/

News Eats Events Best Of New & Hot Dine 50

Best of Toronto

The Best Brunch in Toronto (2026)

Toronto’s strongest brunch rooms right now—from Mildred’s pancakes and Maha’s Egyptian classics to Easy’s Parkdale TexMex, Aloette’s weekend bistro plates, Sisters & Co’s Asian-leaning Benny, and Good Fork’s Anatolian pancakes. Seventeen open spots across the city; closed venues removed. Profiles verified August 2026.

Updated for 2026•17 Destinations

No.1

Mrs. Biederhof's blueberry buttermilk pancake stack at Mildred's Temple Kitchen

Restaurant• Liberty Village

Mildred's Temple Kitchen

“You haven't truly brunched in Toronto until you've had Mildred's blueberry buttermilk pancakes with Lanark County maple syrup.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Mildred's Temple Kitchen?** Tucked into an industrial courtyard complex at 85 Hanna Avenue, Mildred's Temple Kitchen is Donna Dooher's sunlit benchmark for daytime dining in Liberty Village. The soaring, glass-walled space pairs raw concrete pillars with minimalist wood tables, anchored by a bustling open kitchen, bar seating, and a leafy seasonal patio. It remains one of Toronto's most revered daytime institutions, setting the standard for the city's obsession with refined morning comfort food. **Mildred's Temple Kitchen Menu & What to Order** The undisputed headliner is Mrs. Biederhof’s blueberry buttermilk pancakes: a sky-high, pillowy stack smothered in Lanark County maple syrup, house-made wild blueberry compote, and whipped cream. Savoury purists should gravitate toward Veda’s Choice—poached eggs and cured smoked salmon layered over a flaky croissant with rich béarnaise—alongside a side of thick, rosemary double-smoked bacon. Pair your spread with a freshly mixed mimosa or a spiked cold brew, and grab a warm daily buttermilk scone with house preserve to share first. **Know Before You Go** Weekend brunch runs on a walk-in waitlist that often stretches over an hour by midday; leave your phone number with the host to stroll Liberty Village shops until your table buzzes. To dodge the crowd, reserve ahead for weekday "B’Lunch," which features many of the same signature dishes. The restaurant is a short walk from the King streetcar and Exhibition GO Station, and occasionally closes at 2:00 p.m. for private weekend weddings.

Read Full Review

No.2

Egyptian brunch dishes at Maha's in Leslieville

Restaurant• Leslieville

Maha's

“The Cairo Classic and honey cardamom latte are legendary—Egyptian brunch flavours you will not find on a generic eggs-Benny circuit.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Maha's?** Set along a residential strip at 226 Greenwood Avenue just north of Gerrard East, Maha's is the beloved family-run daytime institution founded in 2014 by matriarch Maha Barsoom alongside her children, Monika and Mark Wahba. The sunlit dining room is packed with character, featuring banquette seating beneath family photos and eclectic knick-knacks, a busy espresso counter, and a breezy sidewalk patio in warm weather. It functions less like a cookie-cutter breakfast spot and more like a warm, bustling Egyptian family kitchen. **Maha's Menu & What to Order** The kitchen turns out fragrant, deeply spiced Egyptian daytime staples and generous sandwiches on house balady bread, with halal meats and abundant vegetarian and vegan options. The Cairo Classic is essential—a comforting bowl of slow-simmered fava bean foole served with sliced boiled egg, a falafel disc, and charred flatbread—alongside the Egyptian Falafel, which encases soft-boiled eggs inside crisp, herb-flecked fava batter. Pair the spread with Mark's signature Honey Cardamom Latte or an Egyptian black tea with fresh mint, and start with the tart, vinegar-onion-topped red lentil soup. **Know Before You Go** Seating is strictly walk-in with no reservations, and weekend wait times easily exceed an hour unless you line up before the doors open at 8:00 a.m. Street parking on Greenwood and residential side streets fills quickly, making the 506 Carlton streetcar a practical transit alternative. The kitchen operates Thursday through Tuesday until 4:30 p.m. (closed Wednesdays) and shuts down for annual multi-week summer and winter family holidays.

