Ginger Man - East York

One of the things I love about the house we purchased fifteen years ago is its location. Just down the block, there is a small plaza with everything you need within a minute's walk. There is a variety shop, laundry service, pharmacy, and an East York institution - the Gingerman restaurant. We have been dining there since we first moved in. The restaurant may not be visually stunning, but it exudes charm. It is a family-run, old-fashioned greasy spoon eatery. It's sad to see that there are now only a few places like this left in Toronto. Despite changing ownership a few times, the food and, more importantly, the service have remained consistent. The long-serving and loyal staff, some of whom have been there since before we first visited, are the reason for this. It is the kind of place where the waitress will know your order before you even open the menu and address you by your usual choice. The regular customers, many of whom have been coming here as long as we have, are one of the keys to the success and longevity of this place. The food is the other reason. They offer a full lunch and dinner menu with the usual items, such as steaks, liver, spaghetti, chicken, seafood, and even a children's menu. As this is the eastern end of Toronto, there is also a great selection of Greek dishes. Personally, I highly recommend the huge hamburgers. However, the main attraction, and the reason why the place is always busy in the mornings and on weekends, is the breakfast menu. They offer a variety of omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and waffles. The most popular item on the menu is the daily breakfast special, which includes eggs cooked to your liking, toast, hash browns, and bacon or sausage. The portions here, like everything else on the menu, are generous. And of course, you can wash it all down with a bottomless cup of freshly brewed coffee. Now that we are retired, we can visit The Gingerman at any time, not just during the busy weekends, and enjoy the place whenever we want.

After my last review, which was not very positive, the new, young owners have completely turned things around at this restaurant. It is now the best breakfast spot in East York, located on Victoria Park south of St. Clair. It is always busy on weekends, so be sure to try the Peameal and eggs or the thick Peameal Sandwich. Their burgers are also worth trying, as they are homemade and delicious. Give them a chance - you won't be disappointed.

Great value. Excellent for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Very inexpensive and good portions. Family business and very popular with locals. Full-day breakfast menu, good soup, sandwiches, frits and gravy, souvlaki... I can go on and on. I don't think I had everything I didn't like in this restaurant. Fast, friendly service with extensive menu.

The food at this restaurant is excellent and affordable. The staff is very friendly and it has a family-owned vibe. While it may not be anything out of the ordinary, it is still fantastic.

Now this is what I call a fine morning. Look around, step out of your zone and you will meet new people some doing new things and some perfecting the classics. The Gingerman is a bomb from entering to leaving. Great coffee is a start...and 3 people said good morning to us even before we sat down. Service was so perfect and the food delicious. Follow our waitstaff advice and get butterflied sausage. Trust you will thank her. We got a kiddie size blueberry pancakes that must be for an 7 year old heavy weight! Portions are massive so it’s fun to share a few things. Please follow @joannasable on instagram for more food and travel