Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: chicken (20) diner (19) good (17) service (16) great (14) menu (13) time (13) brunch (13) Lakeview (12) breakfast (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Kris J. 8 months ago on Google
    The addition of Jason Hemi of Haifa Room to this team has been an absolute gamechanger. Since the recent announcement of the new menu, fried chicken focused with well executed diner fare - a change that has been soaked in mild nostalgia with familiar names (see The Robert Plant, for instance) back on the menu, The Lakeview has the makings of a new and improved community hub. I've been back twice now, and while the menu is definitely not as comprehensive as the original menu we lost in February, it has become it's own entirely. The breakfast is smaller, and comes with smashed potatoes instead of tater tots, but it's breakfast, and available for under 20 bucks. The pastrami sandwich is a salt-lick, but the deli pickle is perfect. Old favourites like the once always unavailable mac 'n' cheese balls are back, the orange creamsicle milkshake (which I have yet to enjoy because the orange sorbet seems to be out each time I've gone) and deep fried pickles harkens back to a time when the indie kids of the early 2010s ruled the booths near the washrooms but with clean tables and a comprehensive drink offering. But dear God, that fried chicken. An incredibly smart idea to offer a "feast" of chicken to be shared between a table of 4 for ideally 20 bucks a head. It's crunchy and served with a biscuit that is worth fighting your friends for. My original discontent with the overhaul in April was the lack of ethos with the menu at the time. If we were considering that this place, at its heart and soul, was meant for the working people, a place to unwind and get a meal in the comfort of low lights and the sound of coffee machines whirring, an 89 dollar Porter House steak and 20 dollar salads with no proteins was not up to snuff. Hemi has taken this menu with offerings under 25 dollars, setting the restaurant apart from it's neighbours on Ossington. Hemi has reclaimed the diner and the food welcomes you without heirs. I think was definitely a step in the right direction. Peter, the server of all servers, has been sorely missed, with the staff onsite still evidently getting their bearings when it comes to offering food suggestions, but overall, the Lakeview shines again as a beacon to the community.
    52 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Duane B. 3 months ago on Google • 900 reviews New
    Good service and average food. I wonder if the poutine is made with frozen fries..is what I asked myself as I finished my plate. I'd rather less fries if it meant the quality was going to be higher. Even less cheese and gravy would be fine as well. The price point is good and the place has an old diner vibe which is nice. I just wish the food was of a higher quality vs what I got.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ron S. 6 months ago on Google • 310 reviews
    A great, old, classic diner built in 1932 and with all the same, old original wood and booths. There is also still the original bar and stools where one can hang out. Coming here is like stepping back in time. Since the change of ownership the menu has shrunk, the portions have shrunk and the prices have increased. The food quality has also dipped. This place use to have a line up / waiting list for weekend brunch now this place is half empty during weekend brunch. A telling sign. I use to love this place for their vegan hash, but sadly that is no longer on the menu. My two visits to this place (once just after they reopened and again two months later) were unimpressive food wise, and the service was never the best (usually due to how busy the place was), and it's still the same even though the servers have more time on their hands. I'm sad to say I won't be coming hear for brunch anymore, but if you are close by do pop in and take a look at the place, at least the new owners didn't spoil that. A side note is that this place has been featured in a number of movies and television series, see if you can recognize it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lori F. 3 months ago on Google • 350 reviews New
    The diner has a very cute vibe and the food is good, portion sizes are pretty big. The apple pie milkshake was pretty good too, although there were some large chunks that got stuck in the paper straw.

