Our Top 5 spots for a fabulous brunch in Toronto: 2024 edition

June 12, 2024

The term “brunch” was created, as lore has it, by British writer Guy Beringer in the late 1800s in Hunter’s Weekly. As the story goes, apparently he suggested that instead of the post-church early dinner that was typical in England at the time, there should be a hybrid of breakfast and lunch served for late evening party animals to ease into their Sunday without getting blinded by the light of the rising sun. Whatever the actual origins are of the activity, this meal has been firmly embedded in many restaurants in the greater Toronto area. We’re pleased to serve up our Top 5 Toronto hot spots to please your palette.

Le Select Bistro: authentic, classic French fare

A veritable institution for over 45 years, this iconic classic French bistro continues to please. Le Select Bistro, originally founded by extraordinary restaurateurs and partners Jean-Jacques Quinsac and Frederic Geisweiller, sadly came to an end several years ago due to the outrageous rise in municipal taxes that literally taxed this landmark out of existence. Thankfully for patrons it reopened under development company Allied Properties, along with Scale Hospitality Group, and renowned restaurateur David Aisenstat, who vowed to maintain the legacy and heritage of this beautiful establishment.

Little has changed to the traditional French Bistro under the new management, including the loyalty of longtime legacy staff. The menu remains French (quelle surprise !) and the brunch is one of the finest the city has to offer. The black and white tile floor, open kitchen and quaint table tops continue to underline the restaurant’s European theme. Brunch at Le Select Bistro in Toronto is a delightful fusion of French charm and hearty Canadian hospitality. This bistro’s decor immediately transports you to Paris with its burgundy leather banquettes, black and white tiled floors, and shelves brimming with vintage wine bottles. The atmosphere is both classy and cozy, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely weekend meal.

The brunch menu is as diverse as it is delectable, so start your brunch with a brilliant and explosively flakey Pain au Chocolate or their sinful Crossiant aux Amandes. All pastries are handmade fresh each day by Le Select’s very own pastry chef . Move onto their Eggs Benedict cooked to perfection, drenched in hollandaise and nested atop a small mountain of ground smoked Atlantic salmon: c’est merveilleux ! You may also wish to consider their “Steak Frites”, another French classic, typically cooked medium rare with an aioli. For those who don’t want steak but prefer an option with a savoury palate, the Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are truly to die for.

Le Select’s charm doesn’t stop at the food. The front and back patios offer a private oasis perfect for enjoying a mimosa, while people-watching or simply basking in the serene ambiance. The bistro’s impressive wine list is the cherry on top, making it a haven for both foodies and wine enthusiasts.

So, if you’re looking to impress your brunch companions or simply treat yourself to a slice of Paris in Toronto, Le Select Bistro is the place to be!

Eataly: a fabulous new experience from a Yorkville institution

Eataly may be branching out to locations around the GTA, but four years after opening, the original Italian cooking emporium at Bay and Bloor has become a Toronto destination. Where else can you get a panna cotta to impress dinner guests, or all the ingredients to make a perfect lasagna, all while sipping a fresh cocktail? But for many, the highlight of any trip is the many bars and restaurants nestled within. 

I’ve long sung the praises of one of those restaurants, La Pizza & La Pasta, for being a rare kid-friendly place where I can actually enjoy the meal as much as my daughter. So I was excited to hear that just around the corner, sister restaurant La Piazza has started serving brunch with a unique Italian style.

Dropping by with a friend on a busy Saturday afternoon, the first thing that caught my attention was the sunlight and fresh air pouring into the dining room from the massive open windows — perfect for taking in the sights of Bay Street, while sipping prosecco in relative peace and quiet. In addition to the regular drink menu, there was a range of brunch-specific cocktails. I opted for a refreshing Hugo Spritz, made from prosecco, soda and elderflower liqueur.

The menu ranged from brunch staples with an Italian spin — like Eggs Benedict served on a cornetto — to classic dishes — like spaghetti alla carbonara. A plate of various mini cornetti pastries set the tone for our meal: fresh, flavourful and just the right amount. My friend ordered a margherita pizza al padellino, essentially an elevated version of that personal pan pizza from your childhood, cooked to perfection. I couldn’t resist what sounded like a match made in dessert heaven: tiramisu pancakes. Light and fluffy pancakes kept the dish from being too rich, even with generous servings of cocoa and mascarpone crema, as well as fresh espresso. There was also a selection of salads for those who wanted something light; we opted to round out the meal with a side of thick cut pancetta bacon.

While there, I bumped into a friend concerned about getting a table because he didn’t make reservations. Fortunately, there was ample room at the bar. Still, being a new entrant to Toronto’s brunch scene, it’s a good idea to book ahead!

Margo: the ideal spot for an Instagrammable brunch

Margo — the not so hidden gem of downtown Toronto. Charles Khabouth, the legend of King Street hospitality, and his esteemed team have reimagined the old Spoke Club, transforming it into a chic, nightclub-inspired restaurant. Located on the fourth floor of Clio, Margo invites guests to indulge in a luxurious dining experience with a casual twist. The interior exudes sophistication through its minimalist design, characterized by clean lines and muted tones. Soft ambient lighting enhances the intimate atmosphere, while plush seating invites guests to relax and savour their dining experience. Artfully curated artworks adorn the walls, adding a touch of refinement. Subtle nods to culinary craftsmanship are evident in the tasteful placement of kitchen utensils and culinary-themed decor elements. Also, let’s not forget the flowers and the neon sign that has people lining up to snap a few pics of themselves for the ‘gram!

