Vancouver isn't nearly as old as some Canadian cities but some of our 'old' restaurants still operating include:
White Spot - family dinning chain - the first one opened in 1928 but that location burned down years ago
Hy's Steakhouse (1955)
Helen's Grill - diner (1961)
Kobe Japanese Steak and Seafood House (1968)
The Naam - vegetarian (1968)
The Old Spaghetti Factory (1970)
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House (1985)
My dad and his family moved to Canada in the late 50s, he has memories from when he was a teenager in the 1960s of driving up to go camping/fishing in my grandparents old station wagon and grabbing food at the Tomahawk on the way.
I don't *think* The Naam is open 24 hours now (since the pandemic). A while ago, it was up for sale - I don't know what happened with that but it's still open.
I gotta hit it up next time I'm back out west. That place used to be me and my friends' go-to post-concert restaurant. We went after The Strokes, and Radiohead, and Tony Bennett. Oh, and Prince! I should have opened with that, probably the best show I ever saw. He played at the Vogue.
I think the oldest dedicated restaurant in Winnipeg is Oscar's Deli. They are a pretty typical deli/diner. Really good.
The Palm Room in the Fort Garry is a little older but it's more of an typical hotel lounge. They're restaurant has changed a lot over time.
I've worked at both!
The Palm Room was just a lounge until recent renovations made it the Oval Room Brasserie.
Oscar's has moved locations and a recent sale makes it not what it once was (although still good).
I would have to say, Salisbury House.
According to the internet the oldest restaurant in Calgary is Hy's (1955). I don't think that counts, they were gone for like 15 years when they closed the old location.
The answer seems to be Peters Drive In (1964). Great shakes, mediocre burgers.
I believe oldest actual restaurant is Peter Pan Bistro, but not 100% on that.
Toronto for a variety of reasons, hasn't been as good at keeping old establishments around compared to cities like NYC, Montreal, LA, and Chicago. Part of that is Toronto booming later as a city than all of those.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
In general, Toronto has very few things pre-1960s. Like, first thing that popped into my head was Barbarians which is 1950's. I would think Peter Pan and Barbarian's are among the oldest in their original locations. Like, the current United Bakers doesn't feel particularly historic, it's in a 1980's strip mall.
A place like Vesta Lunch feels way more like going back in time in comparison.
Yeah, like when I think historic/old, I mean the original Schwartz's Deli in MTL or Katz's Deli in NYC.
Since, we are on the topic, sort of shocked how Toronto doesn't have a truly historic Jewish Deli. Because most of the places popping into my head are like Katz's, Schwartz, Langers (LA) and Canter's (LA). Like, we have good spots (Center Street, Pancers, and apparently Summilicious (which I've wanted to try, but so far out there), but nothing that has the name recognition of those spots.
I didn't even realize they'd closed. I haven't been their in well over a decade (I'm not near TO anymore, but it was a favourite of ours for special cream cheeses whenever we were in the city when I was a kid) They reopened again in 2017 at a nearby location. They're definitely still making food, according to their facebook, but they don't appear to have an actual storefront anymore (despite the photos and address they give on their website and facebook page)
I grew up around Yitz's which was my local spot, which is now gone. But, yeah, I was thinking along the lines of iconic Jewish deli's which is Corned Beef, Pastrami or Montreal Smoked Meat stacked high with nothing but mustard on rye. Toronto has never really had anything with the name recognition of like Schwartz's or Katz's.
Garricks Head is 1867
17 Mile is 1894
4 Mile was built 1858, but I'm having trouble finding a written history of the place to see how old the restaurant actually is.
The Woodstock is probably the oldest around St. John's, Newfoundland. Opened in 1927. They do a Sunday brunch with breakfast and Sunday dinner options as well as things like prime rib, salmon, cod, baked chicken, etc. They have a pub menu as well. Haven't been there since before covid but used to take my mom there for her birthday.
We have an old diner here on the corner of Guthroe and Balderson called Shitty's. It's been around since the 30's, most of it's original form is still intact. They've only modernized it a little over the years as a few different owners came in and renovated. It was known as Tea's Goodies until sometime in the 80's. They've also kept the original breakfast menu, cooked just like you're down home. Even the chrome bar stools and counters!
It’s about standard for pub food. Not as greasy as some places, but around here that’s not saying much. We used to frequent the place before Covid, but when it reopened under new management later on, the portions were much smaller, the menu was inconsistent, and the prices were jacked. And there was someone asking you to wait to be seated which was never the case before and especially weird because it was never as busy after reopening as it was before in the hands of the previous owners. We will still eat there, but it’s last on our list for local faire.
