Brunch in Toronto is more than a weekend habit. For some, it’s a necessity and a reflection of the city’s culture, taste, and diversity.
Toronto knows how to plate a proper mid-morning meal from classic diners to contemporary kitchens. This guide covers the heavenliest brunch locales in Toronto, with picks that earn their place through food, atmosphere, and consistency.
Bookmark this list. Your next brunch spot is here.
Why Toronto Takes Brunch Seriously
Enjoying brunch in Toronto is how the city resets (especially on weekends). A space between obligation and indulgence where the food speaks to its layered identity.
One block might serve Turkish menemen, Hong Kong-style French toast, and huevos rancheros that hit. At the same time, another might have smoked salmon on rye beside a stack of pancakes soaked in Lanark maple syrup. This makes Toronto’s brunch different. Collision and craft, not curation.
Some places have been turning tables since the 60s. Others opened last month with menus built around seasonal vegetables and fermented everything. But the good ones share something in common. Brunch here is about more than the plate. It’s about pace, mood, and neighbourhood energy.
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The 17 Best Brunch Spots in Toronto (2025 Edition)
Brunch in Toronto is a flex. The best brunch spots in Toronto set a mood, draw a crowd, and hold their place in a city that doesn’t forgive mediocrity. This isn’t a recycled list.
These are the restaurants that locals line up for, chefs respect, and visitors remember.
You’ll find variety here: old-school diners, modern bistros, global plates, and hidden gems that don’t advertise. Choose your vibe and go hungry.
1. Lady Marmalade — Riverside
Address: 265 Broadview Ave
What to Order: Eggs Benedict on cheddar waffles
Vibe Check: Cosy, bright, East End crowd
Why It Made the List: A neighbourhood staple with a serious brunch game.
Lady Marmalade nails the brunch formula: great food, no fluff, and a kitchen that certainly doesn’t take shortcuts. Their cheddar waffle eggs benny is the move; rich, balanced, and always plated hot. Their menu often changes, but the quality remains constant. Expect a wait, even on weekdays, but once you’re in, it’s clear why the locals keep coming back.
Insider tip: Don’t go too late. Lines build before the door opens.
2. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen — Liberty Village
Address: 85 Hanna Ave #104
What to Order: Mrs. Biederhof’s Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
Vibe Check: Modern, spacious, refined
Why It Made the List: Brunch royalty in the west end.
Mildred’s is where pancakes go to become legen…dary (sorry, we couldn’t resist). Their signature stack comes loaded with wild blueberry compote and Lanark maple syrup. Just sweet enough, never overdone. The open-concept space is sleek without trying too hard, and the efficient service keeps things moving even when the place is packed. Come for the pancakes, stay for everything else!
Insider tip: Get the pancakes. No debate
3. Bar Isabel — Little Italy (Saturday Brunch Only)
Address: 797 College St
What to Order: Chorizo, patatas bravas, and cava
Vibe Check: Dark, moody, intimate
Why It Made the List: Known for Spanish dinners, but brunch here is underrated.
Bar Isabel doesn’t scream brunch, and that’s the point. It’s a dimly lit Spanish spot better known for late-night meals, but on weekends, the team serves one of the most unique brunches in the city. The menu leans savoury with bold ingredients and bright plating. The vibe is low-key, and the seats fill quickly. You’ll want to plan.
Insider tip: Brunch is limited. Book or risk missing it.
4. Old School — Little Italy
Address: 800 Dundas St W
What to Order: Blueberry Hill Pancakes, Benny & The Jets Fried Chicken Eggs Benny
Vibe Check: Retro, loud, diner-inspired
Why It Made the List: Classic comfort with over-the-top plating.
Old School leans toward the indulgent side of brunch. The Blueberry Hill pancakes come in a cast-iron pan, dripping with brown sugar butter and bacon crumbles. It’s messy, sweet, and unforgettable. The space channels old-school diner energy with modern flair.
5. The Lakeview — Dundas West
Address: 1132 Dundas St W
What to Order: The Lakeview Brunch + Mimosas
Vibe Check: Classic diner, late-night crowd
Why It Made the List: Open 24/7 with food that holds up.
The Lakeview is a relic that refuses to fade, although they have tried to do things differently at times but they always return to what they do well. And that’s comfort food with wide appeal! Open 24/7, The Lakeview serves brunch at 9 a.m. or 2 a.m. The menu offers a range of options, eggs, pancakes, and burgers, and the vibe stays true to its roots. It’s a dependable choice when other places are closed or booked solid.
6. The Drake Hotel — Queen West
Address: 1150 Queen St W
What to Order: Drake Breakfast or Southern Fried Chicken + Waffles
Vibe Check: Trendy, art-forward, hotel cool
Why It Made the List: Where design, food, and culture meet.
