Eggs Benedict from Café Cancan in Toronto © Jessica Lam / Lonely Planet
One of the best things about the weekend is going out for brunch, and Toronto is a brunch lover’s dream. From soft, fluffy hotcakes oozing with maple syrup to eggs Benedict cooked to perfection, there’s a dish and a place for every set of taste buds.
Here are just a few of our top brunch spots in Toronto.
Brunch with some French flare at Café Cancan
If you’re craving something très magnifique for brunch, look no further than the pretty-in-pink Café Cancan. This dreamy pastel French bistro offers brunch classics with a French twist, with dishes such as fried duck eggs and smoked trout crêpe. The gorgeous backyard patio is where you’ll want to sit during the warmer months.
Traditional Italian fare at Oretta
Oretta is your go-to spot for authentic and traditional Italian eats. From pastas to pizzas, it’s not your typical brunch menu, but it sure as heck is delicious. Enjoy your hearty Italian brunch in a retro art-deco space, with vibrant colors, elegant tile patterns and soaring ceilings.
Classic diner favorites at Old School
If casual is your thing, Old School is your place. You can find all your favorite diner staples here, from drool-worthy pancake stacks to savory eggs Benedict. You might also find some challenging scientific terms and mathematical equations on the chalkboard, but not to worry – we guarantee it’ll be the best kind of school you visit.
Healthier brunch staples at Baddies
Baddies has it all nailed down with aesthetics, from the stylishly minimalist interior to the colorfully plated dishes. You’ll find a number of healthy brunch options at this Australian-style café, such as millennial-favorite avocado toast or chia seed pudding. This west-end gem is a little farther out from the city core, but it’s worth the trek.
Local and seasonal dishes at Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen
While Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen is known for its selection of 100+ ciders from around Ontario and the world, it also offer delicious brunch options with local and seasonal ingredients. The rustic-chic space features unique touches, like abstract painted walls inside and out, as well as stunning stained-glass windows. Along with fresh flowers and blankets for chilly days on the patio, Her Father’s has the charm of a contemporary farmhouse restaurant.
Plant-based brunch at Planta
Planta serves up plant-based brunch dishes as picturesque as the incredibly chic interior, with jungle-printed wallpaper and stylish lighting fixtures. From sweet treats to savory bites, there’s something for everyone, whether you have a plant-based diet or not.
Creative dishes and cocktails at Pray Tell
Pray Tell is a cozy spot in Little Italy featuring Scandinavian elements and tons of greenery, adding to the airiness and relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with a friend or spend an hour or two working in. Brunch options are light if you’re looking for something a little less heavy. You’ll also find a number of delicious and creative seasonal cocktails if coffee isn’t your thing.
Based on these mouth-watering locations, it seems Torontonians take brunch very seriously. If you do too, add Toronto to the top of your travel list.
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