  • 5/5 Rob T. 4 months ago on Google • 303 reviews
    The food is fantastic. The setting is historic. The feeling is that you've walked into the past and 50 years ago into a delightful room at the bar or in the booth. They treat you like family. Pat is wonderful in the front of the house. Like an angel. I love going there for an early quiet breakfast on a Saturday... But it's good any hour of the day you can make it in. TRY The Chicken Club. Best in the City.. pictured here is the eggs Benny Chicken on waffles... Could be in a movie. 🍿🎥
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Stephanie S. 11 months ago on Google
    Very disappointed in our meals tonight. We ordered tuna melt, patty melt, and chicken fingers. The melts were made with kraft cheese slices not even real cheese, soggy bread. Potatoes were dry and over seasoned. Chicken fingers were burnt. Didn't find it worth the price, $24 for the tuna, $22 for the patty melt which was next to inedible. And $1× for the kids burnt chicken fingers. I also ordered a Ceasar $14 no garnishes, small glass no straw. Tasted like just vodka and Ceasar mix. We will not be back.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ken T. 2 months ago on Google • 263 reviews New
    Go for a slice of history, the Lakeview has been around for yonks and used for many film locations (e.g. The Shape of Water). The diner itself got a bit of an edit to clear away the clutter and let the original art deco architecture shine through. It's still true to its diner menu (don't expect fine dining) with it's core offerings being brunch eggs benedict, all-day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches and home fries. Most of the seating is in cozy wooden booths with vinyl upholstery. Go for one of the club sandwiches or customize your eggs Benny w salmon, fried chicken, sausage or rashers of classic pea meal back bacon. Drop coffee only but you can get fresh juices.

  • 2/5 Hannah V. 9 months ago on Google
    Had a horrible first experience one evening but decided to give it another chance. Another huge disappoint. I ordered the chicken club sandwich (as per the servers recommendation) and was brought a sandwich that was subpar. The chicken salad itself had a nice flavour but the bacon was extremely thick, basically just a slice of fat, and not what I had imagined. I removed the “bacon” and thought no worries. Next day as I’m eating the other half of the sandwich, I bite into a bone… it’s over an inch long and I thought it was part of the wooden stick that was holding the sandwich together. I’m worried someone else would’ve swallowed it and potentially chocked… I would’ve definitely brought it to the servers attention in the restaurant if I had eaten it there. Only good part is knowing it the food came from a real bird. I won’t be going back, unfortunately this restaurant’s 15-minutes ended a long time ago but still makes an effort to keep up with the competition. If you do go, just get a milkshake and count your blessings.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cy A. 1 year ago on Google • 36 reviews
    This diner has been around for a long time (1930s) and you can tell from the interior but it was still quite a fun place! Service was good, he was very friendly. Food was pretty good too, the usual breakfast style of food offered 24/7 so you can be sure to get your cravings satisfied! Would definitely recommend the milkshakes, especially the apple pie one, it was so good! Best milkshakes I've had - classic with whipped cream on top and no weird candy toppings... I had gotten the Disco Fries Breakfast, it was very filling so I'd only recommend it if you have a big appetite. My table had gotten the Chicken N' Waffle Benedict (not pictured) which was also very filling, and the Cornflake Chicken Sandwich which was yummy but small portion in comparison to other dishes. Overall, I would come again just to try more of their brunch items and for the milkshakes again!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael C. 2 months ago on Google • 118 reviews New
    Our family has been going to The Lakeview Diner for many years. We have not been back since the updates, but I am catching up on some reviews. Normally we meet other family there for a big catchup breakfast. Waffles, eggs, milk shakes etc. It's so close to home and such a spacious place to go, we have never left unhappy. Again, curious to go back after the updates, but based on our previous visits, the Lakeview Diner is a must for anyone in TO or visiting from out of town. I also recently noticed it was a scene in the TV show Mayor of Kingstown. Very cool.

