From a Saigon street stall to Vancouver’s MICHELIN Bib Gourmand—and now, Toronto’s Ossington strip—The Lunch Lady is ready to dish up a taste of Vietnam like you’ve never had before.
When Anthony Bourdain told the world about The Lunch Lady, he wasn’t talking about cafeteria food. He was referring to a culinary icon in Ho Chi Minh City—Nguyen Thi Thanh—whose humble noodle stall served up steaming bowls of magic that stopped him in his tracks. Now, Toronto’s about to experience that same soulful brilliance as The Lunch Lady opens its doors at 93 Ossington Avenue on June 26, 2025.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It is with heavy hearts that we share the update of the passing of Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, affectionately known as the late Bordain dubbed her, The Lunch Lady, on May 19. A culinary icon first celebrated in Saigon and later in Vancouver, her passion for Vietnamese street food touched countless lives and inspired a new generation of diners and chefs alike.
Out of respect for her legacy and in support of her family and team, the highly anticipated opening of The Lunch Lady Toronto, originally set for June 3, was postponed until June 26th. We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones, her restaurant family, and the global community that embraced her warmth, spirit, and unforgettable flavours.
She was more than just a chef—she was a legend. May her memory continue to inspire, and live through the the establishments and impact she had on the community--and may she rest in Power.
Already a cult favourite in Vancouver (earning three consecutive MICHELIN Bib Gourmand awards), the Toronto location brings something the city sorely needs: Vietnamese street food beyond pho. And trust us, it’s coming in hot.
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The eats: Vietnamese Street Food
From daytime noodle soups to Saigonese night market-inspired plates, the menu leans into what the team calls an “80/20 philosophy”: 80% tradition, 20% creative freedom. Expect Ms. Thanh’s legendary rotating soups, the fan-favourite Steak Lúc Lắc (caramelized ribeye with scallion butter), and fusion-forward comfort plates like Nui Xào Bò—short rib rigatoni in a spicy tomato demi-glace with a slow-poached egg.
Other signature dishes include:
Phở Bò Wagyu – a luxe spin on Vietnam’s national treasure.
Bò Né (pictured above) and Bánh Mì Ốp La – colonial-era classics.
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MÌ XÀO TỎI, Garlic fried noodles – street-style perfection.
The drinks: Viet classics with a Twist
The cocktail list is just as daring. Think tamarind, pandan, lychee, and Vietnamese coffee worked into cheeky riffs on your favourites. The Ca Phe Martini and Calamansi Daiquiri are standout sips, while local collabs like the Rainhard x Lunch Lady Jasmine Rice Lager and Steadfast x Lunch Lady Dragon Fruit Pale Ale offer a refreshingly local twist.
And let’s not forget the Vietnamese coffee program. With coconut pandan cream, peanut butter-infused iced coffee, and star anise-spiked lattes, caffeine has never looked (or tasted) so good.
The VIBE: Saigon street soul meets Ossington cool
The team partnered with award-winning SOLID Design Creative (of Soluna and Vela fame) to turn the former Boehmer space into an immersive trip through the streets of Vietnam. Think hand-painted signs, custom iron gates, stamped concrete floors, and lush greenery—all designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Saigon alleyway.
Its all in the details, and no detail was sparred.
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With seating for 152 (including the patio, and bar seats), the space unfolds into distinct experiences:
- Main Dining Room – vibrant and communal
- Nhậu Bar – a 13-seat late-night-style cocktail spot
- Chef’s Counter – front-row to the action
- Rickshaw Lounge – curved booths under a painted canopy
- Saigon Supper Room – a private space for 20 with its own vibe
- And another smaller semi-private room that seats up to 10
From the booths, to the dining room, to the private rooms or bar seats, the vibe carrys on throughout.
But I can go on forever, y’all are just going to have to go experience it for yourself.
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The Patio VIBE: Street-side views and open-air vibes
With seating for 10, the front patio at The Lunch Lady Toronto channels the casual charm of Saigon’s open-air cafés. It’s not just a great spot to people-watch on Ossington—it also offers a window into the soul of the restaurant.
Thanks to the open-concept design, passersby can catch a glimpse all the way from the sidewalk to the action in the kitchen, inviting them into a space that’s vibrant, transparent, and full of life.
Rooted in tradition, driven by innovation
The Toronto kitchen is led by Chef Benedict Lim and Chef Allan Lu (formerly of Chotto Matte and Cactus Club), with General Manager Daniel Jung at the helm. And yes—Ms. Thanh herself will be in Toronto to celebrate the opening. This is more than a new restaurant—it’s the continuation of a legacy built with heart, humility, and heat.
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Their guiding mantra? “Một nhà, một gia đình”—one house, one family. It’s a vibe that flows through everything, from the food to the hospitality.
How to get a reso at The Lunch Lady Toronto?
Reservations are now open for the grand opening on June 26 at 5PM and beyond.
Nguyen Thi Thanh’s Saigon legacy lives on in Vancouver—but Toronto’s about to write a delicious new chapter. Whether you’re slurping Wagyu phở at lunch or sipping a jasmine lager at the Nhậu Bar, this isn’t just another restaurant opening—it’s the arrival of something truly iconic.
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The 411: The Lunch Lady Toronto
- Location: 93 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON
- Opening Date: June 26, 2025
- Opening Hours: Grand opening at 5PM (lunch & dinner service to follow)
- Reservations: thelunchlady.com/reservations-toronto
- Anticipated Crowd: Foodies, Bourdain fans, cocktail lovers, culture-seekers, Asian food lovers, Tourists
- Takeout/Delivery: Coming soon
- Photo Credits: Niko Myyra, Sue-Lee Wright and Steven Branco
Originally published on May 16, 2025. Updated to include notes on the passing of the iconic, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, affectionately known as The Lunch Lady.
