Tony Award winner Ari’el Stachel made his first visit to Toronto, hot off an off-Broadway engagement of his acclaimed solo play, OTHER. He brings his one-man show to Leah Posluns Theatre in North York for one night only, practically selling-out the venue.

The show has him exploring his Israeli-Yemeni and Ashkenazi roots with humour, a look at identity, his crippling anxiety, and resilience, through various characters he plays in this show.

Stachel has been very selective about his catalog of work but has had some very memorable turns in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Don’t Worry Darling, and Zola.

So nice meeting Stachel ahead of his show. He was so kind to take a moment and will be meeting fans following the show. An unforgettable night in North York!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s all THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE again this weekend, leading its second frame with $71 million for Universal Pictures. This takes it already to $310 million domestically in just two weekends.

Next up is PROJECT HAIL MARY with $25 million for Amazon MGM Studios, a tally of $257 million grossed over four weeks.

Third is THE DRAMA with $8.5 million for A24/VVS Films in its second weekend.

YOU, ME & TUSCANY debuts in fourth with $8.3 million from 3,151 theatres, for Universal Pictures. It gets 68% on the Tomatometer.

HOPPERS gets fifth for Disney, with $4 million, taking its domestic run to $157 million.

Rising actor Chad Andrews steps confidently behind the camera with his new short film The Butchers, a darkly comic, high-stakes thriller marking his writing and directing debut. The film is currently touring the festival circuit, including a screening at the 2026 Pendance Film Festival on February 28th at 8:00 PM at Carlton Cinema in Toronto and the 2026 Toronto Shorts International Film Festival at Paradise Cinema on March 21st at 8:00 PM, before making its red- carpet premiere on April 9th at The Royal in Toronto. Following these screenings, the film will make its global debut on YouTube on April 10, 2026. The film positions Andrews not only as a formidable on-screen presence, but as an emerging filmmaker with a sharp, assured voice and a fearless approach to genre.

Best known for his work opposite Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo in Netflix’s The Madness, Andrews has built a career defined by range and intensity, with credits spanning AMC’s Hell on Wheels, CBS’s Ghosts, Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, Netflix’s Ripple, and the Prime Video feature The Princess and the Bodyguard, where he portrayed British Royal Charles. With The Butchers, Andrews channels more than a decade of acting experience into a project that feels both deeply personal and wildly unrestrained, a natural evolution of an artist long immersed in storytelling.

A dark comedy thriller with razor-sharp pacing, The Butchers follows Steve played by Chad Andrews, and Morgan played by Andrew Merrigan, two best friends who also happen to be psychopathic butchers selling human body parts on the black market. When they arrive in the city hoping to impress a powerful crime boss, they realize, far too late, that they’ve forgotten the only thing they needed… a body. What follows is a spiraling chain of bad decisions, escalating violence, and absurd desperation as the duo fights to survive before becoming victims of their own incompetence.

The film hinges on the volatile dynamic between Steve and Morgan — Steve, the tightly wound strategist, and Morgan, his physically imposing yet strangely tender counterpart. Together, they form a partnership that is as unsettling as it is oddly intimate, anchoring the film’s escalating chaos in a twisted but sincere sense of loyalty. Equal parts tension and dark humor, the film explores morality, devotion, and the unsettling idea that even the most monstrous people are capable of genuine connection.

The film had its festival premiere in Los Angeles in December 2025 at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival, where it went on to win the Outstanding Cast Award, an early signal of Andrews’ confident command of both performance and direction. The cast includes Andrews himself as Steve, alongside Andrew Merrigan as Morgan and Conni Miu as Carissa. Miu, known for her roles in Priscilla, The Boys, and FOX’s breakout hit DOC, also serves as producer on the film, marking her first producing credit and the debut project for Bap House Productions, the independent company she co-founded with Andrews.

Inspired by the real-world concept of body brokering and the moral loopholes surrounding it, Andrews cites filmmakers like Martin McDonagh, Edgar Wright, and Quentin Tarantino as tonal influences, blending violence with wit and emotional truth. At its core, The Butchers is a story about connection and about two deeply flawed men who cling to each other as their only source of understanding in an unforgiving world. Through recurring animal imagery and tightly controlled chaos, the film asks audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about nature, morality, and whether empathy can exist alongside monstrosity.