Their brunch menu is available every Sunday and is a symphony of flavours, featuring highlights such as Margo’s Breakfast with sunny-side-up eggs, bacon, chicken & apple sausage, and roasted tomato, as well as decadent Strawberry Pancakes with macerated strawberries and maple syrup. The Fried Chicken & Waffles, drizzled with pomegranate molasses, is a crowd-pleaser, and the Shakshouka offers a spicy, hearty option with poached eggs and feta​. And to slightly overdo things, why not loosen your belt and try their Baklava or their outrageous, unique Cheesecake?

With its chic ambiance, complete with a stunning rooftop patio that provides breathtaking city views, Margo turns brunch into an experience to remember. Perfect for both intimate gatherings and lively get-togethers, it’s a spot where the sophisticated meets the playful, making every Sunday brunch feel like a mini Mediterranean getaway in Toronto.

Make sure to enhance your brunch experience with the esteemed Hidden Treasure cocktail — a 3 oz concoction featuring Woodford Reserve bourbon, Fernet Branca, Campari, Cherry liqueur, Strega, and a hint of cardamom tincture, all elegantly finished with hickory wood chip smoke. Enjoy its delightfully crafted flavours, while relishing the artistry of its preparation by Margo’s skilled bartenders. Each sip is a journey through nuanced tastes and expert craftsmanship, elevating your dining affair to new heights of indulgence.

Laissez Faire: our favourite spot for a party brunch

Best known as a second story walk up evening bar and hotspot on Toronto’s fast-paced King Street West, Laissez Faire and chef Marcus Monteiro serve up a brunch (every Saturday and Sunday) that is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser and certain to clear up the cobwebs from the prior evening’s festivities.

Upon graduation from the Niagara Culinary Institute, Monteiro put his skills to work traveling and spending time in some of the world’s best kitchens, including Noma, The Fat Duck and Azurmendi in Spain. Eventually, 25 countries and 100 cities later, he packed his knives and returned to his home base: Toronto. Combining fine-dining experience with his newfound knowledge and love of new-aged Mediterranean, Monteiro brings an uncompromised approach to his culinary vision. He aims to elevate food beyond borders to highlight a variety of unexpected Mediterranean cultures. His initial passion for the culinary world stemmed from his mother whose influence and love of food forced him to learn first-hand how to cook dishes from his Portuguese and Canadian roots. He was destined to fall into a career where passion and love would evidently take over.

But back to our experience. Brunch should be fun and energizing, and everything about Laissez Faire embodies that. Their Buttermilk Pancakes with a fruit coulis and whipped cream, drizzled with 100% pure maple syrup, were sublime. The classic Eggs Benedict with asparagus on toast was absolutely fabulous and created an explosion of magic in your mouth. You may also wish to consider their deep-fried Chicken and Waffles, again, drizzled with maple syrup: likely not cardiologist-approved, but you only live once! Or simply settle down for a traditional cooked-to-perfection pair of sunny side-up, farm fresh eggs with amazing sides.

What sets Laissez Faire apart is not just the food but the ambiance. The bar, with its chic apothecary vibes and brass pipe shelves, is a perfect spot to sip on house-made cocktails like the Botanist Spritz for brunch or the Watermelon Picanté from their regular cocktail menu. These drinks are as visually appealing as they are refreshing, served in beautiful glassware.

Rumour has it that a roof top patio is in the wind and we can’t wait to be there for the opening. So, gather your friends, bring your appetite, and prepare for a brunch that’s as stylish as it is scrumptious. And remember, reservations are a good idea — this spot is popular!

Köst: the best view of the waterfront

Perched atop the Bisha Hotel, Köst restaurant is a breathtaking destination amidst Toronto’s vibrant entertainment district. Ascending 44 stories above ground, Köst offers a retreat from the typical Toronto dining establishments and transports guests to vibes reminiscent of the California coastline, all while basking in the colourful energy of Canada’s largest city.

The pièce de résistance is, undoubtedly, the unparalleled panoramic views that greet diners from every angle. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing the cityscape below, and the iconic CN Tower looming overhead, Köst delivers a feast for the eyes that’s unmatched. During the day, the restaurant overlooks the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario, while at night, the city’s twinkling lights set a moody metropolis backdrop for a swanky and sexy night out. From the moment you step into its sun-drenched space (pro tip: bring your sunglasses, even for inside), you’re welcomed in an atmosphere that’s both chic and laid-back, reminiscent of a glamorous Miami beach club.

But Köst isn’t just about the view: the food and beverage selection boasts a range for every diner, from healthy and fresh to rich and indulgent options. The menu, inspired by the flavours of the Baja peninsula, showcases an array of modern dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients.

During our visit, we enjoyed the refreshing Lipstick Mojito mocktail and the invigorating Turmeric Sunshine cold-pressed juice, perfectly complementing the bold flavours of our meals. From the indulgent Short Rib Eggs Benedict topping a bed of crispy potatoes instead of the traditional english muffin, to the vibrant Spicy Tuna Bowl, each dish is a gorgeous display of flavour and presentation. Our lovely server treated us to a surprise at the end of the meal, bringing us the restaurant’s acclaimed fan favourite: their Tres Leche dessert. This heavenly confection of dulce de leche, toasted almond crumble and velvety vanilla bean gelato has been around since the restaurant’s opening in 2017. A lovely experience that’s perfect for a girls’ brunch out!

Photography credits: courtesy of respective venues, Amy Pigeon and Unsplash.

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