588 College Street, Toronto
Price: Essence Menu ($120 per person, plus tax and gratuity) or the Immersive Menu ($195 per person, plus tax and gratuity)
Reservations: Reservations: [HERE – Essence Menu] or [HERE – Immersive Menu]

Emiliano Del Frate
Chef & Co-Founder, Radici Project
Originally from Italy, Chef Emiliano Del Frate brings a globally informed perspective to his role as Chef and Co-Founder of Radici Project. His career has taken him through some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens, including Noma in Copenhagen during its third MICHELIN star, Gucci Osteria Tokyo during its first MICHELIN star, and ADMO Paris, the acclaimed collaboration between Alain Ducasse and Albert Adrià. In Toronto, Del Frate played a key role in opening MICHELIN-starred Don Alfonso 1890 and later served as Executive Sous Chef at DaNico during its MICHELIN star recognition. Together with co-founder Kayo Ito, he founded Radici Project as an expression of Itameshi cuisine, blending Italian and Japanese traditions through Canadian ingredients, seasonality, and thoughtful storytelling.

Jonathan Williams
Executive Chef, Joni Restaurant at Park Hyatt Toronto
Jonathan Williams is the Executive Chef of Park Hyatt Toronto, where he oversees the culinary programming for Joni Restaurant and the hotel’s dining operations. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Williams has worked in some of the world’s most respected kitchens across England and New York, including MICHELIN-starred restaurants and Hedone in London, formerly ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Since returning to Canada, he has developed a culinary approach rooted in seasonality, sustainability, and local sourcing, leading a farm-to-table program that celebrates the region’s producers while showcasing refined contemporary technique.

Due to the highly curated nature of this one-night-only collaboration, dietary restrictions and menu modifications cannot be accommodated. Tickets for this one-night-only collaboration are limited. Reservations can be made here.

About Radici Project
Radici Project is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through seasonal menus rooted in sustainability and Canadian ingredients. Radici’s dual-concept space features both a natural wine bar and an intimate chef’s table dining experience, offering thoughtful sake and wine pairings alongside its cuisine.
About Joni Restaurant

Located within Park Hyatt Toronto, Joni Restaurant offers a refined farm-to-table dining experience rooted in seasonality, sustainability, and exceptional local sourcing. Led by Executive Chef Jonathan Williams, the restaurant showcases contemporary cuisine inspired by the region’s finest ingredients, with menus that evolve throughout the year and celebrate the connection between producers, landscape, and hospitality.

About Park Hyatt Toronto
Located in the heart of Yorkville, Park Hyatt Toronto is one of Canada’s most iconic luxury hotels. Combining contemporary sophistication with personalized service, the hotel offers world-class accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences while serving as a gateway to one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

#FOOD: FATHER’S DAY IDEA ROUNDUP – LYLA, TONDOU, RADICI PROJECT, TABERNA LX, LUNCH LADY, SUITE 115, NAARI THAI BBQ, MIKU, BAR ALLEGRO, DL CHICKEN, FICOA

This Father’s Day, Toronto’s restaurants and bars are raising a glass to Dad with everything from casual comfort fare to thoughtfully curated, one-day-only experiences. Whether the day calls for smoky barbecue, a generous brunch spread, a cold pint on a sun‑soaked patio, or something a little more refined, these spots are offering thoughtful touches and dad‑worthy specials that make the occasion feel a little more memorable. Taberna LX, Radici Project, Suite 115, Lunch Lady, Naari Thai BBQ, Ficoa, DL Chicken, Tondou, Miku Toronto, Bar Allegro, and Lyla are all set to ensure a Father’s Day filled with good food, good company, and plenty to celebrate.

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
📍1161 Dundas St. W

Offering a refined approach to authentic Portuguese cuisine, Taberna LX’s vibrant yet intimate atmosphere sets the tone for a memorable Father’s Day celebration. Guests can indulge in Taberna’s full regular menu, including favourites such as their classic Café Steak, featuring a rich beef tenderloin served alongside crisp potato chips and a perfectly fried egg for that extra salty bite. Paired with Portugal’s best-selling beer, Super Bock, it’s a combination that elevates any occasion. A visit to Taberna LX promises a warm, inviting experience worthy of celebrating Dad.

Taberna’s Father’s Day Favourites
Café Steak $56
Super Bock Beer

Radici Project
IG. @radici_project
📍588 College St.

Radici Project, known for its seasonal immersive menus, will be open on Father’s Day, giving guests the chance to enjoy the final days of the Spring Immersive Menu before it wraps on June 23. Highlights include their Duck Lardo and Radicchio, featuring tender yakitori-style grilled duck, prepared with a balance of richness, gentle smoke, and bright acidity, finished with radicchio, lardo, and a refined duck jus. With the Summer Immersive Menu launching on June 24, Radici offers a timely and memorable way to celebrate Dad.

Suite 115
IG. @suite115.to
📍532 College St.

For those seeking a lively bar atmosphere to mark Father’s Day, Suite 115 offers a spirited option. The award-winning bar, ranked No. 74 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended list and No. 13 on Canada’s Best 100 Bars 2026, brings both energy and craft to the occasion. For a playful nod to the occasion, Suite 115’s “The Old Man” is an Old-Fashioned-style clarified Hong Kong milk tea cocktail. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of comforting small plates such as the Indo short ribs, or Curly Curry Fries, perfect for sharing with the whole family.

Suite 115’s Father’s Day Favourites
The Old Man $23
House Hong Kong Milk Tea blend, Neutral Spirit, Whey
An Old-Fashioned style clarified Hong Kong Milk Tea Cocktail.

Indo Short Ribs $25
AAA Short Rib slow-cooked with
Indonesian flavours, Naan bites.

Curly Curry Fries $12
Spiced fries with a dollop of curry mayo.

Lunch Lady
IG. @thelunchladytoronto
📍93 Ossington Ave.

Located in the heart of Ossington, The Lunch Lady has become one of Toronto’s most beloved Vietnamese hotspots, known for its vibrant atmosphere and bold, comforting flavours. Guests can visit on Father’s Day to enjoy the Sunday lunch special, the Mi Vit Tiem, featuring dry-aged duck breast, egg noodles, and a fragrant five‑spice duck broth, or return in the evening for dinner. Two chef favourites include the Steak Luc Lac, an elevated take on the classic ribeye with peppercorn sauce, and crispy cassava, as well as the Pork Tomahawk, a generous grilled bone-in chop served with pineapple and shishito peppers. The Lunch Lady offers a lively and flavourful setting that brings a celebratory spirit to Father’s Day.

Lunch Lady’s Father’s Day Favourites
Steak Lúc Lắc – Bò Lúc Lắc $56
8 oz ribeye of beef with peppercorn sauce, crispy cassava, and burnt scallion butter. Foie gras +$14, Tiger prawn skewer +$10, Waffle fries +$6

Pork Tomahawk – Sườn Nướng $54
16 oz grilled bone‑in chop served with pineapple, shishito peppers, lettuce, fresh herbs, and herb vinaigrette.
Tiger prawn skewer +$10

Sunday Lunch Special – Mì Vịt Tiềm $32
Dry-aged duck breast with gai lan, shiitake mushrooms, lotus root, egg noodles, a slow‑poached egg, and a fragrant five‑spice duck broth.

