simons wok vegetarian kitchen toronto

Vegetarian restaurant permanently closes after 30 years in Toronto

A classic vegetarian restaurant nestled in Toronto's east Chinatown is officially closed after nearly 30 years of reliable service and delicious food. 

Simon's Wok Vegetarian Kitchen, located at 797 Gerrard Street East, was closed throughout the majority of lockdowns, but has since shuttered its doors for good. 

Lovers of this vegetarian Chinese eatery will have to bid farewell to the restaurant's extensive menu that included innovative mock-meat plates, from crab, to duck, to pork. 

The restaurant opened back up in 1994, and managed to pick up a regular customer base that would retreat to the humble eatery for some of the best veggie meals the city had to offer. 

Owner and chef of Simon's Wok, Simon Peng, immigrated to Toronto from Shenzhen in 1987. According to the new occupants, the restaurant has closed following Peng's retirement. 

The space is now home to Ona Noodle, which offers delectable Indonesian street food and authentic rice meals such as Pandang rice, chicken satay, and Indonesian style fried rice. 

Although Simon's Wok is officially closed, its remaining traditional storefront serves as a bittersweet last reminder of its impact on the neighbourhood's culinary scene. 

Lead photo by

blogTO


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

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

Here's how grocery prices measure up in France vs. Canada

10 farms to pick your own fruit and vegetables near Toronto

Fruta Libre is giving away free food in Toronto this week