The Drake is a legendary destination in itself. Brunch here is upscale without being pretentious—just solid plates in a space curated down to the last detail, including the chairs. There’s always something happening, from art shows to DJs, and evening rooftop patio sessions, but the food holds its own. It’s Queen West in a nutshell.
7. Avenue Diner — Yorkville
photo by Avenue Diner
Address: 222 Davenport Rd
What to Order: Classic pancakes or BLT
Vibe Check: Old-school, warm, family-run
Why It Made the List: A rare Toronto diner with real history.
Since 1944, the classic, family-owned Avenue Diner has the kind of pedigree you don’t fake. It’s the kind of place where the owner is behind the counter, lined with swivel stools, the coffee is always hot, and the bacon is done right. Their all-day breakfast, club sandwiches, and burgers draw a mix of locals and even celebrities in for a warm meal. The bottomless coffee and welcome atmosphere will keep you coming back! Come here for comfort and legacy, not innovation.
8. Fran’s — Downtown – Shuter and Victoria
Address: Shuter and Victoria (Yonge & College was the original but has closed permanently)
What to Order: All-day breakfast, milkshakes
Vibe Check: Big menu, casual, nostalgic
Why It Made the List: Reliable, fast, and open late.
Fran’s is the workhorse of Toronto brunch. It’s not about reinvention but having a booth when needed. Pancakes, burgers, and old-school milkshakes round out a menu built for every appetite. Great for groups, post-party meals, or no-frills mornings. Although the original location – a renowned late-night hangout for musicians after gigs – closed in 2001, Fran’s legacy continues with a popular family eatery at Shuter and Victoria Streets, serving classic diner fare to new generations.
9. Bonjour Brioche — Leslieville
photo by @bonour_brioche on Instagram
Address: 812 Queen St E
What to Order: Croque Monsieur, brioche French toast
Vibe Check: French bakery, relaxed, neighbourhood feel
Why It Made the List: When you want brunch with a Parisian lean.
Bonjour Brioche is part café, part bakery, and thoroughly charming. The space is modest, but the food hits above its weight. Their house-made brioche enhances everything, especially when paired with strong aromatic coffee and soft eggs. Expect a short line and regulars reading the paper. Their Instagram feed alone, will have you drooling!
10. Maha’s — East York
Address: 226 Greenwood Ave
What to Order: Cairo Classic, Date Grilled Cheese
Vibe Check: Family-run, bold flavours, always busy
Why It Made the List: Egyptian brunch is like nowhere else in the city.
Maha’s serves comfort food with real depth. Spiced fava beans, cumin potatoes, foamy lattes with honey. Everything here has a homemade edge. It’s small, always packed, and worth the wait. It’s a standout spot that makes the trek to East York worthwhile.
11. The Toronto Beach Club — The Beaches
Address: 1681 Lake Shore Blvd E
What to Order: Buffet-style brunch, oysters, shakshuka
Vibe Check: Beachy, upscale, Mediterranean
Why It Made the List: Buffet brunch done with serious attention to quality.
This place is as close as brunch gets to a seaside escape in Toronto. The Beach Club’s Oasis Brunch runs Sundays only and delivers a sprawling buffet with raw bar, carving station, and dessert spread. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for, and then some.
12. Casa Madera — Entertainment District
Address: 550 Wellington St W
What to Order: Avocado tostadas, yuzu pancakes
Vibe Check: Luxe, theatrical, brunch-as-experience
Why It Made the List: Dining meets performance art in this immersive space.
Casa Madera is heavy on the spectacle. Floor shows, flame dishes, and music that climbs with the mimosa count. The brunch menu blends Latin and coastal California influences with precision. Come for the flavours, stay for the feeling you’ve left Toronto. Casa has announced new dates for its incredibly popular Sunday Buffet Brunch. On Sunday, July 27, and Sunday, August 17, guests can indulge in an impressive buffet brunch featuring a selection of self-served dishes and assorted stations, all complemented by live entertainment and the rich, warm hospitality for which Casa Madera is known.
13. Bloomers — Bloorcourt
Address: 873 Bloor St W
What to Order: Vegan breakfast sandwich, donuts
Vibe Check: Laid-back, plant-based, café cool
Why It Made the List: The rare brunch spot where vegans aren’t left out.
Bloomers proves vegan brunch doesn’t have to be second-tier. Their breakfast sandwich stacks tofu, greens, and aioli on a soft bun that holds up. Add a house donut and you’re set. Good coffee, friendly pace, and a patio when the weather’s right.
