Emilia Portuguese Grilled Chicken, a fast-growing Montreal-based grilled chicken chain, is preparing to debut in Toronto at 50 Brant St.
The company’s fourth location is set to expand beyond Montreal for the first time, with a new site coming to the Waterworks Food Hall in early summer, opening in May 2025, according to an announcement by the company’s president on Linkedin. It’s unclear if this will be a corporate-owned location from Groupe La Büff, which also owns L’Oeufrier, Lily, and Yiayia Eleni. When Emilia Portuguese Grilled Chicken opens, it will be the fourth new concept in Waterworks Food Hall.
“Big news: Emilia is coming to Toronto!” according to the announcement made by company president Pedro Medina. “We’re thrilled to announce that Emilia is expanding beyond Quebec for the first time—and where better to start than in the heart of downtown Toronto? Opening May 2025 at the Waterworks project, this location will bring our signature blend of Portuguese flavors with a Canadian twist to a whole new market. Think succulent grilled chicken, mouthwatering poutines, and bold, comforting flavors—all served with the Emilia experience you know and love. Toronto, get ready! We can’t wait to serve you.”
In addition to getting Toronto’s first Emilia Portuguese Grilled Chicken, which opened its first location in 2018, Waterworks Food Hall has welcomed a handful of new tenants, with at least one more on the way. In December of last year, Tantxo Steak Bar opened a new location within the food hall, followed by Hanoi Bites opening its first-ever brick-and-mortar in February 2025. Finally, Rasta Pasta is set to open up its stall this spring, serving its distinct blend of Jamaican and Italian. These new eateries will help rejuvenate the food hall and bring new and exciting options for customers.
