Michelin-level restaurant suddenly shutting down in Toronto

A Toronto restaurant that achieved Michelin-level status has abruptly announced they will be closing after just a few short years in business.

During the three short years it’s been open, Fonda Balam has already made an unforgettable impression on the Toronto food scene. The Mexican restaurant is known for serving some of the best tacos, ceviche, aguachile and margaritas in town, and earned Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide for their good quality, good value cooking.

Chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo formerly worked at other Toronto Mexican restaurant Quetzal, and originally founded the concept along with celeb chef Matty Matheson.

“After 3 amazing years of building Fonda Balam, it’s with mixed emotions that we share we have decided to pursue different paths at this time. Which means that we will be closing Fonda,” reads a post on the restaurant’s Instagram.

“To everyone who shared a meal, laughter, and love with us at Fonda, thank you. It has been a truly special place, and we are grateful for the memories we’ve shared. We are forever thankful for your unconditional support and love.”

There are many heartbroken comments on the post, with many people also wishing the people behind Fonda luck with whatever comes next.

“I am truly heartbroken to hear this,” commented chef Aldo Camarena. “What Fonda has done for the Latin American community in this city, and the way you have represented us and our cuisine is something we will always be in awe and in gratitude of. I wish you the best in your next venture, and hope you find a good home to keep sharing your craft with the world.”

“Congratulations on everything you’ve built and accomplished over these past three years,” wrote local butcher Sanagan’s Meat Locker. “I look forward to hearing of where life next takes you!”

Someone else wrote, “In December 2023, we made our dream come true: dinner at Fonda Balam. We live in Mexico City and the first thing we did when we arrived in Toronto was eat birria, pancita with pozole and drink mezcal. We’re so proud in the way you guys represent our delicious food. Wishing you all the BEST and tons of LOVE for you.”

Other people wrote that they were “devastated” and that this is “a massive loss for the city.”

After the outpouring of emotional response, Fonda Balam made another follow-up post on social media.

“We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible love and support during these last days of Fonda. As we continue to pour our hearts into everything we do, we kindly ask for your patience and kindness towards our amazing staff,” reads the follow-up post.

“Since the announcement, we have been overwhelmed with an outpouring of support. We want to assure you that we are doing our best to serve each and every one of you, despite being understaffed. Your understanding and support mean the world to us. We are truly grateful for your patience as we navigate through this transition. Together, we can make these last days of Fonda truly memorable and filled with love.”

In their initial post, Fonda Balam said they’d be sharing the date for their last service shortly, but as of yet no official closing date has been announced.