At best, brunch in Toronto is the decadent highlight of a weekend. At worst, it can be a time-and-money-consuming source of regret (insult to the injury of a Sunday morning hangover). To help you avoid the latter and ensure the former, head to one of these hidden gem brunch spots where you won’t see lineups out the door on weekends. Plus, these spots won’t put an even bigger dent in your bank account than you did the night before.
Here are hidden gems to grab brunch at in Toronto that you won’t find in tourist guides!
KOS
Even though we’re in the depths of winter, come summer, soak up some sun on this Nassau Street patio and take your pick of traditional all-day breakfast options at KOS. Enjoy ample veggie options (the Veggie Eggspress with eggs and your choice of grilled tomato, baked beans, sautéed spinach, and mushroom for under $10. KOS has been a mainstay in the heart of Kensington Market since 1975 and if you’re in a hurry, you can expect to be in and out fairly quickly.
Lazy Daisy’s
At Lazy Daisy’s, not only can you dine for some delicious brunch, but you can purchase baked goods to take home with you like their mouth-watering buttermilk biscuits! Everything that you’ll indulge in here is made homemade locally and farm-fresh.
Sophie’s
You’re going to want to get your camera out for this. Sophie’s gives that nostalgic diner feels with its bright colours and prints. The brunch menu is a wonderful combo of classic dishes with a bit of a twist, like the Pecan Cornflake Crusted French Toast or the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Any meal you pick here is a winner!
Starving Artist
Any big-time waffle lover needs a Starving Artist brunch experience. There are now 7 different locations to choose from across the city, where you can get an all-day, distinctly waffle-oriented brunch. Choose from sweet or savoury, vegan, gluten-free, potato, or do a waffle eggs benny, a BLT with a waffle bun, a waffle grilled cheese, or even waffle bacon. Signature waffles start at $6 so, you can justify a 2-ounce caesar.
Free Time’s Cafe
Situated on College just past Spadina is Free Time’s Cafe. While you might know this spot for its quaint live music that can be heard in the back and its comfort food, you have to know that it also offers a wicked brunch come the weekend. On Saturdays, enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch for just $25 while listening to live Klezmer & Yiddish music.
7 West
If you’re craving bacon, eggs, and home fries at 3, 4, or 5 a.m., there aren’t too many reliable options downtown outside of 7 West. Luckily, this statuesque cafe in a Victorian house near Yorkville offers its full menu 24 hours every day. A more robust brunch offering is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., so you can get a decadent waffle or a stack of berry-topped pancakes with a mimosa, but if your ‘weekends’ start during the week, grab the ‘All the Time Breakfast’ option.
Hurricane’s Roadhouse
Definitely unassuming, Hurricane’s Roadhouse is a hidden gem in plain sight. The vibe is a sports bar (with a history-filled, classic atmosphere – this place has been standing since 1985), but they’ve been voted one of the best ones in the city and they actually have award-winning menu offerings. The Hangover Poutine in particular doesn’t disappoint. Paired with $5 caesars or mimosas on Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m., you can rarely go wrong with this weekend brunch.
The Ace
Located on Roncy, The Ace is super cute but more importantly, it serves up super delicious fare. Grab brunch on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Choose between tasty dishes like huevos rancheros, eggs benedict, Croque madame, challah french toast, and more.
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10 Of The Best Hidden Gem Places To Get A Facial In Toronto
Ugh, if there is one thing I hate about the winter season, it’s definitely the frigid temperatures. Yeah sure, it’s great for breaking out all those lovely layering sweaters and beautiful thick scarfs to protect your neck, but you know what it’s not great for? Your skin! As temperatures dip lower, as they do here in Canada, it tends to wreak havoc on your skin making it dry, flaky and in some cases, even cracking. If you’re like me and try to have a serious skincare regimen, then there are some simple things you can do to save your skin during the winter season and it includes sometimes indulging in a facial. Sure we could go to any of the many spas that Toronto has, but if you’re looking for a cozier experience, then head to any of these hidden gem places to score a great facial.
Here are 10 great hidden gem spots to get a facial in Toronto.
Dermalogica @ Royal Bank Plaza
Listen, we all have our own skincare routines, but sometimes, there’s no shame in admitting that we need extra help. This is why at the beginning of December, I went to the brand new Dermalogica flagship located inside the Royal Bank Plaza to book my very own treatment. I selected the ProSkin 30, which cost $70 and offers a high-impact treatment customized to my skin concerns. Not only was the facial totally rejuvenating to my skin, but the team also introduced me to a gentle exfoliant that’s perfect for the winter months. Since the skin barrier is compromised during the winter (because of the dryness and the cold air), it’s important to use a gentle exfoliant. Who knew?