Read Full Review

No.3

Brunch plate at Lady Marmalade on Broadview Avenue

Restaurant• Riverside

Lady Marmalade

“Best eggs Benny bench in the city: build-your-own toppings, consistent execution, and a true all-day brunch room on Broadview.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Lady Marmalade?** An east-side morning staple at 265 Broadview Avenue, Lady Marmalade occupies a sunlit, multi-level heritage room outfitted with blonde birch wood, towering skylights, and trailing indoor greenery. Founded by husband-and-wife duo David Cherry and Natalia Simachkevitch, the operation eschews evening dinner service to focus exclusively on meticulous daytime dining across intimate banquettes, central dining tables, and sun-drenched counter spots. **Lady Marmalade Menu & What to Order** The kitchen is celebrated for its customizable eggs Benedict program, particularly the B.A.B. (brie, avocado, and bacon) and the citrus-braised cochinita pibil blanketed in rich house hollandaise. Regulars swear by the savoury Cheddar & Spinach Waffles served with roasted tomato cream, alongside the Tex-Mex-inspired Huevos Migas tossed with organic corn chips, black beans, and pico de gallo. Plant-based and vegetarian diners are thoroughly accommodated with organic tofu scrambles and the spiced chickpea Moroccan Scramble, ideally paired with a cold-pressed juice or drip coffee poured into vintage CorningWare mugs. **Know Before You Go** Lady Marmalade enforces a strict walk-in-only policy with a maximum party size of six, seating tables only when the entire group is physically present. Weekend lineups form well before 10:00 a.m., so arriving right at the 8:30 a.m. open or targeting a mid-week morning is the best strategy to skip the queue. Take the 504 King or 505 Dundas streetcars directly to Broadview and Dundas, as street parking along Broadview fills up quickly.

Read Full Review

No.4

Counter and brunch plates at White Lily Diner

Restaurant• Riverside

White Lily Diner

“The smoked meat hash and house-made doughnuts are spectacular—diner comfort with serious kitchen craft.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is White Lily Diner?** Perched at 678 Queen Street East in Riverside, White Lily Diner redefines the traditional greasy spoon through an ambitious, scratch-made farm-to-table lens. Founded in 2016 by chef Ben Denham and partner Ashley Lloyd, this Michelin Bib Gourmand and Green Star honouree sources ingredients directly from its own regional farm, curing pastrami and baking every loaf of rye in-house. The narrow room radiates warmth, featuring sunlit front windows, retro timber-framed booths, and an intimate diner counter overlooking the open griddle. **White Lily Diner Menu & What to Order** Start with the White Lily Standard for textbook eggs, plump house sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and sourdough toast, or order the iconic OG Patty Melt griddled to perfection on house caraway rye. The decadent Hot Turkey—stacked on savory stuffing French toast smothered in gravy and tart cranberry chutney—and the flaky buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy are absolute standouts. Vegetarian and gluten-conscious diners can pivot to Southern grits bowls or seasonal farm salads, but leaving without snagging a freshly glazed doughnut or salted caramel cruller from the pastry case is a mistake. **Know Before You Go** The diner operates without traditional table reservations, managing seating via a digital waitlist that goes live on their website every morning. Sidewalk crowds peak during weekend brunch between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., making early arrivals or laid-back weekday dinners from Wednesday to Sunday your best bet to bypass long waits. Take the 501 Queen streetcar to Broadview Avenue for a direct drop-off right outside the front door.

