Susie's Rise & Dine

What is Susie's Rise & Dine? Occupying a buzzing stretch at 539 College Street on the cusp of Little Italy and Trinity Bellwoods, Susie's Rise & Dine is an elevated, retro-tinged diner born from childhood friends Adam Lore, Tyler Tanabe, and Matthew Chow. Chef and partner Kelvin Ng, an alumnus of Hong Kong's Black Sheep Restaurants group, channels nostalgic North American diner culture through an East Asian lens. The interior balances cozy booths, sleek counter stools, and warm lighting that shifts effortlessly from breezy weekend brunch to moody dinner service.

Susie's Rise & Dine Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out greasy-spoon classics injected with punchy Cantonese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian flavor profiles. Start with the standout Filet-O-Shrimp—a golden, bouncy shrimp patty layered with house tartar sauce on a toasted milk bun—or the cult-favourite Mapo Frito Pie served directly in the bag with spiced beef chili and sansho pepper. Dinner calls for the XO Seafood Alfredo over chewy udon or the black-pepper honey-glazed Hong Kong Steak Frites, paired with an ube milkshake or tea-infused espresso cocktails. Don't skip dessert; the layered banana pudding topped with speculoos chocolate crumble is mandatory.

Know Before You Go Susie's packs out fast for daytime brunch and weekend dinner, so booking ahead via Toast Tables is strongly advised to dodge lengthy sidewalk waits. Street parking along College Street can be tight, making the 506 Carlton streetcar the easiest transit route right to Euclid Avenue. The kitchen runs separate daytime and evening services from Wednesday through Sunday, taking a midday prep break between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.