  • 5/5 Darcy L. 2 years ago on Google
    I came here for brunch thinking I would just get a side of toast and some fries maybe since I’m vegan, but they had the most DELICIOUS vegan sandwich for brunch. I highly recommend day of the triffids, and they also have dairy free milk for my coffee. Excellent food and service, I’m very happy to know I have options for brunch near my house :)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Indigo S. 4 months ago on Google • 14 reviews
    Went here for late night eats last night. Ordered the chicken and waffles, brisket poutine and chicken fingers combo. The chicken from the chicken and waffles was overcooked, very dry and literally burnt around the edges (you can see how dark the breading is on the outside). The waffle tasted like it was an eggo waffle and it was not even served with syrup. The brisket poutine was served with soggy fries and arrived warm rather than hot. The brisket itself was lathered in gravy from the poutine and honestly taste more like schneiders bologna than brisket. Had a buddy at our table order the chicken club and it used the same type of chicken patty that came with the chicken and waffles except his was even more burnt and overcooked. All in all this was a horrible experience and I will never return nor do I recommend you visit, we spent ~$30-35 per person. Save your money and literally go to a fast food burger joint instead.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Chris L. 6 months ago on Google
    Was looking forward to trying The Lakeview Restaurant now that it’s under new ownership. Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with the service and the food. Perhaps the service wasn’t great because we were sitting outside and the servers mostly focused on the Isolde customers but still felt a little isolated out side, especially difficult to pay our bill and leave. The poutine was what I was looking forward to and it fell pretty flat. Really lacked gravy, so much so it was basically just French fries with some unmelted cheese curds on top. The club was quite good and very filling so it wasn’t a total bust. I can’t decide if I would go back. If I did go back I would be specific about wanting more gravy on the poutine.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Fanny Z. 1 month ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    Cute retro diner vibes. Food was alright, my friend got a Caesar salad and I got the mushroom Benedict. We also got milkshakes and they bring the cup they mix it in with leftover milkshake 🤩
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray U. 6 months ago on Google
    We had to try this cool place after my wife saw the diner featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. We weren’t disappointed and we will be back. Thank you!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Tricky M. 6 months ago on Google
    There’s a first and last time for everything. Had a terrible stomach the entire next day after eating the Banquet Burger (I didn’t eat anything else all day). The food. It was sort of tasteless, and the side of fries were slim pickings. Atmosphere was plain. Service was really slow (45 minutes) to get the meal; although it was busy the kitchen was slow. 24 Hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jupiter M. 6 months ago on Google
    Milkshakes were extremely good but everything else was average. Service was also slow. Server was nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jan Tiffany P. 10 months ago on Google
    Went here for brunch. It was our first time so no experience dining with the prior management. We think it was good but portion needs to be improved for the price you’re paying. Enjoyed the decor and ambiance. The service was a bit slow but it might be because it was a Sunday.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Anil T. 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    I recently visited Lakeview Diner and ordered pancakes and eggs Benedict. While the atmosphere was cozy and had a friendly vibe, I was disappointed with the food. The pancakes I received were undercooked, which was surprising considering the restaurant wasn't particularly busy at the time. I noticed empty tables, so I'm not sure why the kitchen sent out undercooked pancakes. Despite this, I appreciated the ambiance and the welcoming atmosphere of the diner. It's unfortunate that my first experience didn't meet my expectations, especially considering the hype the place receives on social media. However, I may consider giving it another chance in the future. Hopefully, the next visit will be more satisfying.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Laura M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great late night diner in Toronto. It's old and dated but gives to the diner feel. But it's not gross or dirty - it's clean and well kept. Our food was yummy and service was fast, even with it being quite busy. The milkshakes here are like a classic shake... Definitely get one! Parking lot across the street, but is, of course, paid parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul B. 1 year ago on Google
    Best milkshake ever – apple pie! No artificial flavours. I was happy to unclog the straw from the pieces of pie that would get stuck to the bottom. Also had their Tuna Melt Sandwich. Tasty with plenty of filling. And good service from attentive staff. Highly recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M T. 1 year ago on Google
    Good service, quick and attentive. Standard diner fare with the old school decor that you don't see anywhere else in Toronto. Had the standard breakfast, which has a non meat option. Home fries were tasty. Potatoe bread was fluffy and light, preferred over standard bread. Waffles were crsipy on outside and fluffy inside. Reasonably priced at $14 for standard breakfast and $6 for side waffles. Wish the fruit that came with everything had more variety. Cesar was spicy with a large piece of celery, and there is a non alcoholic option. Great place to go for brunch with no fuss, even after the normal 3pm cut off around the city. Has 24hr service on weekends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon K. 1 year ago on Google
    It's old, it's a little crusty, but it's fun and the food was pretty good. For how old it is, everything was clean, no worries there. The server/bartender/personality was great. I'm so sorry to forget his name. Tall, slim, mid length wavy black hair, very fun dude. He was so engaging and awesome. Would love to come back when visiting again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Rach G. 2 years ago on Google
    we ordered two christmas dinners and received only one with so much peas and cold fries when i tried to contact the restaurant the person that picked up the phone hung up on me. You restuarants have to understand that we pay money for the food we order. so it will be nice to treat us customers with the same respect. I will NOT be patronizing this place again. Not only because you messed up my order but because the one plate you manage to send me looked gross and it was cold AF! Pictures attached including receipt. Apparently the waiter that handled our order is named FADI.H. (You did a horrible Job)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kshitij R. 2 years ago on Google
    Just pay your employees a liveable wage instead of asking them to rely on tip money. Especially if you are going to ask them to work an overnight shift. Then you wouldn't have to cry about your worker "shortage" issue on local news. :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Deborah H. 2 years ago on Google
    I love the lakeview, I was there on Sunday with my girls having brunch. Perfect service and experience (cornflake chicken is a must). On Monday, I was going to have a sandwich and a tea around 2pm but my experience turned sour when I was greeted by a server with no mask on and no mask in sight. He didn’t even try to put one on as I approached to show my proof of vaccine. I usually feel so safe at the lakeview, but after this experience I’m rethinking that statement.

