Top 5 most shocking restaurant closures of 2025 in Toronto

2025 was a great year for Toronto restaurants, but it also saw the closure of some major institutions. 

While the coming and going of bars, dine-in favourites, and other stops is a common occurrence in a city as fast-moving as Toronto, there are a few that shuttered their doors last year that seemingly came out of nowhere.

Here are the most shocking closures from 2025. 

Bar Clams 

Topping the list was a location that seemed to burn too brightly, almost too quickly. 

Bar Clams, from chef Matty Matheson, known for FX’s The Bear, and numerous GTA restaurants, such as Prime Seafood Palace, Maker Pizza, and Matty’s Patty’s, seemed on the surface like a knockout idea. 

A location built on a foundation of refined Atlantic Canadian cuisine, such as oysters, clams, seafood platters, and fish and chips, dialled in on the untapped maritime market in Toronto. 

However, the location closed its doors in under a year rather abruptly back in November of 2025 — signalling the last voyage of a rather short-lived seafood spot. 

Superpoint 

Ossington Ave is a perfect example of Toronto’s changing topography, as every year or so, new players make a mad dash for real estate on one of the city’s hottest strips. 

However, amidst the noise of fine dining and high-end bars, there was Superpoint, a humble yet dynamic pizza shop that was slinging slices and whole pies for nearly a decade. 

Walking by in the summer, it would be hard to miss their packed patio, as it was a cherished hangout for many. 

That’s why when the location closed in August of last year, it came as a surprise to many. 

Fans of the location may be in luck, however, as it is only listed as temporarily closed on Google. However, what is set to return in 2026 remains to be seen.

Indie Ale House   

While on the topic of institutions, there’s Indie Ale House.

A classic of The Junction — a historic neighbourhood of Toronto’s far west end — this brew pub poured its last pint in October of 2025. 

The location, in operation for 13 years, was a favourite for many locals, as well as those who would make the trip to its connected bottle shop to grab some robust local beer to go.

While the news came as a shock, operators behind Indie noted on social media that “We will have some better news to share soon.”

So those craving a pint or a bite from a revived Indie Ale House may be in luck in 2026. 

The Imperial Pub

While on the topic of grabbing a cold one, one of the city’s most historic watering holes had its final last call in the big 2025.

Known for its massive two-floor location near the heart of the city at Sankofa (Yonge and Dundas) Square, the Imperial Pub closed its doors after 80 years of pouring drinks as one of Toronto’s top dive bars.

While many went to send the old spot off in style, with some even drafting a petition to save it, the Imperial closed its doors last September, signalling the end of an era.

Glory Hole Doughnuts 

Closing things out on a sweet but sad note, we come to the closure of Glory Hole Doughnuts.

Once known as one of the most sought-after doughnut shops in Toronto, the location announced its closure via social media back in April. 

“I have decided through years of reflection that in three months’ time, I will be closing Glory Hole Doughnuts permanently,” said Ashley Jacot De Boinod, owner of Gloryhole in a video post.

The Gerrard favourite has since closed its doors, leaving many to find top-shelf sweets elsewhere. 

However, De Boinod did note that she would hang onto the space for something new, which turned out to be the newly opened Jupiter Bakehouse, which saw its grand reveal in September, with a focus on French pastries and more.