Stefano's Diner is the first 100 per cent plant-based diner in Toronto. Specializing in meatless Italian-style submarines, hearty salads, and diner comforts like milkshakes and french fries, the spot comes from the team at none other than Michelin-recommended Gia. 

The fast-casual diner and takeout joint started as a sandwich pop-up during the pandemic. It quickly gained popularity thanks to a Dan Levy-approved chicken sandwich. 

Now, with a permanent home, Stefano's has been humorously referred to as "Gia's younger brother, with less money" by the owner, Jennifer Coburn. 

The goal was to create a plant-forward menu that was accessible, approachable, fun, and nourishing. Whether grabbing a quick bite, lingering over a leisurely meal, vegetarian or simply plant-curious, there is something for everyone. 

Starting with drinks, the Picante Panini ($19) combines mezcal, Campari, grapefruit-habanero syrup, and lime for a citrus-forward cocktail with a pleasantly bitter finish.

The Fugazi ($10) is a delicious mocktail crafted with house-made blackberry syrup, lemon juice, star anise, and sparkling water. It delivers a good balance of sweetness and spice. 

For sandwiches, Stefano's Italian Sub ($16) is loaded with vegan mortadella, ham, and pastrami from Nonno’s Plant-Based Butcher. These thinly shaved deli slices are made with soy and wheat protein. Topped with peppery arugula, Italian dressing, provolone, and mustard mayo, it delivers all the flavours of a traditional Italian sub.

For the ultimate Italian sandwich experience, upgrade to the supersize version (+5). It comes on a traditional Sicilian La Mafalda sesame bun from North Pole Bakery on Danforth Avenue. 

My favourite sandwich was the Eggplant Parmigiana ($15). The eggplant is perfectly breaded and fried until crispy. It's served on homemade calabrese bread with whipped garlic, sugo, green Italian chillies, fresh basil, and mozzarella. 

For sides, you can't go wrong with the crinkle-cut Fries ($6), topped with plenty of flaky sea salt. 

To enjoy them in true diner fashion, pair the fries with Stefano's Mylkshake ($10). There's something so satisfying about the contrast of salty, crispy fries dipped into a creamy, cold milkshake.

Made with house-made almond and cashew milk, vanilla bean, and plant-based vanilla ice cream, it's thick, sweet, and sure to have you feeling nostalgic. The milkshake is also topped with the face of the brand, Corburn's adorable fluffy dog and companion, Stefano.

The Side Baby Gem Salad ($8) is refreshing and crisp with an almond vinaigrette, fried shallot topping, and crunchy, savoury pangritata bread crumbs. 

In a play on a tuna salad, the Insalata Nizzarda ($18) is made with chickpeas and hearts of palm. It has a texture similar to the tinned fish and is equally as delicious. Served on a bed of baby gem lettuce, it's bulked up with heirloom carrots, radishes, green beans, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and pickled beets. It's dressed in a light and citrusy lemon vinaigrette. 

Taking a nod from Gia, where homemade pasta is their bread and butter, Stefano's serves up a selection of carefully crafted pasta plates.

The Lasagna ($23) is layered with a rich, nutty walnut ragu. While I didn't count the layers, I'd guess there were at least ten, each generously filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Like any good lasagna, it was firm yet soft and had plenty of crispy edges. It's served with more sauce underneath, so there's enough with every bite. 

The gnocchi of the week was a simple Pomodoro ($22). The gnocchi were pillowy, soft, and perfectly chewy, each coated in a light tomato sauce. 

The imitation Salmon Beurre Blanc ($28) from New School Foods is astonishingly close in texture and flavour. The plant-based salmon is tender and flaky, served on a bed of chunky mashed potatoes, and smothered in a rich, herby butter sauce. It's a dish that's as indulgent as it is innovative. 

Ending on a sweet note, the Chocolate Orange Cake ($10) was decadent, moist and deeply comforting. It features dark chocolate, coffee, orange juice, and orange zest, with a ring of buttercream piped on top.

This stylish and vibrant spot on Dundas West seats 28. Previously a hair salon, the space has been completely transformed thanks to MAED. Collective, an all-female interior design agency located in the city's east end.

Casual, with a retro yet contemporary feel, Stefano's is today's modern diner. Complete with green banquets, warm walnut finishes, and diner-style curtains, the space is welcoming and bright, with ample natural light to help beat the fall-back blues. 

Stefano's is located at 1265 Dundas St West.