The diner is an iconic brand of eatery. No matter what type of person you are – be you a high-powered executive or cash-strapped student – it’s likely that you’ll visit a diner more than a few times in a year. And no matter what you look for in a Toronto diner there’s sure to be one that’s right for you. Here are 5 of the best diners in Toronto, depending on “who” you are…

For The Nostalgic
The Senator
Toronto’s oldest restaurant underwent a major menu overhaul last year, but the Victoria Street space hasn’t modified their classic ambiance or honest service. It’s largely unknown, but they source some sensational local ingredients and their execution is admirable.

For The Vegetarian
Sadie’s
The cutesy diner and juice bar on Adelaide makes vegetarian and vegan renditions of your go-to classics. Now delivering to the downtown core (in case you’re a vegetarian with little time), their rancheros and tofu scrambles are the source of vegends (that’s vegetarian legends, in case you were blithely unaware).

For The Club-Goer
Thompson Diner
Half swank, half sloppy, the Thompson Diner hosts everyone from the King Street lunch crowd to the King Street drunk crowd. Operating at full-tilt 24 hours a day, they dish out gargantuan diner staples, all day breakfast, and a skillet-sized mac and cheese that’s among Toronto’s best.

For The Greasy-Spoon Lover
Vesta Lunch
24/7/365! These guys have barely closed a day since 1955 (if you know the sign, they’ve at least been “reputable” since then). Don’t go too crazy at this Annex staple. Stick to the basics like grilled cheese with bacon, onion rings, omelettes and home fries. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.

For Those Looking For Something New
Wallace & Co.
These guys (the team behind Midfield Wine Bar, and Chef Stephen Payne formerly of Parts & Labour) haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel, but they’re doing their part to make sure the ride is smooth. The laidback Junction Triangle joint does a bang-up job at putting brekkie, burgers, and a special breed of corn dog into your belly.

What’s your favourite diner in Toronto? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.

Jason Finestone

A Toronto based food fiend and travel nut with a lust for all things tasty. If his liver can process it (somewhat) then he’s likely game to give it a go. His wanderlust spirit has taken him all over the globe, living in 6 different countries from Canada to the US, South Korea to Europe. Along the way he’s developed a propensity for irreverent parlance and inhibition-less adventure. “If meat is king then dumplings are queen — I am a prince of noodle soups and a duke of hard drink — street food is life.”