dine in restaurants toronto

Toronto restaurants ditching takeout menus a sign things are getting back to normal

Some Toronto restaurants that had to pivot to a takeout model during lockdowns are now ditching those menus in favour of focusing on their dine-in service once more, and it might just be a sign that things are returning to normal.

Lake Inez just announced on their social media that this weekend would be their last takeout meal and there were about 10 orders left, which promptly sold out in well under 24 hours. They recreated the vibe of their dreamy spot as well as they could for takeout with packages that included multiple courses and even "love letters."

Despite that, the restaurant's co-owner says interest in the takeout program just isn't what it used to be as things open back up.

"We're actually stopping due to waning interest, it's not really viable to have two separate programs at once at this juncture," Lake Inez co-owner Zac Schwartz tells blogTO. "Though our takeout constituency is blood loyal and voracious, they're dwindling in numbers."

Schwartz is wary of using the word "normal" to describe anything but hopes that "moving forward we're a restaurant again."

"Mercurial policies and a complicated intersection between ethics and fiscal necessity have made this moment as weird as any in the last couple years," says Schwartz.

"The only aspect of this dour time that resonates was the uplifting sense of community and empathy through most of it, and also continuing with patio leniencies."

The last day for takeout at rotisserie chicken restaurant Bernhardt's was Jan. 30. DaiLo is back to doing indoor dining only.

Italian restaurant Giulietta was doing takeout but is putting their program on pause, and upscale restaurant Reign at the Fairmont is also no longer doing takeout.

Whether or not it's a sign of "normalcy," there certainly are fewer tasting menus to eat in your pyjamas these days.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez at Lake Inez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Someone released a 'Steal from Loblaws Day' song and people have mixed reactions

This is how Toronto complained about grocery monopolies in the 1800s

3 bars in Toronto have just been ranked among the best in North America

Ontario shopper confounded by huge price difference for same item at stores 1 km apart

Canadians are loving former Loblaws loyalist's nine-minute rant against company

Toronto restaurant deflects accusations they don't share tips with staff

Ontario customer slams new 'soggy' plastic-free coffee lids at Tim Hortons

Oscar Isaac just showed up for dinner at Toronto restaurant