11 iconic Toronto restaurants that closed forever but still live rent-free in our minds
They genuinely don't make them like they used to. You come to that conclusion when you look back at all the Toronto restaurants that have permanently closed over the past few years.
We recently took locals on a trip down memory lane when we asked them which Toronto restaurants or food spots they wished would make a comeback in 2025.
Several iconic Toronto establishments just kept cropping up in the comments on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, including Ed's Warehouse Restaurants, Mr. Greenjeans and Toby's Good Eats.
Whether it's a high-end restaurant, fast-food joint, pizzeria or breakfast spot, some of these places have a legacy that has lasted decades.
Here's a closer look at 11 of the top picks.
Ed's Warehouse Restaurants
Ed's Warehouse Restaurants were iconic staples of Toronto.
Owned by the late Ed Mirvish, these spots were mentioned a lot by our readers in The 6ix.
With six locations at its peak, Ed's Warehouse Restaurants were an absolute favourite in the city. They were places where the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Pierre Trudeau and John Candy once reportedly dined.
According to Mirvish.com, Ed Mirvish began closing his restaurants in the late 1990s, and the last one closed its doors on September 16, 2000.
Mother's Pizza Parlour and Spaghetti House
Founded in Hamilton in the 1970s, Mother's Pizza came to Toronto in the 1980s after it was bought by a consortium that included Toronto Blue Jays players such as Ernie Witt, Lloyd "Shaker" Moseby and Jessie Barfield.
The restaurant is remembered for its delicious parlour-style pizza.
The company went into receivership in the late 1980s but was relaunched in the 2010s. However, it was short-lived, as the final Mother's Pizza in Kitchener closed permanently in 2019.
Fernando's Hideaway
Established on Yonge St. in 1980, Fernando's Hideaway claimed to be the oldest Tex-Mex restaurant in Toronto.
The hugely popular spot moved exclusively to Danforth Ave. in the 2010s but unfortunately closed its doors for the final time in 2021.
Toby’s Good Eats
Toby's Good Eats was a classic diner with tasty milkshakes and gorgeous food. It welcomed diners for the first time in Hamilton in 1984. The popular eatery once had 10 locations across the GTA.
Toby's Good Eats still operates today, but only has one store remaining, located in Hamilton.
The Underground Railroad Restaurant
After opening in 1969 at 406 Bloor St. E., The Underground Railroad Restaurant was one of Toronto's first Black-owned soul food restaurants.
The four original owners were Howard Matthews, jazz musician Archie Alleyne, and Toronto Argonauts players John Henry Jackson and Dave Mann.
After becoming quickly popular, it expanded and moved to King St. E., but it eventually closed almost two decades later.
Despite reopening on Church St. in 1989, it was later closed permanently. However, it'll always be remembered for its authenticity, tasty food, and warm atmosphere.
Mr. Greenjeans
Along with Honest Ed's and Ed's Warehouse Restaurants, Mr. Greenjeans was among the most-mentioned by Narcity readers.
Despite being closed since 2014, it's remarkable to see the impact this spot still has.
It opened on Adelaide St. E. in 1975, and a second store was launched in the Eaton Centre a few years later.
Mr. Greenjeans is fondly remembered for its Buffalo chips, milkshakes and burgers.
Lick's Homeburgers
A Canadian restaurant chain, Lick's was another popular food spot for our readers.
After originally opening in the 1980s, Lick's had over 30 stores across Ontario at its peak.
However, the company struggled with the 2008 financial crisis, and several stores closed in the early 2010s.
The last store in Toronto — 900 Warden Ave. — closed in 2021.
There is still a singular Lick's location in Parry Sound, though!
The BamBoo
Located on Queen St. W., The BamBoo was an iconic landmark in the neighbourhood.
It was a hugely popular spot for artists and musicians alike in Toronto in the 1980s. It served cuisine from all over the world.
However, it closed its doors in 2002, and its loss is still felt by local foodies today.
The Magic Pan
The Magic Pan had two stores in the Eaton Centre and Sherway Gardens.
Our readers warmly remember it for its delicious crepes.
It was a popular chain in the U.S. and Canada during the 1970s through to the 1990s.
The Big Slice
Beloved pizzeria The Big Slice closed shop in May 2016 to make way for condominium developments.
It was a beloved spot to get a slice of pizza late at night, as it had been located in the downtown core on Yonge and Gerrard since 1981.
The store moved to St. Claire Ave. before it closed.
It still operates under a different name, Big Slice Kitchen, in Etobicoke.
Le Papillon on Front
This one is still very raw! Le Papillon on Front closed its doors for the final time at the end of 2023.
It was nestled in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood for almost 50 years.
It was known for its beautiful French dishes, including French onion soup, chicken cordon bleu and crème brûlée.
While Toronto is still bustling with so many unique and tasty food spots, you just can't beat the nostalgia around old favourites!