Read Full Review

No.5

Le Sélect Bistro official dining-room photography from leselectbistro.com

Restaurant• King West

Le Sélect Bistro

“Parisian-brasserie brunch with reservations and a serious wine list—the antidote to a sidewalk queue.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Le Sélect Bistro?** Anchoring 432 Wellington Street West, this multi-decade Parisian institution revived under Scale Hospitality and David Aisenstat remains one of King West’s quintessential brasseries. The room channels vintage France with mosaic tile floors, glowing milk-glass fixtures, and a classic zinc bar, opening up to a curbside street terrace in front and a tranquil, brick-walled rear jardin out back. **Le Sélect Bistro Menu & What to Order** The kitchen sticks resolutely to classic French bistro repertoire executed with precision and high-grade sourcing. Start with the beef tartare before moving to the crisp-skinned truite meunière in brown butter and capers, or the signature Burger Le Sélect crowned with melted gruyère and peppercorn aioli. Pair your meal with an exceptional pour from the storied 1,200-bottle cellar—one of the deepest collections of French labels in the country—and finish with the vanilla bean crème brûlée. **Know Before You Go** Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners and coveted warm-weather tables in the secluded rear jardin. The $39 three-course weekday prix fixe is one of downtown Toronto's sharpest midday lunch values. Nearby paid parking is available at 421 and 465 Wellington Street West, while the 504 King streetcar stops just around the corner at Spadina.

Read Full Review

No.6

Brunch at Emma's Country Kitchen on St. Clair West

Restaurant• St. Clair West

Emma's Country Kitchen

“The freshly baked buttermilk biscuits are absolute perfection—west-end comfort brunch with real scratch-made soul.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Emma's Country Kitchen?** Located at 810 St. Clair Avenue West in Hillcrest Village, Emma’s Country Kitchen is a daytime institution founded by friends Rachel Pellett and Heather Mee as an ode to Pellett’s grandmother’s homestyle cooking. The spacious, sunlit dining room features casual wood tables, a lively open floor plan, and a bakery display at the front showcasing fresh morning bakes. **Emma's Country Kitchen Menu & What to Order** Virtually everything is made from scratch in-house, led by the legendary Cinnamon Bun Pancakes swirled with caramelized brown sugar and topped with whipped brown butter. For savoury plates, Emma’s Benny delivers perfectly poached eggs over tender, house-baked buttermilk biscuits with rich mousseline sauce, while the house-cured bacon and peameal showcase premium local butcher cuts. Round out the meal with a warm apple fritter or cider doughnut, washed down with a spicy signature Caesar or fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. **Know Before You Go** Emma's operates entirely on walk-ins for regular dining, meaning weekend peak hours between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. bring inevitable lines out the door. The spot is directly accessible via the 512 St. Clair streetcar, with street parking available along St. Clair West. Operating hours run Friday through Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the kitchen closed Tuesday through Thursday.

Read Full Review

No.7

Brunch plates at Easy Restaurant in Parkdale

Restaurant• Parkdale

Easy Restaurant

“Huevos Divorciados done right since 1999—Parkdale TexMex brunch with real staying power.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Easy Restaurant?** Anchoring Queen Street West near Roncesvalles since 1999, Easy Restaurant is Parkdale's long-standing, rock-soundtracked morning refuge. The room channels an unpretentious diner vibe with vintage movie prints, warm wooden banquettes, and natural light streaming through the storefront. It trades downtown brunch spectacle for honest hospitality, comfortable seating, and a steady stream of neighbourhood regulars. **Easy Restaurant Menu & What to Order** The kitchen specializes in Southwestern and Tex-Mex comfort plates built on free-range eggs, Ontario maple syrup, and housemade salsas. Start with the signature Huevos Divorciados—two sunny eggs on corn tortillas split by red and green salsas alongside black beans, guacamole, and ancho chili jam. For a savoury kick, order the Mexican Benedict layered with grilled chorizo and jalapeños, or the scramble-packed Breakfast Burrito. The kitchen also caters seamlessly to dietary needs with dairy-free options, gluten-free onion rings, and vegan substitutions alongside bottomless drip coffee. **Know Before You Go** Seating operates on a walk-in basis, and busy weekend mornings trigger a standard 90-minute table turn along with an automatic 20 percent gratuity for groups of six or more. The 501 Queen streetcar stops steps from the front door, though paid street parking can usually be found along Queen West. The restaurant opens daily at 9:00 a.m., wrapping up by mid-afternoon.

