8 Of Toronto’s Best Hidden Gem Brunch Spots

8 Of Toronto's Best Hidden Gem Brunch Spots
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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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