# Restaurant Renovation Toronto | Toronto Restaurant & Cafe Renovations: Kitchens, Hoods & Dining Build-Outs for Commercial Operators | $5M CGL

URL: https://wholehouserenovation.ca/restaurant-renovation/

![King West restaurant dining room after build-out](/images/misc/king-west-restaurant-dining-room-after-build-out-w.webp)

Restaurant/Cafe · Toronto & GTA

# Restaurant and Cafe Renovation in Toronto: Commercial Kitchens, Hoods and Dining Rooms Built to Pass Inspection

Last updated: November 7, 2026

Restaurant and cafe build-outs: commercial kitchens, NFPA 96 hoods, grease interceptors, make-up air and dining rooms.

Typical price

$120K-$500K

Timeline

8-16 weeks typical (equipment lead times drive schedule)

Coverage

$5M CGL

Fixed Price Before Design

Written scope + hard-cap price before demolition. WSIB. WHMIS 2015. OBC. Written warranty. COI typically within 1 business day.

-   22+ years in the GTA
-   300+ projects
-   In-house permits

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Call (647) 800-3733

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Reviewed in 1 Business Day

Get a Written Restaurant/Cafe Quote

Reviewed personally by Royce (Roy) S. and Senior PM Nolan K.

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We review every request within 1 business day and will call you to book a site visit.

-   22+ Years
-   • $5M CGL + WSIB
-   • Written Warranty Registered
-   • 300+ Projects
-   • COI in 1 Business Day

What's Included

## What Our Restaurant/Cafe Renovation Service Covers

A restaurant opens only when it passes health, fire and building inspections, so that is how we plan the build. Commercial kitchens get NFPA 96 exhaust hoods with Ansul fire suppression, make-up air sized to the hood, a grease interceptor installed before the floor goes down, NSF-certified equipment connections and quarry tile or poured epoxy floors that clean easily. Fire separations under OBC Part 3 protect neighbouring units, and AODA washrooms meet accessibility counts for your seating. In the dining room and bar we build the space that carries your brand: banquettes, millwork, lighting and finishes. When a space changes from retail or office to restaurant, we file the change of use permit and plan the extra plumbing and fire requirements it brings. Our King West client opened on schedule after we walked the fire inspector through the hood and suppression system; the $238K budget held. Restaurant build-outs typically run $120K-$500K, and commercial kitchens alone $80K-$250K.

-   Commercial kitchen rough-ins and equipment coordination
-   NFPA 96 hood, fire suppression and make-up air
-   Grease interceptor installation
-   Health, fire and building inspection coordination
-   Dining room, bar and washroom build-outs

$120K-$500K per restaurant build-out 

Get My Written Quote

[#quote-form →](#quote-form)

![Commercial kitchen with NFPA 96 hood and fire suppression during build-out](/images/misc/commercial-kitchen-with-stainless-nfpa-96-exhaust-.webp)

Commercial kitchen with NFPA 96 hood and fire suppression during build-out

## What Does a Restaurant Build-Out Include?

A restaurant opens only when it passes health, fire and building inspections. Whole House Renovation builds commercial kitchens with NFPA 96 hoods and fire suppression, grease interceptors and make-up air, plus washrooms that meet accessibility counts and dining rooms that carry the brand. Restaurant build-outs typically run $120K-$500K; commercial kitchens $80K-$250K.

A typical build-out includes:

-   **Underground**: grease interceptor, floor drains and sanitary connections before the floor is finished.
-   **Kitchen ventilation**: NFPA 96 exhaust hood, grease duct, Ansul fire suppression and a make-up air unit.
-   **Kitchen surfaces**: quarry tile or poured epoxy floors, washable wall panels, hand sinks and NSF-certified equipment connections.
-   **Gas and electrical**: lines and circuits sized to your equipment list.
-   **Fire separation**: rated walls and ceilings under OBC Part 3 between your unit and neighbours.
-   **Front of house**: dining room, bar, banquettes, millwork, lighting and AODA-compliant washrooms.

## Types of Food Service Projects

### Cafes and coffee shops

Counter, espresso station, light food prep, seating and a washroom. Lighter ventilation needs mean shorter timelines.

### Full-service restaurants

A full commercial kitchen, hood and suppression, bar and dining room. Our King West build-out came in at $238K and opened on schedule.

### Commercial kitchens

Ghost kitchens, catering kitchens and kitchen-only upgrades in existing restaurants, $80K-$250K.

### Bars and lounges

Bar millwork, refrigeration, beer lines, lighting and acoustics.

## How Much Does a Restaurant Renovation Cost in Toronto?

| Scope | Typical range | Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cafe build-out | $120K-$220K | 8-12 weeks |
| Full-service restaurant | $220K-$500K | 10-16 weeks |
| Commercial kitchen only | $80K-$250K | 6-12 weeks |

The biggest variables are hood length and make-up air, whether a grease interceptor and new drains are needed, change of use requirements and the dining room finish level.

