It's officially the end of an era for the Kensington Market fixture, Amadeu's Restaurant, which has permanently closed its doors following 36 years in Toronto. 

The restaurant, formerly located at 184 Augusta Ave., has been serving up comforting Portuguese food since 1989, and is well known for its lively patio that overlooks the market. 

On Tuesday, the restaurant announced the heartbreaking closure in a note to their "valued patrons and cherished staff" on Facebook. 

"As we prepare to close the doors of Amadeus Restaurant after 36 years, we find ourselves filled with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to an era that has been marked not only by exceptional culinary experiences but also by the relationships we have built along the way," the announcement reads. 

"To our loyal patrons, many of whom have become more like family than customers. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years. Your presence at our tables has brought warmth and joy to our establishment. We have shared countless celebrations, milestones, and even moments of comfort during challenging times. Each visit has contributed to the tapestry of memories that we will cherish forever." 

The owners expressed appreciation for their staff, both past and present, noting that their dedication to working late nights and creating comforting meals created a "welcoming home" for all those who walked through the restaurant's doors. 

"As we close this chapter, we are reminded of the laughter shared, the tears shed, and the joy that filled our dining room. While it saddens us to say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that the memories we’ve created together will live on in our hearts," the announcement continued. 

"We will miss each and every one of you. Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting us through the years. We are forever grateful for the love and loyalty you have shown." 

Loyal customers immediately took to the comment section of the post to express their gratitude for the restaurant's staff. 

"Noooo, I've been going here for decades, often. My neighbours. I remember when the tree was planted. Family indeed. I'll miss this little refuge very much," one person wrote. 

In a statement to blogTO, the restaurant's owners say the decision to sell Amadeu's was not made lightly. 

"Celeste, now 75, has decided it's time to slow down. While she has cherished every moment spent watching patrons enjoy her food, she feels it's time to focus on her garden, spend quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and savour life's simple pleasures—sunshine, holidays, and family gatherings. These were sacrifices made during years of dedication, and now it's time to embrace the joys they bring," the statement reads. 

"We leave behind more than just a restaurant; we leave behind a community filled with friends, stories, and memories. We've had the privilege of celebrating milestones with generations of families — witnessing first dates that blossomed into marriages and children who grew up visiting us, returning with their own families. Amadeu's has played a small part in your lives, and for that, we are eternally grateful," staff wrote. 

"Our hearts are filled with warmth and laughter as we reflect on all the memories we’ve created together. To each and every one of you who has walked through our doors, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives. Your support and love have made this journey unforgettable."