The Diner House 29 image

The Diner House 29

Restaurant

One of the Best Places To Visits in St. Catharines


Address

431 Welland Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2M 5V2, Canada

Website

www.dinerhouse29.com

Contact

+1 289-362-1129

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (629 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 9 am to 1 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 1 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm
  • Sunday: (New Year's Eve), 8 am to 1 pm, Holiday hours
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), Closed, Holiday hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: breakfast (23) service (23) delicious (18) amazing (17) menu (16) staff (15) diner (12) good (11) friendly (11) unique (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 John D. 2 years ago on Google
    Creative menu. You never had these dishes before. Execution is excellent. everything is fresh. Many things are house made like jams and bread. Menu rotates regularly. Service is excellent, and they are passionate about what they do.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alyssa A. 4 months ago on Google
    Oh my God, this place is absolutely my favourite breakfast place on earth. The food is so so so good, id never had a deep fried poached egg before and I was blown away by the combo of that and other delicious flavors in the hot mess. Wonderfully kind waitresses, fluffy in house made bread, and an array of homemade jams makes this place the hidden gem of your dreams. Do not miss this place! Edit: One year later and this place is my favourite restaurant of all time. From the changing daily specials to the ever evolving menu, there is something for everyone to love here. My partner and I go every weekend and we can't get enough of the kind, wonderful people that work here and the absolutely delicious food. Pro tips from a regular include to go early, go often to try the specials, always go for the hot sauce or jams, and you can't go wrong with a hot mess. We love you guys ❤️
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenna D. 3 months ago on Google New
    Delicious deep dish pancake with tasty sausage. Small but cute retro diner with a view of a Pioneer gas station. A little dark on a cloudy day. Nice server. Decent washrooms. Everything is house-made. I didn't get to try their bread or deep fried poached eggs so I will have to return! Free parking. No reservations but that's not a problem on a weekday morning.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The H. 1 year ago on Google
    Very pleased to enjoy brunch at The Diner House. Creative and delicious menu. We had the pork mess and the beef taco bowl. Excellent service and retro decor. Super clean!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin T. 1 year ago on Google
    Literally one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. Not only is the food delicious, creative and portioned very well, the customer service is top notch. My coffee cup was never empty, the staff is super friendly and welcoming. Remember to try the variety of homemade hot sauces and jams. Well done!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa M. 1 year ago on Google
    Was a bit nervous when we pulled up to the location but boy oh boy did that turn around when I read the menu. Everything sounded absolutely delicious but I went with the brisket special. Service was fantastic and our waitress did a great job of telling us about each dish. Home made jams were stellar! Will definitely be back to try everything else!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick K. 1 year ago on Google
    A genuinely wonderful spot to have breakfast! The food was absolutely amazing and all the scratch food makes it a place I would recommend to anyone. Also don't pass up a chance to try their hot sauces and jams with your meal!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The Bar T. 1 year ago on Google
    Hidden brecky gem in St. Cats. Great fresh ingredients put together artfully. I got the soup special with BLT grilled cheese and deep dish pancake. Tisha has a personality that compliments the food to perfection. *Full review on my social media soon.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach P. 1 year ago on Google
    A hidden gem tucked away in a location you probably have never noticed! Diner House 29 is a phenomenal place for breakfast with some unique menu options (deep fried eggs!). This is one of my favourite breakfast spots in town and I feel not enough people know about it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cat 1 year ago on Google
    This is my second time here and it did not disappoint. I had the salmon, Brie asparagus quiche with balsamic jam and homemade toast. My date had the rice bowl with scotch eggs, tamarind and cashews. Delicious, delicious, delicious. Will be back for a 3rd time!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian K. 2 years ago on Google
    Do yourself a favor and pop in here. Amazing service from Teisha who waited on us and the other person too. Had a mind blowing deep dish pancake filled with jam and topped with coconut and other goodies sweetened just perfectly. Picked up some pineapple & jalapeño jam for later. One of the nicest breakfast spots I've been to that I'll always remember. The fact I saw bowls on the wall my family owned was fun too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John M. 2 years ago on Google
    Wife and I were passing through town and decided to stop in for breakfast. We were pleasantly surprised to not only extremely friendly and welcoming service but the best breakfast we've ever had. This is not your typical diner. A++++
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike P. 1 year ago on Google
    We finally stopped in and had lunch at this little gem of a restaurant. WOW, the food is off the charts delicious and very creative. They took breakfast to another level here. If you're in the Niagara Region, do NOT overlook this restaurant. It looks nondescript but you will be blown away by the quality of the food. Very happy with our experience. Bonus was the staff, it is family owned and operated restaurant with a very helpful and friendly staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claire M. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a quaint place, the food is amazing! The owners seem so down to earth and the passionate about what they do. The décor is super colorful and quirky, its like stepping into a hug/time warp. Even the playlist seems carefully curated to fit this atmosphere. I had the favorite son in law and it was unreal! I will definitely be back again & again & again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric N. 9 months ago on Google
    The breaded poached egg is amazing. However, it's not the only unique creation this place has to offer. It's not North American, Caribbean, Asian but rather a sophisticated blend of all the cuisines I've known. A must try for food aventurers
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven W. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly service, more than willing to accommodate allergies, food is great
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aimy R. 4 months ago on Google
    This place is understated - the food is incredible!! Their quiche came with homemade bacon jam on top. 🤤 I also tried their famous deep dish pancake - wow, so delicious! It’s large enough to share with 2-3 people. It’s a mom & pop business, which I love to encourage. They also sell homemade jams in unique flavours, like sour cherry, fig, peach plum, nectarine. The only feedback would be adding some background music for the ambiance. I will definitely be back for more!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly Richard REAL ESTATE BROKER. N. 4 years ago on Google
    Always an amazing breakfast. Today a deep dish pancake for Franky and roast beef on homemade bun with 2 eggs, truffle mayo, and more. Amazingly crazy good. The staff always make you feel like you’re a regular which I love!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 7 months ago on Google
    Retro Diner with exceptional quality of tasty food. I devoured my lamb rice taco egg dish and my wife loved her salsa omelette. Highly recommend if you are on Welland Street in St. Catharines.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bridgetta W. 2 years ago on Google
    Their bread is baked in house and they use real butter! Bacon and eggs were great, potato’s are real potatoes- not normally my favourite as I love cubed hashbrown’s but they were delicious. Great selection of house made hot Sauces, overall very good and would absolutely be back! Edit: We have been back multiple times and it’s still great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth W. 2 years ago on Google
    We were very pleasantly surprised to find this little diner. The menu is a cut above the normal breakfast spot. I would highly recommend you eat here. I had the Quiche sans Crust which was made to perfection...the slow roasted green tomatoes, and baby spinach were perfect...my plate was clean when I was done. My partner had the Pampered Papa Toast, she said the preserved lemon vinaigrette made the dish shine. Go there, you will be pleasantly surprised.

