Are you looking to support local during these crazy times? There are quite a few new restaurants around the city that have just opened their doors and may not be getting the attention they deserve. Here’s a short list you should check out whether that be for dine-in or take-out – you choose!

Scuba Jay’s Bar

Kensington - 302 10th Street NW
scubajaysbar.com

What used to be Midtown Kitchen and Bar has now been taken over by a fresh new establishment called Scuba Jay’s Bar. This new watering hole offers local beers, wine, spirits, snacks, and even live music, although we’re not too sure how social distancing measures have affected their weekly events. This is a great spot to grab a beer, eat some finger food, and hang with friends!

Triple O’s

Southeast – Dufferin Boulevard SE
tripleos.com

This west coast burger franchise specializes in scrumptious burgers, fries, milkshakes, and even breakfast sandwiches to boot (available until 11am). They offer a wide range of beef, chicken, fish, plant-based and veggie entrees with all your favourite sides to go with. What we really like is that they emphasize using locally-sourced ingredients; they are supporting local, and we should too!

Ponshu

Crowfoot – 10 Crowfoot Circle NW
ponshu.ca

This new sushi restaurant has taken over Sakana Grill’s location in the Crowfoot shopping area, and boy oh boy we’re happy that it did. They do sushi in a way that will keep you coming back for more, with an emphasis on using only the highest quality of ingredients. We highly recommend trying the smoked tuna tataki, although everything we tried was absolutely delicious. This place is a bit on the expensive side but the experience is well worth every penny.

Annabelle’s Kitchen

Downtown – 111 8th Avenue SW
annabelleskitchen.ca

Annabelle’s Kitchen has recently opened up a new location in the city centre; the authentic Italian cuisine offered at its Marda Loop venue has made a serious impression on us locals. I absolutely loved their variety of antipasta for finger food pickings, leading up to a delicious thin crust pizza called lust for life with chicken, mozzarella, red onion, shishito peppers and parmesan cream sauce – a must try in my books!

Indian Express (formerly Mat’s Diner)

Kensington – 1126 Kensington Road NW
matsdiner.ca

One of my favourite weekend breakfast / brunch / lunch spots is closing its doors. Well, kind of. As soon as I heard about Mat’s Diner changing into a new restaurant called Indian Express, I knew I was going to miss their breakfast poutine but was also excited to try the new authentic Indian dishes on the way. If Indian Express has food that’s as good as Mat’s Diner, we’re in for a pleasant surprise! Keep an eye out for its grand opening!

Hope you and your loved ones stay safe and warm in the months ahead!