Behind the camera, The Butchers is supported by an accomplished creative team, including Director of Photography Michael Hitoshi Maddeaux, Canadian Screen Award-winning composer Rachael Johnstone, editor Kevin Tuck, and production designer Magali LaFleur. The project also features an original song, Remains by Grammy-nominated songwriting duo Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk, whose global credits include BTS, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, and Sabrina Carpenter. As Andrews continues to pursue increasingly complex acting roles, The Butcherssignals a decisive expansion of his creative ambitions. With this debut, he demonstrates a keen ability to guide performances, shape tone, and balance genre with emotional depth, laying the groundwork for a promising future behind the camera. He is currently developing his first feature film, By Design.

See the Short Film:

(Photo/video credit: Shawn Goldberg/BAP House Productions)

2x GRAMMY® Award–winning R&B superstar Kehlani returns today with her electrifying new single, “Back and Forth” featuring iconic trailblazer Missy Elliott. The track arrives as the final preview of her forthcoming self-titled album, KEHLANI, set for release on April 24 – her birthday – marking a defining moment in her career. Pre-save album HERE.

“Back and Forth” pairs Kehlani’s signature soulful vulnerability with Missy Elliott’s unmatched charisma and innovation, resulting in a dynamic track that bridges generations of R&B. The collaboration underscores Kehlani’s continued evolution as an artist unafraid to push boundaries while honoring the icons who paved the way.

The single sets the tone for KEHLANI, an intimate and fearless body of work that reflects her clarity, confidence, and creative freedom. A self-titled album often represents an artist’s most personal statement, and Kehlani captures her at her most honest – blending soul-baring storytelling with the lush, genre-defying sound that has made her one of modern R&B’s most influential voices.

ABOUT KEHLANI

Kehlani will open your eyes, open your mind, and open your heart. For as blunt as she may be about life, lust, and love, her music occupies an elevated state above even the best high, yet remains deeply human and accessible with every listen. To date, she has earned over 20 gold and platinum RIAA certifications, tallied more than 5 billion streams, and is now a 2x GRAMMY® Award–winning, 7x GRAMMY® Award–nominated artist, taking home Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for her global hit “Folded”.

She ushered in a new era and dominated the cultural conversation with her 2025 single “Folded,” a soaring anthem that has amassed over 800 million global streams, peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and reached #1 at Urban Radio (for 9 weeks) as well as hit #1 at Rhythmic and R&B Radio. Kehlani also earned her first solo Billboard #1 on the Rhythmic Airplay Chart, claimed the top spot on Apple Music’s R&B charts in both the U.S. and U.K., and reached #22 on Billboard’s Global 200. The song inspired the star-studded “Folded Homage Pack,” featuring fresh interpretations by R&B icons Toni Braxton, Brandy, JoJo, Mario, Ne-Yo, and Tank.

Adding to an already monumental year, Kehlani will also be honored with the Impact Award at the upcoming Billboard Women in Music, where she will deliver a special performance in celebration of her influence on music and culture.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR MICHAEL
IN THEATRES NATIONWIDE ON APRIL 24

FANS CAN ALSO EXPERIENCE THE FILM EARLY WITH ONE-NIGHT- ONLY
EARLY ACCESS SCREENINGS ON APRIL 22 ON IMAX AND PREMIUM FORMAT SCREENS ONLY

Synopsis: MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Genre: Drama, Musical
Release Date: April 24, 2026

Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Written by: John Logan
Produced by: Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo

About Cineplex Pictures
Cineplex Pictures, a division of Cineplex, is a Canadian film distributor specializing in theatrical releases across various genres. Past releases include The Housemaid, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, The Queen of My Dreams, John Wick: Chapter 4, and The Boy and the Heron, with upcoming titles such as Michael, and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping among others.

Today, Grammy Nominated and Diamond-certified superstar Teddy Swims starts  a brand-new era  with “Mr. Know It All,” an instantly catchy and deceptively breezy cut about the pain of romantic self-sabotage. Listen HERE via Warner Records — and watch the visualizer HERE — ahead of Swims’ mainstage Coachella performance this weekend.

“Mr. Know It All” mixes vintage grooves, ’80s rock hook-craft, and lush modern production to build a moody but cool backdrop for Swims’ soul-searching lyrics. Amid sharp pizzicato strings and pillowy guitar, Swims delivers the brutal chorus: “Shoulda told you I could see this coming, like I’m lookin’ right into a crystal ball / When I fall in love it’s with misfortune, oh, I wish I wasn’t Mr. Know It All.” 