Read Full Review

No.8

Historic dining room at The Senator on Victoria Street

Restaurant• Downtown

The Senator

“Downtown heritage diner brunch with real polish—classic eggs in a room that still feels like an occasion.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is The Senator?** Anchoring 249 Victoria Street just steps from Massey Hall and Yonge-Dundas Square, The Senator is Toronto’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving comfort classics on this plot since the 1920s. Owned and faithfully preserved by Bobby Sniderman since 1984, the room retains its original 1940s mahogany booths, classic diner counter stools, and warm jazz-age mood. It is a rare heritage haven that delivers authentic mid-century hospitality right in the middle of downtown. **The Senator Menu & What to Order** Everything here is built on scratch fundamentals, using farm-fresh eggs, house-reduced stocks, and daily fresh-squeezed orange juice. Weekend brunch is anchored by The Senator Fry Up with peameal and maple baked beans, along with thick-cut challah French toast and buttermilk pancakes. For dinner, the iconic Senator Burger—topped with blue cheese and onion rings—and the scratch chicken pot pie served with whipped potato remain perennial benchmarks. Pair your meal with a rye Manhattan or a label from their thoughtfully curated wine list, and note that the kitchen handles gluten-free modifications with ease. **Know Before You Go** Dinner reservations can be booked directly by email or phone, making this an essential pre-show destination for Massey Hall and the Elgin Theatre. Weekend brunch operates on a walk-in basis for parties under five, so aim for the 9:30 a.m. open to slide into a booth without a wait. Transit access is effortless via Dundas subway station, with Green P parking available nearby on Victoria Street.

Read Full Review

No.9

Dining room and counter at Aloette Spadina

Restaurant• Queen West

Aloette

“Michelin-recommended diner energy with a serious kitchen—weekend brunch burger, chicken & waffles, and that lemon meringue pie.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Aloette?** Occupying the ground floor at 163 Spadina Avenue just below flagship sibling Alo, Aloette is chef Patrick Kriss’s refined, diner-inspired French bistro. The narrow space channels vintage railway car glamour with warm low lighting, curved wood ceilings, plush leather booths, and a front-row counter along the open kitchen. With no outdoor patio, the entire energy concentrates within this compact, lively 38-seat room. **Aloette Menu & What to Order** The kitchen applies fine-dining technique to high-comfort classics, anchored by the legendary Aloette Burger layered with sharp Beaufort cheese and pickled onions. Start with the famous Iceberg Wedge buried beneath chive cream and puffed wild rice, or sample small plates like scallop crudo and chickpea fritters. Signature sips like the floral Rain Song cocktail match the rich fare, but dinner is incomplete without their towering, torch-bronzed lemon meringue pie. **Know Before You Go** Tables can be booked in advance via OpenTable or DINR for same-day seats, though a dedicated portion of the room is held for walk-ins who arrive early. The restaurant opens for dinner nightly at 5:00 p.m., with lunch on Fridays and a dedicated comfort brunch on Saturday and Sunday starting at 11:30 a.m. Take the 501 Queen or 510 Spadina streetcar directly to the corner, as street parking along Queen West is scarce.

Read Full Review

No.10

Bonjour Brioche pastry case photography from the official site

Cafe• Riverside

Bonjour Brioche

“A slice of rustic Paris on Queen East—come for the pastry case, stay for proper French brunch plates.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Bonjour Brioche?** Perched at the corner of Queen Street East and De Grassi Street in Riverside, Bonjour Brioche has been an east-end morning anchor since 1997. Originally opened by Henri and Lori Feasson and preserving the same scratch-made baking traditions under current ownership, the sunlit cafe pairs a bustling front pastry counter and compact dining room with a shaded summer patio. It operates as both a reliable neighbourhood gathering place and a serious Parisian-style viennoiserie hub. **Bonjour Brioche Menu & What to Order** Laminated pastry is the main draw, specifically the double-baked almond croissant, fruit clafoutis tarts, and creamy Basque cheesecake. For hot plates, the golden brioche French toast and the Quiche Lorraine—paired with a crisp green salad tossed in the cafe's signature shallot vinaigrette—are time-tested staples. Savoury appetites should lean into the spicy bacon breakfast sandwich on house-baked sourdough or the Bonjour Benny, rounded out by a café au lait served in a classic bowl. **Know Before You Go** Tables are strictly walk-in only, and peak weekend brunch hours reliably produce lines down Queen East. The kitchen and bakery close promptly at 3:00 p.m. daily and the shop remains closed on Tuesdays, so plan on weekday mornings or early arrival if you want prime pastry selection. The 501 Queen streetcar stops steps from the door at De Grassi Street.

