Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge

Toronto, Canada

3.9

Open now

21 reviews

Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 416-588-3907
Website:
www.insomniarestaurant.com
Address:
563 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1Y6
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
310 ftBathurst
0.2 miBarton Avenue
0.3 miHarbord Street
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
Yes
Take-out
Yes
Accepted Cards
Credit, Debit
Good For
Brunch
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Average
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
Yes
Best Nights
Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
No
Dogs Allowed
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes
Has Pool Table
No

Today

Today 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Open now
Local time (Toronto) 20:01 Thursday, 28 November 2024

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Tuesday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Wednesday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Friday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 am
Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 am

Description

Specialties

Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Annex, Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge has blossomed into a neighbourhood favourite known for its great food and warm service. Combining a menu of international comfort foods with an exquisite cocktail list is how we start. Chilling in the lounge and choosing your drink from our dynamic wine list or one of 150 liquors is how you finish.

If you prefer to rise with the morning sun, Insomnia’s famous weekend brunch is the neighbourhood’s most popular, served in a bustling atmosphere complimented by the aroma of traditional and eclectic dishes. Have a cup of our signature coffee or spoil yourself with one of several refreshing, break of day cocktails.

More of a Nighthawk? Live DJs fire up at 10pm spinning the right songs for the right crowd, so grab a daily drink special and melt into the music. And don’t worry if you get the twilight munchies, we’ve got you covered; full menu available until 2am, 7 days a week.

History

Established in 1997.

I opened Insomnia on June 1st, 1997. I was 23 years old at the time and had no idea what I was in for. Insomnia started off as an Internet café with computers spread throughout the restaurant, and we happened to offer some food and drinks.

Things were a bit rough for a while and I made many mistakes that I am now the wiser for. But after some growing pains my little café evolved into a legitimate restaurant and lounge with nightly DJs and a sweet vibe. This place started turning heads on Bloor, and soon enough we became a staple for the Annex.

Since the big transition, Insomnia has played a huge roll in this community, not just in terms of dining but also charitable involvement and promotion of the arts.

It’s been a fantastic ride so far and we’ve made an insane amount of friends. I couldn’t be more grateful that I’m able to love my work this much and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Let’s just say we’re looking forward to our 30th anniversary.

Meet the Business Owner

Daniel Q.

Business Owner

I grew up on Euclid Street, a tree lined neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto’s Annex. It’s where all of my childhood memories are rooted, and I’ve never left. It’s only a short walk to work, and I take the same route I’ve taken ever since I was a kid. There’s something nice about that.

My lovely wife Tasha and I work hard to keep Insomnia successful in order to set an example for our wonderful kids Gabriel and Maisa. You can always find one of us here or around the community together.

I love my work, and I love my life. That’s what motivates me everyday and it shows in the atmosphere here at Insomnia.

