Toronto’s dining scene endured its share of heartbreak in 2024, losing everything from neighbourhood hangouts to Michelin-starred destinations, along with those elusive spots that lingered on our “must-try” lists. From time-honoured institutions to ambitious newcomers that left too soon, these are some of the restaurants Toronto diners will miss the most in 2025.
Flo’s Diner
Yorkville lost a cherished landmark in March when Flo’s Diner closed after 33 years. Beloved for its retro vibe, Flo’s featured checkerboard floors, red leather booths and walls decorated with vintage decor, making it a cosy contrast to the area’s otherwise opulent scene. The owners, Pierre Hamel and Peter Lau, said they did not have a lease beyond March 31. A mainstay for comfort food and nostalgia, diners flocked to Flo’s for its all-day breakfasts, no-fuss burgers and piled-high sandwiches. Yorkville feels a little less welcoming without this local gem.
Rosalinda
It was a rough year for Toronto’s plant-based dining scene, with closures including Apiecalypse Now!, Osteria Du and Hello123, but few hit quite as hard as the loss of upscale vegan Mexican restaurant Rosalinda. Known for dishes like jackfruit carnitas tacos, sweet potato flautas and cauliflower tostadas, Rosalinda rarely relied on meat substitutes — instead letting vegetables take the spotlight in satisfying ways that appealed to vegans and omnivores alike. Its thoughtful menu of non-alcoholic cocktails also made it a standout date night destination, whether you were sipping spirits or staying dry.
Annapurna
This summer marked the end of an era as family-owned South Indian restaurant Annapurna called it quits. Owners Shivaram and Devavira Trichur, now ages 90 and 78, respectively, decided it was time to embrace a slower pace of life, bringing their decades-long restaurant legacy to a close. Opened in the 1970s, this Annex restaurant was one of Toronto’s longest-running vegetarian spots, known for its comforting dosas, golden bondas, fragrant dhal and wholesome salads. With its homey atmosphere and heartfelt cooking, the restaurant became a cornerstone of the community and evoked memories of a simpler, fading chapter in Toronto’s dining history.
Gare de l’Est Brasserie
While French cuisine is having a moment in Toronto, Gare de l’Est Brasserie didn’t seem to be able to ride the wave, closing its doors after seven years in Leslieville. Opened in 2017 by Ascari Hospitality Group, the brasserie won fans with classic French dishes like steak tartare and beef bourguignon, complemented by a well-curated French wine list. Its weekend brunch offerings, including œufs bénédicte Nordiques and pain perdu, were another draw for diners. While Gare de l’Est is a thing of the past, the group’s Italian concept Ascari Enoteca lives on in the same neighbourhood.
Frilu
Known for inventive tasting menus that combined Ontario’s seasonal produce with Asian influences, Frilu earned a Michelin star and a loyal following over its six-year run. The restaurant also received a Michelin green star for sustainability through its close partnership with Willowwolf Farm, the 15-acre farmstead of chef-owner John-Vincent Troiano and his wife, Evelyn Wu. In July, the couple made the bittersweet decision to close Frilu, shifting their focus to the farm that had always been at the heart of their vision. While its closure leaves a void in Toronto’s fine dining scene, their next chapter feels like a natural evolution of Frilu’s eco-friendly philosophy.
Farmhouse Tavern
The Junction said goodbye to a neighbourhood staple this past November as Farmhouse Tavern shuttered its doors after a 12-year run. Despite changing hands multiple times over the years, the restaurant stayed true to its roots with a dedication to farm-to-table ingredients and a warm atmosphere. Weekend brunch was a crowd-pleaser, known for its fluffy pancakes and perfectly executed eggs Benedict, while the seasonally-inspired dinner menu, with hearty offerings like pastas and burgers, kept regulars returning. Filling its shoes won’t be easy, but a new sports bar called the Wedge has already moved into the space.
Dova
The younger sibling of Michelin-recognized Italian restaurant Ardo, Dova brought a fresh, contemporary take on Sicilian cuisine to Cabbagetown when it opened in 2020. Its sleek, minimalist design and menu of fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas quickly cemented it as a go-to for refined Italian dining. The closure of this inviting spot leaves the east end dining scene a little dimmer but, happily, owners chef Roberto Marotta and Jacqueline Nicosia continue to bring their signature approach to Italian cooking and eye for stylish interior design to Ardo and Bar Ardo.
Fonda Balam
After three years, Fonda Balam has closed its doors, leaving locals on the hunt for their next fix of zesty aguachile and braised beef tacos. Fonda Balam was the brainchild of chefs Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn, with celebrity chef Matty Matheson in the wings as a silent partner. Praised for its soulful flavours, Fonda Balam drew heavily from Mexican street food culture and the culinary traditions of Guajardo’s hometown of León. While diners await news of Guajardo and Chomyshyn’s next move, Matheson’s new Maritime diner, Bar Clams, has already taken over Fonda Balam’s former home on Dundas West.
Fet Zun
Chef Anthony Rose’s lively Middle Eastern restaurant on Dupont charmed diners with a punchy, shareable menu that spanned from mezze and house-made pita to shawarma and schnitzel. While it shared a similar culinary ethos to its nearby sister restaurant, Fat Pasha, Fet Zun carved out its own niche with its lighter cooking style and playful seasonal patio pop-up, Madame Boeuf and Flea. After five years of delighting diners, Fet Zun served its last meal in December. Lovers of Rose’s bold, soul-warming fare can still visit Fat Pasha or Schmaltz Appetizing, his bagel and smoked fish shop.
Extra Burger
Amid the smash burger boom of the late 2010s, Extra Burger stood out as one of the best. Despite its name, Extra Burger’s allure lay not in extras but in nailing the burger basics with its crisp-edged patties topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, a juicy tomato, thick dill pickles and tangy secret sauce, all nestled in pillowy Martin’s potato rolls. Instantly recognizable by its intentionally scrappy handwritten ‘hamburger’ entrance sign, which was designed by local artist Justin Broadbent, this unassuming joint was a staple for anytime comfort eats. Nights out on Dundas West just aren’t the same without it.
