#FOOD: CONVIVIUM DINING COMMUNITY TO OPEN NEW EUROPEAN-INSPIRED DINING CONCEPT

Announced today, a three-level culinary and cultural destination—Convivium Dining Community, will open in the heart of downtown Toronto later this spring. Housed at 83 Yonge Street, this European-inspired concept will offer a thoughtfully curated menu alongside an immersive environment designed for gathering, discovery, and connection.

Designed by Dull Genius Design, Convivium marries historic charm with modern sophistication. Nestled in a heritage building dating back to 1857, the restaurant pays tribute to the Tin & Copper Smith Building, which has stood for over 160 years. Each floor of this historic space will offer a unique experience. The main floor will feature casual yet elegant dining, while the second floor will boast intimate private rooms and a craft cocktail bar. The vibrant third floor will serve as an event and celebration space, accommodating up to 100 guests. Prior to Convivium, the building was the birthplace of The Evening Star—a precursor to the Toronto Star—long serving as a hub for artisans, creators, and journalists. The ambiance at Convivium reflects this rich legacy, seamlessly blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance, making it the perfect destination for everything from casual lunches to intimate dinners.

The name “Convivium,” derived from Latin, refers to a social gathering centered around sharing meals and experiences. True to its name, this new Toronto restaurant and venue will offer a warm, inviting space where guests can escape the bustle of city life, connect with one another, and enjoy a genuine sense of community. Intended to serve as more than a restaurant, Convivium Dining Community will offer the city a new kind of downtown hub for food, culture, and community. The space will regularly host art exhibitions, wine tastings, charity events, and large-scale private events, offering a dynamic calendar of curated cultural programming that reflects Toronto’s diversity and artistic energy.

Maxim Popov, founder of Convivium, explains his vision: “I wanted to create a strong community that brings together hospitality, art, wine education and culture — a place where people can connect not only over great meals, but also through shared passions such as exhibitions, wine masterclasses and performances. A space that inspires.”

Convivium’s kitchen will be run by Executive Chef Oxana Glazkova, who has created a menu that focuses on seasonality at its core. “Every dish is a story waiting to be told,” Chef Glazkova says. The menu will feature Canadian-sourced meats, Atlantic seafood, and house-made balsamic and dressings infused with unique flavors like sea buckthorn and lingonberries. Guests can expect a menu that moves away from simple dishes and embraces complexity and tradition. One of the signature dishes, the Black Angus Tartare, has been reimagined entirely—presented on a confit or terrine of aged, pressed, and deep-fried potato, it will deliver a sublime contrast of crisp and tender. A whisper of chili aioli and a crown of black caviar elevate the dish into a celebration of elegance and depth, with each element thoughtfully placed to create a perfect bite.

Another cornerstone of Convivium’s culinary identity is the menu’s dedication to soups. While often overlooked on Canadian menus, Chef Glazkova sees soups as foundational—an expression of balance, warmth, and culinary memory. The restaurant will feature a rotating selection of 15-17 soups, including chilled varieties for summer, emphasizing a commitment to technique, texture, and storytelling through a bowl. Some are delicate and airy espuma; others, deeply rich with layers of flavor steeped in time-honored tradition.

The restaurant operations will be led by General Manager Gio Stefanopoulos, a seasoned hospitality professional with an impressive track record of opening more than 13 restaurants in Toronto, including Milos, LAB, and Paralia by the Sea. With extensive international experience spanning Australia, Europe, and Canada, Gio has mastered a diverse range of hospitality styles — from the Hard Rock Café to Luxury Waterfront Hotels and bustling Italian establishments. Throughout his career, Gio has collaborated with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, including Lefteris Lazarou, Giannis Baxevanis, Wolfgang Von Wieser, Gordon Ramsay, and Master Matsuhisa. His leadership at Convivium will focus on delivering personalized service, impeccable hospitality standards, and unforgettable guest experiences at every touchpoint.

The beverage program will feature a carefully curated wine list with organic and biodynamic selections from Europe, Canada and Australia. The cocktail menu will focus on craft drinks created with house infusions, small-batch spirits, and seasonal ingredients—merging old-world European inspiration with modern mixology techniques.

The grand opening date for Convivium Dining Community will be revealed in the coming weeks. To stay informed and get the latest updates, visit www.myconvivium.com (website update to come) and follow @conviviumto on Instagram

UPDATE (6/13/25): CONVIVIUM DINING COMMUNITY has officially opened its doors and is now open for reservations. Some highlights:

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