5 restaurants that closed in Pickering, Toronto and Niagara in January 2026

A combination of long-established eateries and recently opened restaurants closed across Ontario in January, affecting beloved dining spots for customers in Toronto, Pickering, and Niagara.

Bier Markt

Bier Markt permanently closed its Esplanade location in Toronto.

The bar operated at 58 The Esplanade, Toronto, in a high-traffic area near Union Station, Scotiabank Arena and several major tourist attractions.

It was known for its expansive beer selection and large-scale layout, featuring multiple bar areas, patios and a beer garden designed for group gatherings and events.

In a social media post announcing the closure, the company thanked guests for decades of memories. A reason for the shutdown was not provided.

With the Esplanade location closed, the only remaining Bier Markt in Ontario is in Ottawa.

Moxies

Moxies has closed its long-standing restaurant at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto after 18 years in operation.

The location was situated inside Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, and served as a full-service casual dining option for mall shoppers and nearby workers.

The restaurant was known for its contemporary North American menu, offering items such as steaks, burgers, pastas, salads and shareable appetizers, along with cocktails and wine.

The company did not cite a specific reason for the closure, though it said the decision aligns with its broader evolution and future growth plans.

Dessert Lounge

Dessert Lounge has closed its Pickering café, with its final day of service held earlier this month.

The café operated at 2200 Brock Rd., Pickering, and opened in 2022.

It became known for its pink-and-white interior, gold accents and carefully styled dessert presentations, often served with a rose — a signature detail that made it popular for photos and social media.

Menu offerings included sundaes, croffles topped with ice cream and chocolate drizzle, milkshakes, Belgian waffles, crepes, cakes and espresso-based drinks, along with Halal savoury options such as chicken-and-waffle plates, poutines and seasoned fries.

Owner Mori confirmed the closure on Instagram, saying the decision followed months of consideration and was not an easy one.

Tim Hortons

A Tim Hortons located in the heart of Niagara Falls’ tourist district has closed.

The restaurant operated at 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, a highly visible location surrounded by attractions and hotels.

The company confirmed the closure was not related to staffing issues, stating the decision was made by the former restaurant owner, who also owns the building and plans to pursue other business uses for the property.

Prenup Pub

Prenup Pub will be closing its doors in downtown Toronto later this winter.

The pub is located at 191 College St., Toronto, near the University of Toronto, and first opened in 2014.

It was known for its pub-style atmosphere, European draught beers and Mediterranean-inspired food offerings.

The business announced it will close on Feb. 8, though no specific reason for the decision was provided.

In its announcement, the owners said future events and celebrations will be redirected to a sister location nearby.

While not closing itself, Blessing in Disguise was named as the new home for Prenup Pub events following the pub’s shutdown.

The restaurant operates at 150 John St., Toronto, and offers Mediterranean cuisine, European beers and a similar pub-style setting.

The owners said elements of Prenup Pub’s menu and atmosphere will continue at the John Street location.

—With files from Ryan Rocca and Suzanna Dutt