  • 5/5 Kayla G. 2 years ago on Google
    So this place actually blew my mind. It's not a grand or large eatery by any means but the quaint and cozy set up really feels special. The servers were so nice and quick! Not to mention the food being AMAZING. Truly the definition of a hole-in-the-wall #2stardiner

  • 5/5 Sterling R. 2 years ago on Google
    My wife and I enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at the Diner House 29. The service is excellent and the staff are very friendly.

  • 5/5 Grace K. 2 years ago on Google
    Another amazing Diner House meal! Incredible food served up by fabulous humans, all wrapped up in a charming atmosphere (think a hodgepodge of Pyrex dishes, retro diner style furniture) Dave and Anne never fail to make it a delightful culinary experience!

  • 5/5 Madeleine H. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The environment is so cozy, and the customer service is incredible. The food was UNBELIEVABLE. It was probably the best breakfast I’ve had. I am so happy we decided to stop here.

  • 5/5 Graham K. 2 years ago on Google
    Simple Sausage and eggs was delicious! Even though they don’t do basted eggs the over easy were spot on. Amazing thick cut toast, actual sausage link, and perfect home fries. The actual star of the show might be their tangy Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce. This place oozes ‘homemade’ and can’t wait to come back and try other items. Only thing not on the menu that I was hoping for is Eggs Benedict…;)

  • 4/5 JC L. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is amazing. Staff is amazing. Prices are good for portion. Be sure to try the weekly and daily specials. The interior is so fun. Limited seating. Free limited parking.

  • 5/5 Sileema A. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a cute ittle diner we stumbled across. Friendly staff as well. Breakfast was great! We definitely will be back here one day!

  • 5/5 Miriam N. 4 years ago on Google
    Best belt in town. Yummo

  • 5/5 Greg B. 4 years ago on Google
    The friendliest of service and the food is outstanding!

  • 4/5 Ian V. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, good service, and reasonable prices for the food.

  • 5/5 Shane R. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredibly friendly service, unique and special breakfast made with care. I'd highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Britney W. 2 years ago on Google
    Diner House 29 is a on another diner level. They have an amazing menu with something for everyone, and their pantry is unbelievable! The owners and staff are lovely people.

  • 5/5 Steven H. 2 years ago on Google
    (Yet another) fantastic meal and dining experience. We had the deep-dish pancake with apple compote and the brisket on toast w/ eggs on top. Both mind blowingly scrumptious. Thanx crew!!!! See you soon!

  • 5/5 philip b. 4 years ago on Google
    Definitely recommended to eat here, amazing food!

  • 5/5 MP B. 1 year ago on Google
    Customer service is outta this world. Seems like a family run business! We tried the lamb naan and the chocolate monkey. Definitely worth a try!

