Photo: Grasshopper — **Photo:** Grasshopper

Toronto’s east end has a new restaurant dedicated to plant-based eating.

The third location of Grasshopper is now open at 2252 Queen St. East, in the Beaches. A perennial favourite of many of Toronto’s best-of roundups, Grasshopper is known for vegan and vegetarian comfort dishes.

The focus of the east end location — called Grasshopper Salon — is on delicious, hearty foods that just happen to be plant-based (think kimchi mac-n-cheese, rich umami curry, substantial salads). The menu is inspired by East Asian cuisines and the vibe is hip, though not too cool. Overall, it’s a welcomed breath of fresh air for the Beaches.

Drawn to the peaceful area, the Beaches was the perfect location to expand the neighbourhood brand, as they explain.

The new outpost is the largest of all three restaurants — the other two near the University of Toronto and in the Junction — and has some unique offerings, namely a larger menu (order the agedashi tofu) and an expanded baked goods selection. Do not skip dessert. Their beautiful Japanese baked goods are worth visiting for alone. They plan to expand this offering, though on any given day they’re already serving up an incredible matcha cheesecake (or tiramisu, or banana cake... order everything).

Of course, all offerings are vegan and gluten-free. Get a kinako latte to go — roasted soybeans that make for a drink that is nutty, toasty and totally delicious.

Lunch and dinner are available during the week while weekends offer brunch and dinner. Watch for Grasshopper Salon on UberEats soon, too.

Visit grasshoppereats.com/ for more information.