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St.

Nothing says Father’s Day quite like barbecue, and Naari Thai BBQ has mastered the art of succulent, flame‑kissed cooking. The restaurant brings together smoky Thai barbecue with vibrant salads, fragrant curries, and wok‑fired favourites, creating a lively and flavour‑rich dining experience. This Father’s Day, Naari welcomes guests for a special brunch priced at $45, or for those looking to celebrate in the evening, an omakase dinner that showcases the full range of the kitchen’s creativity.

Naari’s Father’s Day Favourites
Father’s Day Brunch $45/person
Omakase Dinner $55/person

Ficoa
IG. @ficoa.to
📍585 College St.

To celebrate Father’s Day weekend, Ficoa highlights a trio of its most beloved brunch dishes, available on Sunday, June 21 during brunch service. Guests can begin with the Empanadas, a warm and comforting favourite filled with tender short rib. The Pampero follows as a hearty centrepiece, bringing together slow‑braised beef short rib, potatoes, and chimichurri. To wrap up the festivities, the Churro French Toast offers a sweet and satisfying finish. Together, the selections create a celebratory brunch experience designed with dads in mind.

Ficoa’s Father’s Day Favourites
Empanadas $18
Corn masa, braised short rib, queso cotija, and crema. A rich and comforting dish that has become a guest favourite.

Pampero $22
A hearty plate featuring heirloom potatoes, chimichurri, slow-braised beef short rib, and two fried eggs.

Churro French Toast $18
A signature sweet way to finish off the meal.

DL Chicken
IG. @dlchicken
📍538 Manning Ave.

DL Chicken, Toronto’s newest fried chicken hotspot, brings a laid‑back and flavour‑packed approach to Father’s Day lunch. Known for its elevated take on crispy classics, the restaurant offers far more than the standard chicken sandwich. Guests can mark the occasion with the limited‑time Cool Honey Sando, a sweet‑heat creation featuring their new Cool Honey sauce and a tangy jalapeño-lemongrass mayo. For something more traditional in spirit, The OG features Nashville‑dusted chicken with DL sauce, delivering the kind of satisfying bite that has made the spot a local favourite.

DL Chicken’s Father’s Day Favourites

June Special: Cool Honey Sando
Crispy fried chicken dipped in Cool Honey sauce, placed on Cool Coleslaw and Jalapeño-lemongrass mayo.

The OG
Nashville-dusted Chicken, Pickled onions, Coleslaw, Pickles, DL Sauce.

Tondou Ramen
IG. @tondoutoronto
📍596 College St.

Tondou Ramen brings an easygoing, neighbourhood charm to College St., making it an excellent stop for a relaxed Father’s Day outing. All summer long, the restaurant features its Shima House Beer at a special $3.95 per pint, a dad‑friendly highlight that pairs perfectly with hearty bowls like the Tonkotsu Special, Okinawa Soki Soba, or a side of Spicy Karaage Ramen. Guests can further elevate the experience on Tondou’s patio, thoughtfully designed with a retro Japanese aesthetic that showcases their Okinawan‑inspired hospitality. Whether dropping in for a comforting bowl or settling in with a cold pint, Tondou offers a warm and welcoming way to celebrate with family.

Tondou’s Father’s Day Favourites
Shima House Beer $3.95 per pint

Miku Toronto
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will be celebrating Father’s Day with an exclusive one‑day Japanese Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet on Sunday, June 21. Curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero, the celebration brings together seasonal flavours and signature Aburi favourites in a generous spread. Guests can begin at the Raw Bar with chef‑selected sashimi and seafood starters before moving to the Sushi Station for freshly prepared Aburi Oshi, nigiri, and maki. The buffet continues with kitchen highlights such as a prime rib carving station, smoked duck, wagyu curry udon, and crisp fried specialties. To finish, the Soft Serve Station by MICHELIN‑starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi offers a refined sweet ending.

Miku’s Father’s Day Special: Japanese Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet
$95 for adults, $35 for children aged 7–12, complimentary for children 6 and under.

Chef-Selected Sashimi: Seared Tuna Tataki with Truffle Ponzu, and Shrimp Cocktail with Yuzu Cocktail Sauce.

Appetizers: including Salmon Nanbanzuke, Kinpira & Heritage Mix Greens with Umami Vinaigrette, Hijiki Seaweed Salad, Bread & Butter, and Miso Soup.

Selection of Aburi Oshi Sushi

Chef’s Selection of Aburi Nigiri

Chef’s Selection of Maki Sushi

Kitchen Favourites: including a Prime Rib Carving Station, Smoked Muscovy Duck Breast, Udon & Wagyu Curry Station, Aji Katsu (Spanish Mackerel Fry), Chicken Karaage, Atlantic Miso Yaki, and Panko-Breaded Oysters (Kaki Fry).

Soft Serve Station including Kuromitsu Soft Serve, Warabimochi, Layered Strawberry.

Bar Allegro
IG. @barallegro_to
📍597 College St.

Bar Allegro is an ideal way to wrap up Father’s Day, offering a relaxed and thoughtfully designed space inspired by the social bar cultures of France, Italy, and Spain. The atmosphere is built for spontaneity, whether you stop in for a single drink or let the evening unfold a little longer. Guests can explore a carefully crafted beverage menu with favourites like the Spicy Marg and the Toasted Coconut Daiquiri, or finish the night with their honey, fennel pollen, and olive oil soft serve available until 10 p.m. Bar Allegro promises to be a stylish and welcoming visit to bring the special day to a close.

Bar Allegro’s Father’s Day Favourites
Spicy Marg $18
Tequila, Mezcal, Lime, Agave Syrup, Cilantro, Jalapeño.

Toasted Coconut Daiquiri $17
Rum, Toasted Coconut, Lime.

Soft Serve
Honey, Fennel Pollen, Olive Oil.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St.

Lyla’s newly renovated patio is now open, making it an inviting spot to celebrate Father’s Day with a long, relaxed brunch in the sun. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Lyla Brunch Table showcases some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, including a choice of mimosa or specialty coffee alongside any entrée from Lyla’s brunch menu, such as the signature Lyla Burger, the Braised Short Rib Hash, or the classic Steak Sandwich. It is the perfect blend of upscale patio vibes and the signature comforts that make a Father’s Day brunch feel just right.

Lyla’s Father’s Day Favourites
Lyla Brunch Table $55 per person
Choice of classic mimosa or specialty coffee, any entrée from Lyla’s brunch menu, and Lyla’s famous Pain Perdu, their signature take on French toast and one of the restaurant’s most requested dishes.