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21 reviews of Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Markham, Canada
Came here on a Saturday night for their Winterlicious menu and definitely was not disappointed! Sat at the back on the sofas which was nice a cozy. I had the curried tofu tacos which were alright, nothing special — I would probably try the chicken tacos if I were to go again. For the main I had the insomnia burger with a side salad — it was delish !! The patty was super juicy and i think the bun was a brioche bun which added a bit of sweetness to the burger which I loved! The dressing on the salad was light and tangy and was sooo good! Finished with the cutest slice of carrot cake.
Service was a little slow but our server was so good with refilling our jug of water :) I would def come back to try their brunch menu.
Place rating: 5
Markham, Canada
I went here for winterlicious 2016 and it was only for $ 25! I had the pulled pork taco, chicken and waffles and raspberry sorbet. The chicken and waffles was huge and I was definitely filled! Highly recommended for people to try! Well priced and very good portions. The décor is very unique as well and we sat on couches!
Place rating: 4
Markham, Canada
I came here with a group of 8 and made reservations before. This is one of the brunch places in Toronto (along the subway line) that is open at 9 am.
I had the huevos racheros. Nothing special about the email other than the home fries! Their home fries covered in their special sauce is the highlight of the dish. The meal itself was alright — the side salad balanced the heavier side of the meal.
This restaurant does get very busy for brunch later in the day, but the servers are very friendly and do not push you to leave. The prices are decent for brunch and I will be coming back!
Place rating: 4
Brooklyn, NY
Enjoyed breakfast/​brunch here.
They have a good amount of options on the menu. We went with the waiter recommendations, the well publicized Heaven French Toast and Eggs Charlotte Benedict. Both dishes were tasty and nice portions.
If I didn’t care about staying in shape and being healthy, I wouldn’t mind that Heaven French Toast at least 3 – 5 times a week, mmmm mmmm mmmm.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Came here on a Friday night and it wasn’t too busy but definitely had quite a few tables reserved. Sat in the back in the sofa area which is cozy (but has a two hour limit).
Shared the nachos, which were great. Crispy and hot and quite large. They’re well dressed with cheese, olives, and salsa (this is not on the side). They come with a healthy side portion of guacamole (which we didn’t have to pay extra for) and sour cream too.
The shoestring fries were amazing!!! Super hot and fresh, well seasoned and at least four servings large. The sauce they come with is nice, but not even necessary with these tasty pieces!
Didn’t drink because it was real expensive and I’m on a budget!
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Been here a few times for brunch and dinner, had dinner delivered a bunch of times as well. Food is consistently good and reliable. Checking in here offers $ 10 off $ 50 food order. My favourite dish here is the Mussels, cooked in white wine, pesto, cream, garlic, onion, and baby spinach. The portion is big, the sauce is creamy and delicious, excellent for dipping the bread that comes with the dish when dining in. They also have an extensive drink list, I enjoy their Chocolate Martini and Lychee Martini (with lychees). If you love martinis (like I do), they offer $ 5 ($ 6 for premium) martinis every Thursday. If you like domestic draft and rail liquor, they have $ 4 special after 10pm every night. Servers are super nice here, one time gave us some Insomnia Shots because we were «great customers» (input on the bill with a hand drawn heart, aww~) This place is ALWAYS packed because they are awesome and popular, reservation is strongly recommended.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Definitely make a reservation if you are going for a brunch! Otherwise you could wait for hours!
The service was outstanding. I asked one of them to help me with a proposal and he helped regardless of his busy work! Very thankful!
Heaven on earth was such an indulgence. French toast filled with cream cheese n berries, how can it be not good? Only thing is that there could be more flavor to the French toast itself.
Place rating: 3
Toronto, Canada
My second time here, the first time I left without ordering, it was a gut feeling to leave. Its clear they cater to the university crowd and so they should given their location. This second time I went because the reviews on Unilocal indicated they had a great burger. Unfortunately for me this was not the case. Too much bun and it looked lonely on the plate. For $ 9.00 they could have put some sort of garnish with it. One of the not so good burgers for sure but I have had worse so maybe it was just an off night. I absolutely loved the waitress. Very pretty and the only waitress on duty and wow could she run this place and remain pleasant at the same time. While I enjoyed the service and charming waitress, this place is not for me.
