The Depanneur

Toronto, Canada

4.1

21 reviews

Does not accept credit cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 416-828-1990
Website:
thedepanneur.ca
Address:
1033A College Street, Toronto, ON, M6H 1A8
Dufferin Grove
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miSheridan Avenue
0.3 miBrock Avenue
0.4 miCollege Street
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
No
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepted Cards
None
Good For
Brunch
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Hipster
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
No
Caters
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Toronto) 07:36 Thursday, 22 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Description

Specialties

The Dep is a showcase for culinary talent in Toronto — a versatile, multi-​use space designed to host different kinds of informal food-​related events, including Drop-​In Dinners, Workshops & Supper Clubs. We also host a lively weekend brunch and offer commercial kitchen space for rent by the hour or the month.

MON 6:30+

Classes & Workshops

FRI

Drop-​In Dinners with Guest Chefs 6pm+

Guest chefs cook their favourite dish — it’s «open mic night» for culinary talent in Toronto

SAT & SUN

Brunch by Free Range Human 10am-​2pm

with a focus on local & organic ingredients

&

The Rusholme Park Supper Club 7:30pm+

Family-​style dinner parties with a rotating cast of chefs

History

Established in 2011.

The Depanneur was conceived as a purpose-​built venue to showcase the amazing diversity of culinary talent in Toronto. Though our Drop-​In Dinners, Workshops and Supper Clubs we have hosted hundred of unique pop-​up food events featuring everything from talented home cooks to veteran industry chefs. This has made The Dep a vibrant part of Toronto’s independent food ecosystem, connecting farmers & CSA’s to chefs and food entrepreneurs to adventuous foodies and neighbourhood families.

The Dep is an on-​going exploration into how to make food more meaningful by creating fun, accessible, affordable and diverse food events. We strive to foster entrepreneurial opportunity while helping strengthen the fabric of our local community, and show that it is possible to disentangle quality from luxury.

Meet the Business Owner

Len S.

Business Owner

A designer by trade, a photographer by schooling, a traveller, DJ and foodie by passion. I started the Dep as an experiment in how to get closer to food in a fun, meaningful way that engages the community where I live, but that also avoids the pitfalls of the traditional restaurant model. Let’s see what happens…

