Best breakfast in Toronto

76 people recommend, 13 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend this east-end diner on Queen Street East for breakfast and brunch. Some diners single out the biscuits, and others name the griddle cakes, the grits and the large hash brown. Some say it does familiar breakfast dishes especially well, while some visitors found the food underwhelming.

East End

66 people recommend, 23 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Maha's, an Egyptian-style brunch spot. It has more than one outlet; people recommend it across them, and the Greenwood location is the one that some commenters name. Some diners praise the falafel-wrapped egg and the honey cardamom latte, and some suggest ordering the Egyptian dishes over standard breakfast items. Opinion is split: many diners call it overhyped or not worth lining up for, while others say the food earns its reputation.

Greenwood

60 people recommend, 17 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Mildred's Temple Kitchen, and many name its pancakes, especially the blueberry buttermilk ones, with some calling it the obvious pick in Liberty Village. Some diners find the pancakes dense or heavy and suggest sharing them, and several others call the place overrated or say the praise is overblown.

Liberty Village

57 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Overall, people recommend Emma's Country Kitchen, a breakfast spot on St. Clair West, and several single out the cinnamon bun pancakes. Some diners call its pancakes the best they have had, and others praise the buttermilk biscuits, including the Breakwhich, and the house-cured bacon.

St Clair West

45 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Overall, people recommend Lazy Daisy's, an east end cafe at Gerrard and Coxwell, and several single out its homemade biscuits. Diners also praise the breakfast sandwiches and the Mennonite-style bacon, and some mention the cinnamon roll pancakes. Not everyone agrees: some diners find it only okay, overhyped or disappointing.

East End

41 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Most people recommend Gold Standard for breakfast sandwiches, and many rank it at or near the top of the city's picks. One praises the well-scrambled eggs and the pickle and aioli. It has more than one outlet; people recommend it across them, and the Roncesvalles window is the one that some commenters name. Some diners find the sandwiches only average or say they do not live up to the hype, and some rank other spots higher.

Roncy

36 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Most commenters recommend Egg Club, and some single out the egg sandwiches. It has more than one outlet; people recommend it across them, and the Union Station branch is the one that some commenters name. Some praise the bread, one likes the soft scramble style and another the potato-stuffed hash brown. Opinion is mixed: one commenter finds the sandwiches far too sweet, one ranks it below Alma & Gil, one likens it to a fast-food chain, and some are lukewarm.

Union Station

35 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Lady Marmalade is a cafe on Broadview that most people who weigh in recommend for breakfast or brunch, and many commenters name it as a pick. One diner calls the crepe croque monsieur their favourite breakfast item in town, and another recommends the bacon-and-brie benny and its miso dressing. Several diners find the food overhyped or unremarkable.

Broadview Dundas

32 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Most diners recommend Masa Deli for breakfast, and many praise its sandwiches and burritos. Some single out the chorizo burrito, and individual diners mention the house hot sauce and the tangerine juice. On the downside, one diner ranks it below two other spots, and one likes the corned beef sandwich but thinks its salsa clashes with it.

Queen St E

32 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Sleepy Pete's, a Kensington Market spot, for breakfast sandwiches, and several highlight the jalapeño biscuit. A few diners point to the sausage sandwich. Not everyone agrees: a few diners are unimpressed, with one citing soft bacon and dry biscuits.

Kensington Market

29 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Susie's Rise & Dine, a College Street brunch spot that mixes diner food with East Asian influences, and many name its pancakes, with some calling them the best in the city. Some diners like the crisp pancake edges, while another found the breakfast plate less impressive than the pancakes.

29 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Most people recommend the George Street Diner for breakfast, and some call it a good greasy-spoon pick. Some diners favour the Full Irish, and another says the potatoes stood out on a recent visit. Less enthusiastic views include one diner who calls it classic but not especially memorable and one who wishes it still served home fries.

Richmond and Jarvis

25 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people who weigh in recommend Fran's as a breakfast option and call it a classic diner. It has more than one downtown outlet; people recommend it across them, and the College Street original is the one that some commenters name. One diner praises the breakfast potatoes, and another suggests swapping home fries for tater tots. Several others find it touristy or the food subpar, and some advise against it.

College

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Hot Pork for breakfast sandwiches, and some call them among the best in the city. Some single out the brisket breakfast sandwich, and one praises the pork belly sandwiches. Not everyone agrees: one diner who visited several times found the latest sausage and brisket disappointing, and another prefers other spots.

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend The Good Fork, a Turkish-influenced restaurant on Dundas West, and many name it as a breakfast or brunch pick. Diners praise the food, one says it has plenty of strong options that are not egg-based, and some suggest the hummus bowl.

Dundas West

21 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Bonjour Brioche, and many name it as a breakfast or brunch pick. A couple of people point to the spicy bacon sandwich, one calling it legendary, and a couple praise the pastries. One diner calls it their all-time favourite, and another finds the French options solid.

