By: Liz Bruckner
From the best-known brunch spots to the hole-in-the-wall havens only locals know about, here are our top 10 picks for the best of Toronto's midday eats.
The Boiler House
55 Mill Street
Building #46
(416)203-2121
http://www.boilerhouse.ca
This one's for the family. A buffet-style brunch with a dizzying array of tasty options, it's sure to please the palettes of kids of all ages. Add the fact that there's enough room to let your little ones run wild (within reason, people), and you've got a destination worthy of the hassle of packing the kidlets into the car in the first place.
Butler's Pantry Cafe
371 Roncesvalles Avenue
(416) 537-7750
http://www.butlerspantry.ca
A mecca for locals and foodies on the hunt for the hottest brunch spots, Butler's Pantry takes recipes from all over the world (like briyani, jambalaya and lamb mousaka to name a few) and combines them in a stellar menu. Get there early to find a seat.
Bar One
924 Queen Street West
(416) 535-1655
http://www.bar-one.com
A hop, skip and a jump away from big brunch players Swan and The Drake, Bar One does away with pretense and gets down to the business of serving great food. Try the savoury Egg in a Hole with a side of peameal, bacon, salmon or brie, or give the tempting fazzoletti special a whirl.
Bonjour Brioche
812 Queen Street West
(416) 406-1250
Attracting locals and artsy visitors alike, this French style patissiere-come-bistro serves up fresh homemade breads and pastries - expect to observe at least a dozen walk-ins brown bag a few as you eat - while creating some of the best brunch dishes in the city. The quiches are something to write home about, as are the French toast, omelettes and smoked salmon, and if the food doesn't have you talking, the lineups for a table might.
Fire on the East Side
6 Gloucester Street
(416) 960-3473
http://www.fireontheeastside.ca
They had us at hello. This amazing spot located just steps from Yonge Street is full of personality, amazing meals, and to-die-for morning mimosas. Two of our best brunch picks: Crabcakes Benedict (with a citrus and spicy hollandaise), and Fruit Stuffed French Toast. Get there early enough (read: by or before 10) and you'll have your pick of tables to occupy.
Swan Restaurant
892 Queen Street West
(416) 532-0452
In a throwback to the art deco style of the 40s, this uber stylish gem located in the lofty Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood is one of - if not the - coolest brunch spots to brunch in Toronto. Get there early to experience in person why it's much loved, and form your own opinion on whether it's the food (we love eggs benny and steak) or being seen at Swan that keeps patrons coming back.
Okay, Okay Diner
1128 Queen Street East
(416) 461-2988
A favourite amongst the Queen Street East set, Okay, Okay Diner reminds us of a cute small town diner thanks to it's warmth, kitschy ambiance, and super friendly staff. As for the menu, it runs the gamete. Thickly sliced French Toast is gussied up with a tart fruit compote and cinnamon crème fraiche to satisfy those craving something sweet, and dishes like Eggs Bearnadette (with béarnaise sauce) and the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato) do much to tempt the savory palette.
Eggspectation
220 Yonge Street
(416) 977-3380
http://www.eggspectation.ca
When headed to Eggspectation for brunch, prepare for a first-hand account of why it's one of Toronto's hottest spots for morning eats, and therefore, one of the busiest. Eggs, of course, make the grandest appearance on this enormous menu, but breakfast staples like pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes hold their own as well.
By the Way Café
400 Bloor Street West
(416) 967-4295
http://www.bythewaycafe.com
When it comes to creating the perfect mix of cool and eclectic, the corner of Bloor and Brunswick doesn't disappoint. Known for their mass of organic menu selections (not to mention the wait times for tables on weekend mornings), the choices here are plentiful. Egg-based dishes abound, as do their delicious choices of beverages. Two of our favourite brunch selects: Belgium Waffles Supreme (which comes with fruit, whipped cream and pure maple syrup), and Shakshuka (scrambled eggs served in a pita with spicy tomato relish). Delish.
Grapefruit Moon
968 Bathurst Street
(416) 534-9056
http://www.grapefruitmoon.ca
A place to play and shop while you eat? It really does exist. With art work on display and games like trivial pursuit set out for customers to enjoy while they wait, this little brunch spot sets the bar high for fun, and just as high for it's meals. Eggs, milk, meat and veggies are locally bought (and often organic), and for the vegetarians in the crowd, meatless meals abound.
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