New Toronto cafe looks exactly like a 1950s time capsule

A new Toronto cafe looks exactly the way you'd imagine a retro '50s-style diner would, with chrome finishes, red booths and vintage decor, but with a distinct Brazilian twist.

Divas Crepe on a Stick, which officially opened its doors in early May, blends Brazilian street food with a carefully crafted and spot-on 1950s aesthetic, down to the jukebox and Cadillac-shaped trays. 

The owners, Luanna Brito and Mayra Alves, are both Brazilian immigrants with a background in food entrepreneurship. In Brazil, they ran a pizza food truck and gained valuable experience that eventually laid the foundation for Divas here in Toronto. 

"We've always loved creating spaces where people can gather, enjoy good food, and feel at home," Brito told blogTO. "What truly sparked Divas was a mix of nostalgia and the desire to bring something uniquely Brazilian to the Canadian food scene."

In Brazil, crepes on a stick are a familiar sight, Brito explains. "They're found at school parties, beaches, family vacations, street fairs… every bite is like a time machine to those carefree, happy moments. It's more than just a snack — it's a hug from your past. So, we thought: what if we could bottle up that feeling, wrap it in retro glam, and share it with Toronto?" 

The result is a space that's visually distinct from anything else you'll find in the city.

Heavily inspired by the 1950s, the decor reflects both of the owners' personal passions. Luanna is a music lover drawn to The Beatles and Elvis Presley, while Mayra has always been fascinated by the fashion and design of that era. 

“She always says she was born in the wrong decade and should’ve been dancing in diners and riding in pink convertibles!" Brito said.

Every detail in the cafe is intentional, from red-toned booths to curved furniture and chrome accents that were custom-built. Inside, you'll find larger-than-life decorative wall crepes, which were 3D-printed and hand-painted to look like the real thing. 

Complete with a 3D Marilyn Monroe print, vintage milkshake glasses and a jukebox, the cafe makes you feel like you've travelled back in time. Aside from the jaw-dropping visuals, the menu deserves just as much attention. 

The focus of the menu is, of course, crepes, both sweet and savoury, served on sticks, just like they are in Brazil. Traditional options include cheese, ham and cheese, bacon and cheddar, and beef and cheese. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you can choose from fillings like Nutella, Kinder Bueno, white chocolate, dulce de leche, Kit Kat and brigadeiro, a classic Brazilian dessert. Toppings and syrups are just as varied, with options like guava jam, condensed milk, sprinkles, coconut and melted chocolate. 

There are also a variety of gourmet combinations, such as shredded meat with cream cheese, brie with jam, and white cheese with guava to choose from. Alongside the food, Divas serves a full lineup of Brazilian espresso-based drinks, alongside fresh juices like mango, passion fruit and orange. 

Their milkshakes are served in vintage glasses with sprinkles and cherries for a nostalgic touch. There's also a small selection of ice creams and chocolate-dipped fruits on sticks, from strawberries to bananas and grapes. 

Since opening, Brito says the reaction has been nothing short of incredible. "The response has been beyond what we expected. People walk in curious and walk out in love — with the crepes, the decor, the diva vibes and everything in between," she said. 

"We've had everything from dance parties in the aisles (yes, really!) to customers taking 1950s-style selfies in our retro booths. It's been heartwarming, hilarious and humbling." 

Later this month, Divas will expand its offerings with a weekend brunch menu, available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cafe is also introducing a Diva Loyalty Program, where you can earn points with every purchase and redeem them for discounts and rewards. 

Divas Crepe on a Stick is located at 1308 St. Clair Ave. W.