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21 reviews of The Depanneur

No registration required
Place rating: 1
Toronto, Canada
Coffee was nice they have almond milk which is great. i ordered the vegan meal. Besides being disgusting looking the taste was even worse. My stomach hurts after only a couple bites because i simply couldnt eat it.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
I was there tonight for the one-​pot dinner. 9 $ for green Thai curry, and a red curry with sweet potatoes. The second was amazing. I could have eaten seconds and thirds.
Len also made, on the spot, a maple lemonade that was a perfect sweet and tart counterpart to the spice.
At 6:15 it was getting busy. Maybe a little trendy but not pretentious in the least.
A great idea and lovely setting. He’s done wonders with a space that looked like it should have been condemned. Now it’s white and brick, clean, cheerful, eclectic.
Will return for sure for the warm welcome and fantastic food.
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Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Came for the Thick Cut Brunch. They rent out The Depanneur on weekends to serve brunch for its customers. They have a Mix and Match option where you get to choose from a list of breakfast items that range from $ 3 – 5. I definitely recommend the thick cut bacon, which is their signature item. All the ingredients feel really fresh and homemade. Might be because they’re making it right behind you as the kitchen is basically part of the seating area. The place is quite small, but has fun vibes. The service is very good too as everyone there is very friendly and welcoming.
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
«A place where interesting food things happen». This is how the depanneur describes itself, and it’s so very true. I have to give this place 5 stars because it stands for so much — in terms of involving the community in all things food, creating a community, and sharing of knowledge. There’s something different going on here every day, and it brings people together to learn new things, from how to make vegan cheese, to discussions about the food movement and where it’s at. I haven’t come across another place in Toronto like this, and I really do have to admire Len Senator and his wife for creating this beautiful, magical space.
Not to mention, the food was delicious at the last event I attended. We had Moroccan tagine with couscous, lentil soup, carrot salad, orange yogurt dessert. It feels like you’re in Len’s home, and he’s cooking for you. The food tastes so real and I appreciate how the food isn’t overly seasoned.
Place rating: 5
Wilmington, NC
I’ve returned twice this weekend for their amazing brunch. Delicious food. Free run eggs (important to me) lovely staff and cool atmosphere! I highly recommend!
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Still not clear on the relationship between thick cut brunch and le depanneur, but what a quaint little space. Felt like I was in my friends living room. Ordered the works – a pretty standard brunch option of eggs, bacon, potatoes and salad, but also got a side of the salmon belly. The salmon belly and the thick cut bacon were the standouts by a long shot. I plan to come back for one of their creative dinner programs or cooking classes!
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
I’m writing this review out of nostalgia. I haven’t been to The Dep for at least nine months. I may be in the nabe less, I may be trying to save money, but I know that they’re having amazing pay what you can (after 10 pm, is it?) drop in dinners, and comforting delicious weekend brunches, so I need to get back here.
Scandinavian-​style communal seating, so don’t expect much privacy. On the other hand between the rustic tables, the steamed-​up windows in winter and the bowls of steaming goodness, it’s easy to imagine you’re Sigrid Undset.
Always vegetarian options, always fabulous food. One of those secrets that make me glad I live in TO.
Place rating: 5
Angola, NY
My brain is still buzzing from the Turkish dessert of tahini halva and lemon October 1st! Depanneur is brilliant.
Place rating: 4
Montreal, Canada
This place was so unique and so yummy! We each ordered one of their specials that day which consisted of yummy pancakes with amazing toppings.
Would definitely go back for their specials!
Place rating: 5
Deer Park, Toronto, Canada
The «Dep» is an amazing restaurant. No two nights’ menus are the same, but everything served is high quality and delicious.
Brunch is served every weekend. I recommend the French toast or the daily specials that they had (I just had house made sausage, bacon, fried egg, greens, and crème fraîche served on buckwheat pancakes — yum!).
Dinners vary every night depending on the chef. I’ve been over 6 times now and have never had a disappointing meal. They’re typically accommodating to dietary restrictions — in fact one of my favourite meals here was a vegan «meatloaf»
I can’t recommend this place enough! Just go!
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
Disclaimer: This review is based solely on the guest chef dinners that they host.
Thanks to my generous and kind roommate, I have been to 3 of these amazing dinners. Two have been with Chef Daniel Henderson (Director of Culinary Operations at Bento Sushi) for a lovely exploration into fusion sushi and one with Chef Greg Couillard for enhanced traditional Mexican food.
Each and every time, The Depanneur experience is like going to an intimate dinner with 10 or so other people who are about to be your future friend for an evening. You can expect that the person next to you to be a fascinating stranger with interesting stories to share (ex. an actor at the local Broadway or an author). Typically I don’t like having to sit next to anyone for my dinners (I’m not in a cafeteria) but this is type of relaxing family setting is likely to win anyone over.
These dinners serve some of the most creative and tasty food you’ll ever try (cornbread/​bbq sushi, lobster infuse azteca soup, etc). This venue gives top chefs the chance to try out recipes they wouldn’t normally have the chance to serve. They bring in fresh meat & veg and prepare the food in front of you. If they can, they try to bring in local farmer’s produce.
I don’t give 5 stars very often, but this place thoroughly deserves it. It’s run by people who truly understand the importance of care and creativity in food and atmosphere while dining. So please, sign up on their website and try out one of these dinners!
Place rating: 5
Montréal, Canada
Super endroit !
Touristes pour une fin de semaine (1 personne de Montréal, 2 d’Espagne) J’ai trouvé ce resto grâce aux excellents avis sur Unilocal.Nous avons été plus que charmés par l’endroit ! Le staff était super sympathique, la bouffe était délicieuse!
