Johnny G’s has a new chapter. This Cabbagetown favorite, a local staple since 1975, was given a fresh energy in November 2022 when Chef Dinesh Sharma took the reins. With over 30 years of experience and a lifelong passion for vibrant cuisine, he’s reimagined the menu while honoring the flavors and memories that regulars have loved for decades.
The experience is as much about the vibe as it is the food. Thursday through Saturday, live jazz drifts through the room, cocktails are poured, and brunches stretch into the afternoon. From first dates to birthdays, quick bites after work to quiet moments at the bar, there’s a spot for every story—and every guest is made to feel welcome.
Through it all, one thing hasn’t changed: Johnny G’s looks after its people. Faces are remembered, check-ins are genuine, and everyone leaves feeling at home in the heart of Toronto. Old charm, new energy, and a promise that every visit is something special.
Meet the Owners
Two friends, one vision: to keep the spirit of jazz alive and thriving in Toronto's East End for generations to come.
Dinesh Sharma
OWNER
Dinesh Sharma is the owner of Johnny G’s and a highly respected chef and hospitality leader with decades of international experience. Over the course of his career, Dinesh has opened and led more than 60 restaurants across the Greater Toronto Area, playing a key role in shaping successful concepts from the ground up
He has served as Head Chef in five-star hotels in India where he refined his craft across diverse cuisines and cultures. His approach to food is driven by precision, creativity, and a deep respect for ingredients — blending global flavors with timeless technique.
At Johnny G’s, Dinesh brings his passion for food and hospitality to a neighbourhood setting, combining world-class culinary standards with warmth, soul, and accessibility. His vision is to create food that tells a story and a space that people return to not just for meals, but for moments
Vivek
PARTNER
Vivek is the partner behind the creative direction and guest experience at Johnny G’s, bringing a deeply personal and hands-on vision to the space.
Inspired by the soul of New Orleans jazz culture, Vivek personally shaped the artistic identity of Johnny G’s from the visual art and design details to the mood, lighting, and flow of the room. Every element was intentionally created to echo the warmth, rhythm, and intimacy of classic jazz bars, while still feeling rooted in the Cabbagetown community.
With a lifelong connection to music and a strong belief that art and hospitality are inseparable, Vivek curates the live jazz programming and overall atmosphere, working closely with musicians and guests to create nights that feel authentic and alive.
For Vivek, Johnny G’s is more than a restaurant. It is a cultural space where food, music, art, and people meet, and where every visit carries a sense of story, soul, and connection.