  • 5/5 Clement C. 9 months ago on Google
    First time back to Diner House 29 since the pandemic. The price has gone up as expected but the increase was very reasonable. The menu is unique, not the normal diner food. This time I had the bratwurst on toast and a fried egg topped with a mushroom sauce, just the sound of it was delicious and it did not disappoint. Definitely will visit again next time in St. Catharines.

  • 5/5 Mitchell S. 9 months ago on Google
    What an unexpected delight. We were in town for a wedding from Toronto and stumbled upon the diner house for breakfast. This has to be one of the best breakfast places I’ve ever been too, and you’d never know from the outside. Service is friendly and kind, the food is unique and so tasty, and it seems like almost everything is home made. They ensure every aspect of your meal is top quality. The bread is spectacular and made in house. You won’t be disappointed

  • 5/5 Keegan C. 10 months ago on Google
    A friend and I went here this morning on a whim and holy smokes. First of all, the food was insanely good, I've been thinking about it all day. We.were blown away by how delicious it was, and very creative, fresh and well thought out. Secondly, our server and everyone that worked there that we came in contact with was SO nice and hospitable. It is a small place, and very busy and I can see why, atmosphere and decor was on point. We already have plans to go back.

  • 5/5 Brandon R. 3 months ago on Google New
    Truly this establishment is blessed by God! If you have yet to experience what true love tastes like? Please I urge whomever reads this review; Go try whatever the special of the day is and become acquainted with how good wholesome food and passion are married with your taste buds! P.S. Our server Teisha is an Angel be sure to bless her!!!♥️

  • 5/5 Em L. 8 months ago on Google
    Cute little diner with Gilmore girl vibes. It's in an unexpected location but the food and service were good! We got the fave son in law and pork hot mess. The phm was the winner out of the two!

  • 5/5 S T. 7 months ago on Google
    Interesting menu that is unique. Nice presentation. The place is upbeat and looks very clean. I am sure the staff works hard to maintain the place. Closes at 1 pm.

  • 5/5 Austin B. 3 years ago on Google
    Always the best :)

  • 4/5 Paul D. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun ambience and great service

  • 5/5 Roger B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great quality food, great service, cozy place to sit down and eat with a very fair price, 10/10 would recommend

  • 5/5 Rahul K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food, wonderful owners and great service

  • 5/5 Doug M. 4 years ago on Google
    Outstanding chef and ladies behind the counter are fabulous.

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 3 years ago on Google
    So good. Highly recommend this little place. A little hidden gem.

  • 5/5 Izabelle J. 3 years ago on Google
    I came her with a friend based on the Yelp review. The decor is a mix of old 50s diner and hipster. Very cute. It's a family owned restaurant, with amazing, friendly service. My friend and I were trying to find something to do that day (we aren't from the area) and the waitresses gave us some suggestions. The food was spectacular. I had the daily special. I can't wait to come back!

  • 5/5 Harper D. 3 years ago on Google
    Wow wow wow. This place is a treasure, a hidden gem on the outskirts of Niagara adjacent to a gas station - yes, a gas station, and it doesn't look like much from the outside at all. The only thing that gives a hint is the little sign that says "Come on in, we're awesome!" Walk in and you'll find yourself in the cutest retro diner that's colorful and cozy and smells like good cooking.

  • 5/5 Misheal R. 3 years ago on Google
    I did not expect much from this place at first. Got the recommendation to get takeout here, and decided to try it out. This place delivers above and beyond what you would expect when you first hear about it. They have the most flavorful food. You can literally taste the love that went into making it. I will definitely be coming back! Hopefully they still have the lamb kefta cause that was PHENOMENAL! Stay open forever!

  • 5/5 Ryan D. 3 years ago on Google
    Lamb Kefta was amazing. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked. Will definitely return for more delicious food.

  • 4/5 Susan A. 3 years ago on Google
    Tasty food and friendly staff

  • 4/5 M P. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool atmosphere and creative dishes.

  • 4/5 Lauren A. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely unexpected. Tiny unassuming place with amazing food. Will definitely be going back.

  • 5/5 Paul H. 4 years ago on Google
    The last thing this place needs is another 5 star review—but I just had lunch there again today, and it continues to impress. Lucie’s Fave Son-in-Law (it’s a dish) was superb. Includes deep fried poached eggs—they sound scary but are soft and wonderful. Stole tastes of my friend’s Caesar salad and turkey meatloaf—yum! And yes, as others have said, the staff is unfailingly friendly and helpful. Nothing quite like a place run by its owners. You can feel their love.

  • 5/5 Augusta L. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing food. Cozy Atmosphere. Highly recommend you check it out.

