CLOSURE: Iconic location of Mandarin closing down after over 30 years in Toronto
Published January 2, 2026 at 3:19 pm
A longstanding popular location of the chain of Chinese buffet restaurants Mandarin is now set to close its doors after over 30 years in business, officially opening its doors in 1991 in Toronto.
The iconic location of Mandarin found near the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton has always drawn crowds celebrating birthdays, graduations and all sorts of other special occasions, as well as those just in search of a great all-you-can-eat meal on a budget.
The location is tucked away inside a shopping centre and overlooks the bustling intersection, and has a classic look with a maze of dining rooms with mirrored walls.
Of course, Mandarin is most known for their extensive all-you-can-eat buffet, which features everything from favourite classics like crab legs, noodles, sushi and chicken to a full meat carving station and waffles for dessert.
Mandarin took to social media to let people know about the closure of the Yonge and Eglinton location of the restaurant chain.
“Thank you for one successful run, Mandarin Yonge. Due to area redevelopment, our Yonge and Eglinton location will be closing permanently,” reads the caption to the social media post from the restaurant.
“Since opening in 1991, Mandarin Yonge has been proud to serve the community. Like all our locations, Mandarin Yonge has been a part of numerous customer celebrations, special moments; it will live on in the memories of many. Thank you to the customers, for your patronage at this location. We thank the managing partners and staff, both past and current, of this location for their hard work and dedication over the years. The Mandarin chain continues to operate with locations across Ontario ready to serve you. Please visit www.mandarinrestaurant.com and make your phone reservation. A manager would be happy to help you plan your next Mandarin experience.”
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The post has over 200 likes and many comments on Instagram from people who are sad to see the longstanding restaurant go.
“Years of family memories here. What a great loss to the city,” one person wrote in a comment. Someone else commented, “This mandarin in Toronto is the real deal, outshining all others in Ontario.”
“Your location has been apart of my entire family’s celebrations, first communions, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays lunches and dinners since you opened in ’91,” one person commented. “We’re going to miss you greatly! So many wonderful staff over the years – Myles was such a great manager!”
“So sad to hear as this has become a Christmas Day tradition for me and my husband,” another person commented. “We’ll have to scope out a different location but it won’t be the same.”
Mandarin also operates restaurants in Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Oshawa, Pickering, Markham and other GTA cities.
The last day for the location of Mandarin found at Yonge and Eglinton at 2200 Yonge St. will be Jan. 18.