The Toronto restaurant, managed under the Gusto 54 restaurant group, has not officially opened yet but has been a long-awaited event since announcing the concept back in 2019.
Azhar, fronted by acclaimed chef Stuart Cameron, will be serving up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine featuring locally-sourced produce and imported traditional spices.
Without indoor dining, many restaurants have had to pivot this year into different channels to keep their businesses afloat, and Azhar is no different. Their new marketplace serves as a spot to pick up flavour-packed dips, spreads and sauces, as well as marinated cheeses and incredible house-made halloumi.
Also on the shelves are fresh wood fire-baked breads, spice blends and products from local businesses across Toronto. The marketplace is a space that gives customers a sneak peek at what Azhar will be all about.
"We couldn't end 2020 on a bad note," they wrote in an Instagram post.
The restaurant is scheduled to open sometime in January 2021. In the meantime, eager Torontonians can get their hands on some of their delicious items early.
Azhar is located at 96 Ossington Avenue.