## Inspection Checklist for Toronto Restaurants

| Inspection | What they look for |
| --- | --- |
| Fire | Hood and suppression system, clearances, exits, fire separations, emergency lighting |
| Building | Permit drawings built as approved, structure, plumbing, barrier-free washrooms |
| Toronto Public Health | Hand sinks, cleanable surfaces, refrigeration, dishwashing, pest proofing |
| Electrical (ESA) | Wiring and equipment connections |

We design for every line on this list, book the inspections and walk inspectors through the work.

## When Does a Restaurant Need a Renovation?

-   Taking over a new space, especially a former retail or office unit.
-   A concept change that needs a different kitchen or dining layout.
-   Equipment upgrades that exceed the existing hood or gas service.
-   Accessibility upgrades or a refresh to keep up with the street.

Most of our restaurant work is in 

Central Toronto

[/service-areas/central-toronto/ →](/service-areas/central-toronto/)

, from King West to Yorkville. For other commercial scopes see 

commercial renovation

[/commercial-renovation/ →](/commercial-renovation/)

, or our full range of 

residential and commercial renovation in Toronto

[/ →](/)

. 

Request a free written quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

 with your equipment list and opening date.

The Industry Reality

## Why Restaurant Openings Get Delayed

Budget killer 1

### Hood and make-up air mistakes

An undersized hood or no make-up air fails the fire inspection, and fixing it means new ductwork through a finished ceiling.

Budget killer 2

### Interceptor and drain problems

Grease interceptors and floor drains installed after the floor is poured mean cutting concrete and pushing the opening back.

Budget killer 3

### Change of use surprises

Converting retail or office to restaurant adds plumbing, fire and washroom requirements that blow budgets when found late.

### The Whole House Renovation Fix

Hood, suppression and make-up air sized in design. Interceptor and drains installed before the floor. Change of use requirements identified at the site walk. Inspections booked and attended by us, with the opening date as the target.

Transparent Pricing

## How Much Does Restaurant/Cafe Renovation Cost in Toronto?

Typical range: **$120K-$500K** per restaurant build-out. Commercial kitchen $80K-$250K.

### Cafe build-out

$120K-$220K

Counter, espresso station, light kitchen, seating, washroom

### Full-service restaurant

$220K-$500K

Commercial kitchen, hood, interceptor, dining room, bar

### Commercial kitchen only

$80K-$250K

Hood, suppression, make-up air, interceptor, equipment rough-ins

### 6-Draw Payment Schedule (Tier 2+)

10% design · 15% permit-ready · 20% demolition · 20% rough-in · 20% substantial completion · 15% deficiency walkthrough. Tier 1 is paid net on completion. 5-8% discovery contingency on Tier 2+ contracts.

See the full Toronto cost guide →

[/cost/ →](/cost/)

Why Whole House Renovation

## Why Choose Whole House Renovation for Restaurant/Cafe Renovation?

### Inspection-first planning

Health, fire and building requirements designed in, not fixed after a failed inspection.

### Hoods done right

NFPA 96 hood, Ansul suppression and make-up air sized to your equipment.

### Underground first

Grease interceptor and floor drains installed before the floor goes down.

### Brand-ready dining rooms

Banquettes, millwork and lighting that match your renderings.

### After-hours where needed

Noisy work scheduled around neighbouring tenants and residents.

### Budget that holds

King West: $238K budget held and the restaurant opened on schedule.

How It Works

## How Does Our Restaurant/Cafe Renovation Process Work?

Design-build means one team from first visit to final walkthrough. Approval time is planned up front, and you get a weekly call from your project manager.

1.  1
    
    ### Site walk + menu review
    
    We review the space, your menu and equipment list, and the landlord's requirements.
    
2.  2
    
    ### Written scope + fixed price
    
    Kitchen, dining, washrooms and mechanical in writing, planned back from your opening.
    
3.  3
    
    ### Design + permits
    
    Kitchen layout, hood and make-up air, change of use and building permits filed.
    
4.  4
    
    ### Underground + rough-in
    
    Interceptor, floor drains, gas, electrical and exhaust before finishes.
    
5.  5
    
    ### Kitchen + dining build
    
    Fire separations, kitchen surfaces, equipment set, dining room, bar and washrooms.
    
6.  6
    
    ### Inspections + opening
    
    Fire, building and Toronto Public Health inspections coordinated, deficiencies closed.
    

Typical construction time: 8-16 weeks typical (equipment lead times drive schedule). Tier 2+ projects pay in six draws tied to these milestones, with no large upfront deposit.

Before + After

## Recent Restaurant/Cafe Projects Across the GTA

Real projects, filtered for this service. Drag the slider to compare, or pick a project from the list.