#FOOD: TASTE OF LITTLE ITALY ROUNDUP – RADICI PROJECT, FICOA, TONDOU, BAR ALLEGRO, NAARI THAI BBQ, BAR POMPETTE

Taste of Little Italy is officially back from June 12-14, and College Street is bringing all the flavours of Italy to Toronto, in a three-day festival dedicated to food, culture, and community. From street-side snacks to sit-in meals, College Street favourites are stepping outside their doors with signature dishes, featured cocktails, special collaborations, and festival-only offerings. This year, Radici, Naari Thai BBQ, Ficoa, Tondou, Bar Pompette, and Bar Allegro are all celebrating the festival each with their own personalized twist.

Radici Project
IG. @radici_project
📍588 College Street

Where Italy and Japan meet in Toronto, Radici Project is bringing a festival‑ready Taste of Little Italy activation designed for easy street‑side enjoyment. All weekend long, they’re serving an exclusive festival‑only menu featuring their classic Pizza Pocket and beer combo, plus the choice of a Beef Genovese Gyudon‑style pocket or a comforting Eggplant Parmigiana pocket.

For the weekend, Radici Project is dedicating their entire service to the festival, offering their full Taste of Little Italy menu through the activation only. Everything is available while supplies last, so guests should stop by during festival hours to get a taste before it’s gone.

Radici Project Taste of Little Italy Menu
Pizza Pocket
Beef Genovese Gyudon-Style OR Eggplant Parmigiana
Pizza Pocket + Beer Combo
Selection of Beers

Hours of Operation
Friday, June 12: 3:00pm – late (until sold out)
Saturday, June 13: 11:00am – late (until sold out)
Sunday, June 14: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St

Naari Thai BBQ is going all in for this year’s festival and is an absolute must for festival-goers looking to enjoy a decadent meal with the bold flavours of Thailand. From 12–3pm, guests can enjoy a three‑course lunch for $35, while the $45 dinner menu runs from 4–10pm. Dishes include their aromatic BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay served with a turmeric, soy, and tamarind dipping sauce, a classic Pad Thai, and the standout Scallop Paan, a refined bite of charcoal‑seared chilled sea scallop with Thai bird chilies and betel leaf.

To elevate the experience even further, Naari Thai is featuring three festival cocktails: the Tamarind Honeycomb, a silky blend of Toki Whisky, tamarind purée, and honeycomb; the Lychee Coconut, a bright and creamy mix of vodka, lychee syrup, and coconut milk; and the Mango Chipotle, with Reposado tequila, mango, chipotle, chili, and lime.

Naari Thai Taste of Little Italy Featured Cocktails
Tamarind Honeycomb $21
2 oz Toki Whisky | Tamarind purée | Honeycomb
Lychee Coconut $19
1.5 oz Vodka | Lychee syrup | Coconut Milk
Mango Chipotle $20
2 oz Reposado Tequila | Mango | Chipotle | Chili | Lime

Ficoa
IG. @ficoa.to
📍585 College St

Built on a passion for neo-Latin cuisine and the belief that food brings us together, Ficoa is ready to celebrate Taste of Little Italy. Running for all three days, Ficoa is serving a sophisticated and flavour-packed featured menu that highlights the vibrant dishes at the heart of their cooking. Enjoy fresh ceviche, indulge in oysters or share their chicharrón and guac duo, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Raise a glass to the weekend with one of their featured cocktails. Lean into the Italian spirit with a classic Aperol Spritz, or embrace Ficoa’s signature style with their fan‑favourite margarita. It’s the perfect stop for anyone craving bold flavours, good company, and that unmistakable festival energy.

Hours of Operation
Friday, June 12: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Ficoa Taste of Little Italy Menu and Cocktails
Ceviche $12.00
Fresh ceviche with classic pico, sweet potato purée, and a trio of chips, tortilla, plantain, and taro for texture in every bite.
Chicharrón & Guac $15.00
Creamy guacamole topped with crispy chicharrón. Rich, crunchy, and full of the bold flavours that define Latin American cooking.
Oyster $20.00
Fresh oysters shucked in-house, served with a classic mignonette and salsa picante for a touch of heat. (half dozen)

Cocktails
Aperol Spritz $12.00
A refreshing Italian classic featuring Aperol, sparkling wine, and soda, served over ice with a fresh orange garnish. Bright, citrus-forward, and perfect for summer patio dining during Taste of Little Italy.
Michelada $12.00
A bold and savoury beer cocktail prepared with fresh lime juice, house seasoning, and signature spices, delivering a refreshing balance of citrus, spice, and umami flavours.
Margarita $12.00
Ficoa’s famous traditional margarita, combining tequila, fresh lime juice, and citrus notes for a refreshing and festive summer cocktail experience.
Corona Beer

Tondou
IG. @tondoutoronto
📍596 College St

A beloved neighbourhood spot known for its soulful broths and comforting Japanese flavours, Tondou Ramen is joining Taste of Little Italy with a simple but standout festival feature. Their Karaage Bō featuring crispy fried chicken skewers is the star of the weekend at just $10, offering the perfect savoury bite between festival stops.

Open all three days of the festival, Tondou is also offering their full appetizer selection and regular menu for dine‑in, giving guests the option to enjoy a quick snack or settle in for a comforting bowl of ramen. Whether guests are craving something light and crispy or a classic ramen fix, Tondou is a reliable stop to recharge and savour Japanese comfort food in the middle of the festival buzz.

Tondou Taste of Little Italy Menu
Karaage Bō $10.00

Bar Allegro
IG. @barallegro_to
📍597 College St

In front of Bar Allegro, a Campari‑partnered stand will be pouring bold, bittersweet Negroni Spritzes, bringing a touch of modern aperitivo culture to the festival. Known for its relaxed, European‑inspired approach to cocktails and wine, Bar Allegro is extending that easygoing spirit onto College Street for the weekend. Guests can grab a spritz and keep the festival energy moving as they make their way through Taste of Little Italy.

Bar Allegro Taste of Little Italy Menu
Negroni Spritz

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
📍607 College St

Right outside Bar Pompette, guests will find a dedicated Aperol stand serving refreshing Aperol Spritzes to go, the perfect sip before heading back into the Taste of Little Italy crowds. Recently named No. 2 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars 2026, and No. 8 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026, Bar Pompette continues to be one of the city’s most celebrated hot spots. For anyone looking to take a breather from the festival, the bar’s walk‑ins‑only patio offers a welcome break from the action, with a shaded place to sip, snack, and reset between stops.

Bar Pompette Taste of Little Italy Menu
Aperol Spritz

Suite 115
IG. @suite115.to
📍607 College St

Award winning Suite 115, Ranked No. 74 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended list and No. 13 on Canada’s Best 100 Bars 2026, is joining in for Taste of Little Italy, bringing their signature speakeasy inspired atmosphere to the festival. Throughout the weekend. Suite 115 will run a simple outdoor menu featuring cold beers and light snacks, while keeping its full cocktail list and regular walk-in service available inside for guests looking for the complete experience. Outside, guests will find two tents: one for easy grab‑and‑go orders, and a second tent designed as a relaxed space to recharge, and enjoy a breather from the busy street.

