Popular Toronto seafood restaurant closing after more than a decade in business

Toronto is saying goodbye to another beloved restaurant this month, as Honest Weight has announced it will officially close after more than a decade of serving sustainably sourced seafood in the Junction.

The restaurant and fish counter, known for its rotating brunch, lunch and dinner menus, shared the news with customers earlier this week and confirmed that its final day of service will be May 30.

Co-owner Victoria Bazan broke the news of the closure in a heartfelt statement on Facebook posted on May 12, saying, "I am so grateful for a team that over the years made Honest Weight the special place that it is."

Screenshot via Honest Weight.

She went on to express pride in the food that came out of the kitchen, while also acknowledging the people who played an important role in Honest Weight's success, including the guests they had the pleasure of serving.

Regular customers have flooded the post with reactions, with many calling Honest Weight "a special place" and describing the closure as a major loss for the Junction neighbourhood.

Honest Weight is well-known for its carefully curated seafood selection, East Coast-inspired menu, and commitment to sustainable fishing practices, having built a loyal following since first opening in Toronto's west end in 2015.

Neighbours and visitors alike have dined on local favourites like fresh oysters and lobster rolls, along with take-home options that have drawn regulars from across the city. And, of course, there's the okonomiyaki (a Japanese savoury pancake) that locals have been raving about for years.

Honest Weight has stood out among Toronto's many seafood spots thanks to its dual identity as both a restaurant and fish market. The late co-owner John Bil, who passed away in 2018, brought years of industry experience to the business after working on an oyster farm before teaming up with Bazan to open the restaurant more than a decade ago.

The closure adds to a growing list of longtime Toronto restuarants that have shuttered amid rising operating costs and ongoing pressures facing small, independent restaurants.

There's still a short window left for diners to visit before the doors close for good on May 30.

Honest Weight is located at 2766 Dundas St. W.