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The short answer
A Nigerian restaurant in Toronto needs an approved Zoning Review for Business Licence before it can apply for the City's eating or drinking establishment licence, which costs $268.32 to apply plus $268.32 on approval ($536.64 in total) and $362.96 a year to renew. The operator must also notify Toronto Public Health before opening, and staff who handle food need accredited food handler certification. Inspection results are published on DineSafe.
The order matters
Doing things in the wrong order is expensive: signing a lease, then finding the unit is not zoned for an eating establishment, or fitting out a kitchen before Toronto Public Health has seen the plans. Toronto Public Health's own advice is to check zoning and whether you need building plans before you sign a lease. The sequence below follows the City's pages.
- Check zoning for the unit and get a Zoning Review for Business Licence.
- Send building plans to Toronto Public Health for review if you are building or renovating.
- Get building, plumbing, HVAC and sign permits from Toronto Building as needed.
- Notify Toronto Public Health of the new food premises.
- Register your business name with Ontario or incorporate.
- Apply for the eating or drinking establishment licence.
- Train and certify food handlers before you open.
Zoning first
Toronto's licence page says that before you submit an application you must provide an approved Zoning Review for Business Licence. There is one exception: if you are taking over an existing business that holds a valid licence in the same category, or one whose licence expired less than three years ago, no new zoning review is needed. Taking over a former restaurant or buka-style takeaway can save time for that reason, but check the previous licence category carefully. A patio on private property needs a Notice of Zoning Bylaw Compliance letter or a building permit approving the patio.
The eating or drinking establishment licence
The licence covers premises where food or drinks are prepared or served for immediate consumption on site; it may include take-out service and some entertainment. If you will only sell takeaway, the City has a separate take-out or retail food establishment licence.
| Fee | Amount | When paid |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | $268.32 | With a complete application |
| Licence fee | $268.32 | On approval |
| Total to open | $536.64 | |
| Annual renewal | $362.96 | Each year on the anniversary of issue |
Fees as listed by the City of Toronto, page modified July 2026. The documents depend on whether you are a sole proprietor, corporation or partnership, but every applicant provides a provincial business name registration or franchise agreement declaration, an occupancy declaration form and an operating information questionnaire. Depending on type, the City also asks for photo ID, proof of work status and a criminal record and judicial matters check. Applications can be denied under the screening criteria, and some are referred to the Toronto Licensing Tribunal.
You can apply online (the form takes 10 to 15 minutes and cannot be saved, so have every document ready) or in person at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd floor. Cash is not accepted.
Toronto Public Health and DineSafe
Every operator must notify the Medical Officer of Health before opening a food premises, including someone buying an existing restaurant, using the online "Notify Toronto Public Health of a New Food Premises" form. A public health inspector then contacts you about the requirements. Toronto Public Health reviews building plans for new or renovated food premises. Inspection results are posted on DineSafe online and an inspection notice is displayed at the premises, so diners can see them.
Think through the parts of a Nigerian kitchen that need careful food safety practice: large pots of stew and soup held for service, cooling and reheating, stored dried fish and crayfish, palm oil, and pepper paste made in bulk. Keep temperature logs from day one and label prepared items with dates.
Food handler certification
The City says staff who handle food in eating or drinking establishments must have accredited food handler certification. That includes cooks, servers, hosts and bartenders. Budget for certifying everyone before opening, and keep copies of certificates on site.
Costs beyond the licence
The City licence is a small part of the opening budget. Plan also for the zoning review, architect or designer fees if plans are needed, building and sign permits, kitchen equipment and ventilation, food handler courses for each staff member, and insurance. Example: if you hire five staff and each needs certification, the course fees multiply by five, and new staff who join later need certificates too. Keep a list of who is certified and when each certificate was issued.
Imported ingredients
If you import egusi, ogbono, stockfish or spices directly rather than buying from a Canadian wholesaler, federal food import rules apply. See importing Nigerian food into Canada and bringing stockfish and dried fish into Canada.
Where Pryme fits
A restaurant paying Nigerian suppliers or family partners at home can use a Pryme Business Account, opened from Canada and holding NGN, USD, GBP and EUR. The payroll and Finance agent tools prepare payments and reconciliations for you to approve.
Questions people ask
How much is a restaurant licence in Toronto?
The City lists a $268.32 application fee and a $268.32 licence fee, $536.64 in total, and $362.96 to renew each year, as at July 2026.
Do I need a zoning review to open a restaurant in Toronto?
Yes, an approved Zoning Review for Business Licence, unless you are taking over an existing business with a valid licence in the same category, or one that expired less than three years ago.
Do I need to tell Toronto Public Health before opening?
Yes. Every operator must notify the Medical Officer of Health before opening a food premises, using the City's online form.
Do all restaurant staff need food handler certification in Toronto?
The City says staff who handle food, including servers, hosts, bartenders and cooks, must have accredited food handler certification.
Sources
- City of Toronto: Eating or Drinking Establishment licence (modified 27 Jul 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Toronto Public Health: Starting a Food Business (modified 16 Jun 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.