Amelie CameronI am a night owl. This has been my setup for as long as I can remember—even before I moved to the city—and while I love it, my main problem is the lack of late-night food spots to go to.
Fortunately, that all changed when I moved to Toronto because this city has so many spots that are open 24/7, and many of them aren’t fast-food restaurant chains! Most are mom-and-pop shops serving hearty shawarma, pizza, burgers, and more. So far, here are my favorites!
Fran’s Restaurant and Bar
– From: fransrestaurant
Address: 20 College St
Contact Number: +14169239867
If you can only visit one restaurant on this list, let it be Fran’s Restaurant and Bar. This is my ultimate go-to spot whenever I have late-night cravings because it offers my favorite comfort meals.
I usually go for the fish and chips because I love how simple yet filling it is. If I want something more flavorful, I order the chicken parmigiana. The chicken is crispy and herby, and the tomato sauce and cheese add salty-savory flavors with tangy notes.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a party, you can book this restaurant’s catering services. |
The Famous Owl of Minerva
– From: thefamousowlofminerva
Address: 5324 Yonge St, North York
Contact Number: +14162217275
The Famous Owl of Minerva now has several locations outside Toronto. Because of this, it’s safe to say that the food here must be good; why else are they expanding to other parts of the world?
I’m fond of the soups here. So far, my favorite is sundubu, which is savory and spicy. Sipping this instantly warms my soul!
Another dish I like to order here is the kkanpunggi, which is essentially deep-fried chicken smothered in hot sauce. The sauce also has a kick of sweetness and sourness that I like.
| Pro Tip: I recommend coming here via public transportation because the parking lot here is small and a tight squeeze. If you prefer to drive, there are other parking spaces along Yonge Street. |
Grillies
– From: grillies
Address: 149 Dundas St E
Contact Number: +14166031232
I don’t know what it is, but more often than not, I get a strong craving for burgers and burritos at night. Whenever this happens, Grillies is where I go.
I love the burritos here because they’re always so jam-packed. My favorite filling is grilled chicken, paired with a sweet barbeque sauce and a generous helping of mozzarella cheese.
Sometimes, when I’m in the mood for more toppings, I order guacamole and even more cheese.
| Pro Tip: For a small fee, you can add more chicken or ground beef to your dish! |
The Fancy Induced Burger
– From: thefancyinducedburger
Address: 565 Bloor St W
Another great burger spot that’s open 24/7 in Toronto is The Fancy Induced Burger.
My favorite burger is the Beast Beef. It’s loaded with two patties, relish, and a syringe cheese shot. Every bite, I’m aware that this dish isn’t good for my heart, but it’s so good that I don’t care.
To make things better (or worse for my overall health), I love pairing my burger with a milkshake. The Oreo milkshake is so thick and decadent; plus, I love all the Oreo bits and pieces mixed in.
| Pro Tip: If you want your burger even cheesier, you can order an extra syringe cheese shot or a jumbo cheese shot. |
Hero Certified Burgers
– From: heroburgersca
Address: 720 King St W #150
Contact Number: +14164185565
While most late-night spots I love to visit are chill and cozy, Hero Certified Burgers is lively. That’s why I only come here when I’m up all night for an important project; the vibrant energy is incredibly contagious and hypes me up to finish my work.
As for the food, it’s just as delicious and energizing. The Heavy Hitter Burger is indeed a heavy hitter; it has two thick, juicy patties! I usually feel full after a few bites.
Sometimes, I’m still craving for more, so I order a side of poutine with my burger.
| Pro Tip: This shop often has special deals like discounts and raffles. |
The Lakeview Diner
– From: thelakeviewdiner
Address: 1132 Dundas St W
Contact Number: +14168508886
Stepping inside The Lakeview Diner feels like stepping into the past. It also gives off warm vibes, making it a great place to hang out during the late hours of the night.
I always get the Pancake Stack—yes, even if I’m eating in the middle of the night. There’s just something about the creamy sweetness from the fresh berries, mascarpone, and maple syrup on pillowy pancakes that just hits the spot.
If I’m craving something more savory, I get The Classic Banquet, which is essentially a fancy name for a burger. It’s so massive (cheesy patty, pickles, and onion), and it’s also served with a heaping of salty fries.
| Pro Tip: This place gets super busy late at night (around 10 pm to 1 am), so I recommend coming earlier if possible. |
7 West Cafe
– From: 7west_to
Address: 7 Charles St W
Contact Number: +14169289041
7 West Cafe is a charming dining spot on Charles Street. It has a nocturnal theme for its interior design, so I always feel at home whenever I’m here.
The pasta dishes are the highlight here. For now, the one I keep coming back to is the penne arrabbiata, which has Italian sausage, spicy tomato sauce, and parmesan. I love how subtle the spice is, so my mouth doesn’t feel like it’s burning.
Sometimes I come here for brunch as well. I recommend the steak and eggs because it’s so rich and hearty. Plus, the steak is tender and juicy!
| Pro Tip: Book your special event at this restaurant. |
Pho Pasteur Restaurant
– From: unblockedto
Address: 525 Dundas St W
Contact Number: +14163517188
Pho is one of my favorite dishes ever, but I never have the opportunity and energy to do it at home because it’s so labor-intensive. Fortunately, I discovered Pho Pasteur Restaurant, so now I can get my pho fix anytime I want.
