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Antler, the MICHELIN-recognized Dundas West restaurant, will officially reopen its doors on February 11th after a brief closure to renovate the space and rework its menu. The reopening marks a new chapter for the restaurant as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.
A New Chapter for a Dundas West Institution
Since opening in 2016, Antler has helped define modern Canadian cuisine through its focus on wild, foraged, and locally sourced ingredients. Now, the restaurant returns with a broader, more holistic expression of Canadian food. Guests can expect Antler classics alongside new menu additions that reflect not only what grows, swims, and roams across the country, but also the diverse cultural perspectives shaping how Canadians cook today.
A Refined Space Rooted in the Neighbourhood
The renovation is intentionally understated. Lighter finishes, softened textures, and subtle accents reference the outdoors without leaning rustic. With seating for just 40 guests, including 12 at the bar, Antler remains intimate and deeply rooted in its Dundas West neighbourhood, a community that has supported the restaurant through its early years, the pandemic, and beyond.
The Philosophy Remains Unchanged
The team behind Antler, including co-founder Chef Michael Hunter and creative collaborator Jody Shapiro, maintains that the restaurant’s core philosophy remains unchanged. They continue to hunt, fish, forage, and travel, bringing lived experiences and stories back into the dining room in Toronto.
After 10 years, we’re excited to continue evolving what Antler represents. It feels energizing to step into a new chapter that’s rooted in where we came from, but open to where we’re going. – Jody Shapiro (CO-FOUNDER)
A Broader Expression of Canadian Cuisine
What has evolved is the scope of the menu. Antler’s renewed vision embraces a wider view of Canadian abundance, where seafood and freshwater fish, vegetables, and farmed ingredients sit alongside the wild. Global techniques and flavour profiles are layered in naturally, reflecting the multicultural reality of Canada today.
Menu highlights include smoked swordfish carpaccio with lemon vinaigrette, blood orange, Granny Smith apple, mostarda, pistachio crumble, and shaved fennel, unveiled tableside; whole BC rainbow trout with charred eggplant caviar, tomato water, carrot nage, and smoked pickerel crème fraîche; and an Ontario bison tomahawk served with buttermilk corn dredged onion rings and game jus. The menu will continue to evolve with the seasons.
A Thoughtful Wine and Cocktail Program
Antler also offers a wine and cocktail program with a strong focus on Canadian producers, complemented by a thoughtfully curated international selection that adds balance and perspective to the dining experience.
Looking Ahead
Rather than leaning into nostalgia, Antler’s reopening feels forward looking, confident, reflective, and grounded in the present. Reservations are now open and can be made HERE.
As always, you can keep up with new restaurant openings and local food spots across Toronto and the GTA on efosa.
About Antler
Antler is a MICHELIN-recognized restaurant located in Toronto’s Dundas West neighbourhood, co-founded by Chef Michael Hunter and creative collaborator Jody Shapiro. Known for its thoughtful approach to Canadian cuisine, Antler celebrates local, seasonal, and wild ingredients through an evolved expression of Canadiana that reflects both place and the diverse influences defining modern Canadian cooking.
Restaurant Information
Name: Antler
Location: 1454 Dundas St W., Toronto
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Restaurant Hours
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday to Friday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm