It’s here, Toronto! Stefano’s Diner, younger brother to MICHELIN recommended restaurant Gia, has officially launched in the neighbourhood of Trinity Bellwoods. A new plant-based hotspot, Stefano’s Diner is set in a retro-modern diner and sets the stage for plant-based dining in the city. It’s even home to Canadian icon Dan Levy’s favourite – the best vegan sandwich he’s ever had! Open Monday to Fridays from 12:00PM to 9:00PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30AM to late night, Stefano’s Diner is located on the corner of Dundas St. W. and Dovercourt Rd. (1265 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON).
Named after owner Jenny Coburn’s beloved late dog Stefano, Stefano’s Diner was a concept that originated during the pandemic. When in-person dining wasn’t an option, Coburn, like many restaurant owners, noticed a need for takeout-fare. Stefano’s started as a pop-up inside of sister plant-based restaurant Gia, but due to high demand, a permanent, separate home was needed. Upon finding the perfect spot right down the street, Stefano’s Diner was born! Coburn has noticed that in recent years, younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X, are leading the way in the rising popularity of plant-based foods, making up a significant portion of Stefano’s diners.
With a continuously evolving menu that started with their famous sandwiches, Stefano’s Diner offers an array of Italian plant-based goods.
Sandwich offerings include Stefano’s Italian Sub (plant-based mortadella, ham, pastrami, provolone, arugula, mustard, mayo, italian dressing) and the Eggplant Parmigiana (sugo, mozzarella, whipped garlic, green Italian chillies, basil). Burgers such as the Extra Veg Burger (cannellini beans, kidney beans, quinoa, an assortment of vegetables, farro, panko, spinach, flax seeds, garlic aioli and arugula) is a top seller.
Every month, Stefano’s Diner has a plant-based special from friends in the community. This month, former chef of Gia, Matthew Ravenscroft (@thedirtyraven) has created a Crispy Maitake Mushroom Sandwich with lightly breaded maitake, pickles, cabbage slaw, garlic mayo on a sesame brioche.
(pictured left to right: Matthew Ravenscroft’s feature, Gnocchi, Extra Veg Burger)
Stefano’s Salmon Beurre Blanc is another featured item. The dish is made with plant-based salmon from New School Foods, home of the only plant-based salmon that looks, cooks, tastes and flakes like wild salmon.
Salads such as the Insalata Nizzarda (plant-based chickpea and hearts of palm tuna, baby gem, heirloom carrots, radishes, green beans, black olives, cherry tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette) and the Baby Gem Salad (almond vinaigrette, crispy shallot, parmigiana) are the perfect refreshers to start or end your time at Stefano’s Diner.
Pasta offerings include the Lasagna (layered with walnut ragu, tomato sauce, mozzarella) and the Spelt Rigatoni (maitake and brown beech mushrooms in a béchamel sauce). Their twist on a classic Steak and Mash is a hearty fan favourite, consisting of a 6oz lion’s mane steak, mash and jus.
The small plates section of the menu offers in-house made Red Fife Focaccia, plant-based Brie (ripened cashew brie, concord grape puree, red fife crostini), Arancini (two arborio rice balls with saffron, mozzarella, green peas, spicy sugo) and Mozzarella Sticks.
Sides include Stefano’s famous fries and the side Baby Gem.
(pictured left to right: Insalata Nizzarda, Stefano’s Lemon Layer Cake, Stefano’s Italian Sub with fries and Baby Gem Salad)
Last but not least, guests can prepare their taste buds for delectable desserts – the perfect ending to an afternoon or evening at Stefano’s Diner. The Olive Oil Cake with vanilla buttercream and rotating desserts such as the Stefano’s Lemon Layer Cake (pictured above) and Chocolate Orange Cake have guests reaching for more. Full size versions of all cakes will be offered during the holiday season!
Unlike your typical diner, Stefano’s has alcoholic (and non) beverage offerings. Cocktails such as the Picante Panini (Mezcal, Campari, grapefruit habanero syrup, fresh lime) and the Stefano’s Luxardo (gin, Luxardo, cherry syrup, fresh lemon) compliment the offered mocktails including the Fugazi (blackberry, star anise, lemon, sparkling). Beer and wine are additionally offered.
Additionally, this past weekend kicked off the start of brunch at Stefano’s Diner! Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30AM to 3:00PM, plant-based eggs and sausage, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, french toast and more will be available for diners to enjoy. Stay tuned to @stefanosdiner on Instagram for more details.
In addition to in-house dining (reservations can be made for Monday to Friday HERE), Stefano’s Diner is available on UberEats and take-out is offered through Ambassador.
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