Two popular Toronto eateries have been forced to close their doors following serious health code violations discovered during routine inspections last week.
DineSafe Toronto, the city’s food safety monitoring program, ordered the immediate closure of Golden Palace on Spadina Avenue and Riverside Grill on Queen Street East after inspectors uncovered multiple critical infractions at both establishments.
At Golden Palace, a dim sum restaurant that has served the Chinatown community for over 15 years, inspectors found evidence of a rodent infestation alongside improper food storage practices. The inspection report, available on the City of Toronto’s public health database, detailed “mouse droppings in food preparation areas” and “potentially hazardous foods stored at temperatures above 4°C.”
“We take these closures very seriously,” said Teresa Wong, spokesperson for Toronto Public Health. “Our primary concern is always public safety, and these establishments will remain closed until they can demonstrate full compliance with health regulations.”
The owners of Golden Palace have declined to comment, but a notice posted on their door indicates they’re “temporarily closed for renovations” – language commonly used when restaurants face health-related shutdowns.
At Riverside Grill, the violations were equally concerning. Inspectors documented “significant cockroach activity” throughout the kitchen and “improper handwashing practices among food handlers.” The popular brunch spot had previously received a conditional pass during an inspection three months ago.
James Chen, a regular at Golden Palace, expressed surprise at the closure. “I’ve been coming here for Sunday dim sum for years and never had any issues. This is disappointing, but I hope they fix whatever problems they have and reopen soon.”
According to city data, Toronto Public Health conducts approximately 17,000 restaurant inspections annually. Last year, they ordered 31 establishments to close temporarily for health violations, a slight increase from the 27 closures recorded in 2021.
Dr. Sarah Montgomery, a food safety expert at Ryerson University, explains that the increase isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. “More closures could actually indicate better enforcement rather than declining standards. Toronto has one of the most rigorous restaurant inspection systems in North America.”
For consumers concerned about restaurant safety, Dr. Montgomery recommends checking DineSafe Toronto’s online database before dining out. The color-coded system makes it easy to identify establishments with recent violations.
Councillor James Peterson, who represents the ward where Golden Palace is located, emphasized the importance of these inspections. “Our restaurant scene is world-class, and maintaining high standards is essential for public health and Toronto’s reputation as a culinary destination.”
Both restaurants must address all violations and pass a follow-up inspection before they can reopen. This process typically takes between three days and two weeks, depending on the severity of the infractions.
Local business associations have expressed support for the affected restaurants while acknowledging the importance of health standards. “These are challenging situations,” said Maria Santos of the Riverside Business Improvement Area. “But we know our member businesses are committed to meeting all health requirements.”
Food safety experts note that most temporary closures result in lasting improvements. Statistics from Toronto Public Health show that 85% of restaurants that experience a closure maintain good or excellent ratings in subsequent years.
For now, loyal customers of both establishments will have to wait. The city’s health department will post updates on their website when the restaurants are cleared to reopen.
