January in Toronto is a bit of a slow month for restaurant openings, but you're in luck if you like noodles, tacos or dumplings.

Here are my picks for the top restaurants that opened in Toronto last month.

Ufficio
The Italian restaurant on Dundas West is making waves with its pescetarian menu featuring a bounty of fish and veg dishes. The opening menu features a grilled octopus with coponata, burrata with pickled beets and a spaghetti carbonara that substitutes bacon with smoked mackerel.

Rione XI
This new Italian restaurant channels the cucinas of the Ghetto di Roma, the Jewish district in Rome known for its patio tables populated with vino and the famous carciofi alla giudia. Find the new restaurant on St. Clair serving the addictive deep fried artichoke specialty accompanied by a menu of pizza, pasta and salumi boards.

Cafeteria
The newest addition to the Playa Cabana family of restaurants is this all-day eatery on College Street. Don't go here expecting tacos - although they do have some on the menu. Instead, expect more refined Mexican fare such as pulpo ceviche and crab salad.

MeNami
Willowdale gained a traditional Sanuki udon house this month from the same folks behind Han Ba Tang. The menu makes thick, chewy noodles its niche and offers over a dozen different preparations including oven-baked with shrimps, scallops and bacon, or curried with shrimp tempura.

The Peasant Table
The new gastropub in Leslieville taps into old-world recipes that span the Alps to the Adriatic Sea for a menu featuring rustic fare at brunch, lunch and dinner. Menu highlights include grilled octopus, smoked swordfish crudo and Wagyu beef carpaccio as well as ample vegetarian options.

XO Bisous
The patisserie and cafe on Adelaide Street East is newly opened and serving up a sweet selection featuring profiteroles and cookies, fast breakfasts and complete lunches. Find yogurt parfaits and chocolate chia seed puddings available in the mornings, while lunch comprises sandwiches, soup and fresh salads.

My Little Dumplings
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, this purveyor of international dumpling styles has set up shop in Leslieville. Fill up on a cross-cultural selection of dumplings ranging from gnocchi to bao.

True True
Formerly One Pizza, this restaurant on King East is still serving pizza but is sporting a new menu, new name, and new look.

Coo Cafe Bread or Rice
January was the first full month in business for this cozy Bloorcourt eatery that offers a novel approach to satisfying comfort food cravings. Whether you're hankering for a big bowl of rice or a sloppy sandwich, Coo has you covered.

Barnsteiner's
Flatbreads and panini, salads and seafood selections, and big meat and potato entrees are all on the menu at this Yonge and St. Clair restaurant from the same folks behind the Corner House.

Photo of Ufficio by Jesse Milns.