Read Full Review

No.11

Brunch at Almond Butterfly A.B. Bistro on Dundas West

Restaurant• Trinity Bellwoods

Almond Butterfly

“The best gluten-free pancakes and breakfast sandwiches in the city—at the Dundas West A.B. Bistro.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Almond Butterfly?** Anchoring Dundas Street West near Markham Street in Trinity Bellwoods, Almond Butterfly’s full-service A.B. Bistro is the sit-down evolution of founders Melody Saari and David Piesina's Harbord Village bakery. The bright room combines a sleek marble bar, whitewashed brick, cozy banquettes, and a seasonal CafeTO curbside patio. Operating with a strictly 100% gluten-free kitchen, it gives celiacs and gluten-sensitive diners absolute peace of mind with zero risk of fryer cross-contamination. **Almond Butterfly Menu & What to Order** Brunch runs daily until 4 p.m., headlined by fluffy blueberry pancakes, runny eggs benny served on house-baked gluten-free English muffins, and the loaded West Palm avocado toast. Later in the day, the kitchen shifts into comfort classics that are rarely safe for gluten-free diners: golden buttermilk chicken fingers, beer-battered fish and chips, towering double smashburgers, and jumbo battered onion rings. Pair your plates with weekday mimosa specials or local cider, and grab a cinnamon bun or carrot cake cupcake from the pastry case on your way out. **Know Before You Go** Weekend brunch lines form fast; OpenTable reservations are strongly recommended to bypass lengthy sidewalk waits. The bistro is fully cashless, laptop-friendly Monday through Friday, and sits directly along the 505 Dundas streetcar route. Paid Green P street parking is available on Dundas, along with limited one-hour free parking on adjacent residential side streets.

Read Full Review

No.12

Brunch at The Federal on Dundas Street West

Restaurant• Little Portugal

The Federal

“Gold Standard sandwich craft with a proper Dundas West dining room—arrive early on weekends.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is The Federal?** Anchoring Dundas Street West near Dufferin in Little Portugal, The Federal is a storied daytime institution that serves as the sit-down mothership to the Gold Standard sandwich counters. Founded by Zach Slootsky, the cozy dining room features exposed brick, vintage wood trim, snug banquettes, and a vibrant seasonal sidewalk patio. It operates with quintessential west-end charm—intimate, lively, and thoroughly unfussy. **The Federal Menu & What to Order** The kitchen upgrades morning staples with thoughtful technique and sharp seasoning. The runaway headliner is the Gold Standard Breakfast Sandwich—stacked with folded cheesy eggs, pickles, garlic aioli, and Marie Sharp's habanero hot sauce on a toasted English muffin, customizable with bacon, crispy kale, or house-made vegan Impossible sausage. Beyond the sandwich, order the Eggs Federal blanketed in rich mushroom-tarragon cream, the ultra-crispy potato rösti, or the pressed Cubano layered with slow-roasted pork and cheddar. Wash it all down with bottomless diner drip coffee, local craft pilsner, or a zesty morning cocktail. **Know Before You Go** The Federal runs entirely on walk-ins, and because indoor seating is intimate, weekend queues along Dundas form quickly after 10 a.m. Reach the restaurant easily via the 505 Dundas streetcar, which stops right outside near Gladstone Avenue. Green P and street parking are available along the strip, but spaces are limited during prime brunch rushes.

