Carbelle Djossa

1 month ago | tastetoronto.com | Christine Peddie |Carbelle Djossa

Save for clamorous flocks of pigeons and the dusty side effect of speeding mopeds, Tha Phae Tavern looks every inch the part of the landmark that shares its name. Cheery and bustling, it’s edged in red brick and trimmed with colourful paper lanterns, with a crimson songthaew truck tucked against the back wall. Claw machines blip from the corner, while the heady scents of herb-perfumed bone broth and flame-grilled pork jowls tumble through the room.

1 month ago | tastetoronto.com | Erica Commisso |Carbelle Djossa

Pretty much every Torontonian has, at this point, had a meal at PIANO PIANO. Victor Barry’s handful of restaurants under that moniker have found homes across the city, from its original Harbord Street location to a Colborne Street outpost. He’s now looking west, opening yet another Instagram-worthy restaurant on Bloor Street West. With this opening, he said, he has a strong message in mind. “PIANO PIANO is not just pizza and pasta anymore. Maybe that's what we were known for at first.

1 month ago | tastetoronto.com | Erica Commisso |Carbelle Djossa

Matty Matheson leaves a bit of his heart in each of his restaurants. It creates a certain level of continuity, sure. More importantly, though, it brings love, care and passion into each space, showcasing pieces of his childhood, his life, in each restaurant he opens. It’s no different at Bar Clams, his Atlantic Canada-inspired eatery on the west side of Toronto.

2 months ago | tastetoronto.com | Erica Commisso |Carbelle Djossa

The key at Chamberlain’s Pony Bar is to expect the unexpected. An upscale equestrian environment meets a down-to-earth, nostalgic drink menu and Mexican food options designed to be shared. Dim, moody lighting - almost a cornerstone of a King West bar - frames a distinctly British bar, complete with panelling, metallic trim, and exposed brick.

Feb 28, 2025 | tastetoronto.com | Erica Commisso |Carbelle Djossa

AYLA, as described by its owners and chefs, is a love letter to Hong Kong, but it’s also so much more than that: it’s a celebration of love, of friendship, and of travels across the globe. Restaurateurs - and real-life couple - Ivy Lam and Craig Wong are very familiar with this little corner of Dundas West - their restaurants June Plum and Patois sit just below their latest venture, and Lam says that the space becoming available was the start of everything just falling into place.