Hours of Operation
Friday: 3:00pm – 1:00am
Saturday: 12:30pm – 1:00am
Sunday: 12:30pm – 10:00 pm

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT CELEBRATE 1ST ANNIVERSARY WITH GUEST MURAL

One of Toronto’s most serene and compelling dining rooms is marking its first year in a way that feels exactly on brand: intimate, thoughtful, and rooted in community.

Beginning April 23 and leading up to its official anniversary on April 30, Radici Project is inviting guests to become part of the restaurant itself, literally.

Each evening from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, guests can stop by to have their name hand-written in Japanese calligraphy by co-founder and sake sommelier Kayo Ito. Every name will be added to a custom jigsaw puzzle that will live permanently in the restaurant, forming a collective artwork built by the very people who have supported Radici Project since day one. Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

It’s a simple but striking idea that blends Japanese tradition with Italian philosophy – a nod to radici, or “roots,” and the belief that a restaurant is only as meaningful as the community around it.

“Radici has always been about the connection between cultures, ingredients, and people,” says Ito. “This felt like a natural way to honour everyone who has walked through our doors and supported us in our first year.”

The activation runs daily from April 23 to April 29, with guests encouraged to drop in early before dinner service to participate.

The celebration continues online with a one-week Instagram giveaway, also running from April 23 to April 29. Guests can enter to win dinner for four featuring Radici’s Essence Menu by following the restaurant, liking the post, and tagging the friends they’d bring along.

On April 30, Radici Project will mark its official anniversary with understated in-room touches rather than a traditional party. Guests dining that evening will be welcomed with a complimentary sparkling sake toast and a caviar bump, adding a celebratory note to the experience without disrupting the restaurant’s signature atmosphere.

The completed calligraphy puzzle will be unveiled and installed in the space following the anniversary, becoming a permanent fixture and a reminder that Radici Project’s first year was built not just by its team, but by its community.

Radici Project was founded by Chef Emiliano Del Frate and sake sommelier Kayo Ito, who first met while working together in Toronto. Their partnership grew over time, from collaborators to partners in life, shaped by travels across Europe and Japan that continue to influence their work today. The restaurant is a reflection of that shared journey, with its name, Radici (“roots” in Italian), serving as both a tribute to their story and a symbol of the life they’ve built together in the city where it all began.

At its core, Radici’s menu draws from Itameshi — a style of cooking that blends Japanese and Italian traditions — brought to life through high-quality Canadian ingredients and a strong sense of seasonality. The result is a thoughtful, technique-driven approach where both cuisines meet naturally in their shared respect for simplicity and precision.

In a city where restaurant anniversaries often lean loud, Radici’s approach is refreshingly intimate and all the more meaningful for it.

Radici is located on 588 College Street in Toronto. Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici Project is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through seasonal menus rooted in sustainability and Canadian ingredients. Radici’s dual-concept space features both a natural wine bar and an intimate chef’s table dining experience, offering thoughtful sake and wine pairings alongside its cuisine.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCE

Little Italy’s Radici Project (588 College St.) will transform its dining room into a tranquil Japanese tea setting on Sunday, March 22, for one afternoon only. It will be led by tea masters Mika Sato and Satoshi Yoshikawa of Mika, a Toronto-based Japanese botanical and craft studio. The event will run from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, and will introduce guests to ceremonial matcha and premium Japanese teas through guided tastings paired with seasonal bites by Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate. It is designed for tea enthusiasts and matcha lovers who wish to explore the deeper nuances of these exceptional teas, offering a hands-on experience that reveals the ritual, precision, and craftsmanship at the heart of Japanese tea preparation.
Tickets are $80 per guest (inclusive of taxes and gratuity), and include the tea ceremony and seasonal bites. Due to the ceremonial format and limited seating of 12 guests, reservations are expected to sell quickly. Bookings can be made HERE.

During the event, Mika and Satoshi will also showcase and offer their handmade ceramics and tea wares for purchase, allowing guests to experience the craftsmanship behind the ceremony firsthand.

The Experience

The event will run across the seatings from 12:00–1:30 p.m., accommodating 12 guests. Participants will be divided into two groups and rotate between two tea stations, spending approximately 40 minutes at each before switching.

This tea ceremony will feature two matcha teas by each master.

At the first station, Satoshi Yoshikawa will guide guests through ceremonial matcha preparation.

Participants will taste usucha, the lighter whisked matcha most commonly served in tea ceremonies, and koicha, a thicker and more concentrated style of matcha known for its deep umami flavour and formal cultural significance. For matcha enthusiasts, koicha offers a different profile than the familiar bowl of matcha — richer, more intense, and traditionally served in smaller portions.

The next station, led by Mika Sato, will highlight premium Japanese loose-leaf teas, including gyokuro, a shade-grown tea prized for its sweetness and layered umami, and charcoal-roasted sencha, whose warm roasted notes provide a striking contrast to the delicacy of matcha.

To complement the teas, Chef Emiliano Del Frate will present seasonal finger foods paired to each tea, perfectly reflecting Radici Project’s philosophy of blending Italian technique with Japanese culinary influence.

The Philosophy
This collaboration reflects the philosophy behind Mika, the Toronto studio founded by Mika Sato. Inspired by the countryside of her childhood in Hiroshima, Sato created Mika as a space to bring the calming presence of nature and Japanese craft into urban life. Her work blends botanical design, pottery, and traditional Japanese aesthetics—an approach shaped by her study of ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese floral art form.

Joining her is Satoshi Yoshikawa, a ceramic artist originally from Okayama, Japan, who trained in pottery across Okinawa, Okayama, and Bizen. Specializing in wood-fired ceramics used for tea and sake, Yoshikawa draws inspiration from traditional Japanese kiln techniques and has exhibited his work in Japan before continuing his practice in Canada.

For Toronto’s growing community of matcha enthusiasts and tea lovers, the event offers an experience of traditional tea preparation, handcrafted ceramics, and the meditative philosophy behind Japanese tea culture—all within the intimate setting of Radici Project. Bookings can be made HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici Project is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through seasonal menus rooted in sustainability and Canadian ingredients. Radici’s dual-concept space features both a natural wine bar and an intimate chef’s table dining experience, offering thoughtful sake and wine pairings alongside its cuisine.

About Mika
Founded by Hiroshima-born artist and designer Mika Sato, Mika is a Toronto-based studio and retail space that blends Japanese craftsmanship with nature-inspired design. Drawing from her upbringing in the Japanese countryside, Sato creates botanical works and handcrafted ceramics—including kokedama moss balls, terrariums, and unique pottery—that bring a sense of calm and natural beauty into urban spaces. Since opening in 2017, MIKA has become a destination for thoughtfully curated plants, handmade goods, and Japanese cultural pieces that encourage a more mindful connection to nature.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT WELCOME PASTRY CHEF AIKO UCHIGOSHI FOR ONE NIGHT EXPERIENCE

On March 12, Little Italy’s Radici Project, located at 588 College St, will welcome MICHELIN-starred pastry chef Aiko Uchigoshi as guest chef for a special one-night dining experience. The seasonal dining experience brings together chef Emiliano Del Frate’s Global fine-dining pedigree and chef Aiko’s mastery of elegant Japanese desserts. Chef Aiko will present her desserts, crafted with specialty ingredients sourced from Japan, across both the Immersive and Essence menus. The eight-course Immersive menu featuring five savoury dishes, one petit fours from chef Emiliano, and 2 desserts from chef Aiko, will be priced at $195 (plus taxes & gratuity). The five-course Essence menu, featuring four savoury offerings from chef Emiliano and one dessert from chef Aiko, will be priced at $110 (plus taxes & gratuity), with an option to add another dessert at an extra cost. Reservations can be made for the Immersive menu HERE and Essence menu HERE.

Designed as a cross-cultural experience, the menus pair savoury courses from executive chef and co-founder Emiliano’s Italian-Japanese techniques, with Aiko’s precise, detail-driven pastry work.
Originally from Italy, chef Emiliano has trained at internationally acclaimed kitchens including DaNico, Noma, and Don Alfonso, and has played a key role in shaping fine-dining restaurants in Toronto and abroad. At Radici, he upholds sustainability while exploring the dialogue between Italian and Japanese cuisine.
Hailing from Yamaguchi, Japan, chef Aiko Uchigoshi brings more than 2 decades of impressive knowledge and experience in the art of pastry. She incorporates her mastery of Japanese flavours and French baking techniques into her breathtaking desserts and has been awarded multiple times for her skill in the sugar arts and cake craftsmanship. Chef Aiko began her career with Aburi Restaurants Canada in 2012 and was an important member of the Miku Toronto opening team when the restaurant brand expanded in 2015.

Reserve your seats now via OpenTable HERE and HERE to enjoy this special dinner!

About Aiko Uchigoshi
Chef Aiko Uchigoshi is the MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef at Aburi Hana and also leads the pastry programs at Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, and Aburi Tora at Yorkdale. She brings over two decades of experience and a mastery of Japanese flavours to her elegantly crafted desserts, shaped by her journey from Yamaguchi to the heart of Toronto’s Aburi culinary scene. Uchigoshi has won multiple awards in sugar and cake competitions in Japan, notably securing first place for three consecutive years in a distinguished pastry competition for chefs under 23, a reflection of her refined technique and creative artistry.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

#FOOD: VALENTINE’S DAY 2026 MENUS – MINAMI, ANTLER, LYLA, RADICI PROJECT, MIKU, FICOA, ABURI TORA, NO VACANCY, FAVORITES THAI

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with some of Toronto’s most compelling dining destinations—including award-winning and MICHELIN-recognized restaurants—each offering thoughtfully crafted menus and elevated experiences designed for the occasion. From refined tasting menus and seasonal pairings to intimate, ingredient-driven dinners, Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, Radici, No Vacancy, Lyla, Antler, Aburi Tora, and Favorites Thai invite guests to mark the holiday through exceptional food, thoughtful beverage programs, and warm hospitality. Whether planning an intimate dinner for two or a special evening out, each restaurant offers a distinct approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Toronto.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with an elegant five-course tasting menu created by Head Chef Nao Akutagawa and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi. Available from February 13 to 15 at Minami Restaurant starting at 4:00 pm, the experience is priced at $110 per person plus tax and gratuity and is designed for a relaxed and romantic evening. The menu highlights contemporary Japanese cuisine, including a surf and turf main featuring Japanese Wagyu and Alaskan scallops. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional four-course wine pairing or a featured Valentine’s cocktail, crafted to complement each course. Guests can book this romantic evening HERE.

Whether planning an intimate date night or a special celebration, Minami offers a sophisticated setting where contemporary Japanese cuisine, artful presentation, and warm hospitality come together. Minami’s Valentine’s Day experience is a memorable way to mark the occasion and share an evening centered around exceptional food and connection.

Valentine’s Day menu | $110
Wine Pairing I $40

Featured Cocktail I $16
Rose Kiss
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Rosewood Rosé
Strawberry Syrup, Mint, Soda Water

Toro & Ikura Monaka
Caviar, Kimizu
Santa Margherita Prosecco, ITA

Aburi Sashimi
Hamachi, Maguro, Hokkaido Scallop
AIX Provence Rosé, FRA

Sushi Selection
Aburi Madai Nigiri, Aburi Chutoro Nigiri, Snow Crab Nigiri,
Botan Ebi with Salmon Oshi Bite, Wagyu Uni Don
Stratus Chardonnay, CAN

Surf & Turf
Japanese Wagyu X, Alaskan Scallop,
Peppercorn Jus, Cauliflower Puree
Marc Jambon Beaujolais Villages, FRA

Hojicha Tiramisu
Ladyfinger Sponge, Hojicha Ganache

Miku
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will celebrate Valentine’s Day with two special experiences, inviting guests to spend the day and evening indulging in contemporary Japanese cooking and floral artistry.

Earlier in the day, Miku Toronto will host a Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon featuring acclaimed Ikebana artist Aya Sugino, priced at $150 per person plus tax and gratuity, with the Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, also available.

In the evening, the restaurant will present a seven-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi at $180 per person plus tax and gratuity, accompanied by live music and an optional wine and sake pairing available for an additional $55. The Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, will also be available for $17.

Together, the experiences offer couples the option to celebrate with a creative daytime luncheon, a romantic evening tasting menu, or both. Guests can reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon HERE, and reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu HERE.

Valentine’s Day 7-course Menu I $180
Wine Pairing I $55
Featured Cocktail I $17
Scarlet Silk
Hornitos tequila, Soho lychee liqueur, peach schnapps,
cranberry, yuzu, edible pink glitter

The Uni Cocktail
Uni, Botan Ebi, Hamachi, Chutoro, Cauliflower, Romanesco,
Swiss Chard, Cucumber, Arare, Sorrel, Truffle Ponzo Dashi
Jansz Premium Cuvee

Hassun
Mozuku Crab Kaiso Salad with Ikura
Scallop with Kabocha Velouté
Lobster Tart with Edamame & Pea Purée
Steelhead Smoked Salmon with Caviar
Herring Roe with Miso Crumble & White Strawberry
Octopus Glazed in Soy & Citrus
Masumi Suzumisake Junmai Ginjo

Sashimi Duo
shared plate
Oysters with Pear Mignonette, Akami Rose, Hotate,
Kobujime Hirame, Kanpachi
Château Maligny Chablis

Umi Tomato Dashi
Mussels, Clams, Cod, Squid
Tanaka x Chartier Blend 001

Sushi Duo
shared plate
Torotaku Heart Maki with Amaebi & Ankimo
Tachiuo & Foie Gras Bites
Atlantic Salmon Temari with Yukari Rice
Wagyu Nigiri with Truffle Powder & Black Truffle
Costaripa Rosa Mara Valtenesi

Brome Lake Duck Duo
Togarashi Spiced Duck Breast & Duck Confit Croquette, Duck Jus,
Roasted Grapes, Pickled Mushroom, Sweet Potato, Pea Shoots
Château Teyssier, Montagne St Emilion

Oishii Strawberry Shortcake
Oishii Koyo berries, Salted Valrhona Dulcey Glacé, Pistachio Cookie Crumble

The Valentine’s Day tasting menu unfolds over seven courses, beginning with seafood-driven dishes and concluding with an Oishii Strawberry shortcake layered with Valrhona Dulcey glacé and pistachio crumble by Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi.

The Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon includes a guided one-hour Ikebana session with Aya Sugino, with all materials provided, including vase, flowers, and floral décor, followed by an Ikebana-inspired sushi set curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero.

Radici Project
IG. @radici_project
📍588 College St.

Radici Project will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a seasonal multi-course tasting menu designed to highlight the creativity of the kitchen and the best of the season’s bounty. Priced at $200 per guest plus tax and gratuity, the Valentine’s Day experience invites guests to celebrate love through a thoughtfully composed dining journey. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional seasonal wine and sake pairing for $70, or a non alcoholic pairing featuring house-made juices and crafted zero-proof cocktails for $50. Guests can reserve a spot HERE.

Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu

Rose
Cranberry Lemon

Aperitivo
Cacio e pepe takoyaki
Oyster- Quince, Horseradish oil
Scallop- Prosciutto broth, Soba, Beets
Nori waffle- Smoked tofu, Black truffle

Crab
Sunchoke, Caviar, Smoked hay

Karaage
Sorrel, Latticello

Somen
Parmigiano, Sea urchin, Caviar

Spoja Lorda al Cuore
Heart-shaped stuffed pasta, baccalà mantecato, black trumpet mushroom dashi

Canadian Wagyu
burnt celeriac, Saskatoon berry, pomme soufflé, water spinach

Dessert

Heart roses kogashi

Strawberry shortcake
Rose cream

Petite Fours

Set in Radici’s intimate dining room, the evening will unfold with soft music in the background and artistic Ikebana floral arrangements throughout the space, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that mirrors the beauty and creativity of the dishes being served.

No Vacancy
IG. @novacancyto
📍74 Ossington Ave

From February 13-15, No Vacancy invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s —or Galentine’s— with a limited lineup of exclusive, themed cocktails crafted for the occasion. Set within its signature candlelit atmosphere, the bar will offer an intimate backdrop for evening gatherings, date nights, and celebratory toasts alike.

A destination for couples, friends, and groups celebrating any occasion, the experience highlights the venue’s late-night atmosphere while introducing limited-time Valentine’s cocktail features available throughout the weekend. Reservations are recommended and can be made HERE.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lyla with a four-chapter Prix Fixe Dinner designed for sharing. On February 13-15, guests are invited to settle in at Lyla for a $119 per person, family-style menu that moves from a Petit Plateau of oysters, hamachi and scallop ceviche to crowd-pleasing mains like linguine all’aragosta and Canadian prime striploin, finishing with Fraisier, a bright, strawberry-forward dessert with passionfruit, vanilla sponge, and a silky ganache. For those looking to elevate the evening, guests can add a $69 beverage pairing or a $49 caviar tin alongside the first course.

Guests can reserve this showstopping dinner via OpenTable HERE.

Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner
$119 per person | Served Family Style
Chapter 1
Petit Plateau
East Coast Oysters
ponzu pearls, chervil, shallots
Hamachi
topped plum wine jelly, ponzu, pomegranate seeds
Scallop Ceviche
potato, cilantro, lime juice
Chapter 2
Cauliflower
hummus, pomegranate, honey, confit garlic sauce, mint
Burrata
marinated roasted red peppers, fried capers, sourdough, salsa verde
Chapter 3
Linguine All’Aragosta
atlantic lobster, vsop lobster bisque
Striploin
10 oz Canadian Prime Striploin, gruyère pomme purée, au poivre jus, sauteed spinach
Chapter 4
Fraisier
strawberry & passionfruit gel, sour cream panna cotta, vanilla sponge cake, chocolate soil, white chocolate ganache, strawberry sauce
Add-ons available:
Optional Valentine’s Day Beverage Pairing: $69.00
Optional Add on Caviar Tin to your Petit Plateau: $49.00

Antler
IG. @antlerkitchenbar
📍1454 Dundas St. W

Antler invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with a thoughtfully composed five-course tasting menu available Saturday, February 14, 2026. Offered exclusively for one night, the experience is priced at $129 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional $65 wine pairing designed to complement each course. Available from 3:00 pm to 9:45 pm, the menu reflects Antler’s distinctly Canadian approach, highlighting carefully sourced ingredients and refined technique.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
$129 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Wine Pairing: $65 + tax and gratuity
Maritime Oysters
Heart and Soul
roasted bone marrow & heart tartare
Sturgeon Roulade
fennel, tomato & caviar
Bison Tenderloin
uni butter & dauphinoise potato
Chocolate Torte
whiskey barrel ice cream

Whether planning an intimate Valentine’s dinner or a special celebration, Antler offers a warm, refined setting to mark the occasion through seasonally driven dishes and thoughtful hospitality. Reservations are now available HERE.

Ficoa
IG. @ficoa.to
📍585 College St

Ficoa invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s weekend in Toronto with a special dining experience available Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. Throughout the weekend, Ficoa will exclusively offer its signature tasting menu ($120 per person) alongside a dedicated Valentine’s Day menu priced at $95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. An optional cocktail pairing is available for $75 to complement the menu. Seating times are offered at 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM, creating multiple opportunities to enjoy the experience. Reservations are available at the link HERE.

Valentine’s Day Menu
$95 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Cocktail Pairing: $75 + tax and gratuity
Bienvenida
PEI oyster in xoconostle aguachile, served with Prosecco
Primero
Ceviche Caribeño – Scallop, aji amarillo leche de tigre, coconut-agave gel, prosecco, crispy ginger, taro
Segundo
Gaonera de Wagyu – Tortilla maiz, guacamole, salsa de molcajete
Tercero
Moqueca de Langosta – Peppers, coconut cream
Cuarto
Pay de Queso chocolatoso – Strawberry & hibiscus compote, strawberry & rosewater shortbread
Final
Oishii Strawberry

Whether planning a romantic evening or a celebratory night out, Ficoa’s Valentine’s weekend offering highlights the restaurant’s bold, contemporary approach to Neo-Latin cuisine, pairing vibrant flavours with thoughtful hospitality in an intimate setting.

Aburi Tora
IG. @aburitoratoronto
📍612B-3401 Dufferin Street

Aburi Tora, located inside Yorkdale Shopping Centre, is featuring a Valentine-inspired feature menu called Be My Love, created by Young Son, that celebrates romance through refined Japanese flavours and playful touches of sweetness. Available from February 11–28, this limited-time offering highlights delicate seafood, vibrant seasonal ingredients, and elegant desserts — each dish thoughtfully designed for sharing, indulgence, and moments worth savouring.

From the luxurious Truffle Lobster Nigiri to the visually striking Aburi Hotate Sashimi with strawberry shiso salsa, alongside heart-themed cocktails and classic wagashi, every item balances sophistication with a subtle nod to Valentine’s Day. Whether for date nights, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, Be My Love Features invites guests to experience love at first bite. No reservations are needed to dine here.

