Madame Marie’s Guide to the Best Brunch in Toronto

Isn’t everyone on the hunt for the best brunch in the city? This is the only Toronto brunch list you’ll need.

Feast on stacks of pancakes, omelettes, avo toast and more at my go-to brunch spots in Toronto.

Listed alphabetically.

Bonjour Brioche
812 Queen Street East
bonjourbrioche.com

Transport yourself to an authentic French bakery and cafe, complete with the scent of buttery croissants when you walk in the door. It’s the type of smell you want to bottle up. Delight in daily soups, quiche du jour, and a variety of sandwiches on freshly-baked bread. Don’t forget to purchase some delicious baked goods to enjoy a la maison.

Dirty Food Eatery
3070 Dundas Street West
dirtyfoodto.com

Comforting classics are a specialty at this Junction brunch spot, and the long wait lists are evidence that everyone wants some Dirty Food! Try one of several benedicts, the Monte Cristo (a grilled cheese and french toast hybrid) and apple cinnamon Jonnycakes. Tip: there’s an online wait list so you can plan ahead.

Insomnia
563 Bloor Street
insomniarestaurant.com

Just like its name might suggest, Insomnia is open late (2 a.m. for dinner service!) and it serves more than just brunch, however, brunch is Insomnia’s specialty. The menu at this quaint and cozy Annex restaurant is full of Benedicts, waffles, pancakes and the most delicious, BBQ-sauce smothered home fries in the city (don’t knock them until you try them!). Plenty of gluten-friendly and vegan options available.

Lady Marmalade
265 Broadview Avenue
ladymarmalade.ca

Yes, you’ll definitely be salivating as you wait for a table at this east end brunch institution. The Cochinita pibil eggs benny, A.M. Poutine, daily baked bread pudding, and pretty much everything else on the menu is worth it!

Madame Levant
821 Gerrard Street East
madamelevant.com

There’s a reason this Levantine brunch destination is top-rated on many of the city’s brunch lists. Madame Levant dishes up traditional brunch with a flavourful twist. Think: yam fries dusted with za’atar, a tahini drenched kafta burger and flash-fried cauliflower smothered in homemade hummus. One piece of advice: order everything!

Maha’s Egyptian Brunch
226 Greenwood Avenue
mahasbrunch.com/

Venture to the city’s east end to experience Egyptian cuisine made with love—and patrons inhale it faster than they can snap a selfie. Don’t be deterred by the long lines. The Cairo Classic, and many more dishes of the like, are worth the wait. See my full review here!

mahasbrunch
Basturma Scramble.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
85 Hanna Avenue, Suite 104
mildreds.ca

If you’re looking to nurse your hangover after a wild night out, or simply delight in one of the city’s best brunches, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village has you covered. Order the irresistible blueberry pancakes and salmon Veda to get your brunch fix. Mildred’s doesn’t accept reservations, so rise and shine, or be prepared to wait.

Saving Grace
907 Dundas Street West
instagram.com/savinggraceto

Find innovative takes on brunch classics, like stuffed gruyere and apple French toast, carrot cake waffles, Eggs “Rajasthani” and unique beverages to wash them all down with.

School
70 Fraser Avenue
schooltoronto.com/

Another classic Toronto joint for brunch, mimosas and lots of coffee in the heart of Liberty Village. School serves both sweet and savoury items, such as Apple Crumble Cakes and Millennial Toast, to keep their patrons satisfied and coming back for more.

Smith
553 Church Street
smithrestaurant.com

If you didn’t order a stack strawberry cheesecake pancakes at Smith, did you really even go? This Church Street hot spot offers plenty of crave-worthy items that Torontonians line up for every weekend. Good news: Smith takes reservations and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend, so you can still get your brunch fix if you sleep in.

Bisous,

Mme M. xoxo