Meaty Italian Restaurant Transforms into Fourth Outpost of Vegan Eatery Planta

Toronto’s omnivore restaurant Nota Bene is closing on New Year’s Eve after a decade in business to make room for a new location of upscale vegan eatery Planta. Nota Chef and Owner David Lee is partnering with Chase Hospitality Group—Planta’s parent company—to open the new vegan concept in Spring 2019. The move was ignited by the growing demand for plant-based cuisine around the world. “We are dedicated to pushing boundaries,” Chef Lee said. “Focusing on Planta and plant-based cuisine unlocks new challenges and compels us to be our most creative, to take risks, [and] to be our very best.” The 7,000 square-foot restaurant will feature an elevated design and a menu focused on various Asian cuisines, drawing direct inspiration from the distinct Chinese alleyways known as Hutong. Chef Lee was part of the team behind Planta’s flagship location and fast-casual spin-off Planta Burger in Toronto, as well as Planta South Beach in Miami, FL. Last month, Planta’s flagship location was named one of the most booked restaurants during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.