Toronto restaurant with a cult neighbourhood following closes after 20 years
A Toronto restaurant that's been a local staple for the past two decades has officially closed its doors for good.
Each neighbourhood in the city has — at least — one such restaurant: the place that feels like it's never not been there, whose owners become the de facto mayors of the postal code.
Over in New Toronto, Bombay on the Lake had been one such establishment since 2006, before it closed its doors permanently on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Situated on Lake Shore Boulevard West, just west of Islington, the restaurant was nothing short of a local staple, with its unmistakable sign and irresistible menu of Indian classics — although the Butter Chicken, which is decidedly un-Indian, was always a best-seller.
Despite its cult following, Bombay on the Lake owner Shilpa Chauhan took to Instagram to confirm the closure.
"After 20 incredible years, it is with a very full heart that I share that we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our restaurant," Chauhan writes in the post's caption.
She goes on to write that, "For two decades, it has been an absolute privilege to serve our community. What started as a small restaurant became so much more than a business, it became a place filled with friendships, familiar faces, celebrations, conversations, laughter, and so many memories that we will carry with us forever."
The feeling, it seems, is mutual, as the post's comment section was flooded with dozens of messages from community members expressing their dismay at the closure.
"Sorry to hear this one of my favourite restaurants I often visited. All the best on your next journey," one former fan comments.
"Our family will dearly miss all of our milestones being celebrated with you and your incredible food," writes another.
"Best restaurant to ever exist!!!" One person says, simply.
Bombay on the Lake was located at 3007 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
