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Summerlicious is back in Toronto, ushering in an international showcase for food as soccer leaves the city.
“Last night [was] the final World Cup match at Toronto Stadium. But the global celebration continues,” Mayor Olivia Chow said a news conference officially launching Summerlicious Friday.
Chow kicked things off at Pii Nong Thai, one of more than 230 restaurants participating in the discounted, three course lunch and dinner program, saying it’s a chance to “taste the world in a city.”
The program gives people a chance to taste a variety of flavours from Toronto’s culinary scene, with restaurants offering special menus at more affordable prices between July 3 and 18. Lunch menus range from $20 to $55, while dinner ranges from $25 to $75.
Chow encouraged locals and visitors to try something new and book ahead, saying a pre-game lunch before Canada’s World Cup match with Morocco Saturday afternoon was the perfect time to add some international flare to the weekend.
More than 30 new restaurants are involved this year compared to 2025, the city says, with nearly three-quarters offering vegetarian three-course meals. Nearly half are offering gluten-free options.
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Pii Nong Thai co-owner Tom Ha said Friday he was excited to showcase the food of Thailand for customers interested in Summerlicious.
Pii Nong Thai is located near Jaye Robinson Park, named after the local city councillor who died while in office in 2024. Coun. Rachel Chernos Lin told reporters Friday it was fitting to launch Summerlicious so close to the park, as Robinson was instrumental in getting the program off the ground in 2003.
Created to help local restaurants through slower times of the year, the program has served more than 8 million meals, generating more than $353 million in economic activity for Toronto restaurants over the years, the city said in a release Friday.