The Lakeview Diner on Postcard

"Stepping into The Lakeview is like stepping into the Toronto of the past. A long, narrow space lined with vinyl banquettes and a bar with round seats, this 24-hour diner has been serving up all-day breakfast, potent Caesars and greasy spoon favorites since 1932. For a greasy spoon, The Lakeview's menu is refreshingly non-greasy, and offers all the classic diner favorites with a few off-beat additions. For instance, you can order a classic Eggs Benedict, or you can opt for the Chicken N'Waffle Benedict, a glorious pile of waffles, crispy cornflake fried chicken, and rivers of hollandaise and authentic maple syrup. The thick-cut Beefeater Onion Rings are a go-to for anytime of day or night (but especially night), and the Deep-Fried Mars Bar served á la mode is every bit the indulgence you'd hope it would be." - Todd Plummer

The 27 Best Restaurants in Toronto

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@onthegrid

"Lakeview is a neighbourhood staple that is literally always open. Around since 1932, it was completely gutted and restored in 2008 to feature cozy booths and a brand new menu. Whether you want to grab brunch on a Sunday or stumble in at 3 am after playing Frogger at Get Well, there’s something for everyone. Lakeview boats $3 mimosas, $4 daily pints and Caesars, along with an extensive menu that has everything from eggs benny to fried pickles to The Majestic Burger." - Sovereign State

On the Grid : The Lakeview Restaurant

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@cntraveler

"An iconic diner serving comfort food in Toronto since 1932."

Rediscovering My Home City of Toronto Through Its Ever-Changing Food Scene

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@afar

"Poutine in Toronto If you ask someone in Toronto where to get great poutine in Toronto, there's going to be a debate. It doesn't matter if it originated in Quebec, Torontonians love their cheese curd, gravy and fries mash-up. So where to go? Some will say Smoke's Poutinerie (I approve); others will say Poutini's House of Poutine (great name with the subtitle of "Om Nom Nom" on their sign but I'm not overly impressed). My pick is The Lakeview. Located in the heart of new nightlife central spot, Ossington and Dundas, you can get a few different options of poutine here. My go-to is the pulled pork poutine. The gravy is thick. The fries are hot. And the pulled pork is plentiful. The best part? It's open 24-7."

Multicultural Restaurant Mix, Toronto

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@onthegrid

"The Lakeview Restaurant, Dundas West by Sovereign State. Lakeview is a neighbourhood staple that is literally always open. Around since 1932, it was completely gutted and restored in 2008 to feature cozy booths and a brand new menu. Whether you want to grab brunch on a Sunday or stumble in at 3 am after playing Frogger at Get Well, there’s something for everyone. Lakeview boats $3 mimosas, $4 daily pints and Caesars, along with an extensive menu that has everything from eggs benny to fried pickles to The Majestic Burger."

Toronto

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Dan Villeneuve

Google

We were looking for a place to have lunch in the area when we got off the bus right in front of this restaurant, the stainless steel sign and beautiful terrace caught our attention and we gave it a try. We had never heard of it, and oh my god, what a beautiful surprise! We had the best time ever. The place feels frozen in time—so beautiful, well preserved, with a classic modern retro, Art Deco-inspired. We were greeted by the best waitress in town (thank you, Pat, you made our day!). She was fun, attentive, and took care of everything we needed. My partner is celiac, and she assured us that all the gluten-free options were completely safe and guided us through the menu. And the food—sublime! I had probably the best burger I’ve had in a long, long time. My partner ordered the Captain Canuck sandwich and loved every single bite. It was amazing. From now on, we will be calling the Lakeview "Our Place" because we truly loved our experience.

Su R c

Google

An old school diner feel. Must visit for: 1) Being a lovely place for catching up with friends and colleagues. 2)Wonderful n sweet staff. 3) Good for late night drinking and socialising 4) Open 24 hours 5) The watery neighborhood is happening so after all the partying head here for an early morning (4 am to 8am) breakfast ( which is at a discounted rate).

Mike Bobkowicz

Google

Actually my first visit to the famed Lakeview and not a great experience, have to say. The main drivers for this rating are two fold: 1. No A/C. July 30 on a hot afternoon and no A/C? Killed our appetite and explained why the place was empty. 2. There has been much hype about the recent reno / refresh and the publicity around their closure to effect said upgrades.... again, my first visit but not expecting torn worn out vinyl on the benches. What refresh? Sure didn't look like any work had been done this decade. Trying bravely to overcome these, our service was excellent. She did her best but was clearly also suffering from the lack of A/C. Pleasant, cheerful and happy to engage with my friend's sense of humour. I had the Ruben which was nice but not enough mustard. My friend had the Lakeview Club and he gave it a fantastic rating. Neither of us could finish and each took half to go - couldn't wait to get out....did I mention the lack of A/C killing our appetite? Maybe give it another go in the fall.