My favorite pho so far is the special beef rice noodle soup. The broth has a nice depth of flavor—the savory and umami notes are particularly strong—and I love that it has a subtle kick of heat at the end. The rice noodles are also springy; I love biting into them!
| Pro Tip: Keep in mind that there’s only paid parking here. |
Pizza Rustica
– From: pizzarusticatoronto
Address: 37 Blue Jays Way
Contact Number: +14162600200
Ever since I moved to Toronto, I’ve tried many pizza joints, and currently, the one that takes the number one spot is Pizza Rustica. It’s also open 24/7, which makes it even better!
There are so many flavors here, but my go-to is the pineapple and prosciutto. It has a basil pesto cream sauce, then topped with pineapples, prosciutto, mozzarella, and bell peppers.
It might sound strange, but the flavor profile is great! Every bite is a symphony of sweet, savory, and even smoky.
| Pro Tip: There’s no parking area here, and if you can find one nearby, the fees are most likely going to be expensive. So I recommend using public transportation to come here. |
Osmow’s Shawarma
– From: osmows
Address: 605 Rogers Rd Unit B4
Contact Number: +14166580505
Osmow’s Shawarma is one of my go-to spots even during the day simply because the chefs serve the orders quickly. So this place proves to be a lifesaver whether I’m in a rush to get to work or I just want a quick snack late at night.
The beef shawarma wrap hits the spot every time for me. The savory beef pairs well with the tangy, acidic tomatoes; the flavors become even more intense when you dip the wrap into the tzatziki sauce, which also tastes tangy and garlicky.
| Pro Tips: You can create your own Oz Box. This already includes your protein of choice, base (rice or fries), and a salad. This spot hosts daily deals (e.g., discounts and limited-time meals) often. If you’re planning an event, you can hire Osmow’s as your caterer. |
Markham Station
– From: markhamstationrestaurant
Address: 5117 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough
Contact Number: +14162994141
Located in the heart of Scarborough and Richmond Hill, Markham Station is mostly known as an establishment where families go to brunch. For me, it’s more of a late-night spot where I can eat good food and unwind by playing a round of billiards.
The steak and eggs is my absolute favorite because it’s so filling. You can get a 6- or 10-oz steak and have the three eggs cooked to your liking. The dish is also served with fried potato bites; I love dipping them into the runny yolk of my sunny-side-up eggs.
As a dessert lover, I also enjoy getting a sweet treat here. My favorite changes depending on the mood, but I’ve come to really love the baklava. It’s flaky, nutty, and decadent!
| Pro Tip: Book this restaurant as the caterer for your event. |
T-Bones
– From: tbones.ca
Address: 2540 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough
Contact Number: +14162695757
T-Bones may seem like an establishment that’s rough around the edges, but it’s definitely one that Scarborough residents love with their whole hearts. This place is just so homey, and the comfort meals served here are delicious and, well, comforting.
The 16-oz T-bone steak is undoubtedly the main highlight, and I recommend getting it. The steak is cooked to a perfect medium, so it’s so tender, and the steak sauce makes it even more savory.
I usually pair this with mashed potatoes, but you can order fries or a salad instead.
| Pro Tip: If you’re ordering the burger, you can customize it to fit your preferences. |
Huh Ga Ne
– From: unblockedto
Address: 19A Finch Ave W, North York
Contact Number: +14169011288
Barbeque or hot pot doesn’t sound like a good idea late at night, but for me, it is. When I get this craving, Huh Ga Ne is here to satisfy it.
Budae jeongol is my favorite thing to order here. The soup base is rich and spicy, and it’s loaded with kimchi, tofu, and sausages. It also has ramen noodles, so this dish not only warms me up but also fills my stomach.
To pair with my hot pot, I order a bibimbap. This dish is steamed rice mixed with beef, vegetables, and egg, so it’s another one that’s hearty and satisfying.
| Pro Tip: Splitting bills is not allowed here, so keep that in mind when dining with a group. |
Kettleman’s Bagel Co.
– From: kettlemans
Address: 847 Browns Line, Alderwood Plaza, Etobicoke
Contact Number: +14165194884
Kettleman’s is a popular bagel shop from Montréal, so I’m happy that another outlet was opened in Toronto. I usually come here for breakfast, but sometimes, this spot is also good for late-night indulgence.
While the bagels themselves are tasty, I prefer ordering the sandwiches. The smoked meat with cheese is by far my favorite one. I love the smoky-salty ham paired with the nutty Swiss cheese and the sweet and tangy honey mustard.
| Pro Tip: This shop offers catering services. Some of the options you can book include a dessert platter, a deli sandwich platter, and The Hot Breakfast Box. |
My Roti Place
– From: myrotiplace
Address: 406 Queen St W
Contact Number: +14163665554
Also known as My Dosa Place, My Roti Place is perfect when you’re craving the classic Indian dishes
I love getting the butter chicken poutine because it combines two of my favorite dishes ever—butter chicken and poutine. The result is a decadent snack, one that I can’t get enough of no matter how many times I’ve tried it.
You should also try any of the roti. I recommend the butter chicken roti (because like I said, I love butter chicken), but the chicken curry roti is also a great one.
| Pro Tip: You can build your own roti or biryani! |
