#FOOD: WORLD CUP TORONTO DINING OPTIONS ROUND-UP

World Cup frenzy is hitting the City of Toronto, with many international visitors looking for the best places to dine at while they’re in town. Here are some ideas in and around the City that showcase some of the best Toronto has to offer!

Takja BBQ House
Takja BBQ House, where chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang are continuing to raise the bar for Korean dining in Canada with an updated Hansang experience for spring/summer. The new menu features elevated seafood offerings, premium cuts grilled tableside, and a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot — a traditional Korean cast iron pot currently used at Takja exclusively in Canada. Reservations here.

Oroshi Fish Co.
Oroshi Fish Co. offers thoughtfully curated sushi platters for your World Cup viewing parties with family and friends! These stunning sushi sets come with chopsticks, seasoned soy, wasabi and gari which allows the party host to focus on spending time with friends and the game instead of worrying about food prep. Order here.

George Restaurant
GEORGE Restaurant is a MICHELIN-recommended fine dining destination located in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory in Toronto’s Old Town. Since 2003, Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto has led the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in seasonal ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and deeply personalized tasting experiences. GEORGE is owned by the Verity Group of Companies, founded by Mary S. Aitken, C.M. Reserve here.

Chaiiwala of London
For those running to catch the game or want to order takeout for a World Cup watch party, Chaiiwala of London offers quick, easy and tasty traditional chai and South Asian street foods with a nod to contemporary food trends. Signature offerings include Karak Chaii, Pink Chaii, Karak Coffee, and street food favorites like Desi Breakfast, Bombay Toastie, and indulgent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. Find your nearest location here.

Riley’s Toronto
Toronto’s hottest new opening is the Michelin-recognized Riley’s. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable steakhouse and seafood concept that reimagines modern dining through craftsmanship, comfort, and community. It combines the refined service and theatrical flair that Glowbal Hospitality is known for with a menu that celebrates premium Canadian beef, sustainable seafood, and a curated raw bar experience. Reservations here.

Black + Blue Toronto
Located in the financial district, Black + Blue is Canada’s premier steak dining experience. They offer the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic twist. They take great pride in being Kobe Beef certified, in addition to offering our guests a selection of the world’s rarest cuts. Black + Blue has private dining room options to host your watch parties with friends and colleagues. Reserve here.

Isaan Der
Isaan Der is Toronto’s only Northeastern Thai restaurant, led by Chef Ko. During the World Cup, they are offering a World Cup Grilled Platter and Beer Tower at only $109!

The World Cup Special includes: Grilled short ribs, Grilled pork ribs, Moo ping, Isaan sausage, Wings, Som tum, Shrimp chips, Sticky rice Beer Tower!! The combo platter is perfect for sharing with 5–6 people as you cheer for your favourite team! More here.

Hello Nori
Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, they are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. The team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan while delivering exceptional hospitality.

The striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to their brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates the guests’ imaginations. Focusing on sustainability, they proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize their environmental impact. More here.

Simpl Things
SIMPL THINGS is a cozy, all-day cocktail, wine, and snack bar in Toronto inspired by vintage Miami design. Known for its playful seasonal menus, inventive drinks, and community-driven atmosphere, SIMPL THINGS celebrates connection through thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and good vibes—from brunch to last call. Reserve now here.

(Photo credit: BMO Field)

#FOOD: RILEY’S TO LAUNCH AT 144 WELLINGTON ST. W

Glowbal Restaurant Group is bringing its signature West Coast hospitality to Toronto once again with the upcoming launch of Michelin-recommended Riley’s Fish & Steak, a refined fish-and-chophouse dining experience set to open at 155 Wellington St. W (beside the Ritz-Carlton) in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown core.

Following the celebrated debut of Black+Blue Toronto, Riley’s marks the next evolution in Glowbal Restaurant Group’s expansion into the market, which will offer a sophisticated yet inviting setting for locals, visitors, and business diners alike. Riley’s Toronto will bring together the finest offerings from Canada’s oceans, pastures, and farms in an expansive space designed for connection, celebration, and culinary excellence.

Guests can expect standout chophouse classics such as Oysters Rockefeller, Crab Cakes, and the show-stopping King Chilled Seafood Tower, alongside new chef-driven creations including Lobster Pot Pie, Shrimp Bolognese, and Prime Rib carved tableside. Signature sides and starters round out the menu, as well as a curated cocktail list, top-tier wine program, and selection of local craft beers complete the experience.

“Toronto is one of the most dynamic culinary cities in North America, and we’re thrilled to expand our presence here,” says Emad Yacoub, President & CEO of Glowbal Restaurant Group. “With Riley’s, we’re building a destination around exceptional food, unforgettable hospitality, and live entertainment – a place people will want to return to again and again.”

Complementing the menu is a room design inspired by the soft hues of sunrise and sunset – warm oranges, golden tones, and deep purples create a tranquil ambiance that transitions beautifully from day to night. Sculptural ceilings, handcrafted tables, and curved architectural features add to the elevated yet comfortable setting, with an emphasis on intimacy and contemporary elegance.

Adding to the dynamic atmosphere, Riley’s will feature live music five nights a week, showcasing a rotating lineup of local talent. The entertainment program brings energy and soul to the space, making every evening at Riley’s feel like a special occasion.

For opening updates and sneak peeks, follow @rileysfishandsteak on Instagram or
visit rileysrestaurant.ca.

About Riley’s Fish & Steak
Set to open in early 2026, Riley’s Fish & Steak will introduce a fresh take on upscale fish-and chophouse dining to Toronto’s Financial District. Known for its commitment to premium ingredients, bold flavours, and exceptional hospitality, Riley’s is part of the Glowbal Restaurant Group portfolio — which also includes Toronto’s Black+Blue, and Canadian West Coast destinations like Glowbal, Coast, Black+Blue Vancouver, and Five Sails.

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#FOOD: THE RARE TOUR TORONTO STOP: BLACK+BLUE X CAPA

Globally-renowned culinary series THE RARE TOUR makes its only Canadian stop in Toronto at BLACK+ BLUE STEAKHOUSE in Financial District, running now through March 28, 2025. For this limited engagement, Executive Chef Morgan Bellis teams up with CAPA‘s Chef Casper Sobczyk on a special Four Hands Dinner, which some fortunate diners will get to experience. For those who don’t know, Michelin-rated CAPA has been named the number 23 World’s 101 Best Steakhouse and Sobczyk flew-in specially to give Toronto a taste of something unique and rare.

The sumptuous four course dinner with wine pairings is a delight to the senses, highlighting the premium cuts of meat that make BLACK+BLUE the standout that it is, along with flavours and inspiration that have made CAPA famous. This cannot be missed.

We had the privilege of enjoying the FOUR HANDS DINNER. We were surprised by a Beef Tenderloin and Oyster pairing, floored by B+B‘s exquisite sushi, mesmerized by the spinach crêpe and pastry-wrapped Beef Wellington prepped by Chef Dennis Peckham, plus their otherwordly dessert called The Apple. Let’s not forget a very intentionally Canadian wine list.

Highlights below:

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Reservations here.

EMAD YACOUB, Founder and CEO of Glowbal Restaurant Group, which BLACK+BLUE is a part of, tells us that his Vancouver sensation RILEYS FISH & STEAK is on its way soon next to Toronto!

BLACK+BLUE also hosts Happy Hour daily 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)