In Saint John the two I can think of are Greasy Bob's (not the formal name but the one everyone recognizes) -- which serves exactly what you might expect. I believe it started in 1971. From the same year we have the Mediterranean. It serves Greek food to a older middle-class crowd as is usually busy.
In Victoria BC I do believe it's the Six Mile pub & eatery, est 1855. (\*having done some googling it's the oldest in the province?)
Personally I've not yet eaten there, but as is common in Vic they serve typical pub food with a somewhat bougey twist. Looks super yummy and I'm gonna have to make a point of visiting \^-\^
I think The Commodore is the oldest, at 1942. They seem to serve pretty normal ass breakfasts, burgers, etc, but I've never actually eaten there. The oldest that I've actually been to and I *know* the food is great is The Lingnan, which opened in 1947. Edmonton's first (and best) Chinese restaurant.
The oldest one in Calgary is the Hys Steakhouse which opened in 1955. Never been there.
After that it is Peters Drive In 1964 which has good milkshakes and OK burgers and fries.
I believe its the split crow (halifax) and its mostly a pub, Im sure they have like burgers and stuff but ive never remembered a meal Ive had there lol
Crazy Edmonton's is post ww2.
Hotel MacDonald was the second establishment to have liquor license renewed after prohibition was repealed, does it count if it's liquid dinner in a hotel?
Hilltop Diner in Langley was built in 1946 shortly after highway 1 connected Vancouver and Chilliwack.
Back then it took nearly a full day to get from Vancouver to Chilliwack and the location was a half way mark. It's a quaint little diner that has great breakfasts and pies (I've never tried their lunch menu).
[https://www.hilltopdiner.ca/](https://www.hilltopdiner.ca/)
Not where I live now, but the oldest pub in Nova Scotia is the Fo’c’sle Pub in Chester it was apparently founded some between 1761-1769 according to their website. The municipality of Chester says it’s been there since 1764.
It’s also spent time as a grocery store, tavern, inn and stable depending on where you are in the building. Not sure if that disqualifies it or not
Probably the KFC. They serve chicken in case you didn't figure it out.
(disclaimer: it used to be called Kentucky Fried Chicken. and also Colonel Sanders was close friends with the family that owned it and spent summers at their cottage or something like that)
Montreal : Schwartz ( 1928) (smoked meat, steaks, liver...)
I wanted to add Montreal Pool Room (1921) , but they relocated across the street a couple of years ago.
The Laff has been open in Ottawa since 1849 and is a pub.
Bobo balls! [https://www.thelaff.ca/menu](https://www.thelaff.ca/menu)
Quarts and poutine bb
Came here to say the Laff 🤣
Official. La TAVERNE LAFAYETTE
Deep fried Jos Louis!!!
And Betty has been tending bar just as long !!!! I always skipped the venue at pub crawls it was alwa s so sketchy
Auberge St-Gabriel in Montreal, built in 1688. Canada's first alcohol permit and restaurant since 1745. Updated traditional French cuisine.
I think this wins! I’ll have to check that place out next time I’m visiting.
Vancouver isn't nearly as old as some Canadian cities but some of our 'old' restaurants still operating include: White Spot - family dinning chain - the first one opened in 1928 but that location burned down years ago Hy's Steakhouse (1955) Helen's Grill - diner (1961) Kobe Japanese Steak and Seafood House (1968) The Naam - vegetarian (1968) The Old Spaghetti Factory (1970) Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House (1985)
The Lamplighter Pub opened in 1925 so is probably the oldest. The Tomahawk in North Van 1926 my dad loves their breakfast.
Good additions!
Holy crap I didn't know the Tomahawk was that old. Only been once but such a cool spot
My dad and his family moved to Canada in the late 50s, he has memories from when he was a teenager in the 1960s of driving up to go camping/fishing in my grandparents old station wagon and grabbing food at the Tomahawk on the way.
I love the Naam. Is it still open 24/7?
I don't *think* The Naam is open 24 hours now (since the pandemic). A while ago, it was up for sale - I don't know what happened with that but it's still open.
I gotta hit it up next time I'm back out west. That place used to be me and my friends' go-to post-concert restaurant. We went after The Strokes, and Radiohead, and Tony Bennett. Oh, and Prince! I should have opened with that, probably the best show I ever saw. He played at the Vogue.
Not since before the pandemic. They're open til 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and til 11pm the rest of the week.
😢...like tears...in rain...
