Leslieville and the East End: What's New and Coming in 2026
Toronto's east end, spanning Leslieville, Riverside, and Riverdale, is in the middle of a transformation driven by massive transit investments and a quietly evolving food scene.
New on the Dining Scene
Fangio Trattoria — 1111 Queen St. E.
Classic Italian that took over the space left by beloved Ascari Enoteca (closed after 15 years due to rising costs). Fangio retains the iconic red Formula 1 racecar logo and serves honest pasta plates and an 11-oz bone-in veal chop. It is filling a genuine gap on Queen East.
The Transit Revolution
Two massive projects are reshaping the east end's future:
East Harbour Transit Hub
Major construction began summer 2025 on what will become a new multi-modal transit hub connecting Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO lines with the future Ontario Line subway. This single project will make the east end dramatically more accessible.
Riverside-Leslieville Ontario Line Station
A brand new subway station will directly serve Leslieville, Riverside, and Riverdale communities when the Ontario Line opens (estimated 2031). This is a game-changer for an area that has never had rapid transit.
What Was Lost
The east end has seen painful closures recently:
- Ascari Enoteca — Closed after nearly 15 years. Bankruptcy notice cited rising food costs and wages.
- Greta Solomon's — Intimate 26-seat French bistro closed March 2025.
- Barrio — Leslieville fixture closed after 9 years.
Why the East End Matters
Queen Street East through Leslieville and the Beaches remains one of Toronto's best walking streets. The mix of independent shops, brunch spots, vintage stores, and parks (Jimmie Simpson, Woodbine Beach) creates a neighbourhood character that feels more like a small town than a big city. Add the coming transit connections, and the east end's trajectory is clear: this is where Toronto is growing next.
Worth the Trip
- Crow's Theatre (345 Carlaw Ave.) — One of Toronto's best independent theatres, in a stunning converted building
- Gerrard Street East — Toronto's original Chinatown East and Little India
- Broadview Hotel — Rooftop bar with east-side skyline views
- Evergreen Brick Works — Saturday farmers' market and valley trails
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