Aris Place has one of those old-school signs that makes you think twice about stepping inside, but those who dare to venture are in for a surprise. They’ve been serving up souvlaki in Roncesvalles for 30+ years in addition to being an all-day breakfast spot for locals. You can feast your eyes on black and

On the corner of Av and Dav (Avenue and Davenport) lives one of Toronto’s oldest diners, Avenue Diner. All they have is a phone number, no website or social media. Stepping into this small diner is like stepping back to 1944, the year it opened. You almost expect Michael J. Fox to come out in

Avenue Open Kitchen is one of those classic greasy spoons and somewhat of a Toronto institution. They’ve been doling out classic breakfast staples like bacon and eggs and a variety of omelets and sandwiches like Canadian peameal bacon, Reubens, roast beef, Montreal smoked meat and pastrami since the 1950s. Not much has changed by way

With the likes of burgers and poutine getting the gourmet treatment these days, hot dogs aren’t about to be left in the dust. Fusia Dog brought its new take on the hot dog to the entertainment district last year, and now Fancy Franks has joined the fray, having just opened on College Street, just a few steps north of Kensington Market.

Take the elevator up to find this Yorkville old school diner with its iconic red booths and laid-back atmosphere. At Flo’s Diner service is great — attentive without hovering. The menu is substantial with a great variety all-day selections. Why not order a shake or float for the kids while you sip champagne and orange

Fran’s has been a Toronto landmark since the first location opened in the 1940s. The vintage diner is a tribute to simpler times. The interior hasn’t changed much since Francis Deck opened Fran’s 70 years ago. The Yonge and College iteration opened in 1950, only 10 years after the flagship and since then has gotten

Gale’s Snack Bar has been a Leslieville staple for over 40 years. Step inside and feel the history with vintage posters decorating the walls, old school appliances still working just fine and brightly coloured, hand-painted menu boards. The cuisine is traditional diner fare, like the type you see in old movies: sardine sandwiches, roast beef

As seen in a Shawn Mendes music video, a Daniel Radcliffe film and a few others, the George Street Diner stakes its claim as one of Toronto’s most recognizable, while also maintaining the nostalgia feel customers expect in a diner. This local hangout on a great corner location feels like a real old-fashioned diner where

Good Bite Restaurant remains one of Toronto’s oldest diners, with its greasy spoon roots going all the way back to 1969. The restaurant’s classic design sticks out among the upscale Yonge and Eglinton storefronts – in a good way! Step inside for the friendly atmosphere and breakfast and lunch items that will definitely hit the

Harry’s Charbroiled has survived many transitions over its 52 years. The long-running Parkdale diner was taken over by chef Grant van Gameren in 2016, shuttered completely in October 2019 and then reemerged in April 2020 as a food truck. Harry’s Charbroiled has since found a home at College and Palmerston, where van Gameren has pared

Located at Yonge and Lawrence, Hazel’s Diner fills a major void in the area for a quality all-day breakfast. Apparently, 90 per cent of the menu is less than $10, which suits area families just fine. All-day breakfast is just $4.99 before 11 a.m., but diners can also choose from more exotic offerings such as

A makeover has slightly updated this local haunt that dates back to 1948. The menu has been given a face lift, as well, and now includes delish buttermilk and cinnamon pancakes served with real maple syrup and fresh fruit. The homemade cinnamon batter is flavourful, and the three misshapen pancakes only add to the charm

Who would have thought a second after ending the Black Hoof chapter the tireless restaurateur Jen Agg would work her magic in a storied Queen West space? Well she did, and it’s the eatery equivalent of a warm embrace. Le Swan’s skinny room showcases its original spirit and is darkened conspiratorially, with tableside lights allowing

A classic diner by day and buzzing bar by night, Skyline Restaurant has been keeping the Parkdale community fed since the 1960s. Even a recent change in management can’t alter the homey feeling the overwhelms you as you come inside. Very little has been done to alter what Skyline looks like: red vinyl dining booths,

The Ace is the kind of joint that pulls you in with its history. First established as a business in 1914, co-owner Maggie Ruhl let us know that its initial incarnation was most likely a shop hawking girdles. Surprisingly, the fit wasn’t perfect. After numerous rebirths (including stints as a music shop and a mechanic

The Lakeview Restaurant is one of Toronto’s most popular late-night spots, and of all the comfort foods on the menu — from 24-hour breakfast like eggs in a basket ($10) to classic diner fare like mac ‘n’ cheese ($12) — it’s probably the fresh-baked apple pie ($5.50) that is most satisfying at 3 a.m.

Parkdale burger institution Harry’s Charbroiled has reopened as the Original’s Dining Lounge. After Harry’s was bought and then closed by Grant van Gameren, who still owns the name, former Harry’s server and now Original’s owner Penny Andru is bringing the grease-filled tradition back to the neighbourhood. Many of the old staff have returned, as have

Whether you call them trinkets, knick-knacks or tchotchkes, the Senator is full of them and diners at 2 p.m. on a weekday. Not bad for the oldest restaurant in T.O., built in 1860, with several incarnations since. Coffee is perfectly bold, and for a reduced price before 11:30 a.m. daily, try the special of butter-fried

Whether you’re looking for sweet, savoury or a something in between, Uncle Betty’s Diner is the place to go when looking for a hearty midtown meal. The vibrant diner sits on the corner of Yonge Street and Albertus Avenue and is unmissable with its sky-blue painted storefront. The orange interior matched with diner furniture and

Combining a respect for local provenance with greasy spoon ambitions, the White Lily Diner has been breakfast, lunch, and classic diner fare from its humble Riverside abode since 2016. Back in the summer of 2021, owners Ben Denham and Ashley Lloyd purchased a 40-acre working farm in Uxbridge, Ont. and, ever since, a great deal