  • 5/5 Andrew G. 4 years ago on Google
    Honestly the best breakfast I have had in a long time. The decor is what appears to be from the 50's. The staff are very friendly and service was quick. It was very clean and tidy. The overall quality of the food itself was just amazing. I give this place a 9.6 out of 10. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fresh and filling breakfast.

  • 4/5 ashley g. 6 years ago on Google
    We went for a late lunch today and the food was fantastic ! We ordered the UD burger and the rice bowl to share and they were both delicious. The decor is retro and fun and brings back a little bit of my child hood. We will definitely visit again!

  • 5/5 Ryan P. 5 years ago on Google
    Found this little place nearby our rental, and it was fantastic. Loved the retro feel. Short wait time, but well worth it. We had the specials, and they were amazing. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Jessica S. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious and decorated with a lively retro vibe. Can't wait to go back to the Niagara area so we can hit Diner House 29 again. We had the Egg Nog Pancake special, the Lamb Kofta (pictured) and the French toast with Raspberry jam and chocolate meringue crumble. Every bite was wonderful.

  • 5/5 Leslie Gloor D. 4 years ago on Google
    Whenever we are in the area we make sure we plan to stop by for breakfast or lunch at Diner House 29. We’ve never been disappointed and we’re always excited to see what’s new on the menu. This is not your typical breakfast diner. Everything is made from scratch and the combinations are creative, unique and superb. From lamb to deep fried poached eggs to bacon jam. The decor and atmosphere is lively and fun. When we took our kids they asked if Dave (the chef) could move in with us. We can’t wait to return!

  • 5/5 John M. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and ingenuity with menu options. Even the tables have unique names. Just ask them! Great prices for plentiful portions.

  • 4/5 Sundog 4 years ago on Google
    A decent breakfast joint. A little pricier then others in the city but I haven't been disappointed with the food or service here on any occasion. Some very unique and different menu options that set it apart too.

  • 5/5 Joey B. 6 years ago on Google
    This place has very unique takes on their menu. I love the love and creativity that goes into their dishes.bI found them to be very well balanced, and both savoury and sweet dishes are phenomenal. I can't wait to go back again. Be warned that there will likely be a line up on weekends, but it is worth the wait! Food - 5/5 Service - 4.5/5 Atmosphere - 4/5

  • 5/5 Jordan 4 years ago on Google
    The food here is amazing, don't be put off by the restaurants appearance, their dishes are fantastic and their specials are always so experimental, but I've never regretted ordering them. Definitely a hidden jem in st.catharines.

  • 5/5 Gary A. 4 years ago on Google
    My only complaint is that The Diner House 29, is too much like being home at my mothers house. I don't mean just the decor, which is exactly like my mothers, but the food. I go out for breakfast for the meal that I won't make myself at home; you know, lots of grease and salt. Everything on the menu is cooked to perfection without excess grease and salt. I appreciate the locally sourced fresh ingredients, and the in-house specialty items that are prepared daily. The food is on par with the finest chiefs creations from any restaurant. Not a greasy spoon; too bad.

  • 5/5 jeff z. 4 years ago on Google
    I Bet you can't find a better quality burger in st Catharines...

  • 5/5 Denise V. 4 years ago on Google
    Exceptional service, amazing food, creative menu options and homemade deliciousness! Definitely a favourite.

  • 5/5 Kimberley T. 4 years ago on Google
    The atmosphere here was warm and inviting - like Gramma's kitchen! The food was different from your typical breakfast fare and really delicious. Price is a bit higher, but you get what you pay for, and the staff was lovely. Will definitely be going here again.

  • 5/5 Heather S. 4 years ago on Google
    Love it here.. Back to the 40 and 50's..nice staff and great food.

  • 5/5 Susan L. 4 years ago on Google
    Always fabulous!

  • 5/5 Michael F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great special Pork belly hash. Delish!

  • 5/5 Paul A. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome food little more money but worth it

  • 5/5 Dave B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous sweet or tart specials, not cheap but quality doesn't come cheap. Friendly owners and staff, get to know you by name if you go often enough....

  • 5/5 Mae-Anne B. 4 years ago on Google
    Food was good. Great service.

  • 5/5 Melissa R. 4 years ago on Google
    Great service, amazing meal!!

  • 5/5 Ken S. 4 years ago on Google
    You cannot get a better breakfast anywhere in the city.

  • 5/5 Peter R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very tasty, far from ordinary

  • 4/5 Darlene H. 4 years ago on Google
    Being such a small restaurant they do quite well and the food is all homemade l would suggest this comfy cozy place to go and try it for yourself

  • 5/5 Madison H. 4 years ago on Google
    Best brunch I’ve ever had. Totally unassuming!!

  • 5/5 kelli c. 4 years ago on Google
    Always delicious & friendly attentive service ! :)

  • 5/5 Colin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Breakfast was great, the service was fast and the waitress was very nice .


Call +1 289-362-1129 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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