Sunnys Chinese
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | November 2020 |
| Founder | David Schwartz |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
Key people | David Schwartz (executive chef), Braden Chong (chef) |
| Products | Chinese cuisine, cocktails |
Sunnys Chinese is a Toronto-based Chinese dining establishment situated in Ontario, Canada. Initially launched as a pop-up in November 2020, it later secured a permanent venue in August 2022 at 60 Kensington Avenue, accommodating up to 75 guests. The restaurant is owned and operated by executive chef David Schwartz, who collaborates closely with chef Braden Chong.
Renowned for its innovative take on Chinese culinary traditions, Sunnys Chinese has garnered accolades such as the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand award. The venue accepts reservations and presents a menu that has captured considerable interest within Toronto's vibrant restaurant scene.
Description
The menu at Sunnys Chinese is inspired by street food from various regions of China, including Sichuan and Guangdong, along with influences from American Chinese cuisine. Signature offerings include stir-fried silver needle noodles and orange chicken, the latter drawing inspiration from the well-known American Chinese chain Panda Express. A particular focus is placed on dishes prepared using Chinese charcoal barbecue techniques.
The cocktail selection incorporates ingredients native to China, such as bitter melon and prickly pear cactus, complemented by classic Chinese spirits like baijiu and Shaoxing wine.
History
Sunnys originated as a takeout pop-up in November 2020, operating out of the rear entrance of its affiliated restaurant Mimi Chinese in Toronto's Yorkville neighborhood during the COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining. It evolved into a full-time establishment in August 2022 within Toronto's Kensington Market. The name pays tribute to the manager of a nearby establishment in Toronto Chinatown, House of Gourmet.
Although not ethnically Chinese, executive chef David Schwartz shaped his cooking style through experiences at Chinese eateries located in suburban areas with large Chinese-Canadian populations like Markham and Scarborough. After being refused apprenticeship opportunities in traditional Chinese kitchens, Schwartz turned to YouTube tutorials to learn authentic Chinese cooking methods. He met his co-chef Braden Chong while both were employed at DaiLo, an upscale Asian Fusion restaurant in Toronto.
Reception
At the 2023 Toronto Michelin Guide awards, Sunnys was honored with the Bib Gourmand designation and successfully maintained this status into 2024. This accolade recognizes establishments delivering "exceptionally good food at moderate prices." Additionally, executive chef David Schwartz earned the inaugural Michelin Young Chef award in 2023.
In 2021, Sunnys received Air Canada's 'Best Takeout' accolade and was featured on their yearly list highlighting Canada's top new restaurants.
In its debut year on the list, Sunnys achieved the #38 position on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants rankings in 2024. It functions as a more relaxed counterpart to Mimi Chinese, another Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant located in Toronto.
Canada's 100 Best Restaurants Ranking
| Sunnys Chinese | ||
| Year | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 38 | new |
| 2023 |  No Rank
| |