Alumni Eats: Alumni-owned restaurants for you to support
From cozy pubs and pizza shops to bustling, stylish dining rooms, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) alumni are making their mark on the culinary scene. Whether reimagining comfort food, championing local ingredients or building vibrant community hubs, these restaurateurs are serving up more than just meals — they’re creating experiences.
Explore this list of TMU alumni-owned establishments that highlight the creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit of our graduates.
Amano Trattoria
Alumnus: Adam Teolis, Hospitality and Tourism ’07
Description: Amano Trattoria is a modern Italian restaurant in Toronto’s St. Lawrence district, led by Chef Michael Angeloni and restaurateur Adam Teolis. Known for handmade pasta, Roman-style pinsa and seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, Amano blends tradition with creativity. The intimate, stylish space offers warm hospitality, shareable plates, craft cocktails and a curated Italian wine list — half-price bottles every Sunday. Perfect for date nights, group dinners or a pre-theatre bite near Union Station.
Most popular menu item: Rigatoni Bolognese — perfectly al dente, firm yet tender. The rich, slow-simmered meat sauce combines AAA brisket and Prosciutto di Parma for depth and savory intensity, finished with Parmigiano‑Reggiano and a touch of white wine
Location: 9 Church St. Toronto
The Berczy Tavern
Alumnus: Adam Teolis, Hospitality and Tourism ’07
Description: The Berczy Tavern is a refined yet relaxed restaurant and piano bar located in Old Town Toronto, led by Chef Michael Angeloni and restaurateur Adam Teolis. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors with Canadian roots, the menu features grilled meats, seafood and seasonal classics. The warm, brick-and-beam space blends heritage charm with modern style. Guests enjoy elevated dining, lively brunch and nightly live music — including piano performances — just steps from Berczy Park and Union Station.
Most popular menu item: Steak Frites — choice of a 12oz ribeye or 10oz striploin, grilled to perfection and topped with café de Paris butter and veal jus. Served alongside crisp, triple-cooked fries and a rich truffle aioli, it’s a refined take on a bistro classic — bold, satisfying and consistently one of the most-loved dishes on the menu.
Location: 69 Front St. East Toronto
C’est What
Alumnus: George Milbrandt, Architecture ’88
Description: Toronto’s best choice in craft beer and market fresh scratch made comfort food can be found in the casual, charming cellar of a historic building in the St. Lawrence Market area. Featuring the biggest selection of Canadian craft brews on tap, an all Ontario VQA wine list, art, indie music, board games and pool tables, C’est What has true local flavour. Established in 1988.
Most popular menu item: The Lamburger is one of our longest running and popular dishes. Al’s Cask Ale (available at the LCBO) is our best-selling house made beer.
Location(s): Restaurant: 67 Front St. E., Toronto; Brewery: 274-1885 Clements Rd., Pickering, and C’est What Brewing @ The Market in the St. Lawrence Market at 105 The Esplanade, Toronto
Golden Turtle
Alumnus: Linda Nguyen, Retail Management ’12, Strategic Marketing ’15
Description: Since the 1970s, our family-run restaurant has been a staple on Ossington Avenue, once known as Little Saigon. What began with our mother’s dream is now a second-generation legacy rooted in authentic Vietnamese cooking. Our pho is made fresh daily using a cherished family broth recipe with no additives — just natural ingredients and tradition. From our flavourful spring rolls to our warm, welcoming space, every dish we serve carries the taste — and heart — of home.
Most popular menu item: Our pho, made fresh every morning with a time-honoured family broth recipe that uses only natural ingredients — no additives, no shortcuts. It’s the same way our mom made it decades ago, and we’re proud to keep that tradition alive.
Location: 125 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON
Queen and Beaver Public House
Alumnus: Jamieson Kerr, Hospitality and Tourism ’89
Description: The Queen & Beaver is a solid British Gastropub located in the heart of downtown Toronto. It offers an extensive beer menu, which includes 2 traditional local cask ales, and beers from Ontario purveyors, as well as a few classics from the British Isles. The food is a tribute to the British culinary ethic and above all is comfortable, creative, hearty and made from scratch. It is also known for its love for Footie and is the mecca for the beautiful game in the city.
Most popular menu item: Beef and Onion Pie with champ, red cabbage and dripping gravy
Locations: 35 Elm St., Toronto, Ontario
Rivoli Toronto
Alumnus: John Christensen, Hospitality and Tourism ’07
Description: The Rivoli has been providing amazing experiences for its guests since 1982. The management and staff are committed to making the venue a place of inclusivity and culture in downtown Toronto. The venue has three unique offerings under one roof. The first floor has a restaurant in the front room with an event space in the back. The second floor is a pub style environment with pool tables and arcade games.
Most popular menu item: The Wookie Balls, a long-time favourite, are deep-fried rice balls with sesame seeds served with sweet chili sauce, while the Pad Thai is a staple of the restaurant’s menu.
Location: 332-334 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON