2015 saw an explosion of next-level breakfast spots on the west side, with a new series of cute-as-hell restos that are offering a new spin on Toronto’s favourite meal. Get ready for eggs benny on fresh baked waffles, quinoa breakfast fried rice and enough Caesars and mimosas to keep you going all Sunday long.
Annette Food Market is serving up elegantly styled comfort food for dinner and brunch in the Junction. What began as a pop-up brunch spot quickly expanded into a full weekend brunch service. Annette Food Market’s brunch features delightful classics like skillets and waffles, best paired with one of their inspired designed-for-the-daytime cocktails.
For many, Starving Artist is the long reigning king of the Bloordale brunch scene, and its newest location on College just east of Ossington is no exception. All the regulars are present on this menu, and as sinfully delicious as usual, including waffle-built Benedicts, waffle sandwiches and waffle-iron-cooked bacon.
Patois on Dundas West is making big waves with its Chinese-Jamaican fusion menu, and their choice to roll out a specialty brunch menu has T.O. foodie’s buzzing. Try something new and experimental from the weekly features or find your go-to like the Hong “King” Kong waffle with Nutella, macerated strawberries, whipped cream and plantain chips.
This eclectic Junction spot is full of romantic-meets-industrial décor nods and a menu that is both refreshingly original and internationally inspired. The Passenger has an ethical mandate to keep everything local, in-season, ethically raised and sustainably caught. In terms of brunch fare, the standout here is the lemon ricotta and poppy seed pancakes: light, fluffy sweetness you can feel good about eating.
Mata Petisco Bar is new to the Queen West hood, toting a laid-back atmosphere and a South American inspired menu. Customers can find one of a kind dishes here like the breakfast poutine, which features guava BBQ sauce and cassava frites topped with cheese curds, poached eggs and hollandaise.
Mamakas on Ossington wowed Toronto with its classic Greek menu that was just like grandma’s food. Nothing says brunch quite like spanakopita, a traditional spinach- and feta-filled phyllo pie. Mamakas has crowds flocking to its brunch for all the Greek classics – fresh dips, warm pita and tender lamb served with poached eggs.
With a focus on shared plates and tapas-style dining, The Good Son is all about local eats and sustainable food production. Their menu reflects a diverse mix of cultures, with huevos rancheros, fried shicken, Deputy Lentils and a definite must-try – the breakfast pizza.