Read Full Review

No.13

Asian-inspired brunch at Sisters & Co on Dundas West

Restaurant• Trinity Bellwoods

Sisters & Co

“Bulgogi Benny and gochujang chicken & waffle—Dundas West brunch with real personality, walk-in only.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Sisters & Co?** Located at 887 Dundas Street West on the Trinity Bellwoods strip, Sisters & Co was launched in 2019 by longtime friends Hilary Lee, Michelle Ha, and Vivian Mac. The sunlit, minimalist dining room buzzes with daytime energy, anchored by blonde wood furnishings, snug booth seating, and a bustling brunch counter. It purposefully steers away from standard morning templates, infusing classic breakfast formats with genuine, home-style pan-Asian comfort. **Sisters & Co Menu & What to Order** The kitchen leans into bold, savory balance with hits like the tender Bulgogi Beef Benedict topped with caramelized onions and rich hollandaise, and a Gochujang Chicken and Waffle that nails the sweet-and-spicy ratio. For a sweet tilt, the fluffy Earl Grey pancakes and citrus mascarpone waffle are crowd favourites, while the panko-crusted Chicken Katsu Club sandwich serves up serious mid-day heft. Pair your plates with a condensed-milk Vietnamese iced coffee or iced ceremonial matcha latte, and look to vegetarian-friendly options like the avocado or truffle mushroom benedicts. **Know Before You Go** Sisters & Co is strictly walk-in only, meaning weekend queues start early and hit peak gridlock between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Arriving right at doors on weekends or sliding into a weekday morning seat will dramatically minimize wait times. The room is easily reached via the 505 Dundas streetcar, with standard metered street parking along Dundas West.

Read Full Review

No.14

Brunch dishes at Good Fork on Dundas West

Restaurant• Brockton Village

Good Fork

“Blueberry halva pancakes and Spanish hash—Anatolian-inspired brunch that stands apart from the Benny pack.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Good Fork?** Occupying a sunlit stretch of Dundas West in Brockton Village just past Dufferin, Good Fork is a neighbourhood fixture run by Kurdish-Turkish brothers Ali and Tolga Yalcin. The dining room balances sleek minimalism with warm hospitality, featuring rich jewel tones, plush banquettes, textured stone flooring, and a central communal table under soft lighting. Originally founded in Bloor West Village before putting down roots here, it has grown into a spacious haven bridging Toronto diner traditions with neo-Anatolian culinary heritage. **Good Fork Menu & What to Order** The daytime menu pivots effortlessly between satisfying brunch classics and Turkish morning staples, headlined by the blueberry halva pancakes layered with orange blossom ricotta and nutty sesame crumble. Savoury appetites should gravitate towards the Spanish hash—crispy twice-cooked potatoes crowned with crumbled chorizo, poached eggs, and hollandaise—or the Anatolian Delight platter loaded with sesame simit, whipped feta, and tahini with fruit pekmez. Vegetarians are well cared for with silky çılbır poached eggs over garlic labneh and the loaded hummus bowl, backed by spiced salep, Turkish coffee, and craft cocktails. **Know Before You Go** Weekday brunch and weekend dinners take table reservations, but weekend brunch runs predominantly on walk-ins backed by a live waitlist system, making early arrivals before 10 a.m. essential to dodge pavement lineups. The 505 Dundas streetcar stops right outside, while street parking along the strip fills quickly on busy mornings. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays, operating for daytime service Wednesday through Monday and reopening for dinner Thursday through Saturday.