I am very impressed that the management reached out to me to further understand my disappointment. The fact that after 18 years in business they are still concerned about a negative review is reason enough that you should give it a try and decide for yourself.
Not every restaurant is going to be good for everyone and this place just didn’t cut it for me.
Does anyone else remember the Empire Dinner? Now that was a place that mastered the burger.
Place rating: 4
Markham, Canada
Along this busy stretch of Bloor street west in the Annex Insomnia from Friday onwards is quite popular place for those venturing into this neighborhood and has always served it’s local clientele for years. Their menu, service, prices and ambiance makes this place popular.
Coming here for a bday surprise, our entourage were able to get a table at the back past the long bar counter and smaller tables.
The environment lovely, spacious and intimate.
For grub I decided to opt for some sweet potato fries, which were seasoned and portioned well.
Other apps included their loaded nachos which was a delight as well.
With a bottle of red it was just in time for some Prosciutto pasta, which was another hit, and something which I’ve had in my previous visit to Insomnia Lounge.
I’ll definitely be back again when in the area.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Great food and relaxing atmosphere. Lovely brunch choices — I really enjoyed the eggs benny! Only complaint is service; a little slow for my liking, and kind of hard to get in touch with server to ask for something else.
Overall a pretty good experience. The food is wonderful, so I’ll definitely be returning.
Place rating: 5
New York, NY
Seriously the best brunch place I have ever been to. Too bad I am from the states so I won’t be returning as often as I want to.
Came with a few friends and we ordered the memphis (chipotle bbq pulled pork benedict), the charlotte (smoked salmon benedict), plt sandwich (rosemary focaccia, peameal bacon, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli), and the heaven on earth (french toast, berries, cream cheese, honey, pure maple syrup) to share. The food was flavorful and the home fries with their legendary sauce was absolutely delicious. The heaven on earth was something new. The first few bites were good, but the cream cheese became a little overwhelming after that.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my meal. Would definitely be coming back if I was to visit Toronto again.
Place rating: 5
Atlanta, GA
My boyfriend and I found Insomnia on an article by the Thrillist on best food in Toronto and decided to make a reservation for a New Years brunch.
The bohemian, artsy brunch restaurant was packed when we got there at 10:00 am so definitely make a reservation if you plan on going to Insomnia on weekends or holidays.
I ordered the Insomnia smoothie ($ 5) which was a yogurty blend of strawberries, bananas and oranges. Perfect drink to start my morning with! I ordered the Mini French toast ($ 7) and a side of home fries. The french toast was thick and so delicious! The Canadian maple syrup made it taste all the better. Their home fries are your traditional breakfast potatoes doused in a house ketchup bbq sauce.
My boyfriend ordered the Eggs Benedict which is their most popular item on the menu. The poached eggs were coated in a cream sauce and served with a side salad and home fries.
We enjoyed our meal so much that we went back for brunch on our last day. Our second visit I ordered a half order of waffles (only because they were out of challah bread for the french toast) and my boyfriend ordered an omelet (also served with a salad and home fries) and a side of andouille sausage. Another delicious brunch!
Place rating: 2
Toronto, Canada
This is about «Service» ONLY!
First of all, as everyone and I know, Insomnia is one of the best places to chill out and celebrate special events. I came here many times with my coworkers, friends and husband. I even celebrated my birthday here last year and everything was so great, especially the service. I always experience nice and warm welcoming service from here, until that night!
Everything was fine in the beginning. We were in a good mood so we didn’t think why our server was disappeared more than 15 minutes. I mean that she was missing from the dinning room or maybe she wasn’t in the spot we could see her. We first thought she was on her break because she worked for a long shift. Somehow it didn’t appear to be as we thought. We had a hard time adding an order for food and drinks. We had to ask other staff to take our orders. Twice from a busser. We didn’t know she was a busser because she was caring for us. She came couple times asked us if everything was ok. We also needed to bother two other waitresses that were working that night. They were very busy with their tables but they tried to help us, except our waitress who ignored us the whole night. That wasn’t the only thing that made us upset and disappointed.
