Peter Andromidas and his brothers took over Johnny’s from their parents when they retired 10 years ago. Peter had worked in the restaurant since he was 10 years old. He has been to university, and is actually an engineer but shleps plates in his family business. He wishes to keep it in the family, but supposes that he could end up many places other than behind the till.

The menu at Johnny’s was quintessentially Canadian. It offered a wide range of breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, salads and dinners. There were some interesting names for the meals, like the Meech Burger, Texas Beef Melt and the Manhattan Sandwich (shaved roast beef, grilled veggies, gravy and HP Sauce). The menu had some quirky colours to it, like the purple steak and green pizza. They were printing errors in the photography and not quality indicators, so don’t worry.

There were pictures of Greece on the wall, much like in just about every other Greek place we’ve been to (like Santorini and Pete’s Place), except these were huge. Wallpaper huge; 70’s tacky kitsch, for sure. I liked the wooden cabinet they had holding their dishes. It was a nice homey touch.

The coffee tasted “different” according to Leif and another breakfaster. Kind of like strong tea. We couldn’t do a true Campsie Test but it looked like it came close.

The food was quite tasty and filling; satisfying. We got (as advertised) huge portions of hashbrowns. They were Nook-style: mushy on one side and crisp on the other. It’s a funny state of potato, one that can disappoint easily, but was agreeable here. I got the extra grilled veggies on top of them (called “Crazy Hashbrowns” on the bill). Sure, they cost an extra $3.35, but they were well worth it. Large chunks of pepper, onion and tomato, grilled in garlic and served hot. Very tasty. The eggs were served to order and were fine. Nothing exciting there, but then again, what’s an exciting egg?

This was a very filling breakfast. It’s noteworthy that the place was filled with nothing but construction workers and bikers when we arrived. These are people who stereotypically enjoy being filled with food, so it was a testament to Johnny’s quantities and quality. Try it!

April 30 2009

Johnny’s Marion Restaurant

382 Marion St

Hours of operation:

Mon - Thurs   8 AM - 8 PM

Fri - Sat          8 AM - 9 PM

Sun                 8 AM - 4 PM

Breakfast Special  $ 6.25

served Mon - Fri   8 AM - 10 AM  

comes with coffee and O.J.

Johnny’s is a case of how restaurants that are close together share similarities. For example, they were virtually indistinguishable from the Paladin Restaurant, just up Rue Des Meurons. This is not a bad thing, just notable. Both are the same kind of stucco building with iron bars holding up awnings.

As you enter the restaurant, there is an old take-out window that gives you a clear view of the kitchen. It was easy to tell that much of the restaurant was an addition. The tiny front part had a diner-type feel with seats right beside the kitchen, but the back part was doing it’s best to look like a family restaurant complete with a carpet pattern that’s designed to hide stains.

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