Daisy May's is an ode to old-school diners everywhere. Picture steaming cups of coffee and citrusy cocktails next to stacks of French toast drizzled in maple syrup, or plates of eggs benny finished with a velvety, butter-yellow hollandaise.

The whole place leans nostalgic, cozy, and comfortably worn-in; despite opening only a few short months ago, it feels like it's been part of the Annex neighbourhood for much longer. 

Restaurant owner Theo is no stranger to classic dinner grub. 

For years, he hung around the now-closed Aunties and Uncles — his wife worked there during her university days, and he was also known to pick up the odd shift. 

From left to right: Theo (Owner), Sam (Head Chef), Luisa (Sous Chef), Teira (Front of House)

"My wife and I always loved going to Aunties and Uncles," says Theo. "That was kind of where we met, and once they closed down, there weren't any good old-fashioned diners in the neighbourhood. The owner, Russ Nicholls, was the absolute best. We've been good friends ever since."

Menu items like the Challah French Toast ($18) take their cues from the iconic all-day breakfast joint. Daisy May's version comes loaded with whipped crème fraîche, berry compote, maple syrup, and candied hazelnuts. The thick slices of buttery challah come from local bakery Ba Noi. 

Then there are the crispy Corn Fritters ($11), inspired by Theo's time working at El Pocho, a Mexican spot located just around the corner.

These deep-fried, gluten-free bites are made with grilled corn, roasted poblano and manchego, then finished with hot honey and chopped chives. Similar in flavour and texture to cornbread, or better yet, a corn donut (does such a thing exist?), they pack a subtle heat and are best dipped in the house ranch. 

The rest of the menu leans into a mishmash of approachable, feel-good favourites with a slightly elevated spin, or as Theo likes to put it, "simple food that people want."

"Key lime pie, French toast, corn fritters — nobody's going to say no to that."

The Breakfast Sandwich ($11) is easily one of the best in the city. A fluffy chive soft scramble gets tucked into a toasted English muffin with melty American cheese, creamy manchego, tangy pickles, pickled jalapeños, aioli, and house-fermented hot sauce, plus your choice of bacon, breakfast sausage, or sautéed mushrooms.

The hot sauce is a not-so-secret mix of long red chilies, habanero, and confit garlic, resulting in a fiery, acidic, slightly sweet blend. Ask nicely and they might even share the full recipe.

Another item that balances sweet and heat is the Blistered Shishito Peppers ($12), served with hot honey and a smattering of candied nuts.

The Croque Madame ($16) is another throwback to Aunties and Uncles. Not your standard ham-and-cheese, this rich French bistro staple layers béchamel, gruyère, Swiss, and thinly sliced ham on toasted sourdough, then tops the whole thing with a runny sunny-side-up egg.

Among the Sandwiches and Things is the Double Smashburger ($16). Two thin patties, seared on the flat-top, are stacked onto a pillowy Martin's Potato Roll with American cheese, shredded lettuce, grilled onions, pickles, pickled jalapeños, and a Big Mac-inspired sauce. Juicy, messy, and absolutely delicious, it's the definition of don't mess with a good thing.

On the side, go for crispy French Fries ($5) or golden Tater Tots ($6) topped with creamy garlic aioli and sprinkled with fresh chives.

For dessert, there are two: a creamy Basque Cheesecake ($10) served with berry compote, or a tart slice of Key Lime Pie ($8), made from a recipe passed down by Theo's Grandma Daisy.

"I know my grandma would have said this place is classy," laughs Theo. "But really, we just wanted it to be a nice place, where people could hang out and enjoy good food and drinks."

The drink program spans brunch-worthy cocktails, easy-drinking ciders and beers, and a rotating selection of local wines.

The Carajillo ($15) is a peppy Mexican coffee-based cocktail made with espresso, Licor 43, tequila reposado, and a squeeze of fresh orange.

The Pina Colada ($16) is a sweet blend of pineapple juice, rum, coconut, lime, and bitters, capped with a maraschino cherry. 

Non-alcoholic house sodas are also not to be forgotten. The Hibiscus Pineapple Lemonade ($5) is bright, refreshing, and almost impossible not to drink in two gulps.

As for the design, the space feels like a mini time capsule. There are church pews repurposed as banquettes, '70s Tiffany lamps, and quirky treasures salvaged from the closing of Honest Ed's. 

A labour of love from start to finish, it's undeniably charming.

Daisy May's is located at 968 Bathurst Street.