Momofoku Toronto, the once widely anticipated restaurant by Chef David Chang, is checking out of the Shangri-La later this year leaving behind a legacy that lasted 10 years.
“After 10 incredible years at 190 University Avenue, Momofuku Toronto is closing on December 23. We have decided not to renew our lease at this location” said a post on the restaurant’s Instagram. “We are deeply grateful to the Toronto community for the support over the past decade. Thanks to the teams past and present and the guests who joined us over the years for making Momofuku Toronto such a special part of the Momoverse. Toronto will always feel like home to us.
The spot inside the luxury downtown hotel was Chang’s first Canadian location, opening up back in 2012. During its tenure it saw immense highs, headhunting other exceptional culinary talent like Vancouver-based Eva Chin, and paving the road for other fan favourite spots in the city like Soy Luck Club, Donna’s and Oji Seichi. Despite its positive reception, the last few years posed challenges, and according to sources, morale had taken a hit among staff and management since the beginning of the year.
It’s no secret the past two years have ravaged the service industry, with Toronto facing some of the strictest and longest lasting restaurant closures in North America, disproportionately affecting local spots.
While not a correlation, surely Momofuko’s absence from the recent Michelin Star Guide didn’t do much to boost spirits.
There’s still plenty of time to grab a menu mainstay like the ginger scallion noodles or the delicious pork belly bun — Momofuku will close its doors on December 23.
