Beloved Toronto pizza restaurant closing abruptly after ten years
After almost a decade of serving Toronto with wood-fired pizzas, a local restaurant is preparing to put out the flames for good.
Defina Wood Fired opened in the heart of the Junction Triangle in 2018, seven years after owners launched their original restaurant, Pizzeria Defina, in Roncesvalles.
Over the years, the Junction spot built a loyal following for its award-winning wood-fired pizzas, including its Roma and Napoletana-style crusts. It was also one of the few places in the city offering gluten-free crust long before it became commonplace.
In a social media post shared on Thursday, Defina Wood Fired announced it will close after "10 amazing years" as its lease ends.
"Thank you to everyone who dined with us, celebrated with us, and supported us over the years. We are truly grateful for the memories and friendships we have made," the restaurant wrote.
While the Junction Triangle isn't exactly short on pizza options — Gram's Pizza, for example, is down the street — Defina stood out as a spot where diners could settle in and stay awhile with a spacious dining room and corner patio that made it a popular spot for larger gatherings.
Regulars have taken to the restaurant's Instagram page to express their sadness over the closure and reminisce about years of meals and memories shared there with loved ones.
"Our favourite and go-to place for celebrations and family dinners," one user wrote.
"Celebrated so many milestones with you guys on Dupont. You'll be missed!" commented another.
For anyone who'll miss the smell of wood-fired pizza drifting out onto Dupont Street, the good news is that the original Pizzeria Defina location is still serving pies at 321 Roncesvalles Ave.
Defina Wood Fired's last day of service at 1485 Dupont St. will be Sunday, June 21.