Swims spoke on the inspiration behind his refreshingly honest new single:

“‘Mr. Know It All’ explores the idea that love can become a self-fulfilling contradiction. When you believe you already know how it ends, you protect yourself by holding back and that distance becomes the reason it fails. But when you try to fight that fate and control every outcome, you can end up suffocating the connection. It’s about how both fear and control can quietly undo something real. It’s essentially a spin on Robert K. Merton’s concepts of self-destroying prophecy versus the self-fulfilling prophecy also known as ‘The Prophet’s Dilemma’.” 

“Mr. Know It All” reunites Swims with co-writers and producers Julian Bunetta, Ammo, and John Ryan — with additional writing from Eskeerdo and first-time collaborator Ed Drewett — and officially signals the start of a new era following an incredible breakout run that saw Swims become a universally beloved star, a global hitmaker, and an absolute force of nature on stage.

Last year was especially monumental for Swims, who wrapped a sold-out global tour, earned his second career GRAMMY® nod, and made history with his Diamond-certified smash “Lose Control,” which set the record for the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 hit after spending 112 weeks on the chart (and it only left due to a rule meant to make room for others). In addition to topping the Hot 100 and five radio formats, the hit has surpassed 5 billion global streams.

Taking a much deserved victory lap, Swims also released his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Complete Edition) in 2025. The definitive and dynamic 32-track collection unveiled the full vision behind his blockbuster two-part debut album, arriving with six previously unheard tracks. Among those was the emotional “God Went Crazy,” which inspired UPROXX to write, “I could see this lovey-dovey ballad still making waves years down the line at weddings and such.”

Swims also included a song about his newborn son, “Small Hands,” adding extra significance to a tracklist that traces his wild rise across a series of enduring singles from his record-breaking sets I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) and (Part 2). Among those: “Bad Dreams,” “Guilty,” “Are You Even Real” with GIVĒON, “The Door,” and, of course, “Lose Control.”

Still in full stride, Swims recently teamed with DJ/producer David Guetta and Tones And I for “Gone Gone Gone,” a chart-climbing ode to the pull of toxic love driven by undeniable dance-floor rhythms and gospel energy. He also joined Summer Walker for “Allegedly.”

Swims opened the year announcing his Summer 2026 East Coast headline dates alongside a run of major festival appearances. Before kicking off his string of headliners in Uncasville, CT — and after Coachella — Swims will perform at Stagecoach, BottleRock and New Orleans Jazz Fest, eventually wrapping the tour as a headliner at Bonnaroo. 

With a meteoric climb behind him, “Mr. Know It All” out now, and a handful of thrilling dates ahead, Swims is embarking on what looks to be his biggest, boldest, and brightest era yet.

Teddy Swims Tour Dates:

April 10 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

April 17 – Indio, CA @ Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

April 25 – Indio, CA @ Stagecoach Music Festival

May 3 – New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz Festival

May 22 – Napa, CA @ BottleRock Festival

June 4 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena

June 5 – Canandaigua, NY @ CMAC

June 7 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center

June 9 – Norfolk, VA @ Chartway Arena

June 10 – North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Coliseum

June 12 – Easley, SC @ District Park

June 13 – Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

June 19 – Landgraaf, Netherlands @ Pinkpop Festival

June 20 – Isle of Wight, UK @ Isle of Wight Festival

June 22 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ Belsonic

June 23 – Dublin, Ireland @ Malahide Castle

June 25 – Exeter, UK @ Powderham Castle

June 26 – Cardiff, UK @ Blackweir Fields 

June 28 – Glasgow, UK @ Bellahouston Park

June 30 – Woodstock, UK @ Blenheim Palace 2026

July 1 – Lancashire, UK @ TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival

July 3 – Werchter, Belgium @ Rock Werchter 2026

July 4 – Puck County, Poland @ Open’er Festival 2026

July 7 – Stuttgart, Germany @ JazzOpen Stuttgart 2026

July 9 – Madrid, Spain @ Mad Cool Festival 2026

July 11 – Oeiras, Portugal @ Nos Alive 2026

July 15 – Bern, Switzerland @ Gurtenfestival 2026

July 16 – Bontida, Romania @ Electric Castle Festival 2026

July 18 – Ostrava, Czechia @ Colours of Ostrava 2027

July 19 – Berlin, Germany @ Lollapalooza Berlin 2026

July 22 – Scarborough, UK @ TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre

