After six years in business, Michelin-starred Frilu, a fine dining restaurant in Thornhill, announced via social media that it’s closing its doors.
“On to new things…” owners John-Vincent and Sandra Troiano captioned the post. “After much reflection, we’ve decided to close Frilu. We’re finishing the way we started, with smiles on our faces. It’s been a wild and rewarding ride for the past six years,” the post read.
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Frilu has long been celebrated for its inventive tasting menus that highlight the simplicity of nature using local seasonal ingredients. Chef John-Vincent’s Asian influences create intricate flavours, showcasing dishes that reflect the Canadian landscape.
The restaurant first earned a coveted Michelin star in Toronto’s inaugural guide in 2022 and continued its success in 2023, earning another Michelin star as well as the city’s first Michelin Green Star for their outstanding commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
Michelin’s Take: “There is a saying that we should dance like nobody’s watching. This adage feels true of Chef John-Vincent Troiano, who cooks to his own rhythm in Thornhill. Smoke, game, and refined sauce-work figure prominently on what might be the only tasting menu for several kilometers. A tiny space packed with talent, the sparsely decorated nook leaves everything on the plate, with high-quality product from their own farm coupled with an intriguing Japanese element that feels natural.”
“Frilu has driven our goals and desires, inspiring us towards a sustainable future in new ventures,” the Instagram post continued. “Starting next week, we’ll offer a menu featuring the best of our spring and summer dishes until our last day.”
The post went on to say that the couple’s focus has now shifted to their farm — Willowolf Farm. “Frilu has been a motivating force for our goals and desires and has propelled and inspired us towards a sustainable future in different ventures.”
Frilu’s last day of service will be July 31.
