el pulgarcito

Toronto restaurant famous for its pupusas is permanently closing

One of Toronto's best El Salvadorian restaurants that's brought delicious and affordable meals to its neighbourhood over the past few years is set to close its doors. 

El Pulgarcito in Scarborough has built a reputation in the community for its delectable El Salvadorian cuisine, including affordable pork tamales, pupusas, and tacos. 

Mauricio, owner of El Pulgarcito, told blogTO that future condo developments in the area is what ultimately led the business to decide to close is doors. 

"Unfortunately, we have to close on Feb. 28, it's the last day we'll be here," he explained. "The government is going to make some condos around here." 

The restaurant will now be closing on May 31 after receiving an extension from Metrolinx that allows it to continue to operate.

el pulgarcito

The cheese pull on a pupusa at El Pulgarcito.

Despite its future closure, the restaurant remains extremely busy, with regular customers piling in during the lunch rush. It's a sentiment to the restaurant's impact on the neighbourhood, and a bittersweet reminder of the legacy they leave behind. 

Mauricio also told blogTO that staffing shortages are causing even greater demand during busy hours of the day, and are also part of the reason why the restaurant is closing its doors. 

El Pulgarcito means "Little Thumb," which is a nickname for El Salvador since it's the smallest country in Central America. 

There's no word yet on whether the restaurant will be relocating to a new space, but for now, there's still a couple of months left to support the beloved business. 

el pulgarcito

The exterior of El Pulgarcito.

El Pulgarcito is located at 20 Nugget Avenue near McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East. 

Photos by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

5 restaurants for elevated Indian food in Toronto you need to try

Someone compared Shake Shack prices in Toronto and NYC and they're surprising

Beloved Toronto bar Clinton's is officially closed after rollercoaster few years

40 essential ice cream in Toronto you need to try at least once

New drink festival coming to Toronto is proof that people are drinking less booze these days

Drama around Toronto corner store that may close over mystery complaint continues

U.S. Costco shoppers jealous of food court items only available in Canada

Toronto dessert shop is permanently closing and owner pens heartfelt goodbye