Fran's Restaurant and Bar

20 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1K2, Canada
+1 416-923-9867
$$$ Restaurant , Breakfast restaurant , Brunch restaurant , Diner
(5046 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Fran's Restaurant and Bar is a classic Toronto diner nestled in the heart of the College Street corridor, offering a straightforward full-service dining experience that leans heavily into traditional comfort food with a quietly nostalgic edge. Operating since 1940, Fran’s maintains a familiar, laid-back atmosphere that suits those looking for a casual meal in a setting that feels both retro and welcoming without trying too hard.

The interior channels an old-school diner vibe with cozy booths and a bar area where solo diners or small groups can settle in. The space is roomy enough to accommodate busy weekend brunch crowds, though at peak times, the service shows signs of being stretched thin, especially with the hustle to keep up with regulars and newcomers alike. If you’re after a relaxed breakfast or brunch, mid-mornings on weekdays might be the best window to enjoy a quieter pace.

The menu is a broad reflection of classic diner fare with generous portions. Standouts include all-day breakfast options like the Big Breakfast Plate and inventive takes such as Chicken & Waffles drizzled with maple syrup, alongside heartier lunch and dinner staples like Fish and Chips, a Full Rack of Back Ribs with Fries, and the Legendary Banquet Burger. Fran’s also appeals to those who appreciate simple but well-executed dishes like Eggs Benedict and the humble but satisfying Tuna Melt. The dessert offerings, from Coconut Cream Pie to Utopian Chocolate Cake, carry on the traditional comfort theme, rounding out the meal with familiar endings.

Fran's draws a varied crowd—early risers grabbing coffee and breakfast, groups stopping in for a casual lunch, and evening diners pairing local draft beers with classic Canadian flavors. The bar’s selection of local brews like Amsterdam Brewery’s 3 Speed and Steam Whistle Pilsner complements the hearty menu well and fits the neighborhood’s approachable, friendly late-day vibe.

Service tends to be warm and attentive, reflecting a staff that values genuine hospitality, even if busyness sometimes means patience is required when waiting for the bill. A notable touch is the printed menu handed to each guest—no QR codes here—which adds a pleasing straightforwardness amid modern fast-paced dining trends.

Fran’s feels suited to people looking for no-frills, consistently tasty comfort food in a setting that respects its own history. If you want a relaxed meal that pairs well with a neighborhood stroll around College Street, Fran’s delivers a dependable, comforting slice of Toronto’s diner culture.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Has private dining room
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Friday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

5046 Reviews
Devesh sharma

07 Dec 2025

Went for breakfast through recommendation. They have an all day breakfast option and also more choices for lunch and dinner . The pancakes were awesome and eggs benedict were decent too. Unlimited coffee too. Service was good considering how busy was it , although I think they can use another server . Took me 10 minutes just to get their attention for bill. The girls were simply too busy , the gentleman who is showing people to the table can probably do a bit more. If you looking for a classic American diner and good food , this is a good spot .

Larissa Patterson

01 Nov 2025

Stopped by Fran's Restaurant yesterday for the first time. We were seated promptly and our food came pretty quickly. Although there is a limited selection of gluten-friendly options (you have to ask the server for what's available), I was able to order an omelette and gluten-friendly home-fries (these are different, and smaller, than the regular home fries - but you get a lot). My companions had a traditional breakfast, and liver and onions. Our server, Lucia, was friendly and efficient. The atmosphere was great; the missing star is for the state of the washrooms. Will return when I'm in the mood for another omelette. It was tasty!

Sameer Siddhanti

06 Oct 2025

A very caring and a friendly staff. I went and sat at the bar and the server gave me a glass of water even before anything. Almost never happens nowadays. This place has a very yesteryear classy restaurant vibes. Most importantly they don't expect you to scan a QR code to see the menu. And, the menu itself was super clean. There seems to be a passion in running this place. A must visit if you are around. It's genuinely clean, low background music, caring staff and good food. I had veggie omelet that they had listed in their menu as vegetarian . But no complaints for this innocence. Also, I would have given 5 stars for the atmosphere but I was told they don't have a wifi for public. Thanks so much to Sebastien and Elle for being such caring persons.

KIICHIRO KOBORI

02 Oct 2025

Casual vibes at Fran’s Restaurant and Bar — a beloved Toronto diner since 1940! Fast service, classic comfort food, and friendly staff. Enjoyed a juicy Canadian Burger with crispy fries and local draft beers — 3 Speed (Amsterdam Brewery) and Steam Whistle Pilsner. Perfect combo of Canadian flavor and retro charm ???????? Highly recommended if you’re looking for a relaxed meal in downtown Toronto!

JePH

28 Sep 2025

Fran’s is a solid spot if you’re around the college area. The service is friendly and usually pretty quick, even when it’s busy. The place has that classic diner vibe—casual and comfortable, nothing fancy but welcoming. The menu is big with lots of options, from all-day breakfast to burgers and comfort food. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable for the area. Great for grabbing a late-night meal or a casual bite with friends.

Gilles L

15 Sep 2025

No frills, no nonsense. Keep it simple and keep it good. Staff is friendly, efficient and knowledgeable of the menu. Seating is plentiful, they have a lower level of the first floor is crowded. Atmosphere is nice and comfy. Old but clean. Menu is large and offers all sorts of foods including all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner options along with a large drink menu. The food itself is actually quite good, I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular considering it’s a 24hr restaurant but the breakfast steak & eggs, sausage and pancakes were something I’d come back for. Coffee is good too, not acidic like most other places. I would recommend to anyone that’s in a group trying to decide where to eat on the fly. There’s something for everyone and it’s priced modestly.

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