14. Emma’s Country Kitchen — St. Clair West
Address: 810 St Clair Ave W
What to Order: Buttermilk fried chicken with eggs and biscuits
Vibe Check: Homestyle, rustic, relaxed
Why It Made the List: Southern comfort brunch with zero pretension.
Emma’s gets it right across the board. Hot food, solid portions, and the best biscuits north of Georgia. The fried chicken is seasoned right, the jam is made in-house, and the coffee refills keep coming. No theatrics, just a meal you’ll want again tomorrow.
15. Petit Déjeuner — Downtown Core
Address: 191 King St E
What to Order: Belgian waffles with bacon and eggs
Vibe Check: Euro-casual, intimate, heritage charm
Why It Made the List: Waffles are done correctly every time.
Petit Dejeuner has been quietly holding down the fort for years. The space is narrow, the service is quick, and the waffles are light and crisp. It’s a no-fuss spot for a perfectly executed classic. It’s close to the core but still feels like a secret.
Hidden Brunch Gems Worth Discovering
Toronto’s brunch scene extends beyond the places with PR teams and patio lines. Some of the best meals in the city happen in rooms with no signage, short menus, and cooks who care more about execution than exposure. These are the brunch spots locals keep to themselves. Quiet corners. No influencer crowds. Just food that lands.
1. Easy Restaurant — Parkdale
Address: 1645 Queen St W
Parkdale’s not short on character, and Easy fits right in. Southwestern flavours, strong coffee, and huevos divorciados that hit with every bite. The vibe is laid-back and low-key, with a Tarantino-esque interior that remains unchanged for years. They’re not chasing trends, just cooking well. The brunch menu blends global influences with comforting favourites, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. What sets this spot apart is its commitment to flavour, consistency, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a weekend escape.
2. Lazy Daisy’s Café — East Danforth
Address: 1515 Gerrard St E
This family-run spot nails rustic charm without trying too hard. Everything’s locally sourced, from Mennonite bacon to farm eggs. The breakfast sandwich is serious business; the scones are baked fresh daily. Come early, sit by the window, and slow things down.
3. The Ace — Roncesvalles
Address: 231A Roncesvalles Ave
A restored 1950s diner with no flash and all substance. The menu is tight, the food is elevated, and the cocktails don’t miss. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the kimchi and pork belly hash on special. Regulars keep this one under wraps. And they’re not wrong to.
Toronto Brunch Tips from Industry Insiders
Brunch in this city is a sport. The wait, the crowds, the indecisive menus. If you know, you know. So we asked around.
Here’s what chefs, servers, and longtime brunch runners want you to know before you show up hungry and confused.
1. Get there before 10.
Toronto loves a 10:30 brunch. If you’re at the door before that, you’ll beat the worst of the line,” says a sous-chef from a Queen West hotspot. The earlier you arrive, the better the table, the faster the food.
2. Skip the ‘safe’ order.
“Everyone gets an eggs benny. But the specials? That’s where the chefs are trying.” If a dish is handwritten on the board, take the hint. It didn’t come off a prep sheet.
3. Tip like it’s dinner.
Servers grind through peak hours with fewer staff and higher expectations. “Brunch is chaos,” one server told us. “It’s loud, it’s fast, and people stay longer. Tip like you’re staying for steak.”
4. Share if you’re unsure.
First time at a spot? Split two mains and a side. “It’s the move if you want to taste something new,” says the GM at a downtown bistro. Also, don’t sleep on the house jam.
5. Go solo or in pairs for the best service.
“You’ll wait longer with a group of six,” one hostess told us. “Tables for two turn faster. And solo diners always get seated quicker.”
FAQ: Everything You’ve Wondered About Brunch in Toronto
What’s the best area for brunch in Toronto?
Queen West, Leslieville, and Kensington Market offer dense clusters of brunch-worthy spots. You’ll find everything from buzzy patios to low-key locals. In summer, these areas thrive.
Do I need reservations for brunch in Toronto?
Suppose the place is good, yes. Especially on weekends. Some spots open waitlists at 8 a.m. Plan or show up early and be ready to wait.
Are there good vegan or gluten-free brunch options?
Definitely. Bloomers (vegan), Fresh on Crawford (plant-forward), and even spots like Mildred’s offer GF-friendly plates. The scene has adapted.
What’s a typical Toronto brunch price range?
Expect to pay $18 to $30 for most mains. Add $10 to $15 if you’re sipping mimosas or cocktails. Tip is extra and earned at most places on this list.
Where can I find the best bottomless brunch Toronto offers?
El Pocho serves up bottomless mimosas in a laid-back setting. For something upscale, Amal offers bottomless options with Mediterranean plates and a high-energy atmosphere.
lead photo by Ali Inay on Unsplash
Tried One of These? Tell Us What You Think.
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