Home » Canada Travel News » New Beginnings on Yonge Street: Melani Restaurant Brings Modern Greek Cuisine to Toronto’s Thriving Dining Hub!
Published on
November 6, 2025
Toronto diners are about to experience a fresh arrival in the city’s vibrant Yonge & Eglinton precinct. The new Greek restaurant Melani is set to open on November 20 2025 at 2537 Yonge Street, stepping into the space previously occupied by Byblos Uptown, which closed on October 20 after seven years of operation.
A familiar location with a new flavour
Byblos Uptown, part of the hospitality portfolio of INK Entertainment Group, quietly announced its closure via social media, offering minimal explanation while alluding to a new concept forthcoming. Soon after, Melani was revealed as the successor. Though both venues draw inspiration from Mediterranean coasts, Melani aims to focus specifically on “modern Greek” gastronomy, offering a refreshed and contemporary take on Greek staples.
What to expect from Melani
The new concept promises to blend coastal Greek cuisine with a stylish atmosphere. While Byblos delivered Eastern-Mediterranean dishes with a boho-chic ambiance, Melani is described as leaning toward a streamlined, upscale aesthetic. The venue’s landing page hints at the tagline “from the coast of Greece to the heart of Uptown,” signalling its travel-inspired roots and elevated design for Toronto’s dining crowd.
Why this change matters for travellers and locals
For travellers visiting Toronto, especially those exploring diverse dining scenes, the switch from Byblos to Melani adds a fresh option in a key uptown district. Yonge & Eglinton is a modern hub offering ease of access, public transit links and a lively urban vibe. The arrival of Melani underscores how Toronto’s gastronomic landscape keeps evolving, catering to both local food enthusiasts and international visitors seeking novel dining experiences.
Dining scene context
INK Entertainment’s move is not isolated—this year the group has re-conceived several restaurant brands in the city. Melani’s debut continues a pattern of refreshment in hospitality, where familiar spaces are repurposed with new culinary identities. For tourists planning food-centric city breaks, this means that Toronto remains dynamic and ever-changing, offering new hotspots at every visit.
Tips for travellers for your visit
When planning a visit to Melani, consider scheduling ahead: the opening date is Thursday, November 20, which may attract high interest. The Yonge & Eglinton area is well connected via TTC and is also close to shopping and architecture worth exploring. Since the concept is new, arriving early for a dinner reservation may be wise. As the ambiance promises “modern Greek,” travellers can anticipate refreshed takes on classic dishes—perfect for both food lovers and those new to Greek cuisine.

Dining and Cooking