Mike Kimel opens Gigi's, a Mediterranean gem in Forest Hill with chef Endri Xhihani

Earlier this month, a new Mediterranean restaurant quietly opened in the former home of Mashu Mashu in Forest Hill, the stretch of Spadina just north of St. Clair that, despite its affluence, has struggled to sustain contemporary restaurants for decades.

Behind the project is Mike Kimel, who heads Harlo Entertainment, the hospitality group behind Linny's and Shake Shack Canada, among other concepts. But Gigi's—named after his late mother-in-law—is personal. Kimel grew up nearby and now lives in the area with his wife and five children. "I remember coming to the village as a kid, when it felt buzzy and alive," he says. "I wanted to bring that back so my kids and my friends could enjoy it again."

Kimel brought on Endri Xhihani, the chef and owner of the previous Mashu Mashu Mediterranean Grill, as both chef and partner. Xhihani had trained at the Rushton, a Wychwood neighbourhood stalwart, and had earned recognition for his deft hand with hummus, falafel, and shawarma. But Kimel was curious to see what he could do with pasta. "My family and I had been dining at Mashu Mashu for years," Kimel says. "I knew the chef very well and recognized his talent. One day I asked him to cook me a plate of pasta, and I knew my instincts were right."

The menu ventures into luxury territory with dishes like Wagyu picanha served alongside truffle-parmesan fries, but its real strength lies in breadth and accessibility. Classic pastas—amatriciana, pomodoro, bolognese—all come in under $30, while a wide selection of internationally inspired small plates sits alongside crudos and larger-format mains. One thing diners won't find is a burger—Kimel already has that category covered elsewhere.

"Our margins are definitely tighter than what you'd see at the Harlo restaurants," Kimel explains. "This one is less about profit. It's for the neighbourhood, my friends and my family."