The Purple Onion - Toronto, Ontario

Holy Moly!! What a delicious and perfectly cooked plate of eggs benny!!! 👏🏼 They do not skimp out on the hollandaise sauce here which I appreciate so much! The pancakes were cooked to perfection as well. We came in for brunch this morning and the service was fast and friendly, ... the coffee; hot and fresh and lastly, the food was everything you would hope to cure massive hangover! We will definitely be coming back! Read more

We’ve been doing our best to support independent, local restaurants during the Covid-19 lockdown. We are unapologetic in our belief that these family owned restaurants are critical to the cultural and culinary diversity of our city, no matter whether they’re fine dining establishments or places that serve up simple, delicious ... and affordable fare every day. The Purple Onion is a Junction stalwart that falls clearly in the latter category. We can’t seem to find out how long this resto has been around (including going back to the original location closer to the Junction Triangle) but there’s no doubt that The Purple Onion represents the best of the old-school diner experience in Toronto. We feel that’s a tradition worthy of support, especially since the sad demise of The Tulip (R.I.P.), the Purple Onion’s east side doppelganger. On our most recent trip we indulged with bacon cheeseburgers, fries and killer onion rings. The burgers are very good (though not a “diner category” champion - that honour goes to Jumbo Burger on Runnymede and Dundas), but the fries and onion rings are world class. Keeping in mind that during lockdown takeout is the only option, both the fries and onion rings retained their crispy deliciousness even inside the takeaway containers - and that’s no small feat. Portions are what you would expect: generous! We were stuffed and thoroughly content. While this review is about our most recent trip, other dishes well worth ordering are any of the hot sandwiches (with lashings of gravy smothering soft white bread and sliced meats), French toast (using the same yummy white bread), three egg omelettes (arrive hungry) and, of course, their signature steak and eggs (OMG, so good). All these options are served up with a friendly smile and at very reasonable prices. For example, our bacon cheeseburgers with fries (or onion rings) were $11.99. An omelette with hash browns and toast is $8.99, while three pieces of delicious French toast are only $9.99. And the signature breakfast steak and eggs? 6 oz. steak - $13.99; 10 oz. steak - $19.99. Great prices to match a delicious brekkie. We’ll definitely be going back again and again, and once lockdown is over and dine-in permitted we’ll be scratching an itch and ordering a big ole T-bone steak (or, maybe even the Porterhouse) dinner some night. Stay tuned for that review! Read more

We ordered 6 oz. Steak and egg, eggs Benedict with peameal bacon. Yummy. Homefries are nice. That will be perfect if they offer gluten free bread.

I love coming here for brunch. With comfy chairs, reliable food and impeccable service, this is a local favourite. The eggs forentine has perfectly poached eggs and some of the best hollandaise sauce. The homefries are ample and seasoned well. Sometimes I switch up my side for a salad, which ... is nice. Aly is the most efficient and attentive server, with quick intuition. She makes everything so seamless. For brunch, you go to the front to pay so there is no pressure to leave asap. A true pleasure! Read more

Love the simplicity of this place. Anna was great and very attentive. She's warm and helpful. The steak is simple, and love how they don't season their steak to much. A very family friendly place for sure. Didn't realise this restaurant has been around for at least 11 years. Lotsa regulars and people from around ... this neighbourhood come dine here. Read more