5 Non-Tipping Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto, known for its diverse culinary scene, is now embracing a unique trend in the restaurant industry: non-tipping establishments. These restaurants are redefining the dining experience by eliminating the traditional practice of tipping. In this article, we'll explore the concept of non-tipping restaurants, delve into five remarkable examples in Toronto, and uncover the reasons behind this emerging trend.

Tipping Culture

Whether you agree or disagree about tipping culture, one thing we can agree on is that the hard-working servers, waiters, and customer service workers definitely deserve to be compensated for the excellent services that they provide. 

What is non-tipping? 

When you think of non-tipping, you may automatically ask yourself “Well, does that mean servers, waiters, and customer service workers aren’t getting paid extra if the restaurant doesn’t allow tipping?” And as a matter of fact, that is wrong. 

Restaurants that don’t accept tips do so because they offer their employees a livable wage to combat living in this economy. Hence, tipping is not needed.

Below are our top 5 restaurants that don’t participate in tipping culture.

1. Sarang Kitchen

Sarang Kitchen is located at 1056 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M3, and its menu focuses on Korean cuisine. You can expect to find Korean street food here, including fried chicken, other fried foods, and spicy rice cakes. Like the many restaurants that will be discussed, Sarang Kitchen highly discourages tipping and would prefer that their customers leave them a review online instead. Sarang Kitchen pays their staff a wage well above the minimum and offers perks such as extended health benefits. Should a customer insist on leaving a tip, then Sarang Kitchen will equally divide that amount amongst their employees, based on the number of hours worked. 

2. Barque Smokehouse 

Barque Smokehouse is a BBQ restaurant located at 299 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, ON M6R 2M3. Their menu includes, but is not limited to, ribs, wings, and smoked meats. In an interview with Toronto Life, owner David Neinstein says “It is not fair for your paycheque to be contingent on a stranger’s mood”. As a result, Neinstein’s employees are paid a livable wage of $22.50 an hour. Not only does this provide security for all members (dishwashers, waiters, hostesses) but it also reduces the competition among staff. Gone are the days of fighting over who gets to work the weekend night shift vs. the weekday shift. 

3. Richmond Station

Richmond Station is a contemporary casual restaurant located at 1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4. The owners of Richmond Station, Ryan, Carl, and Hayden, have stated that they will classify the restaurant as ‘Hospitality Included’ which indicates that tipping has been eliminated completely from the restaurant. This means that the items on Richmond Station’s menu have all been priced fairly so that the revenue earned will be enough to pay employees a decent wage. If customers wish to give back, the owners encourage them to leave a positive review online, become a repeat customer, or spread the word about the restaurant to those who possibly haven’t heard about it. 

4. Beast Pizza

Beast Pizza is a Toronto pizzeria located at 96 Tecumseth St, Toronto, ON M6J 2H1. Just like the name suggests, they offer a variety of exciting pizza options as well as branded merchandise. Beast Pizza identifies as an equal-opportunity employer and a no-tipping restaurant. All positions regardless if they are front-of-house or back-of-house will all start at the hourly wage of 23 per hour.

5. Then & Now 

Then & Now is an Asian-fusion restaurant located at 1316 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4. They classify themselves as a ‘living wage employer’ meaning they offer a decent livable wage to their employees which ultimately results in their no-tipping culture. In addition to a livable wage, Then & Now also provides their employees with commissions and benefits. Just like the many restaurants mentioned in this blog, if customers insist on leaving a tip, it will be equally shared amongst the entire team at Then & Now. 

Non-tipping restaurants are revolutionizing the dining landscape in Toronto and beyond, offering a more transparent and equitable experience for both customers and employees. By embracing this trend, diners can enjoy exceptional cuisine while supporting establishments that prioritize fairness and sustainability.

Like our recommendations? Make sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @tastytoronto_ca for more interesting and must-try food finds in Toronto. 

Stay tuned as next week we will be talking about the best cafes you should go to for studying and working from home!