toronto restaurant closings

10 high profile Toronto restaurant closures this summer

It's survival of the fittest for restaurants in Toronto, and while summer was a great season for openings, there were more than a few establishments that went belly up. These longtime stalwarts and spectacularly short-lived eateries all suffered the same fate.

Here's a round-up of some high profile Toronto restaurants that closed this summer.

Fishbar
Fans of sustainable seafood on Ossington were left gutted when this restaurant came to an unceremonious end after a four year run. The restaurant closed at the end of June when the landlord locked the doors due to unpaid rent.

Crush Wine Bar
The longtime fixture on King West shuttered in June after an almost 13 year run. Often cited as one of the best wine bars in the city, it will missed - though rumour has it that Susur Lee is taking over the address.

The Atlantic
Not even a Million Dollar Review could keep Chef Nathan Isberg's unconventional eatery afloat. The restaurant operated on a pay-what-you-want model and had done away with booze - alas Isberg decided he was done with the restaurant game in mid August.

The Geraldine
Parkdale's dimly lit cocktail parlour dealt in classic libations including traditional absinthe service alongside plates of beef tartare, oysters Rockefeller and seafood towers. The restaurant closed in August just short of its two year anniversary.

Loire
The French bistro on Harbord has shown no signs of life in months. Owned by the same folks behind Le Kensington Bistro (also shuttered), the restaurant is dark and the phone number is disconnected.

Black Skirt
I had enjoyed several meals at this southern Italian restaurant on College St. but it seems that nonna retired back in July. I'll personally be mourning the white anchovy crostini and pasta studded with pistachios.

Destingo
This casual Italian eatery boasted one of the best street side patios on Queen West, but even this prime summertime attraction couldn't save it from going out of business.

Greek Street
"Closed for renovations" was posted on the door months ago, but now "for lease" signs confirm what we suspected. Greek Street joins similar short-lived establishments including The Greek and It's All GRK on Dundas East.

Pulp Kitchen Danforth
Pre-dating Toronto's current obsession with juice, this well established juice bar on the Danforth is an unexpected first casualty of over saturation.

Oh! Original Hotdogs
Open just a few weeks, then shuttered for failure to pay rent - we can't help but wonder if it's the influx of hot dog centric competition nearby or the fact that they introduced their product via a glory hole that caused this late-night counter's demise.

Which businesses will you miss the most? Add your condolences to the comments.


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