#FOOD: MIZNON UNION STATION TORONTO NOW OPEN!

Miznon, the globally celebrated fast-casual concept by celebrity, Michelin starred Chef Eyal Shani, will open its newest, highly anticipated Toronto location on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in Union Station’s vibrant ‘Foodie Aisle.’ Launching on the second anniversary of its wildly popular first in Canada spot in Yorkville, Miznon Union is bringing its bold, innovative flavours and inventive Mediterranean fare to Canada’s busiest transport hub in spectacular style.

To mark this milestone, Miznon Union is unveiling three exclusive, limited-edition pitas, never enjoyed before in North America, with a fashionable culinary “drop,” giving food lovers an exclusive, time-limited taste of Miznon’s creative brilliance. Each pita will roll out sequentially over the first three weeks, beginning with the Adom Pita combining hanger steak, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, sliced and tossed with tomato, onion, scallions and chili pepper, grilled to order, and served in a pita with tahini and Miznon’s spicy green sauce. Fans of Miznon’s exceptional vegetarian fare will not be left out as they too can enjoy The Adom Veggie, offering all of the Adom’s goodness without the meat. The Adom pita will be available for one week only with additional exclusive pitas announced at the start of each of the next two weeks. Guests are invited to try them before they roll in and out as quickly as the trains at Union Station.

Limited Edition Adom Veggie (picture in banner)

In addition to its signature pitas, Miznon Union offers a convenient grab-and-go counter featuring fresh salads, daily-prepped portions of “The Best Hummus You Will Ever Eat,” and the same vibrant energy that has made its Yorkville and Castlefield locations fan favourites.

Founded by celebrity Chef Eyal Shani, the visionary behind a global portfolio of acclaimed restaurants such as HaSalon, Port Sa’id, and the Michelin-starred Shmoné in New York City, Miznon Union offers a vibrant addition to Toronto’s culinary scene. Miznon Union is in the company of a diverse selection of market-style cuisine from some of the city’s top chefs. Conveniently located right next to the entrance to Scotiabank Arena, it’s the perfect spot for commuters on the go, sports fans cheering on the Leafs, Raptors, or Blue Jays, and concertgoers heading to Scotiabank Arena or the nearby Rogers Centre. It’s also an ideal choice for anyone exploring Toronto’s cultural attractions or seeking a high-quality, made-to-order meal during the workday. Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go option or a satisfying sit-down experience, Miznon delivers on every front.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of Miznon and our very special food with so many people who pass through Union Station every day,” said Eli Benchetrit, President of Miznon Canada. “We know how passionate Torontonians are about Miznon, and we hope that by making it even more accessible, they’ll continue to embrace the vibrant flavours and energy we’re known for. Of course, we’ll keep it exciting by offering exclusive pita drops that can only be enjoyed here, making every visit to Miznon a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Miznon is wild Mediterranean street food with pitas and plates infused with Chef Shani’s rebellious spirit and passion for pure ingredients. The creative dishes are lovingly prepared fresh daily with what is in season and produced locally, and the result is ‘Miznon Magic’.

Miznon Union offers 2470 square feet of space with family style seating for up to 55 people and, in addition to tables, includes casual seating for individual dining and guests on the go. Miznon Union offers electronic ordering stations for self-service and, above the bar are Miznon’s signature overhead racks, both functional and aesthetically interesting, used to openly store vegetables such as sweet potatoes and whole cauliflowers alongside sage (burned daily for positive energy). In addition, produce such as tomatoes and chilies are incorporated holistically into the décor, reminding us of the artistry and beauty in fresh produce.

Famed worldwide for its whole roasted cauliflower, and an array of inventive pita sandwiches, Miznon’s Folded Cheese Burger was originally crafted for its first New York City location and earned the title of Best Burger in New York City by Time Out. In every city, Miznon infuses local flavours into its menu, creating a signature pita that reflects the spirit of the city and its culinary culture. Toronto’s signature creation, the Smoked Maple Steak Pita, fondly nicknamed “Toronto Smoke”, is exclusive to Miznon Toronto and will be available on the Miznon Union Station menu. This masterpiece features smoked brisket drizzled with rich Ontario golden maple syrup, topped with garlic aioli, mustard, and pickles, capturing the essence of both the city and Canada as a whole.

Since opening its first Canadian location in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood at 1235 Bay St. in February 2023, Toronto diners have been enjoying the popular signature pitas such as the Minute Steak, Lavan, Falafel Burger, Wild Mushrooms, Lamb Kebab, and the Fish-n-Chips, ranked number one on Streets of Toronto’s list of Best Sandwiches in the city.

Other favourites include the unique Run Over Potato (a flattened baked potato festooned with sour cream, garlic, dill, and scallions), Bag of Green Beans (green beans with a perfume of lemon, salt, and olive oil) and of course the item that became a culinary cult phenomenon, The Original Whole Roasted Baby Cauliflower, named by Food & Wine Magazine as one of their 40 Best. Exclusive to the Miznon North America menu is the Bag of Golden Meat – overnight brisket and onions seared on a hot skillet with aioli, and the Candy Steak pita, charred overnight brisket, aioli, mustard, pickles, tomato, and red onion.

The Toronto locations are also the very first Miznons in the world to serve several Halal-certified meats, including lamb and chicken. With quality, freshness, and seasonality at the forefront of the brand, Miznon grinds all meats daily, as well as the chickpeas, for their signature “best hummus that you will ever eat!” The fluffy, perfect Miznon pita is proprietary from one of the Middle East’s oldest pita bakeries, and the tahini, olive oil, and salt are all imported.

