Where to dine for Mother’s Day brunch, 2016 edition
There are three cardinal rules when it comes to Mother’s Day brunch: book early, choose a spot with an inspired interior and great food, and most importantly, get ready to foot the bill. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot for Mom, these Toronto restaurants are hosting classy buffets, prix-fixe, and a la carte brunches worthy of the lady of the hour. [Image by PHOTOPHILCRO - Phil Crozier; courtesy of Maman]
Kortright Centre For Conservation
PineValleyDr, Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A6For the Mum who loves nature, make the quick drive to the Kortright Centre in Vaughan for a buffet brunch with a guided hike to follow. The conservation hub features innumerable trails and wetlands for some much-needed outdoor exploration. The Kortright is still taking reservations for their two brunch seatings – and the buffet will include a waffle bar, a crepe and omelette station, yogurt and granola, and all the breakfast standards. To boot, they will be hosting a flower market; kids can buy Mum a $15 bouquet and pick out the blooms themselves.
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4Mexican-style brunch starts at 11 am at this Distillery District darling. With a sprawling wood-clad space complete with murals a la Day of the Dead, colourful architectural lighting, and a heated back patio, there’s plenty of room for large parties and last-minute resos. As for the fare? Indulge in some mezcal maple syrup on your pancakes, or the Huevos Placero – three eggs, chorizo, mole sauce, and guacamole (duh, tortilla included). You can also check out sibling resto Archeo, also in the Distillery, for lunch (with a hint of brunch) plans instead.
The Beverley Hotel
335 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A4Treat the lady of the hour to a day of shopping on Queen West, and before you start, fuel up at this boutique hotel at the foot of Beverley Street. If your mum likes gourmet Canadian classics like smoked salmon Benedicts, corned beef hash, lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes, done-right Caesars, and fresh-squeezed-orange-juice mimosas, you’ll be in good hands. Still taking reservations, The Beverley Hotel also hosts a gorgeous rooftop patio, which, if it’s open, is most definitely worth checking out while you’re there.
Maman Bakery Cafe
100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 2A1Keen on showing Mom your big-kid-job digs at First Canadian Place? Afterward, treat her to a prix-fixe brunch at Maman. The warm, inspired café, bakery and restaurant is a go-to for the financial district crowd for mouthwatering baguette sandwiches, rustic baked goods, modern cocktails, and hard-to-find French dishes. The $50 prix-fixe will get you a starter (Greek yogurt parfait, brioche, and other delicates), a main (chicken club with a Provencal twist, smoked salmon blinis, croissant with maple syrup and ricotta, and more), and a dessert (we know you’re already drooling, so we’ll stop). Tip: Maman prefers to take reservations by email at info@mamanto.com
Barnsteiner's
1 Balmoral Ave, Toronto, ON M4V 3B9For a Mother’s Day brunch in midtown, try Barnsteiner’s. The 2015-newcomer has been making waves in the Rosedale area, with a gorgeous-meets-comfy interior and an upscale menu of rethought European fare with a rustic edge. They’ll be toting their regular lunch menu – think oysters, tuna tartare, lobster bisque, fresh pastas – plus some Mother’s Day breakfast additions like French toast, eggs benny, and Nutella banana flatbread. But perhaps best of all, the sweet spot (perched on Yonge Street between St Clair and Summerhill stations) is still taking reservations.
AGO Bistro
317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4If your mom is a connoisseur of Canadian art (and beyond), dip into that bank account and take her to Mother’s Day buffet brunch at the Frank restaurant at the Art Gallery of Ontario – with, of course, tickets to the permanent exhibit afterward. Brunch will set you back a hefty $85 but includes seafood and carving stations, all the breakfast faves, plus a sweets and pastries table. AGO member? Whip out that card – you’ll score a 10% discount.
Miku Restaurant
10 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2R8If you’re looking for a Lakeshore stroll after breakfast and Mom’s got a hankering for sushi on her big day, may we suggest Mother’s Day Brunch at the oh-so-classy Miku restaurant? Soak in the gorgeously modern interior of the Queen’s Quay restaurant – colourful wall murals, floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of seating – and enjoy Japanese spins on classic brunch plus the restaurant’s signature aburi sushi. Walk off all that deliciousness with a stroll along Lake Ontario.
Casa Loma
1 Austin Terr, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8Because every Mum deserves to celebrate her day of honour at a castle. Toronto’s most beloved mansion will be hosting a Mother’s Day brunch buffet, and is well-equipped for hosting larger families, if you’ve got a few generations of Mums to take care of. Dine in the great room or the glassed-in conservatory and take a tour about the grounds afterward. Hot tip: Casa Loma is also a primo locale if you’re looking to update your family photos.
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