Owner behind top Chinese restaurants opening a deli steakhouse in Toronto
Published September 16, 2024 at 3:46 pm
The owner of some of Toronto’s best Chinese restaurants is about to open a new spot, and it’s not going to be like all the others.
David Schwartz has become well known for his restaurants Sunnys and Mimi, which both serve Chinese cuisine, but he’s taking things in a totally different direction with his new project Linny’s where he’s the co-owner and culinary director.
Linny’s brings together classic steakhouse vibes and traditional deli fare, with options on the menu ranging from broiled dry aged steaks, Caesar salad and fries to hand cut pastrami, karnatzel and chicken liver toast.
The interior of Linny’s is intended to have a time warp feel, with nostalgic design touches like terrazzo, chrome, burl wood, corduroy booths, cream glazed tile, mirrored pillars and Venetian plaster ceilings, plus hard bop jazz music playing in the background.
Linny’s is named after Schwartz’s mother Linda, and many of these design touches are meant to honour her and her sense of taste.
“Linny’s is a tribute to my late mother, but this restaurant is also largely about the culinary traditions passed down to me by my entire family; these traditions embody much more than just what’s on the dinner plate,” says Schwartz. “I hope for Linny’s to be the kind of place where guests will feel the same comforts they feel in their own homes.”
Linny’s is being brought to life by Big Hug Hospitality with the help of Harlo Entertainment led by managing partner Brandon Marek, also the co-founder of Big Hug.
“I believe in the heart and soul behind David’s vision and am proud to be part of this special project,” says Brandon Marek. “It’s more than just a restaurant—it’s deeply personal, a celebration of a unique, and often forgotten, food culture.”
Linny’s at 176 Ossington Ave. is having its grand opening on Sept. 21, and reservations are now live.