The Best Brunch in Toronto

No.1

Restaurant• Liberty Village

Mildred's Temple Kitchen

“You haven't truly brunched in Toronto until you've had Mildred's pancakes.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Born from the vision of chef and restaurateur Donna Dooher, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is a cornerstone of the Liberty Village dining scene. Moving into its current soaring, industrial-chic space in 2009, the restaurant feels like a bright, airy sanctuary amidst the neighbourhood's dense condo landscape. It is widely recognized as the institution that helped cement Toronto’s obsession with high-end brunch. The atmosphere is consistently lively and cosmopolitan, featuring an open kitchen that keeps the energy high, making it a go-to spot for weekend gatherings that feel both special and effortlessly relaxed. If you are a first-timer, you absolutely must order Mrs. Biederhof’s legendary blueberry buttermilk pancakes; they are impossibly thick, fluffy, and served with a wild blueberry compote and Lanark County maple syrup that justifies the hype. For something savoury, Veda’s Choice—poached eggs on a flaky croissant with smoked salmon or bacon and béarnaise—is a reliable, decadent classic. Prices are moderate for the quality, but expect to pay for the experience. Note that they operate on a walk-in-only basis for weekend brunch, so arrive early to avoid a lengthy wait, or book a reservation for their weekday 'B’Lunch' service if you prefer a more predictable schedule.

Read Full Review

No.2

Restaurant• Leslieville

Maha's

“The Cairo Classic and the honey cardamom latte are legendary.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 2014 by head chef Maha Barsoom and her children, Monika and Mark Wahba, Maha's is a quintessential Leslieville institution that feels less like a restaurant and more like a warm extension of the family's own kitchen. The space is intentionally cozy, packed with colourful pillows, eclectic trinkets, and a fridge covered in personal notes, creating an atmosphere that is the antithesis of sterile, corporate-backed eateries. It is a true family-run operation where the focus is entirely on authentic Egyptian comfort food made from scratch. Because of its well-deserved reputation for serving some of the most flavorful, uniquely spiced brunch plates in the city, you should expect a line-up on weekends; it is a popular spot that locals happily wait for, so plan accordingly. For a first-timer, the Cairo Classic is essential, offering a perfect introduction to their traditional breakfast staples, while the Mind-Blowing Chicken sandwich is a massive, must-order favorite that requires a knife and fork. Do not skip the award-winning lentil soup, which is so iconic the recipe is framed on the wall, and be sure to pair your meal with their signature honey-cardamom latte. The restaurant is walk-in only—no reservations—and they are closed on Wednesdays, so check the hours before heading over. It is a mid-range spot that offers generous portions, making it great value for the quality. It is a lively, bustling environment, so it is best enjoyed when you have time to settle in and savor the experience.

Read Full Review

No.3

Restaurant• Riverside

White Lily Diner

“The smoked meat hash and the house-made donuts are spectacular.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on Queen Street East in Riverside, White Lily Diner is the kind of place that makes you wonder why all diners aren't this thoughtful. While it draws inspiration from the unpretentious, timeless appeal of a Waffle House, the execution here is entirely elevated. It’s a narrow, bustling space with sunshine-yellow stools and a warm, community-focused energy that feels perfectly at home in this corner of the city. What sets it apart is the sheer level of craftsmanship; almost everything—from the house-brined pastrami and smoked meats to the pickles and daily-rotating doughnuts—is made in-house. The kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients, many sourced from their own farm, turns standard comfort food into something genuinely special without ever feeling fussy or overly precious. If you are a first-timer, you have to order the Southern Breakfast, which is a masterclass in balance, featuring perfectly cooked eggs, smoky bacon, and creamy grits topped with a rich, savory gravy and tangy fermented greens. The patty melts are equally legendary, especially the classic version that hits that perfect ratio of crispy, buttery bread to juicy, well-seasoned beef. Expect a lively, often crowded atmosphere, especially on weekends when the line can stretch down the sidewalk. They operate primarily on a walk-in basis, so aim for an off-peak weekday morning if you want to avoid a wait. Prices are reasonable for the quality you’re getting, firmly in the mid-range. Don't leave without grabbing one of their daily doughnuts for the road; they are consistently excellent and the perfect sweet finish to a hearty meal.

Read Full Review

No.4

Restaurant• Harbord Village

Cafe Cancan

“A visually stunning spot for avocado toast, croque madame, and champagne.”

— Very Toronto Editors

A gorgeous, pastel-hued French bistro offering an elegant and incredibly picturesque brunch experience.