July 23 – Scarborough, UK @ TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre

July 25 – Henham Park, Suffolk, UK @ Latitude Festival 2026

Last night, Prime Video presented the highly anticipated series The House of the Spirits in Madrid, the first Spanish-language adaptation of Isabel Allende’s iconic novel by the same name. The event was attended by Alfonso Herrera, Nicole Wallace, Maribel Verdú, Fernanda Castillo, and Francisca Alegría, representing the series team. Journalist María Gómez was in charge of presenting the event, with well-known personalities attending such as Mirela Balić, Cristina Cifuentes, Eric Masip, Modesto Lomba, Patricia Fernández, and Bea Carpio. The series premieres on April 29, 2026 with three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly until the finale May 13, streaming exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Based on Isabel Allende’s internationally acclaimed novel, The House of the Spirits is an eight-episode family saga spanning half a century, centered on three generations of women—Clara, Blanca, and Alba—in a conservative South American country shaped by class struggle, political upheaval, and magic.

The House of the Spirits stars Alfonso Herrera (Rebel Moon) as Esteban Trueba, with Nicole Wallace (Our Fault) and Dolores Fonzi (Belén) portraying Clara del Valle at different stages of her life. The cast also includes Fernanda Castillo (The Lord of the Skies) as Férula, Aline Kuppenheim (A Fantastic Woman) as Nivea del Valle, Eduard Fernández (The Skin I Live In) as Severo del Valle, Sara Becker (The Movie Teller) and Fernanda Urrejola (Cry Macho) as Blanca, Rochi Hernández as Alba (30 Nights with my Ex), Juan Pablo Raba (News of a Kidnapping) as Tío Marcos, Pablo Macaya (In Her Place) and Nicolás Contreras (Baby Bandito) as Pedro Tercero, among others.

Isabel Allende, Eva Longoria, Courtney Saladino, Stephanie Berk, Ben Spector, and Adam Berkowitz are executive producers alongside showrunners Francisca Alegría (The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future), Fernanda Urrejola (Cry Macho), and Andrés Wood (News of a Kidnapping).x

The series is produced by FilmNation Entertainment, the multi-Academy Award-winning company behind Anora and Conclave, with the support of Fabula, the Chilean Academy Award-winning producer (The Eternal Memory, A Fantastic Woman).

ABOUT THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS

Based on Isabel Allende’s bestselling homonymous book (70M copies sold worldwide) The House of the Spirits is a magnificent family saga that tells the epic tale of a proud and passionate family, secret loves, and bloody revolution. The Trueba family’s passions, struggles, and secrets span a century of violent social change, culminating in a crisis that hurls the proud, tyrannical patriarch and his beloved granddaughter towards opposite sides of the fence.

If you love THE HANDMAID’S TALE, you’ll love its continuation, THE TESTAMENTS. Toronto got a very special surprise with the series’ stars Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Lucy Halliday (Blue Jean), and Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale) returning to the the City where they made the magic happen!

A special purple carpet screening and reception was held at Varsity Cineplex and VIP earlier in the week, followed by a three-day-long press tour promoting the series, based on Margaret Atwood‘s novel of the same name. Mayor Olivia Chow was in attendance even.

THE TESTAMENTS centers on two young women being prepped to become wives, with their lives changing forever after meeting one another.

Some highlights from the Cast’s time in Toronto again:

THE TESTAMENTS streams now on Hulu on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Hulu/Mr. Will Wong)

This patio season, Toronto’s top dining destinations are bringing their best outdoors. From waterfront tables and garden patios to lively terraces and cocktail-forward spaces, spots like Minami Toronto, Tondou Ramen, Favorites Thai, Lyla, Taberna LX, Bar Pompette, Bar Allegro, Little Sister, and Naari Thai BBQ offer standout ways to dine al fresco all summer long. Whether you’re after a sunny afternoon lunch or drinks that turn into dinner, each delivers a distinct patio experience worth booking.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
225 King St. W

Minami Toronto brings a polished, waterfront patio experience to the Harbourfront, offering a seamless blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine and vibrant city energy. Open from April through October, the patio accommodates approximately 40–50 guests and transitions effortlessly from relaxed daytime dining to lively summer evenings. Reservations can be made HERE.