  • 5/5 Zack B. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve been to the Lakeview so many times over the years that I truly don’t know how many slices of apple pie I’ve consumed in milkshake form. Today’s meal was all the hits for me - APM, cornflake chicken club and freedom toast - French toast stuffed with Brie and pea meal bacon. Plus some pancake coins. All extra special.

  • 5/5 Amelia C. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect place for that late night craving of Eggs Benedict! Prices were reasonable, and enjoyed the retro diner aesthetic. Shout out to the server that was there Saturday night! I think he was the only staff on site (besides the cooks) and did a great job getting our food within a reasonable time.

  • 5/5 Lucero Z. 2 years ago on Google
    The food is amazing, love it, and the service of Logan was awesome. We will be back for sure dessert menu looks delicious.

  • 1/5 Manny P. 2 years ago on Google
    Used to love this place before the pandemic. But they hired servers that are rude and unhelpful. I got my order and am missing an item. I have the receipt and the server refused to give me the item because I "didn't order it" lol. The burger had no dressing and tasted terrible. Was soggy and gross.

  • 5/5 Liam M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot if you like the old style diner. All day breakfast! Decently cheep drinks. Would recommend. The service is lighting fast, you order something and it appears in seconds. The breakfast at 10pm was great.

  • 2/5 Lauren M. 4 months ago on Google
    I don’t usually leave google reviews but my experience at the Lakeview was notably bad, so here I am! Beyond the general complaints about slow service, long wait times, and most importantly (to me at least) overpriced mediocre food, I couldn’t believe HOW SMALL the menu font is. Look at this! Absolute disgrace!! As someone in my twenties with fairly good eyesight I struggled to read the menu. I couldn’t imagine taking my grandma, or someone else low sighted here. Disappointing to see an old Toronto staple fall apart like this, but I won’t be back.

  • 4/5 Adriana �. 2 years ago on Google
    First time we visit this place and it was a great experience! The only downside I would give them was the waiting time for the food, I think we waited for 30+ min. Once the food arrived the club sandwich was incredible but the waffles were unfortunately cold and dry. I give this place a 4 star just because of that. My recommendation: Club sandwich ✔️ Waffles ❌

  • 5/5 Indra R. 2 years ago on Google
    My sweetheart and I have the there a number of times in the the summer and that’s our favourite place to eat when we go fishing The food is amazing, the staff is wonderful and friendly and the place is spotless . We are looking forward to the next visit.👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

  • 5/5 Joanna S. 2 years ago on Google
    When you are in need of a classic diner, serious old school come the The Lakeview. The stools and counter beckon with views of metal milkshake containers, spouts and the the old great things behind the counter. Service is super friendly and hot coffee keeps coming. A fine spot to eat breakfast foods all day long. Lots of other great options too. Please follow @joannasable on instagram

  • 5/5 Naz 4 months ago on Google
    Delicious brunch. Very tasty Caesars. Pat was lovely and took great care of us. Would recommend.