Miznon Union marks the 43rd restaurant by Chef Eyal Shani to open worldwide, with 21 Miznon locations globally, 9 of which are in North America, including New York, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Toronto. The first Miznon opened in Tel Aviv in 2011 before expanding to Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, the UK and Singapore.

So thrilled to experience MIZNON UNION STATION!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

For more information, visit www.miznon.ca.

Follow @miznonto

About Miznon

In 2011, the first Miznon opened in Tel Aviv and has since expanded to Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, and Singapore, and in 2018, the first US Miznon opened in Chelsea Market, New York City. In 2023, the brand expanded North to Canada, opening its first location in Toronto. Miznon uses fresh and seasonally inspired ingredients to create a new kind of Mediterranean street food. The vision is to take the flavor of each city and translate it into a pita. We take the energy, the groove, the desires, the limitations, the beauty, and the food and express it all in one pita.

About Eyal Shani

Chef Eyal Shani was born in Jerusalem in 1959. His culinary passion was first instilled in him by his grandfather, an agronomist, and a dedicated vegan, who exposed him to local markets, fields, and vineyards from a young age.

In 1989, he opened his first restaurant “Oceanus” in his hometown of Jerusalem. There, he developed a unique culinary language based on regional Mediterranean products: olive oil, fish, tahini, fresh seasonal vegetables, and of course, the tomato.

Since opening his fine dining restaurant HaSalon in Tel Aviv, Shani is now the inspiration and the leading chef of 43 highly successful restaurants worldwide. His restaurants include Port Sa’id, Romano, Miznon, North Abraxas, HaSalon, Malka and more in Tel Aviv as well as Miznon locations in Vienna, Paris, London, Melbourne, Singapore, New York, Dallas, and Las Vegas, and HaSalon, the Michelin nominated Shmoné, Naked Tomato, Port Sa’id and North Miznon, all in New York City, and the upcoming opening of Malka in Brooklyn.

Shani is considered one of the leading figures in the Israeli culinary scene, starring in the TV series “Food for Thought” and appearing on the panel of judges during the past six seasons of Israeli “Master Chef.” Follow @eyaltomato

#FOOD: STREETS OF TORONTO NAME BEST 12 NEW RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO

Streets of Toronto (Post City) is pleased to unveil its May cover which boasts the Best 12 New Restaurants as picked by Michelin Chefs. The ranking highlights the best places to eat from the people who know food best. The restaurants were selected for their delectable meals, unique cocktails and, of course, ambience. Michelin Chefs such as Don Alfonso’s Danielle Corona, R&D’s Eric Chong, Fat Pasha’s Anthony Rose, and Alma’s Anna Chen selected their favourite spots to eat. 

Top 12 new restaurants in Toronto:

• Alder
• Sunny’s Chinese
• Casa Madera
• Chantecler
• Dotty’s
• Miznon
• Casa Paco
• Kachiguda Junction
• Sampo
• New Century
• Hawker
• Ramen Buta-Nibo

The criteria was a delectable and unique menu, superb cocktails and ambiance. “Great cocktails, a focused wine list and a great selection of shareable plates makes Alder a must-try in Toronto,” said Chef Kyle Rindinella of Enoteca Sociale, about the top new restaurant on the list.

Honourable Mentions, as chosen by Streets of Toronto (Post City):
● Prime Seafood Palace
● Golden Peacock
● Bitter Melon
● Miss Likklemore’s
● Henry’s Restaurant and Wine Bar
● Lao Lao Bar
● Danny’s Pizza Tavern
● AP
● Adrak

The feature can be accessed here (page 46). Find out more in the May issue of Streets of Toronto (Post City), available on newsstands throughout the GTA and online at https://streetsoftoronto.com.

#FOOD: MIZNON TORONTO

Chef Eyal Shani has redefined Israeli Street Food around the world with this resounding success story, MIZNON. The Toronto location of this popular eatery is just one of 40 restaurants around the globe owned by Shani, who is a beloved culinary figure in his native Israel, even starring as Head Judge on MasterChef Israel. Ambitiously launching in the City’s upscale Yorkville Village, having a more casual-leaning dining option at reasonable price points in the neighbourhood actually makes a lot of sense. And if the response since opening February 3rd has been any indication, Shani has yet another hit on his hands.

We were so thrilled finally to be able to try MIZNON and we were not disappointed. The festive and open space at Yorkville Avenue x Bay Street is as vibrant and colourful as the food it serves. The bustle of the kitchen is in plain sight and servers are energetic and attentive. Our eyes went to the displays of fresh local produce like tomatoes and cauliflower throughout the restaurant, and also the proud graffitti naming all the cities where MIZNON has thrived over the years.

Placing our trust in the staff at MIZNON TORONTO with recommendations, we would not be disappointed. Firstly, we’ve never experienced a Pita like the ones served here. Soft, fluffy and pillow-like, paired with a plate of what literally is The Best Tasting Hummus That You Will Ever Eat, aromatic in its roasted sesame notes and laced with chilis – just the way we love it. The signature Minute Beef (thinly-sliced Short Rib) In-a-Pita was juicy and inviting, brightened by pickles and a little heat. The Original, World-Famous Roasted Baby Cauliflower was outstanding – charred and caramelized with a sprinkling of sea salt for balance. And did you know you can eat the leaves? Mindblowing. The real showstopper though is an item we haven’t seen much of on Instagram – yet. The Fish-n-Chips In-a-Pita is an exceptional value, with pieces of grilled Branzino stuffed into the fluffy flatbread with Garlic Aioli, potato and vinegar. Just absolutely to die for.

Our thoughts and more in this highlight reel:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong)

MIZNON TORONTO is located at 1235 Bay Street, Toronto. Website here.

Expect waits during peak times. The plus side though, is that food is served at lighting-quick speed.

IG: MiznonTO

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)