Founded in 2011 by Len Senater in an old corner-store in Toronto, The Depanneur is an ongoing, evolving social and culinary experiment; a prototype and proof-of-concept exploring food’s role in building community, creating opportunity and celebrating diversity. It has evolved over the years into a convivial urban food hub where food producers, creators and consumers can connect to explore food ideas in a fun, informal setting.
“One of the most exciting alternative restaurants in town… if you want a lively social scene, really special and innovative cooking at great prices… I can’t imagine how it could get any better.”
—Wayne Roberts (founder of the Toronto Food Policy Council and author of The No-Nonsense Guide to World Food)
The Depanneur has been built around the idea the food can be and do more, and has brought this to life through social-purpose initiatives like Newcomer Kitchen, our 3-year pilot program (2016-2019) that put more than $150,000 into the pockets of over 80 newly-arrived Syrian refugee women.
In the run-up to the award-winning The Depanneur Cookbook, we raised over $3500 for Kiva microloans to women food entrepreneurs around the world, and through our Pay It Forward programs, prepared hundreds of meals and raised thousands of dollars for food security programs supporting some of Toronto's most vulnerable communities.
Starting in 2024, we have partnered with Chef Taylor Parker (Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River) to host a monthly Indigenous Food Lab where we seek to explore the possibilities of rediscovery and reconciliation of through a celebration of ingredients native to Ontario, as seen through a First Nations lens.
Things We Do
Supper Clubs are family-style, BYOB dinner parties prepared by guest chefs
Cooking Classes are hands-on culinary workshops
Masterclasses are expert-led explorations of food topics with demos and tastings
DIY Dinners are a hybrid cooking class + dinner party where everyone cooks and eats together
Table Talks are a guest lecture series with a thematic menu prepared by Len Senater
Pop-Ups are our experimental, one-off events like field trips, foraging excursions, brunches, and other culinary adventures
Private Events are thoughtfully designed, bespoke culinary experiences
Connect With Us
You can get first dibs on all our upcoming events by subscribing to our email newsletter, or check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheDepanneur), or just drop us a line.
Learn More
Read about the history of The Depanneur, explore some photo galleries, take a peek at The Depanneur Cookbook, or check out our FAQs for more information.