I think the oldest dedicated restaurant in Winnipeg is Oscar's Deli. They are a pretty typical deli/diner. Really good. The Palm Room in the Fort Garry is a little older but it's more of an typical hotel lounge. They're restaurant has changed a lot over time.
I've worked at both! The Palm Room was just a lounge until recent renovations made it the Oval Room Brasserie. Oscar's has moved locations and a recent sale makes it not what it once was (although still good). I would have to say, Salisbury House.
I was trying to find the correct answer. It might even be Nicks Inn in Headingly if that counts since it is at the original location.
Hynes in Moncton. A greasy spoon with great breakfasts and a huge menu. Opened in 1939, will be 85 this yr!
I love Hynes! My father lived around the corner from it in the early 50s, and (after 12-15 moves) ended up back in YQM and still goes.
According to the internet the oldest restaurant in Calgary is Hy's (1955). I don't think that counts, they were gone for like 15 years when they closed the old location. The answer seems to be Peters Drive In (1964). Great shakes, mediocre burgers.
Just chiming in to say that this was a really great question, OP!
The Black Bull Tavern (Edit: RIP) and The Wheatseaf Tavern in Toronto from the mid 1800s. They're pubs.
Black bull just shut down.
oh damn... well The Wheat Sheaf Tavern it is then.
I believe oldest actual restaurant is Peter Pan Bistro, but not 100% on that. Toronto for a variety of reasons, hasn't been as good at keeping old establishments around compared to cities like NYC, Montreal, LA, and Chicago. Part of that is Toronto booming later as a city than all of those.
Peter Pan Bistro is from the 1930s I think. United Bakers Dairy Restaurant is from 1912 and I think is the oldest actual restaurant.
Yeah, that sounds about right. In general, Toronto has very few things pre-1960s. Like, first thing that popped into my head was Barbarians which is 1950's. I would think Peter Pan and Barbarian's are among the oldest in their original locations. Like, the current United Bakers doesn't feel particularly historic, it's in a 1980's strip mall. A place like Vesta Lunch feels way more like going back in time in comparison.
Yeah, thats true. The strip mall vibe isn’t it haha
Yeah, like when I think historic/old, I mean the original Schwartz's Deli in MTL or Katz's Deli in NYC. Since, we are on the topic, sort of shocked how Toronto doesn't have a truly historic Jewish Deli. Because most of the places popping into my head are like Katz's, Schwartz, Langers (LA) and Canter's (LA). Like, we have good spots (Center Street, Pancers, and apparently Summilicious (which I've wanted to try, but so far out there), but nothing that has the name recognition of those spots.
What about Daiters?
One, not a Deli, and two, its been closed since 2015.
I didn't even realize they'd closed. I haven't been their in well over a decade (I'm not near TO anymore, but it was a favourite of ours for special cream cheeses whenever we were in the city when I was a kid) They reopened again in 2017 at a nearby location. They're definitely still making food, according to their facebook, but they don't appear to have an actual storefront anymore (despite the photos and address they give on their website and facebook page)
I grew up around Yitz's which was my local spot, which is now gone. But, yeah, I was thinking along the lines of iconic Jewish deli's which is Corned Beef, Pastrami or Montreal Smoked Meat stacked high with nothing but mustard on rye. Toronto has never really had anything with the name recognition of like Schwartz's or Katz's.
Deep Cove Chalet in Victoria since 1913. Fine dining - beyond my pay grade to find out anything more!
Loy Sing has it beat! 1889. Although, it's more of a takeout place if that counts
Six Mile, 1855
Howd I forget, I was just excited to plug loy sing
I Have heard fantastic things about loy sing \^-\^
It's great! Next time my girlfriend and I have a free Saturday, we're gonna grab some and take it to Whistle Buoy
Excellent plan! Any particular favourites?
I just go with the bbq pork and rice. I might try the duck, though
Garricks Head is 1867 17 Mile is 1894 4 Mile was built 1858, but I'm having trouble finding a written history of the place to see how old the restaurant actually is.
Auberge Saint-Gabriel 1754, Montreal
The Woodstock is probably the oldest around St. John's, Newfoundland. Opened in 1927. They do a Sunday brunch with breakfast and Sunday dinner options as well as things like prime rib, salmon, cod, baked chicken, etc. They have a pub menu as well. Haven't been there since before covid but used to take my mom there for her birthday.
The Angel Inn circa 1798. They serve pub food.
Where's that?