— She took my cocktail glass without asking and I wasn’t finish it. It was almost a half of glass!
— She threw a napkin on our dipping sauce that we paid extra $ for it. Then she asked us if she could take it because she saw us looked at her doing that. Yes it was dirty already what we were supposed to say!
— She forgot to place our drinks order before the last call. She took the order and disappeared more than 15 minutes so we asked about our drinks from another waitress. That was we found that she totally forgot!
— She came to apologize and said there was so many thing in her mind at that time. Ok. fine BUT «what were you doing while we needed you? How did you forget when you were not busy at the time? Where were you before, during the time and after you told us you forgot our drinks?» I hope everyone who was in the restaurant at that night knew, we knew and you knew. You were stuck at one table at the back of the restaurant even though you had other tables. You didn’t take care of any of them except the particular table.
Oh! And she never came back till we paid and left! The end of the story!
P. S. Two stars for the help from other staff in the restaurant. Thank you for your caring!
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Been here only once last year. Went with a friend around 10am and it was pretty packed. Had to wait about 20mins for a table. They don’t take reservations during busy periods.
At the time, I was starving and needed some serious OJ. I ordered the Charlotte Eggs Benedict w/​smoked salmon and for my drink, I had orange juice. Nom nom. Really good and super filling. I think my friend had the St. Albans Eggs Benedict with a mimosa. Day drinking at its finest lol.
Overall, food here is good just a bit pricy for breakfast. I would come back if I am in the area and feeling in the mood for Eggs Benedict. However, if I was in the mood for pancakes and simple scrabbled or fried eggs, I would likely just head to Sunset Grill since it’s so cheap and usually more conveniently located. Lol.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Insomnia is definitely on my Top 10 list for Toronto brunch spots! A big plus: they take reservations.
Even if you don’t have a reservation, you can leave your phone number and they’ll text you when a table is ready. The staff here move so quick, I only waited around 25 minutes when the hostess originally estimated 45 minutes.
Seating is cramped in the front area but there are coat hangers on the walls so puffy winter jackets won’t crowd up the seats.
My favorites are:
1. Memphis Benedict — pulled pork eggs Benedict served with home fries. I am in LOVE with their home fries and the addicting sauce they cover it with.
2. Heaven On Earth — If you’re feeling for something on the sweet side, this dish with French toast and cream cheese won’t fail you.
The menu is decently priced and the mimosas are awesome as well! Remember to check-​in for $ 10 off your $ 50 bill!
Place rating: 4
Mississauga, Canada
Great place for brunch! Stopped by here on a Sunday afternoon with some friends and it was a total hit. I loved the artsy décor and casual atmosphere. Some of the seats in the back are bean bag chairs and sofas which gave the place a comfortable, home-​y feel.
I ordered the Huevos Rancheros but I also had a bite of the Memphis and Charlotte. Everything was delicious. Loved the homefries in their «legendary sauce». I couldn’t stop eating them and when I finished mine, I started stealing my boyfriend’s.
At first look, it may not seem like a lot of food as I remember my friends mentioning that the portions were on the smaller side. We had even planned to order the Heaven on Earth as dessert but by the end of the meal, everyone was either stuffed or didn’t finish. We’re all pretty big eaters so I’m very happy with that. Will have to come back again to try out that French toast!
Our server was friendly and attentive even though the place was really busy. Very positive experience overall.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Decided to come try the brunch menu and was quite impressed with the whole meal. Ordered the fruit smoothie and the pulled pork eggs benedict. First time having eggs benedict and if this is what it’s like everywhere, this has become the best breakfast dish ever. The plate comes with mixed greens and home fries. By far the best home fries ever ! Covered in the legendary sauce, it was sweet and savoury with a hint of spice. Cleared the entire plate even the slice of orange garnish.
The service was much better this time, the waitress was friendly and helpful. She was always smiling and around to help. Only complaints were the chair covers and washroom. Sat at the back, on those single black seats and can see the white stains which made it a little uncomfortable to sit on. Also, should be around time to renovate the washrooms. It’s a little old and run down.
–Updated Nov 1, 2015
Came for the Thursday martini special. Great place to grab a drink and some food. Choice of chairs or couches at the back. Dark quiet atmosphere good for a romantic date or chatting with friends. The service was slow and had to repeatedly ask for water refill or napkins. A place to go if you want to relax and have time to spare. The burgers were good and the milk buns tasted great but fell apart really easily. The fries were the best thing of the night. Used the $ 10 off $ 50 Unilocal check-​in offer.
