Everything must come to an end, but when it’s your favourite Toronto restaurant, the one where you celebrated milestones or the neighborhood gem that stood for years, it can be heart-wrenching. While new amazing restaurants open in Toronto daily, some can never truly be replaced.
Here are the saddest restaurant closings of 2023.
Rosedale Diner
Just last month, the Rosedale Diner, a community staple for over four decades, announced its closure. We’ve been so blessed to share so many unforgettable moments with both customers and staff over the years: first dates, proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, book clubs, clandestine celebrity lunch meetings, bachelorette parties, and even weddings (including our very own daughter’s). We were able to survive the rough times of COVID and come out the other end. Now, at our best—our most ourselves—we feel it’s the opportune time to say goodbye,” the owners relayed in an Instagram post.The Rosedale Diner will remain open until the end of December, and the closing will be marked with a celebration.“We’ll keep you posted on how things will be changing over the next month and a half, as we round out our final year in business,” said Esti. “And yes, there will be a party.”
Smith
Back in May, Smith, the beloved three-level restaurant in Toronto’s Gay Village, renowned for its chic interior and Instagrammable brunch, bid farewell after more than 15 years in business. The closure was announced on Smith’s Instagram, expressing gratitude for serving the community on Church Street through various events, from late-night parties to prides and brunches. The post acknowledged the end of an era, stating that all good things must come to an end in life.
Lai Wah Heen
Located on the second floor of the DoubleTree Hotel at 108 Chestnut St., Lai Wah Heen had been serving up elevated dim sum to suits and tourists alike since 1995. According to a representative from DoubleTree, the owner of Lai Wah Heen decided not to renew the lease at the end of February.For nearly three decades, Lai Wah Heen was considered as one of the best dim sum restaurants in Canada, earning accolades from publications like The New York Times who said that it was “the best dum sum in Toronto, maybe the best in North America.”
La Paloma
La Paloma’s closure signalled the conclusion of a beloved era for the neighbourhood’s favorite gelato spot. Situated at 1357 St Clair Avenue West, La Paloma had been a destination for some of the city’s best gelato since 1967. With the original and Yorkdale locations closed, enthusiasts must now venture to Woodbridge for their cherished gelato fix.
Country Style Hungarian Restaurant
Country Style Hungarian restaurant, a longstanding fixture in the Annex for 62 years, holds historical significance as one of the first Hungarian restaurants on Bloor Street. The owner has decided to retire, intending to reunite with her family in Hungary.
OK OK Diner
Just a few weeks ago, OK OK diner, a neighbourhood staple known for its hearty comfort fare, including all-day breakfasts and patio seating, closed its doors after more than 70 years in business. The owner expressed the difficulty of the decision, stating on Instagram, “No words can describe how hard this decision was. However, everyone’s run comes to an end.”
Pow Wow Cafe
As summer kicked off, Pow Wow Café, a beloved fixture in Kensington Market, revealed its closure after a seven-year run. Renowned for its tacos served on Ojibway-style frybread, this cozy spot was also a go-to for weekend brunch and drinks. Since the closure, owner Shawn Adler has been actively engaged in pop-ups and events throughout Ontario.
Planta Cocina
The newest member of the Planta family opened in early 2021. This spot showcased inventive plant-based renditions of Mexican classics like black bean taro tots, empanadas, and jackfruit tacos. Located at the heart of the Financial District, the restaurant unexpectedly closed around a month ago, leaving patrons without an explanation.
Osteria Du
Herbivores received disheartening news in June as the city’s inaugural all-vegan Italian restaurant revealed its upcoming closure. Osteria Du, launched on Queen West in 2021 by the Awai Hospitality Group, known for their local successes like Avelo and M!LK, will be shutting its doors. The restaurant explained in an Instagram post that escalating rent to pre-pandemic levels and current economic conditions are at odds. Their final service will take place in September.