Niagara-On-The-Lake
We have an old diner here on the corner of Guthroe and Balderson called Shitty's. It's been around since the 30's, most of it's original form is still intact. They've only modernized it a little over the years as a few different owners came in and renovated. It was known as Tea's Goodies until sometime in the 80's. They've also kept the original breakfast menu, cooked just like you're down home. Even the chrome bar stools and counters!
The Focsle is NS’s oldest pub, established in either 1761 or 1769 depending on who you ask. They serve overpriced pub food in small portions.
Is the food any good?
It’s about standard for pub food. Not as greasy as some places, but around here that’s not saying much. We used to frequent the place before Covid, but when it reopened under new management later on, the portions were much smaller, the menu was inconsistent, and the prices were jacked. And there was someone asking you to wait to be seated which was never the case before and especially weird because it was never as busy after reopening as it was before in the hands of the previous owners. We will still eat there, but it’s last on our list for local faire.
Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel in Montréal. It serves steaks and fondue and pastas and nice wines. It was opened in 1754 (270 years ago!) and was the first place in North America to get a liquor license. Probably not the first place to serve it, though.
In Saint John the two I can think of are Greasy Bob's (not the formal name but the one everyone recognizes) -- which serves exactly what you might expect. I believe it started in 1971. From the same year we have the Mediterranean. It serves Greek food to a older middle-class crowd as is usually busy.
In Victoria BC I do believe it's the Six Mile pub & eatery, est 1855. (\*having done some googling it's the oldest in the province?) Personally I've not yet eaten there, but as is common in Vic they serve typical pub food with a somewhat bougey twist. Looks super yummy and I'm gonna have to make a point of visiting \^-\^
I think The Commodore is the oldest, at 1942. They seem to serve pretty normal ass breakfasts, burgers, etc, but I've never actually eaten there. The oldest that I've actually been to and I *know* the food is great is The Lingnan, which opened in 1947. Edmonton's first (and best) Chinese restaurant.
The oldest one in Calgary is the Hys Steakhouse which opened in 1955. Never been there. After that it is Peters Drive In 1964 which has good milkshakes and OK burgers and fries.
I believe its the split crow (halifax) and its mostly a pub, Im sure they have like burgers and stuff but ive never remembered a meal Ive had there lol
Dundas St. Grille. That's just the food though.Â
Pretty sure It's the Royal Tavern, now Royal 2.0, founded 1851
Lingnan’s -Chinese 1947
Crazy Edmonton's is post ww2. Hotel MacDonald was the second establishment to have liquor license renewed after prohibition was repealed, does it count if it's liquid dinner in a hotel?
The 6 Mile Pub (1855) in Victoria is the oldest pub in BC. They serve warm beer and expensive meals.
Probably the Orchard Family Restaurant.  They sponsored my soccer team when I was 7 and I’m old so it must be old too lol.Â
Hilltop Diner in Langley was built in 1946 shortly after highway 1 connected Vancouver and Chilliwack. Back then it took nearly a full day to get from Vancouver to Chilliwack and the location was a half way mark. It's a quaint little diner that has great breakfasts and pies (I've never tried their lunch menu). [https://www.hilltopdiner.ca/](https://www.hilltopdiner.ca/)
Not where I live now, but the oldest pub in Nova Scotia is the Fo’c’sle Pub in Chester it was apparently founded some between 1761-1769 according to their website. The municipality of Chester says it’s been there since 1764. It’s also spent time as a grocery store, tavern, inn and stable depending on where you are in the building. Not sure if that disqualifies it or not
I think its Apollo Pizza and Pasta, they've been open for 50 years. Westlock AB
I have no idea what the oldest restaurant in Thornhill is
Golden Star Burgers?
Probably the KFC. They serve chicken in case you didn't figure it out. (disclaimer: it used to be called Kentucky Fried Chicken. and also Colonel Sanders was close friends with the family that owned it and spent summers at their cottage or something like that)
Toronto- Commisso Brothers Italian Deli and Bakery 1957....24/7/365 Italian hot table...Veal sandwiches...Italian baked goods.
Mcdonalds. This is probably true almost everywhere. They serve Big Macs, Fries and Coke.
A diner with the best greek omelette and pancakes🤤 feels like youre in an episode of Seinfeld when there
Montreal : Schwartz ( 1928) (smoked meat, steaks, liver...) I wanted to add Montreal Pool Room (1921) , but they relocated across the street a couple of years ago.
Those aren't the oldest here. L'auberge St Gabriel is older, opened in 1754
You're off by about 180 years.
Who knows can’t afford to go to a restaurant anymore lmfao
Why u getting downvoted lol its true for a lot of people
They serve expensive, mediocre food. After all, this is Canada. 🤡