fernandos hideaway toronto

Toronto's oldest Mexican restaurant has permanently closed

After 41 years of enchilada dinners and frozen margaritas, Fernando's Hideaway has closed for good.

The sign for Toronto's oldest Mexican restaurant—originally called Hernando's Hideaway, after the old tango show tune—has come down at its location at 785 Danforth Ave. 

Now replacing the little man with the sombrero and shiny black loafers is a new marquee for an Italian restaurant called Trattoria Di Parma, which is gearing up to open soon.

It marks the end to a long journey for Fernando's, which first opened up as Hernando's in 1979.

Gaining a following for its nachos, gorditas, and Tex-Mex faves, the restaurant eventually made the move from 52 Wellington St. East to its popular basement location at 545 Yonge St.

Not long after, it moved a few blocks north to 591 Yonge St.

By 2016, Fernando's had a second location on Danforth, but quickly abandoned the downtown core to focus exclusively on its Greektown store. By the time of its closure, Fernando's food had fallen from the acclaim of years past. 

Restaurant owners could not be reached for comment about why the restaurant has closed, and whether we'll ever taste the frosty margs of Fernando's again. 

Lead photo by

Matt Champion


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Win free ice cream for the summer and a Chapman's chest freezer

People in Ontario have mixed feelings about The Beer Store's monopoly ending

The 10 hottest new bars in Toronto right now

Canadians prefer shopping at these grocery stores during Loblaws boycott

Shoppers are roasting No Frills for chip sale sign offering one cent savings

People worry alcoholic drinks will be way more expensive at convenience stores in Ontario

Eataly is opening a 4th Toronto location at the Eaton Centre

Shake Shack announces opening date for first Toronto location