A weekend brunch is a gift.
If you have the time to enjoy a leisurely mid-morning meal with friends, family, colleagues or on your own, you should take full advantage. In Toronto, brunch is a staple weekend meal, and it’s always seemed to be this way. Every neighbourhood has their own diverse group of brunch spots. Here are five of our go-to’s.
Located in Liberty Village, this spot is known for their chicken and waffles and hipster scene. It’s also known as the official home of Dutch soccer fans. When the World Cup rolls around and you’re pulling for the Oranje, this is where you want to be.
This staple on St. Clair is a bit small so you’ll most likely have to wait for a table. But the wait is worth it, and you can explore the rapidly changing St. Clair strip. When you’re done, walk off your meal in Cedarvale Park.
Middle Eastern brunch comes with its own treats like Foole, a traditional Egyptian breakfast side of fava beans, tomatoes and onions that sits under over easy eggs. And when you’re done, you can explore Little India, one of the city’s most interesting pockets.
A popular spot for the morning after the night before, this spot elevates the greasy breakfast while still providing the hearty coating you’d need to regain your equilibrium. And the DuWest neighbourhood it’s in is a great strip for post-brunch boutique shopping.
This well-branded and fun family brunch spot at Yonge and Eglinton is a magnet for local families with young kids, probably because of their out-of-this-world milkshakes. If you can’t be around the young’uns, take your shake to go and walk up and down Yonge Street. It might be the best local shopping strip in Toronto.
And, of course, there’s the York Street Café downstairs.
If you’re staying at the Strathcona and you don’t want to go too far, we have you covered downstairs. Grab a table or take your brunch back to your room and spend the morning in bed. That’s a luxury we can all get behind.
About eating in Toronto
People think avocado toast was invented in Toronto. Whether or not that’s true is up for debate. But if it is, it seems like we’re all embracing it because almost every brunch spot in town offers something like it.
Most places will take cash or card. Apple Pay hasn’t quite caught on everywhere yet, but the integration is happening.
Not every brunch spot has a license to serve liquor, so if you’re thinking mimosa with your meal, you may want to call ahead to be sure. Also, like most places in North America, tipping your server is expected.
Enjoy your brunch and your weekend in Toronto.