Mon ami espagnol a dit «We can fell it’s made out of love» et je pense que ça résume très bien tout ce qui doit être dit !
Produits locaux, parfois bio !
les «bines» (fèves au lard) à l’ananas… quelle surprise de voir qu’elles étaient vegan, puisqu’elles étaient réellement succulentes !!!
Semblerait que la fritata était délicieuse aussi…
Nous y sommes allés bruncher le dimanche ;)
On aime aussi le concept de garder «l’essence» du dépanneur qu’était le local autrefois !!!
Excellent ambiance !
Chouette décor !
Great staff!
Bonne bouffe!
Bons prix !
on a adoré !!!
Lorsque je reviendrai à Toronto, je vais définitivement retourner à cet endroit !
Longue vie au Dépanneur!
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
Delicious food, fun atmosphere, friendly service and filling a bit of a breakfast/​brunch void in this area.
It’s a small place, with a corner store make-​up matching it’s name. This paired with a bright interior and fresh flowers on the communal tables (more solitary seating along the windows) this place is among the most whimsical places I’ve been to in a while.
In winter the windows fog up and the condensation freezes … literally frosted windows. It adds to the atmosphere.
I don’t think there could be a legitimate complaint about the food options — not tons of choices, but enough to choose from for people with any type of food preferences or requirements. I liked the French toast cubes with yoghurt and fruit sauce. The greens came with deliciously pickled cabbages strips. My vegan friend enjoyed the grits. I tried the drip coffee (which was fine), and I think they have some fancier coffee options as well.
Despite all the thumbs up above, still no 5 stars, because:
Maybe it’s worse in winter, when the door stays closed, but I noticed a distinct grease smell in my hair and clothes after each of the two times I’ve been here recently
I have not tried their dinner options. Hopefully soon.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
I came here just after unknowingly getting a concussion and everyone was really nice to me despite my crabby attitude. (I’m sorry)
The food was really yummy and it was a fun experience to watch the chef doing their thing and even though he seemed juiced at times he didn’t yell at anyone.
Plus everything was so reasonable! Overall the guest chef and drop in dinner is a really great idea and fun to participate in.
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
Brunch here is awesome, and everyone here was super friendly. It was the best vibe to have a hungover brunch. They have a lot of variety on their mix and match menu. I got the frittata + baked beans and panelle and it was incredible. Plus when you check in on Unilocal you get a free coffee! All around great place and I’ll definitely be back to try everything on their brunch menu.
Place rating: 2
Toronto, Canada
There are better brunch options around Toronto. I failed to find anything unique in the menu. The basics didn’t taste to par (Hey, competition is high!)
Coffee and Americano was not what it was meant to be. Grinds were expired.
Eggs and Panelle — meh
The space is interesting and has potential.
Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada
We dropped in again for weekend brunch! Not as impressed this time with the offerings… I guess their chefs and staff rotate seasonally and menus change often, not sure if we would come back for this menu which consists of mix and match breakfast items, frittata and French toast.
The chef was nice enough to take the French toast off the bill when I mentioned that it’s a tad burned on the outside.
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
Amazing little place with sooo much going on. This owner is doing it right. Nothing else like it in Toronto.
Different chief /​food every night. Wed. Is vegan. There is an open night mic night. New. chiefs welcome. Too many things going on to. get on this review. Just very very different then the stuffy expensive restaurants here in Toronto. We went on Sunday and the owner popped in and sat with us and chatted the whole time. Told us what it was all about and what an amazing guy he is. Giving back to. the community threw his place. You just
.check this place out. A+
Place rating: 2
Toronto, Canada
So the food here is good, but the service is questionable. I don’t really want to say anything bad about a place with good food, but the total for our bill was way higher than expected. When I asked for a receipt (so I could review the charges), all the waitress did was give me a slip of paper with a total on it. Eventually I had to tell her that the bill was way higher than expected and asked her to explain it to me. She reviewed the bill on her computer, and said she «accidentally» charged us for a THIRD meal (when we had ordered two). She refunded the difference and said it was an honest mistake, but really, I don’t feel that was enough. Should we always be provided with an itemized receipt? That’s what made me mad, and feeling that this place isn’t as honest as it should be.
Place rating: 5
Philadelphia, PA
What a great brunch. A bit on the pricey side — we paid about CAD40 for two people — but well worth it. The omelette was three standard deviations better than the norm — which is surprising for a dish with such low variance on the delicious spectrum.
Also worth saying: the space itself is very cool. It’s just a single room with an open kitchen in the back, a couple of long tables, and a counter by the front window. It kind of feels like you’re in someone’s house (not in a bad way).
Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada
The Dep is so much more than just a café, grocery stop, and sometimes restaurant. It’s also an inspiration and reminder to gather with loved ones, congregate with kindred spirited strangers, and let someone else do the cooking at least once in a while.
By day, the large windows of the corner café makes a great place to prop yourself up on one of the bar stools solo with a French press (they don’t brew drip coffee to ensure that every cup is as fresh as can be) and a newspaper. Alternatively, you could also bring your friends and family and occupy one of the long tables in the middle. Guava cookies are baked in house weekly by a resident chef and are a must-​try.
By night, depending on what night of the week it is, the Dep plays host to drop-​in dinners; multi-​course, prix fixe, BYOB family style glutton fests; and hands-​on cooking classes. At one Rusholme Park Supper Club dinner over the summer, there was so much extra fried chicken, biscuits, and pie that everyone received a stuff-​your-​own doggy bag.
Sign up for their newsletter, open up to their endless ability to inspire you to try new things, drop in for a quiet cuppa, and make plans well in advance (many ticketed events sell out quickly) to join the Supper Club.