First NBA Courtside Restaurant to open this spring in Toronto, Canada
TORONTO, February 9, 2023 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that the first NBA Courtside Restaurant, a premier sports-inspired dining experience celebrating the NBA, will open in Spring 2023 at 15 Queens Quay East, near the base of Yonge St. in downtown Toronto, opens. The 10,000 square foot space will offer a premier, sports-inspired dining experience that celebrates the NBA through custom art and décor, a contemporary food and beverage program, an exclusive retail space, outdoor and private dining options and more.
The NBA Courtside Restaurant is operated by Toronto-based Urban Dining Group, a family business operating in the greater Toronto area since 1989. Toronto-based chef Erica Karbelnik, winner of Top Chef Canada Season 9 and Chopped Canada Season 3, will serve as the culinary ambassador for the NBA Courtside Restaurant and will oversee the development of a globally inspired menu.
The NBA Courtside Restaurant charts the stages of an NBA player’s journey from dreamer to champion through artwork and décor inspired by the league and its influence on popular culture, including historical moments from NBA history. The dining rooms will feature artwork by artists KWEST, Victor Solomon and others. Guests can view a series of NBA Top Shot Moments featuring some of the best games of the NBA season on display in the restaurant. A large-scale Woodland Pop Art-style mural entitled “The Journey” by Anishinaabe artist Jenny Kay Dupuis will be featured on one of the restaurant’s exterior walls.
“There is no better location for the first NBA courtside restaurant than Canada, where basketball has a rich history and tradition,” said Leah MacNab, senior vice president of NBA Canada. “We can’t wait to welcome fans and guests from all over the world to this incredible place, where they can celebrate their shared love of the game in a unique way, with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.”
“It’s an honor to be part of something so special in our city. Toronto loves the game. It’s part of our culture, and presenting that in such a creative way is truly amazing,” said NBA Courtside Restaurant Culinary Ambassador, Executive Chef Erica Karbelnik. “From the art to the wine to the food, this is a Toronto gem that will continue our love and passion for basketball. I’m fortunate to be part of the NBA Courtside Restaurant and I’m excited to see what the future of the NBA holds.”
The NBA Courtside Restaurant retail space features a curated collection of official NBA and exclusive NBA Courtside Restaurant apparel and merchandise from 47 Brand, New Era, Mitchell & Ness and Wilson, as well as a selection of prints and products featuring custom artwork by Dupuis.
Fans can learn more about the NBA Courtside Restaurant and receive additional updates ahead of its opening by visiting NBArestaurant.com and following the restaurant’s dedicated social account (@NBACourtsideRestaurant) on Instagram.
For more information about the NBA in Canada, fans can download the NBA app and follow the NBA on Facebook. Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. A full selection of official NBA merchandise is available from the NBA Store in Canada at NBAStore.ca.