Insomnia Restaurant and Lounge ★8.9

An Annex all-rounder that flips from award-winning brunch by day to a DJ-lit lounge by night — and keeps the kitchen open until 2am.

The concept

Insomnia has anchored the corner of Bloor and Bathurst for years as a genuine all-day, all-night spot. It runs a menu of international comfort food across brunch and dinner, then turns into a lounge with resident DJs, live entertainment and a rotating Visual Artist Series on the walls.

What to order

Brunch is the calling card — voted Best Brunch by NOW Magazine — so start with the Classic Benedict, Fried Chicken N Waffles or the Citrus Spiked French Toast, plus Huevos Rancheros. Later in the day, the burger with yam fries and the long-running chicken linguine are the reliable go-tos.

The Space

A casual, buzzy Annex room that shifts with the clock: bright and easy for weekend brunch, dim and social after dark, with DJ nights, a seven-foot screen for the football and late hours that keep it lively well past midnight.

Who it’s for

For weekend brunch crews, students and locals, and night owls who want a proper plate of food long after other kitchens have closed.

Questions and answers

Do I need to book? Weekend brunch is the busy stretch, so a reservation helps then; weekday visits and late nights are usually fine as a walk-in.

Are there vegetarian choices? Yes — the international comfort menu carries meat-free brunch plates, salads and shareable sides, so vegetarians have options across the day.

What should I try first? Come for brunch and order the Classic Benedict or the Fried Chicken N Waffles — the award-winning brunch is what put the room on the map.

Is it family-friendly during the day? Yes — daytime brunch is relaxed and there’s a kids’ menu, though evenings lean toward a livelier lounge crowd.

How late is it open? The kitchen runs late — until around 2am — so it’s a dependable option for a late dinner or a night out.

Opening hours