Province Apothecary
Our skin is kind of like a map, and the way each person’s skin reacts to different climates is different. This is why I was super interested in Province Apothecary’s holistic approach at its skincare clinic which is located on Dundas West. One of the brands’ facials can cost between $90-$120 for up to 60 minutes, depending on the specific treatment. With that said, the team will customize a unique facial experience for you and use only active plant ingredients and essential oils. My biggest take away here: using gentler, more natural products for your face, especially during the winter is way BETTER. So go ahead, and splurge.
Gee Beauty
Recently I moved into the Rosedale area and came across Gee Beauty, who are known in the city for some of the signature facials it offers. If you’re fighting against the winter skin blues, you’re going to want to book in for the ‘Naturally Gorgeous’ facial for $165 for 60 minutes. This facial will repair the skin while aiming to bring back radiance that’ll enhance your glow. For an additional cost, you can add in a treatment with an LED light device and to be honest, when trying to beat off the winter’s SAD, it’s totally helpful.
The Detox Market
Everyone knows that The Detox Market is the place to go for all your clean beauty needs but did you know that you can now experience a facial in Toronto there, too? At the retailer’s Yorkville location on Scollard Street, book in for the Odacité’s “Temple of Beauty Facial” which uses the brands all natural yet effective products. Expect to see a noticeable post-facial glow that’ll also have you looking majorly contoured. In addition to the relaxing hour-long facial, you’ll also receive a warm and cold gua sha massage which de-puffs the face, and is great for lymphatic drainage.
Blitz Facial Bar
Known for its killer facial menu, Blitz Facial Bar is the place to go for all of your skin needs. My go-to when visiting is “The Micro” facial, which is just 30 minutes ling and costs only $85. While this facial goes through all the nitty, gritty of most facial procedures, it also restores collagen, and uses a diamond tip paired with gentle suction to remove the outermost layer of dead skin. Trust me, it’s pretty cathartic to see and hear that dead skin being removed.
Majesty’s Pleasure
While everyone is town knows Majesty’s Pleasure for its nail art, you probably didn’t know that this hotspot offers a quality facial in Toronto. Stop by for its “Rejuvenating Facial” that’s 60 minutes long and even though it costs $165, let me tell you — the steam, exfoliation and extraction process is incredible. Not moisturizing your skin can leave cracks in the skins surface, so if you’re feeling all the dry skin feels, then this process will be key in helping it stay supple.
SILK + PALM
If you’re in the mood for a unique facial, check out Yorkville’s SILK + PALM and try out it’s Silk Glow facial which includes the spa’s signature acupuncture. It’ll put you out $150 but you can’t really put a price on great skin, right? The acupuncture balances out the skin from the inside out and increases collagen production and it’s followed by relaxing gua sha and jade roller massage that increases circulation and reduces puffiness.
Tips Nail Bar
Another Toronto nail salon that’s known for its nail art is Tips Nail Bar but you can get so much more there besides a fabulous mani. Tips is home to a great hidden-gem spa that offers top quality facials in Toronto as well as microdermabrasion, peels, and more. If you don’t have the time for a full-on facial, Tips offers 20 minute Micro-Zone treatments like flash exfoliation, eye rescue, and lip renewal, among others as well as its classic 75 minute Dermalogica facial which is the real deal.
The Ten Spot
With so many Ten Spot locations not only in Toronto but across the country, you’re never far from a wealth of beauty services. The Ten Spot offers nail services, laser, waxing, and of course, facials at all of its locations. Choose from a quickie detox facial for $60 if you’re in a hurry or indulge in a fully customized facial for $110. Plus, at some outposts you can even enjoy a post-facial cocktail!
Sweat And Tonic
Life is moving so fast these days that we’re constantly searching for convenience everywhere we go. If you’re in need of a facial and a good workout but can’t make it to both places, simply head to Sweat and Tonic that’s located right across the street from the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The gym/spa/wellness hybrid offers not only HIIT classes, but boxing and yoga, as well as spa services. All of the facials at Sweat and Tonic are just 30 minutes and use Consonant Skincare products, so know you’re getting the best of the best. Even better, if you’re a first time Consonant customer, you can score your first facial for just $45 instead of the regular $65.
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