Brunch in Toronto is one of the city’s favourite weekend pastimes, whether an occasion for catching up with your friends over a mountain of pancakes or recovering from the night before.
From classic staples like eggs benedict and French toast to creative cultural variations, you’ll find something to appease every palate in the city.
Here are 8 of the best brunch spots in Toronto:
1. SCHOOL
This Liberty Village destination resembles a classroom, and the brunch dishes all get an A+. You’ll find Instagram-worthy plates of stacked blueberry pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, their “Super Cheesy Bacon French Toast“, salads and bowls.
Where: 70 Fraser Ave, Toronto
2. Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge
Head to Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge on Bloor W for an extensive offering of brunch items, including egg plates, a variety of benedicts, and sweeter items like their Citrus Spiked French Toast or waffles with your choice of toppings. Don’t miss their home fries which are tossed in their “legendary sauce.”
Where: 563 Bloor St W, Toronto
3. The Federal
The Federal in Little Portugal is a local favourite, offering bottomless coffee daily from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in its white brick interior. Known for their handhelds and brunch cocktails, you can’t go wrong with their breakfast burrito or cubano, which washes down well with their “dressed up” caeser or michelada.
Where: 1438 Dundas St W, Toronto
4. Maha’s Egyptian Brunch
For something besides the usual eggs and bacon platters, why not try Maha’s for some of the city’s most authentic Egyptian food? Located in Toronto’s Little India neighbourhood, they’ve got an all-day breakfast menu including roasted eggplant, shakshuka, their famous “Mind Blowing Chicken Sandwich”, and honey cardamom lattes.
Where: 226 Greenwood Ave, Toronto
5. The Good Fork
Middle Eastern-inspired brunch dishes are what you’ll find at this Dundas West spot, all housed within a modern and spacious restaurant. For those with a sweet tooth, try their blueberry halva pancakes topped with orange blossom ricotta.
Where: 1550 Dundas St W, Toronto
6. The Drake
Found in one of West Queen West’s go-to destinations for underground music, The Drake Hotel’s brunch is a weekend favourite among locals and visitors alike. You’ll find traditional brunch items with a twist, like chicken and waffles with hot honey and dill ranch, smoked salmon bagels, breakfast nachos, and their signature blueberry scones.
Where: 1150 Queen St W, Toronto
7. White Lily Diner
This retro-style diner is known for their handhelds and comfort food, and you’ll find it in the east-end on Queen East. Their breakfast menu is served all day, with an offering of pancake stacks, a southern-style platter, and traditional bacon and eggs plate. They’ve also got some to-die-for donuts!
Where: 678 Queen St E, Toronto
8. Dirty Food Eatery
Dirty Food Eatery in The Junction is a cozy little spot, so arrive early if you don’t want to wait for a table. Comfort food is the name of the game here, and the homefries are a must, made in thinly sliced buttery layers which are first baked then fried.
Where: 3070 Dundas St W, Toronto