RIP Ortolan, the pioneering restaurant on Bloor West

When Ortolan opened in 2011, its quiet seasonal cooking stood out on a strip of Bloor West known for its men’s clubs and discount furniture stores. It made an immediate impression, even landing on Toronto Life’s list of the year’s best new restaurants. Since then, neighbouring spots The Emerson and Whippoorwill have helped turn the once-seedy strip between Dufferin and Lansdowne into a miniature restaurant row. Unfortunately, the added foot traffic doesn’t seem to have been enough to keep the pioneering business afloat. Yesterday, Ortolan announced its impending closure over Twitter. Anyone looking to savour one last supper will have to act fast—the restaurant’s final meals will be served this Friday, November 7.