At the core of the experience is Minami’s signature aburi-style sushi, paired with a menu that balances precision, premium ingredients, and visual artistry. Guests can explore a curated Happy Hour Menu featuring items such as Mini Poke Nachos and Truffle Dashi Pork Gyoza, alongside a broader selection of sushi and seasonal plates designed for sharing or full meals.

The beverage program plays a central role, with an extensive offering of wine, sake, and signature cocktails, complemented by dedicated Happy Hour selections during early evening hours.

With its waterfront setting and refined atmosphere, Minami is especially well-suited for date nights, social evenings, and after-work gatherings where elevated food and ambiance are equally prioritized.

TONDOU

596 College St, Toronto

Step into patio season with Tondou Ramen, where a Yatai-inspired patio sets the tone for a lively, casual outdoor dining experience with seating for up to 36 guests. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM (last call at 11:00 PM), the concept invites guests to enjoy bold, flavour-forward ramen in a vibrant street food setting. Signature favourites include the Tonkotsu Special Ramen and Okinawa Soba, alongside a seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20), with Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing cold ramen, arriving in May for the summer months. The average spend ranges from $20–30 per person. Reservations can be made HERE.

Seasonal Menu
Seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen – available starting May)
Key Dishes
Tonkotsu Special Ramen
Okinawa Soba
Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
141 Ossington Ave

A four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient, Favorites Thai brings one of Ossington’s most consistently sought-after patio experiences back for the season. The modern Thai restaurant in Toronto’s west end pairs MICHELIN-recognized credibility with a lively, flavour-forward approach to outdoor dining, centered on bold, shareable dishes and an energetic neighbourhood atmosphere. Reservations can be made HERE.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the 18–20 seat patio is ideal for group dinners, casual nights out, or spontaneous spring and summer plans from May through September. Guests can enjoy Favorites Thai’s full regular menu outdoors, with the option to order à la carte or settle into Chef’s Choice, a six-course experience priced at $100 per person. Guests can add a four-pairing wine experience for $45 per person, with any additional wine pairing available for $10 each. It’s a strong fit for everything from a spontaneous Ossington dinner to a more curated evening that unfolds course by course on the patio. Paired with fruit-driven cocktails and rotating drink features throughout the season, the experience feels polished yet approachable. The full menu can be found HERE.

The patio carries the same tone as the interior—simple, relaxed, and a little bit electric—set against the backdrop of one of Toronto’s most vibrant streets. Rather than a fixed seasonal menu, Favorites Thai highlights its current offerings, with evolving features introduced throughout the summer. The result is a dynamic experience that leans into bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and an easygoing, high-energy atmosphere.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
60 Sudbury St

Lyla welcomes patio season in Queen West with a fully redesigned outdoor space returning in early May (weather permitting), offering an elevated open-air dining experience across multiple dayparts. Ideal for group dinners, stylish brunches, and after-work Aperitivo, the space features U-shaped booths for 6–8 guests and banquette-style tables for smaller parties. Reservations can be made HERE.

Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-driven menu rooted in seasonal ingredients, raw bar selections, handmade pastas, and premium meats, alongside a curated Aperitivo program with cocktails and bites under $20. Service runs daily for dinner (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM), weekday lunch (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM), Aperitivo (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM), and weekend brunch (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM), with pricing ranging from approximately $25–$45 for lunch, $85–$150+ for dinner, and $35–$60 for brunch. It’s especially well-suited for everything from relaxed daytime dining to polished evening occasions.

Lyla’s redesigned 2026 patio introduces a more immersive, design-forward outdoor space with ambient lighting and lush greenery, seamlessly transitioning from daytime lunches into Aperitivo and refined evening dining.

