diners toronto

The Best Diners in Toronto

The best diners in Toronto are a comforting crew, ready to bolster waning energies with an abundance of nostalgic dishes. Places that excel at crisping bacon, griddling pancakes, stacking sandwiches, and making everyone feel at home, these spots satisfy around the clock.

Here are the best diners in Toronto.


George Street Diner
1

George Street Diner

From the red vinyl booths and open kitchen to the swivelling stools and comfort food menu, this King East spot is a classic diner, through and through. Irish touches, including soda bread, black pudding and poutine finished with McDonnells Curry Sauce, make it unique.

Patrician Grill
2

Patrician Grill

Whether you're hankering for a banquet burger and shake, triple decker club or the simple satisfaction of sunny eggs and bacon, this vintage King East spot always fits the bill. Run by the same family since the '60s, the place is imbued with the type of authenticity that's impossible to fake.


The Amazing Ted's Diner
3

The Amazing Ted's Diner

Grab a counter seat or booth at this spacious Scarborough spot, and mull over the menu of all-day breakfasts, stacked sandwiches, steaks, burgers, and more. Though prices have spiked since it opened in the 1950s, the signage and décor will take you back to another time.

Skyline Restaurant
4

Skyline Restaurant

Parkdale's go-to for loaded breakfast plates and golden patty melts also turns out meticulous Niçoise salads, curried soups, steak frites and other cheffy plates. Weeknight dinner specials and fresh-baked pies add to this cozy spot's already immense appeal.


Avenue Open Kitchen
5

Avenue Open Kitchen

This diner near Queen and Spadina does a brisk takeout business, feeding neighbours and office workers a steady stream of sandwiches, from peameal to smoked meat. A number of seats cater to customers craving less portable fare.


Markham Station
6

Markham Station

Bigger than most, this 24-hour diner in Scarborough has a menu to match its vast footprint. From Greek salads and spanakopita to pancake towers and char-broiled T-bone steaks, there are items for every appetite, no matter the time of day.

Lakeview Diner
7

Lakeview Diner

With $4 mimosas, $5 Caesars, and other throwback favourites back on the menu, this diner is reclaiming its spot as a favourite Dundes West haunt. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there's never a bad time to pop in for disco fries and milkshakes thickened with every element — from fruit to goo to crust — of actual apple pie.


The Senator
8

The Senator

In its 70-plus years, this spot has outlived competitors, earned mobs of devotees, witnessed the evolution of Yonge & Dundas and catered to customers with a menu of upscale diner classics. With striploins and Martinis offered alongside fry-ups and burgers, its longevity isn't hard to understand.

Route 401 Diner
9

Route 401 Diner

There's no shortage of specials, diner faves, nostalgic décor and convivial clatter at this family-friendly Etobicoke restaurant. Until 2 p.m., seven days a week, diners tuck into traditional appetizers, sandwiches and sides, with all-day breakfast options finding favor on nearly every table.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez at Route 401 Diner.


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The Best Diners in Toronto

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