Overall, good experience and will be back for more Thursday specials.
Place rating: 3
Markham, Canada
Food: 7⁄10 — Value: 6⁄10 — Service: 6.5÷10 — Ambiance/​Décor: 10⁄10
«I don’t like dark chocolate and I don’t like espresso, so I won’t be climaxing tonight,» said my friend after reading the dessert menu. Climax Cake. Dark chocolate and espresso.
The food ranges from alright to pretty good, but the prices were not great and a recurring theme was «too dry; not enough sauce.» We were grateful for the $ 10 off $ 50 offer on the Unilocal phone app though!
Fried Chicken N’ Waffles ($ 20) — This was too expensive for the quantity and quality. You get two pieces of chicken and half a waffle. Sure, it looks nice, but it had so little syrup and it wasn’t so amazing that it warrants the price. It’s half the portion size and more expensive than The Stockyards’ FOUR-​PIECE chicken and waffles ($ 16). Smaller/​more expensive than Home of the Brave ($ 16) and Harlem Underground ($ 14). It tastes good, but I can’t justify the price to ever come here for this particular dish.
Hand Cut Fries with Garlic Aioli ($ 6) — I mean, $ 6 for fries and garlic mayo (again, too little mayo; we were barely done half the bowl before we ran out), but what are you expecting from a Western downtown restaurant? They were good though!
Pork Schnitzel and Gnocchi ($ 23) — The pork schnitzel was really dry with sauce that maybe covered 1⁄8th of the it. Again, we asked for more. The whole dish was forgettable. It’s a pretty simple dish, so the $ 23 price tag is puzzling. There was a single piece of bacon, which was really random and almost like it was added to «add value» and justify the price. Unlike the other things we ordered, not only was this not worth the price, it didn’t taste great either.
S’More ($ 7) — This was probably the tastiest dish with chicken and waffles second. It really had a roasted marshmallow taste. It was small though. One graham cracker, one scoop of ice cream, and a few thin roasted somethings (caramel/​marshmallow something?). It was tasty though.
The restaurant is really nice. Mood lighting that isn’t too dark and the lights hung overhead really took the ambiance to the next level. The tables near the window seemed a bit cramped, but we were comfortable further in.
It’s a nice space with decent food. I just wish the prices made more sense. I’m not sure I’d come back.
Place rating: 3
Vancouver, Canada
let me just start by saying we sat at the bar for brunch and the bartender was awesome, very attentive, and friendly! honestly would rather sit at the bar then a table because I am close to the coffee, water, and booze :). the coffee was infused with cinnamon and DELICIOUS! I even asked the bartender about it and that’s when she let me know about the cinnamon…
when it came to the food I loved the potatoes and loves the salad, but for some reason the eggs Benny sauce had no taste… and my English muffin was soggy. so not really enjoyable because there was a neutral flavour. the pancakes were yummmm! just know they are the thickness of a piece of thin cake, so aka SUPER THICK pancakes!!! could do w more syrup!!! were a little dry but still yum.
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
Finally got the chance to come back here for brunch and it was amazing!
I specifically came in for brunch this weekend because I noticed Insomnia’s Instagram page had posted a photo of a THANKSGIVING EGGS BENNY! That’s right, take it in.
I legitimately had no words, it was brilliant. I even kept the cranberry sauce on it and I’m not a huge fan. Everything about it was perfection. The hollandaise sauce complimented the thanksgiving ingredients quite nicely. I also like how they give salad and home fries, yes for greens! The home fries were a little saucy in my opinion, I’d probably order a reduced amount if not none next time, or more salad!
My boyfriend ordered the oven baked pancakes, the chocolate banana flavour and OHHH MYYY GOODNESS! The banana was baked into the pancakes and the chocolate was drizzled on top, phenomenal! My boyfriend said it was too chocolatey, i said he was nuts and was ready to swap my meal with his: p
Needless to say we were both STUFFED afterwards ! I forgot to mention we had mimosas with our brunch and they were great. I got the grapefruit flavour! Did not expect to have options
Overall it was a great experience and awesome service! Thanks to our waiter Scott– you rocked!
Can’t wait to come back :)
Place rating: 3
Paris
Bar idéal pour prendre un verre si vous avez réservé au Guu Sakabar juste en face et qu’ils vous annoncent 45 min d’attente.
Petit et cozy, typique bar de quartier à 2 pas de bathurst station.
Great bar to have a drink when you are on the waiting list to have a table at the Guu Sakabar just on the other side of the street.
Small and cozy, this bar reflects the atmosphere of the bathurst area.