Lunch (Monday–Friday)
Beef Tartare ($21)
Canadian prime beef, pecorino, quail egg, sourdough.
Cavatelli all’Amatriciana ($25)
pork cheek, San Marzano tomato, stracciatella
Steak Sandwich ($33)
grilled picanha, gruyère, crispy shallots, horseradish aioli
Aperitivo at Lyla (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM)
A curated selection of cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks offered at preferred pricing
A dedicated Aperitivo menu featuring refined bites, each offered under $20

Dinner
Hamachi Crudo ($33)
Ponzu, tempura, citrus
Linguine all’Aragosta ($65)
Atlantic lobster, bisque
12oz Canadian Prime Striploin ($89)
au poivre, rosemary
Weekend Brunch
Pain Perdu ($21)
brioche bread, caramel sauce, vanilla bean gelato
Shakshuka ($23)
tomato, peppers, poached eggs, sourdough
Steak & Eggs ($35)
grilled steak, eggs, breakfast potatoes

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
1161 Dundas St W

Taberna LX, a modern Portuguese restaurant in Toronto’s West End, invites guests to experience its rooftop terrace, an elevated, Lisbon-inspired space anchored by a striking 26-foot mural by Canadian artist Madison van Rijn, offering a refined yet playful menu of shareable petiscos, signature mains, Azorean volcanic wines, and globally influenced cocktails led by Isabo Leblanc. Ideal for media, tastemakers, and group dining, the rooftop accommodates approximately 44 guests for à la carte service (first-come, first-served) and is also available for private bookings and full venue buyouts (up to 180 standing / 120 seated), with typical event durations of 4–5 hours during the warmer months. Menu highlights range from $16–$56, with cocktails around $19–$20, showcasing bold, ingredient-driven Portuguese cuisine without a fixed seasonal menu but a strong focus on shareable plates and curated beverage programming. It’s great for stylish rooftop dinners, late-night drinks, and high-energy gatherings in a design-forward setting that feels transportive and distinctly different from the city’s typical patio scene. Reservations and event inquiries can be made HERE.

Sample Menu
Cafe Steak ($56)
A nod to our LX namesake with a nontraditional take on the classic dish.
Francesinha ($27)
Our signature take on the classic—sirloin, mortadella, chouriço, and a fried egg between thick slabs of brioche.
Salt Cod Fritter ($16)
A traditional favorite of salt cod in a very non traditional potato dumpling
Seafood Rice ($32)
A rich seafood rice stew packed with sweet shrimp, cuttlefish and XO sauce
Paixao ($20)

A fun, fresh, and playful take on a sour, featuring lemongrass-tinged Ketel One vodka and passionfruit. An instant summer classic.
Porto ~ Cola ($19)

A bartender’s cocktail and a highly smashable summer entry. Graham’s 10 matching our mural Per Se and house made cherry syrup. Soon to be canned as a “ready to drink ” takeaway cocktail.

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
607 College St

Recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars, Canada’s 100 Best, and ranked among the top cocktail destinations in the country, Bar Pompette, a French inspired bar, reopens its 35-seat patio this May, bringing one of Toronto’s most acclaimed drinks experiences back outdoors for the season. Set in the heart of Little Italy, the patio extends the bar’s signature polished yet effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, now paired with a fresh lineup of seasonal cocktails launching alongside the opening. Expect bright, spring-forward flavours and thoughtfully layered drinks that make the most of the warmer months.

Operating on a walk-in only basis, Bar Pompette is ideal for spontaneous evening plans, whether that’s an after-work drink, a late-night round, or an easy weekend catch-up. The bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Friday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, giving guests plenty of room to settle into the night. With its award-winning bar program, extended late-night hours, and effortless walk-in format, it remains one of the city’s strongest patio destinations for cocktail season.

European-inspired and built around modern aperitivo culture, Bar Allegro moves seamlessly into the season with its 50-seat glass veranda already open, ahead of the outdoor patio debut in May. Designed for elevated snacks, slow sips, and shared moments, the space brings a refined yet easygoing energy that feels ideal for spring evenings and stylish catchups. The transition into patio season feels especially natural here, with the covered veranda already offering a bright, polished setting before expanding outdoors for warmer nights.

Open 7 days a week on a walk-in only basis, Bar Allegro welcomes guests Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday until 1:00 AM. Whether it’s an after-work aperitivo, a relaxed date night, or a longer evening over cocktails and snacks, the experience is designed to unfold at an effortless pace with a distinctly European rhythm.