  • 5/5 Kirsten H. 2 years ago on Google
    We ordered the Thanksgiving meal and we were incredibly impressed! We had so much food (served at least 10-12! Not just 6-8), everything tasted great and fresh. It was so easy and such great value. We highly recommend The Lakeview for meals like this in future, we will be back again! Thank you for a tasty and easy Thanksgiving feast!

  • 4/5 Lilly P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great staff, friendly and tentative. The fish batter was a bit too thick for our liking. But the fish I side was very tasty. And sticky notes on the wall are a great idea! And loved the old dinner feel of the restaurant.

  • 4/5 Trevor M. 2 years ago on Google
    The waffles with chicken and egg Benedict was great the triple clubhouse was also fantastic, the deep-fried dill however, was cooked too long and rubber, probably from frozen - a few films have been shot here so that was kind of neat , the washroom is small...and smelly. Good service though.

  • 5/5 Optrix 2 years ago on Google
    Great casual place rich in history. Been around since the 40s and you can feel the energy of guests past. Past diners Coming home from war? Going to war? Great breakfast options like bennies. But my go to is the club with the nice crispy chicken. Get the gravy. Rich, deep brown and salty. Perfect with their fries and to dip the club into.

  • 5/5 Jon Yip C. 2 years ago on Google
    A Toronto staple offering all the beloved fixins of a greasy spoon that's been around longer than you have. The staff is very friendly and food is delicious. Our server told us they have the best hollandaise in the city and can't say I've had better myself. Portions are good for the price and not many other spots can offer hangover cures quite like the Lakeview!

  • 5/5 Kylee F. 10 months ago on Google
    Had a group of 6 of us dine here on a quiet Monday night. The atmosphere was so welcoming and the service was just as warm. It isn’t the diner it was before, but something different and inspired. The food was delicious. We ordered almost the entire menu. Porterhouse was expensive but the biggest steak I’ve ever been served. Perfect sharing portion. The star was the chocolate babka. Whoever made this deserves a hug and kiss on the forehead. I’ll come back strictly for that.

  • 4/5 Stephanie M. 10 months ago on Google
    Classic diner feels and aesthetic. I was disappointed they didn’t have the tar tar or bone marrow anymore. Cocktails were also pretty expensive but the sandwiches were to die for. Loved the pastrami

  • 3/5 Carineria 2. 9 months ago on Google
    Their booster juice is lovely!! Drip coffee wasn't really drip coffee, was poured out of a flask! The shop is clean but has s lot going on at the back kitchen area. Service was great though (:

  • 4/5 Timothy K. 2 years ago on Google
    I always order over medium eggs because I can't stand when over easy eggs come too runny and the white part is still jiggly and clear -but rarely do restaurants acknowledge an "over medium" order and these guys nailed it! Praise to chefs who can make a little difference like that because that takes an attention to detail that many places can't be bothered with. There's post it notes everywhere on the walls and it's a fun vibe, good food, the pancakes are killer, good milkshakes. Solid brunch spot!

  • 5/5 Josh R. 1 year ago on Google
    Yes!! I got my Toronto Diners, Drive-ins & Dive location stop. While we went here for lunch I can only imagine my satisfaction of coming after a night of drinking. The Monti Cristo was on point, especially when I requested strawberry sauce. Will sure to return on my next trip.

  • 4/5 Rose P. 1 year ago on Google
    We came here because we saw it on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. We ordered all the food we saw on the show. The chicken sandwich was awesome. The frech toast was...meh. the apple pie milkshake was definitely delicious.


Call +1 416-850-8886 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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