Toronto just got a new retro diner with banana splits and handmade pizza pies, Canada Reviews

After more than 20 years, the Annex’s Pour House has shut its doors for good. But in its place, Fab Restaurant Concepts — which owns 10 restaurants across the city, including Pie Bar, Murphy’s Law and Simona — has opened an all-new concept dubbed
Stella’s Kitchen.

“The city’s changing, and we felt it was time to find a new concept,” says Sean Bayley, who owns Fab Restaurants alongside his wife Jane Henderson. “We were looking to add something reasonably priced, with really good Italian food. We have a lot more families in the neighbourhood, so we wanted to do something a little bit more family-forward.”

With retro-style posters, checkered tablecloths and patio umbrellas — all designed by Henderson herself — this new spot on Dupont Street is rolling out the red carpet for everyone. Whether you’re coming for the cocktails, the surprise kids’ toys or just the vibrant decor, there’s fun to be had by all. And it’s all in tribute to the women who shaped the co-owners’ vision.

“Our mothers were both great hosts, and they loved having parties and inviting people to their houses,” says Henderson. “We just took this idea of these two wonderful, very strong women and made it into Stella’s Kitchen.

Stella’s Kitchen feels like stepping into a warm, welcoming home. The open concept invites diners to watch pizzas being crafted right before their eyes, while the aroma of fresh, from-scratch pasta and sauces fills the air. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni or margherita or something with a bit more kick, like the Angry Stella’s or the rosé sauce Ciao pizza, there’s a delicious option for every taste.

The remainder of the menu is packed with starters, inviting salads, homemade pastas and hearty sandwiches, ensuring there’s always something new to try. For the little ones, the kids’ menu features chicken tenders and classic pastas and pizzas.

Although they’ve only been open for a short while, the soft serve ice cream and banana splits have already become a favourite among young diners. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Bayley reflects on their journey with pride.

“We started off as thirty somethings about 22 years ago in the city, and we’re still independent, so we’re very proud of that,” he says. “Now we’re taking our years of experience and developing the next generation of leaders in hospitality within Fab, and hope-
fully we will have more incredible concepts like Stella’s coming in the future.”