Alumni Eats: Alumni-owned restaurants for you to support

Are you looking for delicious food to order in, takeout or enjoy with friends over a fresh beverage? These restaurants are owned and operated by our very own alumni!

Alumnus: Faissal Mardini, Hospitality and Tourism ’20

Description: 8Mile Detroit Style Pizza launched in the summer of 2020 with the intention of bringing a new and exciting style of pizza to Toronto neighbourhoods. Their pizzas are baked in blue steel pans manufactured in Detroit. Each pizza is characterized with a light and airy, pillow-like dough. Baked to perfection and made to order. Inspired by the art and culture of Detroit, they enjoy co-creating with customers and within their team, to deliver a unique, customizable, and accessible experience.      

Most popular menu item: Their Detroit Red Top is certainly the most popular. However, Faissal’s favourite is the Dodi, topped with Soppressata salami, truffle marinated mushrooms, caramelised onions and garnished with a drizzle of our creamy garlic sauce.

Locations: Liberty Village and Yorkville, Toronto

Alumnus: Peter Chiu, Hospitality and Tourism ’08

Description: Basil Box is a fast-casual restaurant concept inspired by the street markets of Southeast Asia. Their popular build-your-own-box option allows guests to choose from a variety of bases, veggies, proteins, sauces, and box toppers to create one of thousands of possible combinations. As their offerings are healthier than typical Asian concepts, they purposely use minimal amounts of salt, oil, and no MSG in our cooking. Instead they focus on using the freshest and highest quality ingredients to give their guests an exotic taste without making them feel weighed down after eating.

Peter’s Favourite Box: Brown rice, charred sweet potatoes, roasted eggplant, lemongrass chicken,sweet chili lime and classic peanut sauce (yes, ask for a mix!), pickled veggies (must add), super seeds, Sriracha spiced pumpkin, crispy shallots, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts 

Location: Downtown Toronto

Alumnus: Jane Lee, Occupational and Public Health ’14

Description: Mama Lee's Korean Kitchen cooks up your favourite Korean staples for takeout including Jjajangmyun, Bibimbap, Korean rice bowls, and fried chicken.

Most popular menu item: The Bulgogi Bowl

Location: Downtown Toronto

Alumnus: Johnny Chan, Hospitality and Tourism ’12

Description: Sourcing only the freshest ingredients from the vast landscape at our doorstep combined with the cultural diversity that Canada has to offer. NextDoor Restaurant offers an ever changing menu of craft beers, modern classic cocktails, a diverse wine program, and an Australian inspired brunch. 

Most popular menu item: Roasted Bone Marrow

Location: Markham, Ontario

Alumnus: Johnny Chan, Hospitality and Tourism ’12

Description: Canadian Inspired fast casual Poke Restaurant. Focusing on providing the most authentic Hawaiian experience with a Canadian twist. Sourcing quality ingredients while still maintaining a reasonable price point and keeping it fresh, healthy and always delicious.

Most popular menu item: Cali Bowl

Locations: Toronto, Markham and Vaughan, Ontario

Alumnus: Johnny Chan, Hospitality and Tourism ’12

Description: Focusing on comfort food, Smash Kitchen & Bar is a full service casual restaurant, focusing on special events, large parties and everyday dining. Signatures include bbq ribs, mac & cheese, miso glazed salmon and housemade desserts, perfect for any occasion. 

Most popular menu item: Banana Chocolate Toffee Cake

Locations: Markham and Whitby, Ontario