![Restaurant renovation Toronto King West after: finished dining room and kitchen pass](/images/misc/after-empty-king-west-restaurant-dining-room-with-.webp) ![Restaurant renovation Toronto King West before: gutted restaurant space](/images/misc/before-empty-gutted-king-west-restaurant-space-wit.webp)

Before After 

King West Restaurant Build-Out

Dining room + commercial kitchen with new hood and grease interceptor · 12 weeks · $238K

Full kitchen and dining build-out that passed health and fire inspections ahead of opening.

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View all projects →

[/projects/ →](/projects/)

Our Work

## Our Restaurant/Cafe Work

Click any image to enlarge.

 

Client Reviews

## What Clients Say About Our Restaurant/Cafe Work

Names are shown as initials and neighbourhood to protect client privacy.

> "Restaurants live or die on inspection dates. They sized the hood and make-up air properly, installed the grease interceptor before the floor went down and walked the fire inspector through everything. We opened on schedule, and the dining room looks exactly like the renderings. The $238K budget held."

AC A.C., King West Toronto · $238K · Commercial

> "Landlord approvals, night work in a busy street and a fixed opening date. They delivered our Yorkville flagship with the storefront, millwork and lighting done right, and the deficiency list was short."

NV N.V., Yorkville Toronto · $185K · Commercial

> "Our lease gave us a tight window before staff moved in. They worked nights on the noisy demolition, sent the COI to building management the next morning and turned a dated loft into a 20-person office with meeting pods. Invoices went to our PM on Net-30 with no surprises."

SN S.N., Liberty Village Toronto · $164K · Commercial

Got Questions?

## Restaurant/Cafe Renovation FAQs

### How much does a restaurant renovation cost in Toronto?

Restaurant build-outs typically run $120K-$500K. A cafe sits at the lower end; a full-service restaurant with a commercial kitchen and bar sits at the higher end. A commercial kitchen alone typically runs $80K-$250K. Our King West build-out came in at $238K.

### What is an NFPA 96 hood?

NFPA 96 is the standard for commercial kitchen ventilation and fire protection. It governs the hood, grease ducts, clearances and the fire suppression system, such as Ansul, that protects cooking equipment. Fire inspectors check against it.

### Do I need a grease interceptor?

Most food service operations in Toronto need one to keep grease out of the sewer. Size depends on fixtures and flow. We install it before the floor is finished so it never has to be cut in later.

### Do I need a change of use permit for a restaurant?

If the space was not previously a restaurant, usually yes. A change of use can trigger additional plumbing, washroom, fire separation and exit requirements, which we identify at the site walk.

### How long does a restaurant build-out take?

8-16 weeks typical. Equipment and hood lead times often drive the schedule, so we order them during permitting.

### Do you coordinate Toronto Public Health inspections?

Yes. We build surfaces, sinks and finishes to health requirements and coordinate health, fire and building inspections ahead of your opening.

Still have a question?

Call the 24/7 line or send your project details. We reply within 1 business day.

Call (647) 800-3733

[tel:+16478003733 →](tel:+16478003733)

 

Request a Free Written Quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

Keep Exploring

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### Commercial Renovation

Office, restaurant, retail and medical fit-outs for landlords and tenants, with OBC Part 3 compliance and after-hours dispatch.

$60K-$500K

[Commercial Renovation →](/commercial-renovation/)

![Retail fit-out in Toronto with walnut display millwork and track lighting](/images/misc/toronto-retail-fit-out-with-custom-walnut-display-.webp)

### Retail Fit-Out

Deadline-driven retail fit-outs: storefronts, display millwork, lighting and durable flooring, with landlord approvals handled.

$80K-$350K

[Retail Fit-Out →](/retail-fit-out/)

![Office renovation in Toronto with glass meeting pods and open workstations](/images/misc/toronto-office-renovation-with-glass-meeting-pods-.webp)

### Office Renovation

Office rebuilds and fit-outs with meeting pods, glass partitions, T-bar ceilings and data cabling, phased around your team.

$60K-$280K

[Office Renovation →](/office-renovation/)

Nearest service areas: 

Central Toronto

[/service-areas/central-toronto/ →](/service-areas/central-toronto/)

 

Mississauga

[/service-areas/mississauga/ →](/service-areas/mississauga/)

![](/images/hero/toronto-heritage-kitchen-with-white-oak-island-bra.webp)

Quote requests reviewed within 1 business day

## Ready to Price Your Restaurant/Cafe Renovation?

Tell us about your home or space. We review every request within 1 business day, visit the site and send a written scope with a hard-cap price before any design agreement.

Request a Free Written Quote

[/contact/ →](/contact/)

 

Call (647) 800-3733

[tel:+16478003733 →](tel:+16478003733)

-   Fixed price pre-design
-   $5M CGL + WSIB
-   Written warranty