Picture this: it’s 10:30AM, and you’re not in the mood for a McDonalds egg mcmuffin or a Tim Hortons donut…so what should you do? Most restaurants have not pulled out their lunch menus yet, so you’re left with one option – brunch. The question is, where should you go for brunch in Toronto? It’s one of the biggest cities in North America, so the amount of options can be overwhelming. To save you the stress of finding a perfect place, keep reading for the 10 best brunch restaurants in Toronto; this list will surely get you excited to make some brunch plans!
1. The Good Fork
Located in the Jane and Bloor area, otherwise known as the heart of Etobicoke, The Good Fork is by far my favourite brunch restaurant in Toronto. The staff is kind and courteous, and you’ll rarely face a long wait before being seated. Recognized by Torontonians for their infamous red velvet pancakes, The Good Fork always is a crowd pleaser. They also update their menus with new brunch creations regularly!
2. What A Bagel
Calling all bagel lovers! With multiple locations all around Toronto, What A Bagel will surely cure your bagel and brunching needs. With a wide variety of regular style and gourmet bagels to choose from, What A Bagel is definitely a spot to hit up for your carb cravings. What A Bagel was the first local joint to introduce rainbow bagels, a gourmet bagel trend that travelled from New York to Montreal and now resides in Toronto.
3. Caldense Bakery
With multiple locations all throughout Toronto, Caldense Bakery is a traditional Portuguese-style bakery. They have mastered the fine art of breakfast, lunch and brunch cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious custard tart, a Tosta-Mista (a grilled ham and cheese sandwich), sunny-side up eggs or a soup, Caldense is a great place for a bite at anytime of the day.
4. Saving Grace
Downtown Toronto is loaded with dining options, but if you happen to be in the Dundas West area and are in the mood for brunch, Saving Grace is the place to go. Famous for their “Espressado” (that’s right, a wacky combination of espresso and avocado), Saving Grace is always a unique brunch experience.
5. Bonjour Brioche
French pastry lovers, this one is for you. This bakery café, located in the Queen East area of downtown Toronto, has everything you could ever imagine to cure that sweet tooth. Want a cute brunch spot to try some fruit tarts with friends? Or a new date spot to devour éclairs with your significant other? Add Bonjour Brioche to your list.
6. Okay Okay
Hangovers…they suck. We’re all familiar with the aftermath that follows a night of heavy drinking, but where can we go to nix this nasty state? If you’re in the Queen West area, Okay Okay is a place where you can show up in last night’s dress and have no shame. Their delectable eggs and buttermilk pancakes are great for any state of your hangover. And what could be better than all day breakfast? Nothing!
7. The Westerly
Located in one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, this restaurant is a kitchen by day and a bar by night. They have the best Eggs Benedict in Toronto, which are served on top of multiple biscuits. They’re also known for their creative variations on French toast, so if you need a fun brunch place to visit, take a trip to Roncesvalles and find the Westerly.
8. Starving Artist
When thinking of this restaurant, one word comes to my mind: waffles. This is one of the only restaurants in Toronto in which their main course is…you guessed it, waffles! Whether you’re in the mood for a regular Belgian waffle or something more exciting like a waffle BLT, Starving Artist on St. Clair West will surely cater to your every desire.
9. The Old Mill
As one of the classiest and most traditional restaurants in all of Toronto, The Old Mill is the perfect brunch spot. Whether you’re hosting a brunch party or high tea, their savoury finger sandwiches filled with egg salad and lox are to die for. Their staff are incredibly professional and the location itself is the definition of timeless.
10. Butter Avenue
Did someone say macaroons? Butter Avenue is hands down the best place to get macaroons in Toronto. I know what you’re thinking; macaroons aren’t really a brunch food, but trust me…once you’ve had Butter Avenue macaroons, you’ll want to eat them every hour of the day. Butter Avenue updates their macaroon flavours frequently, so you’ll have a unique experience every time you go. And if macaroons aren’t your thing, don’t worry – they’re always stocked with other delicious pastries too. Butter Avenue is arguably the trendiest restaurant in Toronto!
