The Best Diners in Toronto

The best diners in Toronto have been holding us down with all-day eggs for decades. The outdatedness is all part of the charm—hop on a bar stool or squeeze into some vinyl booths for classic lumberjack breakfasts, bottomless coffee and the warmth of nostalgic appeal.

Here are the best diners in Toronto. 

11 - Route 401 Diner

<p>Etobicoke’s answer to a roadhouse off Route 66, this retro diner sits right off Highway 401's Kipling exit. Make it a pitstop or the final destination—either way you’re in for chalkboard specials seven days a week.</p>
9 - Okay Okay

<p>Flapjacks, eggs with grilled asparagus and omelettes are the calling card of this Greek diner in Leslieville. Thanks to its updated exterior the spot feels more modern than most but it’s purportedly been around since 1952.</p>
8 - The Amazing Ted's Diner

<p>Pay respects at the shrine of bacon (there’s a literal altar behind the cashier) at Old Kingston Road’s flash to the past. If the retro teal theme wasn’t a dead giveaway, the diner’s been around since the 50s, serving breakfast combos and lots of coffee.</p>
10 - The Senator

<p>You can’t proclaim to be a diner aficionado without eating at the oldest restaurant in Toronto. Revel in the faded glamour of this iconic restaurant with a live music balcony just steps from Yonge and Dundas Square. </p>
7 - Patrician Grill

<p>George Brown students and finance workers alike flock to this King East spot for juicy banquet burgers and pancakes. The Papas family has owned the spot since 1967 and its woodsy appeal has recently made it a shooting location for Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol.</p>
3 - George Street Diner

<p>Serving quintessential diner vibes is George Street's eponymous classic corner spot. Come for dollar coffees and owner Ash Farrelly’s signature Irish breakfast, white or black pudding included, with slices of soda bread. </p>
4 - Skyline Restaurant

<p>Lighting up the Parkdale sky is the neon sign of the neighbourhood classic. After a decades-long legacy on Queen Street the restaurant is still going strong. The slices of pie alone are worth going for. </p>
5 - Lakeview Restaurant

<p>Gravy-smothered poutines, thick milkshakes (boozy if you want them to be) and big breakfasts keep Lakeview’s booths packed with folks in various states of sobriety. Find it at the corner of Dundas and Ossington, open 24 hours a day.</p>
6 - Avenue Open Kitchen

<p>You’ll be met with a plume of smoked meat aromas the minute you step into this tiny diner. Tucked away on Camden Street, Avenue’s been open since the 1950s and is best known for sandwiches. It’s peameal, MTL-smoked meat, pastrami and roast beef heaven.</p>