Toronto’s trendiest diners

For most, the traditional diner is synonymous with greasy food, drip coffee and an overall grungy atmosphere. These old-school establishments are anything but. While these Toronto diners maintain an authentically vintage vibe, they’ve evolved to include fresh, wholesome foods and globally inspired dishes. [Image credit: iStock.com/nickfree]

Toronto’s trendiest diners
Karen Lloyd By

The Lakeview

1
1132 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X2

The funky 1950s diner vibe makes up for the fact that Lakeview Restaurant doesn’t actually have a view of the lake. That it's open 24/7 makes it even more appealing. You can choose to sit at a table and feast on comfort foods or relax at the bar with a drink. $4 Caesars and deep-friend mac ‘n’ cheese balls are just the type of comfort grub to get you through any night.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Rosedale Diner

2
1164 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L9

When you see a giant Rose on Yonge Street, you're close to Toronto's Summerhill neighbourhood, and a tasty experience at Rosedale Diner. This family-owned restaurant features globally inspired dishes marrying gourmet international fare with a pastel, retro environment. If you're in the mood for outdoor dining, there’s a gorgeous shaded patio at the back

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The George Street Diner

3
129 George St, Toronto, ON M5A 2M6

With friendly service, cozy interior decor and a sweet outdoor patio, this little red diner at the corner of Richmond and George Street makes for a fun first date in Toronto. Order coffee, share dessert, get snuggly in a booth or play it cool at the counter on a gold vinyl stool.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Flo's Diner

4
70 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1B9

Red leather booths and checkered floors aren't the only 1950 throwbacks you'll find at Flo's. How about a hot turkey sandwich or a milkshake? For a real diner experience that'll make you wish you had a newspaper, head to Yorkville. All comfort foods are made using fresh, wholesome ingredients.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

OkayOkay Diner

5
1128 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K8

There's room for everyone at this stylish-meets-casual diner on the sunny side of Queen Street East in Leslieville. You can take in the scenery on the patio or cozy up in a booth with the Okay Okay's signature grilled Elvis is King sandwich: crunchy peanut butter on challah toast.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Senator Restaurant

6
249 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8

With suppertime mains like hot meatloaf and mashed potatoes, reservations may be necessary to enjoy this 1940s-style diner after dark. Located in a 19th century home on Victoria Street, The Senator is one of Toronto’s oldest restaurants. By day, the menu features a relaxing atmosphere and home-cooked fare.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

1 Kitchen

7
550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2V4

Whether you’re in the mood for an all-day breakfast, an all-day dinner or a midnight snack to pull off an all-nighter, this 24-hour diner welcomes all appetites anytime of the day. Located in the Thompson Hotel near King and Bathurst, you'll find a substantial menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night nibbles.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Karen Lloyd Karen Lloyd
Karen Lloyd is a Queen East scribe who fancies gritty dive bars, street meat smothered in French’s mustard and hanging out at dog parks. In addition to writing twisted non-fiction about her neighbourhood for The Local Rap, Karen also specializes in digital marketing, website design, food photography and social media.
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