Central Ossington, a new restaurant offering fresh food, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring the community together, will open its doors on July 3 at 114 Ossington Avenue.
Set in the heart of one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, Central combines eclectic design with a laid-back feel, offering a seamless transition from daytime bites to late-night beats, according to a press release. Music and culture are at the core of the experience, with thoughtfully curated playlists available throughout the week and live DJ sets on weekend nights, featuring emerging talent in a lively, social environment. Central Ossington is anchored by a 360-degree bar and a spacious year-round patio featuring a cozy fire pit – perfect for everything from after-work happy hour to weekend celebrations.
“Equal parts comfort and creativity, Central brings a different kind of energy to the strip,” PJ L’Heureux, president and co-founder of Central, says in a news release. “It’s inclusive, approachable, and designed for people to relax over great food and drinks.”
Designed by the Canadian firm Way of Normal, the 3,000-square-foot space pairs a street-style edge with vintage charm. Bold colours, industrial textures, and lush greenery weave together to create a warm and immersive environment. Counterculture-inspired artwork sets the tone, featuring unfiltered portraits of icons such as Amy Winehouse, Anthony Bourdain, and the Beastie Boys, which celebrate individuality, expression, and creative rebellion.
Leading the culinary team at Central Ossington is Executive Chef Phil Allain. A powerhouse in the Toronto hospitality industry, Allain has over a decade of experience in some of the city’s most beloved kitchens, including Warm Welcome Hospitality Group (Saint John’s Tavern, Melrose On Adelaide, Piccolo Caffe, Paradise Grotto) as well as Bar Isabel, Bar Piquette, and Tennessee Tavern.
“I lived on Ossington for 10 years, and before that, it was a neighbourhood I frequented to discover new spots and connect with people,” Allain said in a press release. “I’ve seen firsthand how Ossington has changed and evolved, and it’s such an honour to now be part of its future in such a direct way.”
Central’s menu is a diverse mix of globally inspired dishes, crafted to satisfy a wide range of cravings – from the Mexican Street Chicken featuring stone-fired spiced chicken with smashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, to the Truffle Mushroom and Pork Belly Fettuccine with truffle oil, crispy pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, and parmesan, and the Pressed Ahi Tuna Sushi topped with mango purée, ginger garlic vinaigrette, serrano pepper, and green onion.
Complementing the food is a drink program that blends creativity with quality ingredients. Signature drinks range from the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita made with infused tequila, triple sec, lime, and a Tajín rim, to the Frosty Spiced Horchata, a chilled blend of white rum, amaretto, horchata, and cherry, and the zero-proof Strawberry Yuzu Soda with popping strawberry pearls, lemon, yuzu, and soda.
Central Ossington officially opens on July 3, 2025, at 114 Ossington Ave, Toronto. A limited number of reservations are now available at centralrestaurants.ca/reserve. The first 250 reservations will receive a $20 gift card for their next visit.