Be My Love Features
Heart Highball
strawberry puree, lychee, lime juice, whiskey, gingerale, heart-shaped strawberry
Truffle Lobster Nigiri
lobster, black truffle, truffle miku sauce
Red Roll
Yellow fin tuna, crab meat, tamago, asparagus, wasabi masatake
Aburi Hotate Sashimi
Hokkaido scallop, strawberry shiso salsa, strawberry puree, Hanoho flower
Wagashi
White bean paste, red bean paste

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
📍141 Ossington Ave

For those planning a Valentine’s dinner for a more intimate and chef-driven approach, Favorites Thai will offer a 6-course prix fixe experience priced at $110 per person–exclusive of tax and gratuity– on February 14. Guests have the option to add beverage pairings for an additional $50 per person. Led by head chef Ronnie Xu, the four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand–recognized restaurant recently introduced a refined menu shaped by his travels through East Asia, emphasizing charcoal cooking, fire-driven technique, and balanced Thai flavours. Guests can expect signature Thai flavour profiles alongside evolving dishes that highlight Japanese binchotan charcoal grilling and foundational elements such as nam jim, delivering bold yet precise flavours in a warm, energetic setting suited for date nights or small gatherings.

Reservations are available on Opentable HERE.

#FOOD: VALENTINE’S DAY 2026 MENU ROUND-UP – MINAMI, MIKU, RADICI PROJECT, LYLA, ANTLER

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with some of Toronto’s most compelling dining destinations—including award-winning and MICHELIN-recognized restaurants—each offering thoughtfully crafted menus and elevated experiences designed for the occasion. From refined tasting menus and seasonal pairings to intimate, ingredient-driven dinners, Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, Radici, Lyla, and Antler invite guests to mark the holiday through exceptional food, considered beverage programs, and warm hospitality. Whether planning an intimate dinner for two or a special evening out, each restaurant offers a distinct approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Toronto.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with an elegant five course tasting menu created by Head Chef Nao Akutagawa and MICHELIN starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi. Available from February 13 to 15 at Minami Restaurant starting at 4:00 pm, the experience is priced at $110 per person plus tax and gratuity and is designed for a relaxed and romantic evening.The menu highlights contemporary Japanese cuisine, including a surf and turf main featuring Japanese Wagyu and Alaskan scallops. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional four course wine pairing or a featured Valentine’s cocktail, crafted to complement each course. Guests can book this romantic evening HERE.

Whether planning an intimate date night or a special celebration, Minami offers a sophisticated setting where contemporary Japanese cuisine, artful presentation, and warm hospitality come together. Minami’s Valentine’s Day experience is a memorable way to mark the occasion and share an evening centered around exceptional food and connection.

Valentine’s Day menu I $110
Wine Pairing I $40
Featured Cocktail I $16
Rose Kiss
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Rosewood Rosé
Strawberry Syrup, Mint, Soda Water

Toro & Ikura Monaka
Caviar, Kimizu
Santa Margherita Prosecco, ITA

Aburi Sashimi
Hamachi, Maguro, Hokkaido Scallop
AIX Provence Rosé, FRA

Sushi Selection
Aburi Madai Nigiri, Aburi Chutoro Nigiri, Snow Crab Nigiri,
Botan Ebi with Salmon Oshi Bite, Wagyu Uni Don
Stratus Chardonnay, CAN

Surf & Turf
Japanese Wagyu X, Alaskan Scallop,
Peppercorn Jus, Cauliflower Puree,
Marc Jambon Beaujolais Villages, FRA

Hojicha Tiramisu
Ladyfinger Sponge, Hojicha Ganache

Miku
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will celebrate Valentine’s Day with two special experiences, inviting guests to spend the day and evening indulging in contemporary Japanese cooking and floral artistry. Earlier in the day, Miku Toronto will host a Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon featuring acclaimed Ikebana artist Aya Sugino, priced at $150 per person plus tax and gratuity, with the Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, also available. In the evening, the restaurant will present a seven-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi, $180 per person plus tax and gratuity, accompanied by live music and an optional wine and sake pairing available for $55. The Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, will also be available for $17. Together, the experiences offer couples the option to celebrate with a creative daytime luncheon, a romantic evening tasting menu, or both. Guests can reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon HERE, and reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu HERE.

Valentine’s Day 7-course Menu I $180
Wine Pairing I $55
Featured Cocktail I $17

The Uni Cocktail
Uni, Botan Ebi, Hamachi, Chutoro, Cauliflower, Romanesco,
Swiss Chard, Cucumber, Arare, Sorrel, Truffle Ponzo Dashi
Jansz Premium Cuvee

Hassun
Mozuku Crab Kaiso Salad with Ikura
Scallop with Kabocha Velouté
Lobster Tart with Edamame & Pea Purée
Steelhead Smoked Salmon with Caviar
Herring Roe with Miso Crumble & White Strawberry
Octopus Glazed in Soy & Citrus
Masumi Suzumisake Junmai Ginjo

Sashimi Duo
shared plate
Oysters with Pear Mignonette, Akami Rose, Hotate,
Kobujime Hirame, Kanpachi
Château Maligny Chablis

Umi Tomato Dashi
Mussels, Clams, Cod, Squid
Tanaka x Chartier Blend 001

Sushi Duo
shared plate
Torotaku Heart Maki with Amaebi & Ankimo
Tachiuo & Foie Gras Bites
Atlantic Salmon Temari with Yukari Rice
Wagyu Nigiri with Truffle Powder & Black Truffle
Costaripa Rosa Mara Valtenesi

Brome Lake Duck Duo
Togarashi Spiced Duck Breast & Duck Confit Croquette, Duck Jus,
Roasted Grapes, Pickled Mushroom, Sweet Potato, Pea Shoots
Chateau Teyssier, Montagne St Emilion

Oishii Strawberry Shortcake
Salted Valrhona Dulcey Glacé, Pistachio Cookie Crumble

Love Is In The Air cocktail
Scarlet Silk
Hornitos tequila, Soho lychee liqueur, peach schnapps,
cranberry, yuzu, edible pink glitter

The Valentine’s Day tasting menu unfolds over seven courses, beginning with seafood driven dishes and concluding with an Oishii Strawberry shortcake layered with Valrhona Dulcey glacé and pistachio crumble by Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi.

The Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon includes a guided one hour Ikebana session with Aya Sugino, with all materials provided including vase, flowers, and floral décor, followed by an Ikebana inspired sushi set curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero.

Together, the experiences offer guests two distinct ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from a daytime luncheon to an evening tasting menu, or the opportunity to enjoy both.

Radici Project
📍588 College St.
IG. @radici_project

Radici will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a seasonal multi course tasting menu designed to highlight the creativity of the kitchen and the best of the season’s bounty. Priced at $200 per guest plus tax and gratuity, the Valentine’s Day experience invites guests to celebrate love through a thoughtfully composed dining journey. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional seasonal wine and sake pairing for $70, or a non alcoholic pairing featuring house made juices and crafted zero proof cocktails for $50. Guests can reserve a spot HERE. Pairing prices may increase based on the cost of seasonal wine and sake.

