ematei toronto

Popular Japanese restaurant closes after 30 years in Toronto

Since 1989, it was a Japanese culinary hideaway in downtown Toronto. Now, Ematei is closed.

It is hard to imagine this now, but when the restaurant opened 30 years ago, sushi was still gaining popularity in the city. Three decades later, Japanese food is a staple for many Torontonians.

The Takano family owned and managed the restaurant throughout the entire time it was open.

The restaurant owners didn’t announce why they were closing, but they put up a handwritten note on their door at 30 St Patrick St. last month announcing that the restaurant would be closed two days later on June 16.

“To all our customers a very special thank you for your loyal patronage,” the sign read.

Many Torontonians will have to find a new go-to lunchtime bento box spot.

Lead photo by

Hannah Alberga


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Latest in Eat & Drink

Iconic Toronto Jamaican patty shop warns customers after impostors go viral

5 of the hottest new restaurants in Toronto right now

65 essential bars in Toronto you need to visit at least once

Beloved Toronto BBQ pop-up is opening a real restaurant next month

10 heated patios in Toronto to stay cozy on this fall

A retro new sandwich shop just landed in Toronto's Distillery District

Buzzy Toronto Mexican restaurant is expanding to the Big Apple

Luxe new restaurant inside a castle opens in Toronto this week