Toronto Italian restaurant closure: Lucia Shuts Down, Team Moves On to New Venture
A Toronto Italian restaurant closure has caused quite a stir in the community, as an entire team embarks on an exciting new culinary project. The recent trend of restaurant closures in the city has been alarming, with long-standing establishments like Vivoli and beloved spots such as Leslieville Pumps succumbing to the changing tides of the dining landscape.
Lucia’s Permanent Closure Marks a New Beginning
Goodbye to Lucia

Lucia, a cherished Italian joint located in the Junction Triangle, has served the community for nearly six years. Known for its delectable offerings such as $25 weekday lunch prix fixe menus, mozzarella-stuffed gnocchi, and indulgent Nutella tiramisu, Lucia has been a staple for many local food enthusiasts.
However, on June 27, the restaurant’s team announced via their Instagram account that they would be closing permanently. “Our last dinner service will be tonight,” the post read. Despite the sadness of losing such a beloved eatery, the team is transitioning to a new venture, which brings a sense of hope.
Introducing Sal’s Pasta & Chops

Lucia’s closure has made room for the much-anticipated Sal’s Pasta & Chops, now open at 614 College St. This new spot brings a nostalgic twist to Italian cuisine, named after the owners’ fathers—both named Sal. Owners Michael and Fabio, who migrated from Italy to Toronto, describe the restaurant as a “coming home of sorts.”
Sal’s Pasta & Chops features a menu rooted in traditional Italian flavors and is currently in its soft-opening phase, welcoming guests for walk-in service since early July.
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- Previous Establishment: Lucia, known for its local produce and ethically sourced ingredients.
- Specialties: $25 lunch prix fixe, mozzarella-stuffed gnocchi, Nutella tiramisu.
- New Venture: Sal’s Pasta & Chops, focusing on nostalgic Italian cuisine.
- Location: 614 College St, Toronto.
- Opening Phase: Soft-opening with walk-in only service since early July.
With over 15 years of culinary experience, the team behind Sal’s is poised to deliver some of the best dishes yet, even as they bid farewell to Lucia. The community looks forward to embracing this new chapter in Toronto’s vibrant dining scene.
Saying goodbye to a favorite restaurant is never easy, but Sal’s Pasta & Chops brings fresh excitement to Toronto’s food scene. As the city’s dining landscape evolves, one thing stays the same—a deep love for great food and strong community ties.
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- https://streetsoftoronto.com/food/restaurants/the-biggest-toronto-restaurant-closures-of-summer-2023/
- https://www.maggianos.com/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/smallbusiness/comments/1ao8v4p/what_is_the_typical_profit_margin_for_a/
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/new-no-frills-store-opens-in-downtown-toronto/
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