Little Sister
IG. @littlesisterto
2031 Yonge St
102 Portland St

Patio season returns to Little Sister in mid-May, weather permitting, with both the Portland and Yonge Street locations reopening just in time for spring dining in the city. The Yonge Street location, known for its Indonesian cuisine, will feature a 45-seat street-facing patio, making it a great choice for lively after-work drinks and spring evenings downtown. Meanwhile, Portland brings a Dutch-Indonesian dining experience, with two distinct outdoor options: a 20-seat front patio and a newly refreshed back patio reserved for private group dining, accommodating up to 16 guests across 6 tables. With Portland’s patio relaunch expected the weekend before Victoria Day, the refreshed setting will feel especially timely for the season. Reservations for Portland location HERE and reservations for Yonge location HERE.

To mark the warmer months, Little Sister’s spring/summer drink menu launches in the last week of April, led by a playful seasonal feature: the “Watermelon, Sugar… High” cocktail, made with Absolut Tabasco vodka, watermelon, lime cordial, and fresh mint. Guests visiting throughout the season can also enjoy the daily Happy Jam menu from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with food and drink specials starting at $7. As produce comes into peak season, the cucumber watermelon salad is expected to return in late May, adding a fresh seasonal element that pairs perfectly with patio dining. It’s an easy fit for everything from casual happy hour meetups on Yonge to more intimate group dinners on Portland’s private back patio.

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
501 College St

Patio season at Naari Thai BBQ brings the restaurant’s bold, fire-driven energy outdoors with an intimate 20-seat patio in Little Italy, ideal for warm evenings built around shareable plates and cocktails. Rooted in Southern Thai flavours and live-fire cooking, the outdoor experience is especially suited to dishes like BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, Charred Scallops, grilled meats with sticky rice, and wok-fired favourites, all designed for a lively, communal meal. The Southeast Asia–inspired cocktail program, led by Sakshi Humne, adds to the patio appeal with standout sips like Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle. With its vibrant neighbourhood setting and a chef-led menu built on brightness, balance, and flame, Naari’s patio is poised to be one of Little Italy’s most exciting new spots for the season. Reservations can be made HERE.

Minami Toronto
W. minamitoronto.com
IG. @minamitoronto

Tondou Ramen
W. tondoutoronto.com
IG. @tondoutoronto

Favorites Thai
W. Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai

Lyla
W. lylatoronto.com
IG. @lylatoronto

Taberna LX
W. tabernalx.com
IG. @taberna_lx_to

Bar Pompette
W. pompette.ca
IG. @barpompette_to

Bar Allegro
W. pompette.ca/bar-allegro
IG. @barallegro_to

Little Sister
W. Portland: https://www.littlesisterto.com/ls-portland
W. Yonge: https://www.littlesisterto.com/yonge-street
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Salad queen Mandy’s is opening its fifth Toronto location in a beloved neighbourhood: the Distillery District on May 1st. After more than two decades building one of Canada’s most loved fast-casual salad brands, Mandy’s Salads is officially opening its fifth Toronto location (and 15 overall), bringing its signature pink-hued world and famous salads to a neighbourhood that’s been waiting for it.

This May, sisters Mandy and Rebecca Wolfe will open Mandy’s Distillery District location, marking the brand’s fifth outpost in the city and another exciting milestone in its national expansion.

What began in 2004 as a folding table tucked inside a Montreal boutique has grown into a household name across Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, with Vancouver next on the horizon in Kitsilano and Coal Harbour.

Located at 359 Front St E, the 1,900-square-foot space will offer 30 seats indoors, along with an additional 15-seat patio.

The space also features custom-designed wallpaper created specifically for this location, a curated mix of gorgeous antique pieces, and even restored city lamp posts brought indoors, adding to the charm and character of the restaurant. All of this comes to life under 30 foot high ceilings that make the space feel both grand and inviting.

The Distillery District space brings together signature Mandy’s design with new creative firsts. For the first time, the team has customized its own lighting in collaboration with Stray Dog Designs, paired with a bold Tom Dixon fixture that anchors the room.

Known for richly layered interiors, Mandy’s takes it even further here. Adorning the walls with antique and vintage finds, and introducing a brand-new gallery wall of paintings for the first time, alongside its iconic family wall.

The opening follows closely behind the brand’s spring menu launch on April 30, bringing a fresh wave of seasonal flavours to pair with the new space.

Why the distillery district was a natural expansion for the Mandy’s brand, and why this will be their last location in Toronto

What this milestone moment represents for the brand, and what’s ahead as Mandy’s expands coast-to-coast, with Vancouver up next