Read Full Review

No.15

Mamakas Taverna official photography from mamakas.ca

Restaurant• Ossington

Mamakas Taverna

“Weekend Greek brunch done properly—lamb shakshuka, kayanas toast, and loukoumades on Ossington.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Mamakas Taverna?** Occupying 80 Ossington Avenue at Humbert Street, Mamakas Taverna is restaurateur Thanos Tripi’s flagship homage to modern Aegean cooking. The whitewashed dining room channels a breezy Cycladic courtyard with exposed pale brick, soft ambient globe lighting, a lively bar counter, and sidewalk patio seating during warmer months. It remains one of the strip’s quintessential dining hubs, pairing high-energy communal taverna vibes with sharp, attentive service. **Mamakas Taverna Menu & What to Order** Start with freshly grilled pita alongside house dips like creamy taramosalata and spicy tirokafteri before slicing into a true horiatiki layered with imported Greek feta. For mains, order the charred grilled octopus (oktapodi) and the tender paidakia (charcoal-grilled lamb chops), or split a whole grilled lavraki dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The beverage program leans entirely into regional authenticity with an outstanding all-Greek wine list spotlighting crisp Santorini Assyrtiko and earthy Xinomavro reds. **Know Before You Go** Dinner reservations are essential on Ossington, especially for prime evening slots and weekend seatings. Walk-ins have the best shot at snagging a bar seat right when doors open at 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. Ossington street parking is notoriously limited, making the 63 Ossington bus or 501 Queen streetcar your smoothest transit bet.

Read Full Review

No.16

Gold Standard breakfast sandwich counter on Roncesvalles

Restaurant• Roncesvalles

Gold Standard

“The gold-foil breakfast sandwich that earned a cult—Roncesvalles counter perfection, no table required.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is Gold Standard?** Tucked into a walk-up takeout window on Neepawa Avenue at 385 Roncesvalles Avenue, Gold Standard is the cult-favourite grab-and-go project spawned by The Federal's Zach Slootsky in partnership with Reunion Coffee Roasters. There is no indoor dining room or sit-down pretension here—just a scorching-hot flat top, gold foil wrappers, and a couple of sidewalk benches where hungry locals gather. **Gold Standard Menu & What to Order** The undisputed star is the namesake Gold Standard Breakfast Sandwich, loaded with soft cheddar-scrambled eggs, tangy house aioli, crunchy dill pickles, and hot sauce on a griddled English muffin; ordering it "with the works" (both crispy bacon and sautéed kale) hits every savoury, spicy, and acidic note. If you arrive past morning hours, pivot to the Telway Burger, an authentic Detroit-style slider smashed over thinly shaved onions on a steamed Martin's potato roll, or go meatless with The Alternative featuring garlic mushrooms and hummus. Wash it down with a bottled Mexican Coke, yerba mate soda, or a freshly pulled drip coffee from Reunion Island around the front. **Know Before You Go** Everything is strictly walk-up counter service with no reservations, so expect brisk queues during prime weekend brunch hours—though ordering ahead online lets you skip the wait. The 504 King streetcar drops you right at the corner of Roncesvalles and Howard Park, and street parking is available on surrounding residential streets. The kitchen slings sandwiches daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but hit the window early before the griddle gets overwhelmed.

Read Full Review

No.17

Brunch at The Morning After on Fort York Boulevard

Restaurant• Fort York

The Morning After

“Big shareable brunch energy by Fort York—mash-up platters and a room built for groups.”

— Very Toronto Editors

**What is The Morning After?** Perched at 88 Fort York Boulevard directly across from Canoe Landing Park, The Morning After is CityPlace’s hyper-energetic antidote to late nights. The bright dining room blends punchy neon accents and playful decor with an upbeat party pulse, backed by a sprawling wraparound summer patio. Seating is tailored for high-spirited social gatherings, with communal tables and compact banquettes designed to handle lively groups. **The Morning After Menu & What to Order** The kitchen leans unapologetically into indulgent comfort food and hangover remedies. Go straight for Still Fried—crisp boneless fried chicken atop a Belgian waffle finished with spicy gochujang maple syrup—or the Guilty Conscience, a sourdough sandwich layered with Montreal smoked meat, bacon, gruyere, and a sunny-side-up egg. Sweet breakfast devotees should order The Cure (cinnamon sugar French toast drenched in tequila caramel), paired with a multi-flavour Mmmimosa Carousel or a boozy Flying Unicorn Latte. **Know Before You Go** Weekend brunch operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning prime brunch hours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. bring sizable line-ups. Groups of five or more are placed on a single bill with an automatic 18% gratuity. Transit access is simple via the 511 Bathurst or 509 Harbourfront streetcars, stopping just steps away at Bathurst and Fort York.

Read Full Review