Set in Radici’s intimate dining room, the evening will unfold with soft music in the background and artistic Ikebana floral arrangements throughout the space, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that mirrors the beauty and creativity of the dishes being served.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lyla with a four-chapter Prix Fixe Dinner designed for sharing. On February 13-15, guests are invited to settle in at Lyla for a $119 per person, family-style menu that moves from a Petit Plateau of oysters, hamachi and scallop ceviche to crowd-pleasing mains like linguine all’aragosta and Canadian prime striploin, finishing with Fraisier, a bright, strawberry-forward dessert with passionfruit, vanilla sponge, and a silky ganache. For those looking to elevate the evening, guests can add a $69 beverage pairing or a $49 caviar tin alongside the first course. Guests can reserve this showstopping dinner via OpenTable HERE.

$119 per person // Served Family Style

Chapter 1
Petit Plateau
East Coast Oysters
ponzu pearls, chervil, shallots
Hamachi
topped plum wine jelly, ponzu, pomegranate seeds
Scallop Ceviche
potato, cilantro, lime juice

Chapter 2
Cauliflower
hummus, pomegranate, honey, confit garlic sauce, mint
Burrata
marinated roasted red peppers, fried capers, sourdough, salsa verde

Chapter 3
Linguine All’Aragosta
atlantic lobster, vsop lobster bisque
Striploin
10oz Canadian Prime Striploin, gruyère pomme purée, au poivre jus, sautéed spinach

Chapter 4
Fraisier
strawberry & passionfruit gel, sour cream panna cotta, vanilla sponge cake, chocolate soil, white chocolate ganache, strawberry sauce

Add-ons available:
Optional Valentine’s Day Beverage Pairing: $69.00
Optional Add on Caviar Tin to your Petit Plateau: $49.00

Antler
IG. @antlerkitchenbar
📍1454 Dundas St. W

Just days after reopening in its newly reimagined space, Antler invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with a thoughtfully composed five-course tasting menu available Saturday, February 14, 2026. A MICHELIN-recognized restaurant, Antler will offer the experience exclusively for one night, priced at $129 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional $65 wine pairing designed to complement each course. Available from 3:00 pm to 9:45 pm, the menu reflects Antler’s distinctly Canadian approach, highlighting carefully sourced ingredients and refined technique.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
$129 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Wine Pairing: $65 + tax and gratuity
Maritime Oysters
Heart and Soul
roasted bone marrow & heart tartare
Sturgeon Roulade
fennel, tomato & caviar
Bison Tenderloin
uni butter & dauphinoise potato
Chocolate Torte
whiskey barrel ice cream

Whether planning an intimate Valentine’s dinner or a special celebration, Antler offers a warm, refined setting to mark the occasion through seasonally driven dishes and thoughtful hospitality. The menu is subject to change. Reservations are now available HERE.

#FOOD: NAGAN X RADICI PROJECT COLLABORATION

On Friday, January 30, 2026, Little Italy’s Radici Project, located at 588 College St, Toronto, ON, will host a standout chef collaboration with Naagan, ranked No. 9 on Canada’s 100 Best New Restaurants 2025. Running from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the immersive dining experience brings together Italian Japanese technique at Radici Project with Chef Zach Keeshig’s Indigenous culinary perspective from Naagan for a 10 course collaborative tasting menu, celebrating contrast, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling through food. Tickets for this unique event will be priced at $200 (plus taxes & gratuity) and are available for purchase HERE.

Beverage pairings will be chosen on-site, with guests selecting between alcoholic or non-alcoholic options. Non-alcoholic options for the evening are designed by MICHELIN-trained beverage consultant Hugo Togni, co-founder of Toronto’s acclaimed Bar Pompette—ranked No. 1 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars 2025, No. 55 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, and No. 7 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025—and founder of the beverage consulting company Mirabelle. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.
Guests will be welcomed with a non-alcoholic welcome drink during the reception from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm where they will have an opportunity to mingle with chefs Emiliano Del Frate and Zach Keeshig, alongside Hugo Togni.

The collaboration is rooted in a shared philosophy of cooking with intention, passion, and respect for craft. At Radici Project, Italian Japanese technique serves as a foundation for thoughtful, innovative storytelling, while Naagan approaches food as a reflection of land, community, and Indigenous tradition. Together, the chefs create an experience that honours culture, creativity, and the belief that meaningful cooking begins with care for both ingredients and the stories they carry.

With limited seating, this chef collaboration offers an intimate opportunity for guests to experience two celebrated culinary masters in one room for one night only. Reservations are required and can be made HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

About Naagan
Naagan, meaning “dish” in Ojibwa, is an intimate 17 seat restaurant located in the heart of Owen Sound, Ontario. Rooted in Indigenous culture, Naagan is a space where food, art, and education come together to celebrate hyper local abundance and the natural beauty of the land. The menu is guided by close relationships with Mother Earth, featuring ingredients that are foraged, grown, or sourced from local farmers, fishers, and hunters, with non local ingredients replaced by regional flavours such as sweetgrass and sea buckthorn. Through its seasonally evolving tasting menus, Naagan is committed to elevating Aboriginal cuisine and placing it alongside the world’s most celebrated culinary traditions.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT AND OZAWA CANADA PARTNER ON SAKE DINNER PAIRING

Radici Project, a Japanese-Italian fine dining restaurant located at 588 College Street, invites guests to an exclusive sake dinner in collaboration with Ozawa Canada, taking place on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. This event will feature a 6-course dinner paired with 7 sakes from Ozawa Canada’s wide range of sakes. The menu, curated by Radici Project’s Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate, will highlight the restaurant’s signature blend of Japanese and Italian flavours through an elevated dining experience. Guests will also be joined by Shotaro Ozawa, President of Ozawa Canada, who will lead the sake experience and guide guests through each pairing.

Tickets are priced at $190 (plus taxes & gratuity), with limited seating available. Guests can reserve their spot now via OpenTable HERE.

Co-owned by husband-and-wife Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, who also serves as Radici’s manager and sake sommelier, Radici Project is a family-owned restaurant where every guest is welcomed as part of that extended family. This evening will be no exception. Chef Emiliano and the Radici team will guide guests through each of the six courses, while Shotaro Ozawa offers insight into the selection, temperature, and nuances of each sake. With Radici’s unique concept, the dinner also highlights how sake can beautifully complement more than just traditional Japanese cuisine. Each pairing has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the flavours of the menu and celebrate the harmony between Italian and Japanese culinary artistry.

With only a select number of seats available, this evening promises an intimate, immersive experience that brings together Toronto’s vibrant culinary and beverage communities for one memorable night.

About Radici Project

Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

About Ozawa Canada

For 40 years Ozawa has been a pioneer and leader in supplying authentic and quality Japanese food, alcohol, and restaurant supplies to restaurants and hotels in Toronto and beyond. Family owned and operated, our exceptional personal service has resulted in over 80% of Toronto. Japanese restaurants putting their trust in Ozawa.