William Yih

Google

Price and quality very good, on par with other diners. However, service was sub par. Was given a water glass with lipstick on it, asked for an new one, which they did but the server said nothing when they grabbed the lipstick stained glass. Didn't quality check on our food to see if we enjoyed it either.

Baris I.S

Google

Came here starving looking for something to eat. This place definitely satisfied me. From the amazing and friendly service to the delicious food. The staff are very kind and helpful. Jason was super kind and helpful. If I could rate this higher, I'd rate it 6 stars at the least.

S Jorge

Google

I've been here twice now, and love it! Tried the chicken & waffle Benedict and a milkshake the first time, and both were great. Bonus points for having a striped straw for the milkshake! This time, me and a relative had the cornflake fried chicken sandwich with fries and it was delicious, and super crunchy. Our server was also really nice, she helped me last time too. Will definitely return.

C. J.

Google

Classic diner institution. Tasty food, ok portions, fun nostalgic music, and good specials. Bring a few people to get the bigger booths. Smaller ones are a bit tight for taller people.. still, good service.

i cruzito

Google

Good location, always enjoy grabbing brunch and walking in bellwoods park after. Glad to see their original menu items. Standard breakfast is really good with freshly squeezed OJ. Good service. Recommend.

Dan Villeneuve

Google

We were looking for a place to have lunch in the area when we got off the bus right in front of this restaurant, the stainless steel sign and beautiful terrace caught our attention and we gave it a try. We had never heard of it, and oh my god, what a beautiful surprise! We had the best time ever. The place feels frozen in time—so beautiful, well preserved, with a classic modern retro, Art Deco-inspired. We were greeted by the best waitress in town (thank you, Pat, you made our day!). She was fun, attentive, and took care of everything we needed. My partner is celiac, and she assured us that all the gluten-free options were completely safe and guided us through the menu. And the food—sublime! I had probably the best burger I’ve had in a long, long time. My partner ordered the Captain Canuck sandwich and loved every single bite. It was amazing. From now on, we will be calling the Lakeview "Our Place" because we truly loved our experience.

Su R c

Google

An old school diner feel. Must visit for: 1) Being a lovely place for catching up with friends and colleagues. 2)Wonderful n sweet staff. 3) Good for late night drinking and socialising 4) Open 24 hours 5) The watery neighborhood is happening so after all the partying head here for an early morning (4 am to 8am) breakfast ( which is at a discounted rate).

Mike Bobkowicz

Google

Actually my first visit to the famed Lakeview and not a great experience, have to say. The main drivers for this rating are two fold: 1. No A/C. July 30 on a hot afternoon and no A/C? Killed our appetite and explained why the place was empty. 2. There has been much hype about the recent reno / refresh and the publicity around their closure to effect said upgrades.... again, my first visit but not expecting torn worn out vinyl on the benches. What refresh? Sure didn't look like any work had been done this decade. Trying bravely to overcome these, our service was excellent. She did her best but was clearly also suffering from the lack of A/C. Pleasant, cheerful and happy to engage with my friend's sense of humour. I had the Ruben which was nice but not enough mustard. My friend had the Lakeview Club and he gave it a fantastic rating. Neither of us could finish and each took half to go - couldn't wait to get out....did I mention the lack of A/C killing our appetite? Maybe give it another go in the fall.

William Yih

Google

Price and quality very good, on par with other diners. However, service was sub par. Was given a water glass with lipstick on it, asked for an new one, which they did but the server said nothing when they grabbed the lipstick stained glass. Didn't quality check on our food to see if we enjoyed it either.

Baris I.S

Google

Came here starving looking for something to eat. This place definitely satisfied me. From the amazing and friendly service to the delicious food. The staff are very kind and helpful. Jason was super kind and helpful. If I could rate this higher, I'd rate it 6 stars at the least.

S Jorge

Google

I've been here twice now, and love it! Tried the chicken & waffle Benedict and a milkshake the first time, and both were great. Bonus points for having a striped straw for the milkshake! This time, me and a relative had the cornflake fried chicken sandwich with fries and it was delicious, and super crunchy. Our server was also really nice, she helped me last time too. Will definitely return.

C. J.

Google

Classic diner institution. Tasty food, ok portions, fun nostalgic music, and good specials. Bring a few people to get the bigger booths. Smaller ones are a bit tight for taller people.. still, good service.

i cruzito

Google

Good location, always enjoy grabbing brunch and walking in bellwoods park after. Glad to see their original menu items. Standard breakfast is really good with freshly squeezed OJ. Good service. Recommend.

The Lakeview Diner

The Lakeview Diner

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