Strella Strella by Modus, an Italian restaurant centered on shareable plates and cocktails, is getting ready to reopen in Toronto at 145 King Street West following the rebrand of Modus.
The restaurant is expected to reopen in fall 2026 after undergoing a complete renovation, according to 6ix Retail. Owner Sam Genkov has operated a restaurant at the address for about 15 years and tells the publication that his daughter, Victoria Genkov, is now leading the business while he continues working alongside her. Although the restaurant will operate under the new Strella Strella by Modus name, the Modus branding will remain to preserve recognition among longtime customers.
Modus first opened at the King Street West address in 2011 and has become a longstanding dining destination in Toronto’s Financial District. Before opening Modus, Sam Genkov operated Bravi Ristorante on Wellington Street East for nearly 30 years. The rebrand marks the next chapter for the family business while introducing a new generation of leadership. According to Genkov, the transition allows Victoria to guide the restaurant’s future while maintaining its established foundation.
The renovation includes a complete redesign of the dining room, bar, and kitchen. Figure3 is leading interior design, while BUILD IT is overseeing construction, following a design process that lasted approximately four months, according to 6ix Retail. Planned upgrades include a redesigned square cocktail bar, custom booths, new millwork, a custom ceiling installation, updated seating throughout the dining room, and a renovated kitchen. Indoor seating is expected to accommodate between 120 and 140 customers, with an additional patio offering approximately 150 seats during the warmer months.
The menu will continue to focus on Italian cuisine while shifting toward smaller, shareable plates. Beverage offerings will include a dedicated martini bar alongside a wine program centered on Old World selections, reflecting the restaurant’s updated concept. The refreshed food and beverage program is intended to complement the redesigned space and encourage a more social dining experience.
At “Strella Strella”, we want guests to feel like they are on a journey through the great classics of Italian cuisine and its countless regional specialties,” Sam Genkov says on the new concept’s website. “Every meal is an opportunity to discover new flavours or rediscover well-known ones.”
