Mandarin closing midtown Toronto restaurant after 35 years 'due to area redevelopment'

One of Toronto’s longest-running buffet establishments will be shuttering its doors.

Mandarin Restaurants announced that its Yonge and Eglinton location will be serving up its last trays of food on Jan. 18 due to construction and changes in the neighbourhood.

“Thank you for one successful run, Mandarin Yonge,” the chain https://www.instagram.com/p/DTAzXtgDx5P/.

“Due to area redevelopment, our Yonge and Eglinton location will be closing permanently. Their final day of operations will be on January 18, 2026,” the message continued.

“Since opening in 1991, Mandarin Yonge has been proud to serve the community,” they adding, noting all the customer celebrations and special moments the location took part in.

“It will live on in the memories of many.”

They added: “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.”

Restaurant’s long history

The first Mandarin restaurant, located in Brampton, was founded in December 1979 before the successful buffet concept expanded to 30 locations across Ontario.

Tthe Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood continues to see vast redevelopment projects, from major condominiums and transit construction, as well as established businesses leaving, paving the way for new commercial ventures.

Mandarin did not indicate whether it would reopen another midtown location.

It said it will continue to offer regular service and accept reservations until its final day of Jan. 18.

The next closest Mandarin is about 11 km east in Scarborough, at the corner of Eglinton Ave. E. and Birchmount Rd.

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