Antler Kitchen & Bar, a Michelin-recognized restaurant specializing in foraged Canadian cuisine and game, will temporarily close in Toronto at 1454 Dundas St W for renovations and a menu update.
The closure will begin on January 12, 2026, and is not a full concept overhaul, according to Toronto Life. Owners Michael Hunter, also known as the Hunter Chef, and Jody Shapiro, his longtime business partner and creative collaborator, plan to continue exploring themes of Canadiana and the wild. Over the past year, Hunter and Shapiro traveled across Canada fishing and filming, work that will influence the updated menu. General Manager Jade White tells What Now Toronto that Antler Kitchen & Bar is expected to reopen on February 10th.
Antler first opened in October 2015, founded by Hunter with Shapiro as his collaborator. Since its launch, the restaurant has earned recognition for its use of foraged ingredients, Canadian game, and whole-animal butchery. The Michelin recognition reflects the restaurant’s dedication to innovation and quality in contemporary Canadian cuisine. This temporary closure will allow Hunter and Shapiro to refresh the space while integrating inspiration from their travels.
Hunter and Shapiro have co-authored two cookbooks, including their most recent, Hunter Chef in the Wild, released in fall 2025. A new cookbook from Penguin Random House is forthcoming and is expected to complement the updated menu. The restaurant’s menu has consistently emphasized a connection to the land and wild ingredients, blending creative techniques with classic preparation methods.
The current menu includes starters such as Quebec foie gras, venison tartare, and BC salmon crudo, alongside housemade pastas like rabbit pappardelle and wild boar cavatelli. Mains feature Ontario bison ribeye, venison rack, duck confit, Arctic char, and a game burger with fries. Sides and desserts highlight seasonal ingredients and regional flavors.
This temporary closure and menu update will allow Antler to refocus on Canadian seafood and further explore the themes that have defined the restaurant for over a decade. Hunter and Shapiro’s continued involvement ensures the restaurant will retain its identity while introducing new flavors and techniques drawn from their extensive travels and culinary research.
