Irish food without having to travel to the UK.

Spring may be near, but Toronto’s been splashed with some shades of green for an entirely separate reason.

While St. Patrick’s Day has passed, there is still time to celebrate this amazing culture in different locations across the city.

For those studying at the St. James campus, there is a special spot just around the corner, at 129 George St.

The George Street Diner is a traditional Irish restaurant specializing in Irish breakfast and other goodies.

Ash Farrelly, the restaurant owner, came to Canada from Ireland at the age of 19 with just $12 dollars a dream of opening her own restaurant.

Today, with more than 1,600 Google reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it’s safe to say her dream has come true.

From the moment you enter, the smell of good food emanates from the kitchen, making you feel welcome and hungry. Everything is homemade with organic and local ingredients.

The menu has staples like fish and chips, to classic Irish dishes; the must-try is definitely the Irish Breakfast, which includes sausage, ham, bacon, eggs, fries, beans, and so much more.

And of course, you get to choose the style of your eggs.

The bread in this dish deserves a special mention, as it was the star of the evening. Farrelly’s own soda bread is homemade and served on the side. The two slices were flavourful and enjoyed in every bite.

Beyond the Irish Breakfast, another interesting option is the Irish Curry Poutine ($15.50), a mix of Canada and Ireland in the mouth. This dish features house-cut fries with Canadian cheese curds drowned in Irish McDonnell’s curry sauce.

For this one, it’s possible to add eggs ($3), bacon ($6.50), and sliced roasted chicken ($8).

The Irish Breakfast varies between $17.25 and $24.95 depending on the number of sides you choose.

However, the overall experience is worth it and could be the perfect place to celebrate the end of a tough semester or simply treat yourself on a special day.

The best advice is to visit with two or three friends, order different options from the menu, and share little bites with everyone. This way, it is possible to explore the entire menu more affordably.

And during your visit, if the place feels familiar, you are not wrong.

The George Street Diner has been featured in several movie productions and TV shows, including The Boys, Every Day, and What If.

Even Shawn Mendes used the restaurant’s cozy aesthetic to film Life of the Party.

This is the place to go, not just for the food, but also for the stories this charming spot holds.