Read Full Review

No.5

Restaurant• Dundas West

Saving Grace

“A cozy classic that has stood the test of time on Dundas West.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Saving Grace was a true Dundas West pioneer, opening its doors in 2000 long before the strip became the bustling dining destination it is today. Behind the humble, narrow storefront at 907 Dundas West, owner Monica Miller created a space that felt less like a restaurant and more like an intimate, slightly chaotic breakfast nook in a friend’s apartment. Known for its cozy, mismatched aesthetic and walls adorned with eclectic ephemera, it became a neighborhood institution where the vibe was consistently unpretentious and welcoming. It was the kind of place where you didn't mind the wait, because the atmosphere felt like a genuine, lived-in slice of Toronto history. For those who frequented it, the experience was defined by the daily rotating specials scrawled on the chalkboard, which kept the menu fresh and unpredictable. The French toast with caramelized bananas was a legendary staple, perfectly balancing sweetness with a comforting, eggy richness. Other favorites included their inventive poached egg dishes and spicy, flavor-packed options like the Rajasthani eggs. It was famously a no-reservation spot, operating on a first-come, first-served waitlist that often snaked down the sidewalk on weekends. While it was a cash-or-debit-only establishment, the value was always solid, and the experience of grabbing a seat in that tiny, sunlit room was worth every minute spent in line. Sadly, this local icon served its final brunch on February 15, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year run.

Read Full Review

No.6

Restaurant• St. Clair West

Emma's Country Kitchen

“The freshly baked buttermilk biscuits are absolute perfection.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Since opening in 2012, Emma’s Country Kitchen has anchored the St. Clair West brunch scene with a dedication to scratch-made comfort that feels genuinely personal. Founded by best friends Rachel Pellett and Heather Mee, the restaurant pays homage to Pellett’s grandmother, Emma, whose recipes for buttermilk biscuits and hearty country fare form the backbone of the menu. The space itself is unpretentious and warm, featuring a mix of vintage country signage, ceramic pigs, and a bustling, communal energy that makes it feel like a neighbourhood fixture. It is the kind of place where the kitchen staff takes pride in curing their own bacon and frying up fresh, gourmet donuts daily, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and reliably high-quality. For a first-timer, the biscuits and gravy are non-negotiable; the biscuits are legendary for a reason, and the sausage gravy is rich, peppery, and deeply satisfying. If you have a sweet tooth, the cinnamon bun pancakes are an indulgent, swirling masterpiece that you won't regret ordering. Expect a mid-range price point for the portion sizes, which are famously generous. Weekend mornings almost always guarantee a lineup, so aim for a weekday visit if you want a more relaxed experience. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared to put your name on a list and grab a coffee while you wait.

Read Full Review

No.7

Restaurant• Riverside

Bonjour Brioche

“A slice of rustic Paris right in the heart of the East End.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Since 1997, Bonjour Brioche has anchored the corner of Queen and De Grassi, serving as a foundational piece of the Riverside neighbourhood long before the area’s current transformation. Founded by Lori Feasson and her French pastry chef husband, Henri, this spot was born from a desire to bring authentic French patisserie to the East End. The atmosphere is unpretentious and cozy, feeling more like a small-town bakery than a bustling city cafe. The real magic happens in the “dungeon”—the basement kitchen where Henri and his team produce their legendary laminated doughs from scratch daily. It is the kind of place where the scent of butter and baking bread hits you the moment you step inside, creating a warm, community-focused environment that has remained remarkably consistent for over two decades. For a first-timer, the Brioche Royale—filled with either lemon-raspberry or blueberry custard—is non-negotiable. If you prefer savoury, their quiches and the classic French omelette with caramelized onions are top-tier. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and while they offer a full brunch menu, be prepared for a wait; they do not take reservations, and seating is strictly first-come, first-served. Visit early on a weekday if you want to avoid the weekend crowds, as they often sell out of signature items by the afternoon. If you are just looking for a quick fix, use the dedicated takeout window on Queen Street. Note that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your pastry run accordingly.

Read Full Review

No.8

Restaurant• Trinity Bellwoods

Almond Butterfly

“The best gluten-free pancakes and breakfast sandwiches in the city.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Almond Butterfly’s Trinity Bellwoods location, known as the A.B. Bistro, is the flagship full-service evolution of the original Harbord Village bakeshop. Founded by Melody Saari and David Piesina, who began their journey in a Montreal CrossFit gym, the brand is built on a philosophy of high-quality, gluten-free nutrition that never compromises on texture or flavour. This Dundas West spot offers a bright, serene atmosphere filled with pastel hues, plants, and hanging lights, making it a comfortable destination for everything from casual weekend brunches to relaxed date nights. It is a dedicated 100% gluten-free facility, providing a rare sense of security for those with celiac disease or strict dietary requirements, while maintaining a menu that appeals to anyone who appreciates well-crafted comfort food. For a first-timer, the buttermilk chicken tenders and fries are non-negotiable; they are remarkably crispy and consistently cited as a standout. The all-day brunch menu is equally impressive, featuring hearty options like loaded breakfast bagels and pancakes topped with fresh blueberry compote. If you are visiting for a drink, their cocktail list is entirely gluten-free, often featuring creative sips like cherry apple pie mai tais. Prices are mid-range, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the labour-intensive nature of scratch-made gluten-free cooking. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch when the space becomes quite boisterous. While they are open seven days a week, aim for a weekday visit if you prefer a quieter experience, as the weekend brunch club can get very busy.

Read Full Review