Bloor-Yorkville has welcomed a number of new and unique businesses over the last several (challenging) months. As home to some of Toronto’s most coveted restaurants and unique fashion retailers, we’re excited to introduce you to some of our newest restaurants and boutiques, and even a robot-powered coffee shop!
Amal
The space formerly occupied by La Société has been re-imagined by the same owners (INK Entertainment) and relaunched as Amal. The completely redesigned space features decor brought back from Lebanon to complement the new, entirely authentic, modern Lebanese menu. With as much emphasis on the experience as the food itself, Amal invites guests to rejoice in the ambiance of its design, which is reminiscent of Mediterranean terrains. Each Thursday through Saturday, a live DJ will curate playlists to complete the authentic journey. The large terrace overlooking Bloor Street is the ultimate people-watching perch and is currently open for the season.
131 Bloor Street West
Ba&sh
Ba&sh made its first Canadian home last year at a pop-up location inside the TNT Boutique at Yorkville Village. Now with a permanent location at the Hazelton Hotel, Ba&sh is bringing its distinct Parisian style to the centre of Bloor-Yorkville. The French brand focuses on everyday pieces that can be mixed and matched for day-to-night dressing, each with an effortless silhouette and style. With its new location, you can stop by the ONE Patio afterward to make for a fabulous afternoon!
Dark Horse Coffee Automat
Have you ever wondered if a robot could curate the perfect espresso? Dark Horse answered this question by launching its very first automated coffee bar! This completely contactless “automat” allows for customized drinks (including milk choices, sugar, and flavours) of the same top-notch quality as Dark Horse cafes, but without any contact. Orders are placed through either its screen or mobile app and are available 24 hours a day! The interior design of the “shop,” which you’ll spot on Bay Street, is an art piece in itself.
1235 Bay Street
DICE Fruit Bar
We bet you’ve never experienced fruit like this before! DICE Fruit Bar was inspired by its owners’ travels around the world. From “picking maracuyas in Brazil to juicing pomelos in Phuket,” they decided to bring the most exotic fruit home. Creating brand new ways to enjoy these unique delicacies, DICE pairs superfruits with superfoods to produce fruit jars, parfaits, bowls, slushies, and smoothies! Ingredients such as spicy Mexican chamoy sauce and tajin are used to season the fruit, while sauces include honey lime and sumac and orange blossom. Their slushies are not of the soda-pop variety, but instead come in flavours such as Spicy Watermelon, Mangonada, and Mojito, each utilizing a variety of spicy and sweet fruit-based ingredients.
Yorkville Lane
162 Cumberland Street
S’Cream Ice Cream + Coffee
The newest shop on the ice cream block is S’Cream Ice Cream & Coffee. Inspired by his childhood in Turkey working in his uncle’s ice cream shop, the founder of S’Cream hopes to bring the traditional style of Turkish ice cream shops to Bloor-Yorkville. There are over 26 custom ice cream flavours to choose from, each made with the highest quality ingredients. With an emphasis on research and development, the team plans to create brand new flavours every month and can even create “bespoke” flavours if customers want something not found on the menu. There’s also a full in-shop coffee bar featuring espresso-based drinks, tea, hot chocolate and more. The space features bright pop art paintings, making the atmosphere as fun and inviting as the flavours.
126 Cumberland Street
Bikini Haus
Bikini Haus opened late last winter after finding success with their online shop. Hoping to create an experience unlike a “typical bikini store,” the Bikini Haus team has created an oasis for swim shopping in a private and comfortable environment. At Bikini Haus, you’ll find brands unavailable elsewhere that include not only bikinis, but also ready-to-wear resort pieces. Year-round staples such as eye wear, hats, shoes and workout essentials can also be found, making Bikini Haus a well-rounded lifestyle destination. Plus, when you’re missing your summer glow, you can stop by to peruse their collection of self-tanning lotions. The team also offers private shopping appointments, which can be made via phone or email.
128 1/2 Cumberland Street
416-785-8805
Coming Soon:
Bloor-Yorkville’s very first escape room is opening soon at 70 Yorkville Avenue! With popular locations in the Vancouver area, Exit is known for its fun and challenging escape series and will soon be debuting in our neighbourhood. Perfect for small groups, this is a fun option to get out in a safe and entertaining way.