21 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people name L'Avenue as a breakfast or brunch pick. It has more than one Toronto outlet, and The Well is the one that many commenters name. One diner strongly recommends its French toast, and another finds the food delicious and creative with plenty of choices.

The Well

20 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Sisters & Co for breakfast and brunch, and several single out its bulgogi benedict, while one praises its waffle. At the Dundas location, one diner calls the bulgogi benny fantastic and another describes a cute atmosphere with tasty food. One diner found their most recent visit weaker than earlier ones and does not like the potatoes.

Dundas

19 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Overall, diners recommend this Junction eatery, and many name it as a breakfast or brunch pick. Several praise the home fries, and some single out the fried green tomatoes, while one calls the eggs benny probably the best around. One diner finds the rest of the menu merely okay.

The Junction

19 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people describe The Patrician Grill on King East as an old-school diner, and several name it among their breakfast picks. One longtime regular has gone for roughly 35 years, one diner finds it more consistent than George Street, and another enjoyed a traditional eggs-and-bacon breakfast. One diner rates it as merely middling.

King East

19 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people praise the pancakes at Old School, with some naming the blueberry version and one diner calling the pulled pork eggs Benedict the best dish there. Most people who mention the restaurant recommend it, though some visitors were less impressed: one diner found the food poor apart from the milkshake, and another barely remembers the food.

Dundas

18 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Sunset Grill for breakfast. It is a chain, and the CBC building location on Wellington is the one that a couple of commenters name. Some praise the peameal, one the chocolate chip pancakes and one the home fries. Others are less enthusiastic: one notes it is a chain with largely identical food, another dismisses it as a chain, one finds the meals mediocre, and one says other breakfast spots are better.

Cbc Building

17 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many name Avenue Open Kitchen, near Spadina and Richmond, as a breakfast spot, with little said about the food itself. One commenter notes it has been open since 1959, and another recommends its cozy feel.

Spadina and Richmond

17 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most diners recommend Paddington's Pump for breakfast, and many single out its peameal sandwich. Diners name its St. Lawrence Market location, and two call it a classic. One diner praises the pancakes and French toast, another eats the sausage breakfast sandwich almost every week, and one commenter notes that peameal bacon is not everyone's favourite.

St Lawrence Market

16 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people recommend Chew Chew's Diner on Carlton for breakfast. Some diners praise the large portions, and several describe a casual, no-frills diner or greasy spoon, with one praising the hollandaise and another the poutine. One diner calls it their favourite place ever.

Carlton

16 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people recommend Dad's Breakfast & Coffee for breakfast sandwiches, and some point to the coffee slushie. One diner praises the panko-crusted fried egg sandwich and says the rest of the menu is good, and another gives the katsu sando an honourable mention. Not everyone agrees: several diners call it average or question the hype, one found the breaded egg dry and overdone, and another calls the sandwiches greasy.

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many commenters name MadeRite among their breakfast sandwich picks. One commenter singles out the BEC as the standout, one says the Hollywood Club is their regular order, and another picks the sausage egg and cheese. One diner did not like the cheese on the sandwiches.

14 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many diners recommend Bodega Henriette as a breakfast and brunch spot, and some single out its French toast, with one calling the savoury version very good and another recommending the sweet version. One commenter says it feels welcoming to toddlers and babies.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Overall, people recommend Figs on Parliament, and several diners point to its eggs Benedict, with one praising the Florentine version and another calling its hollandaise their best in the city. One calls it a dependable, consistent classic. One diner found the eggs Benedict average on a visit and suspected an off day, and another was a bit underwhelmed.

Parliament

14 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend Carousel Bakery at St. Lawrence Market, and many point to its peameal bacon sandwich as a breakfast pick. A few praise the egg version of the sandwich. One diner dislikes the mustard on their sandwich, though they note it is a traditional way to serve it, and one commenter prefers Dough Bakeshop on the Danforth.

St Lawrence Market

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most people who write about it recommend Alma y Gil, and many rate its breakfast sandwiches very highly, with some calling them the best they have eaten. Some single out the avocado rosti, and one names the pork belly sandwich. One diner says the sandwich turns oily if it is not eaten quickly.

Dufferin

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Tatsuro's, a Japanese-Italian brunch spot in Leslieville. One diner regularly orders the wafu carbonara and the karage moffle, and another says the Japanese-style pasta is the best brunch dish. One person notes it does not serve a full traditional Japanese breakfast with fish, miso and natto.

13 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Le Petit Déjeuner on King East, a cozy spot for waffles and benedict-style dishes. One likes its French toast, another says the eggs benedict and florentine taste very good, and some rate the waffles highly. Not everyone agrees: one says quality has dropped sharply, another is not impressed, and one was disappointed by the food.

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people recommend The Federal on Dundas Street West as a breakfast or brunch pick. One ranks it first in a personal top five of breakfast spots, another suggests ordering the burrito or the burger, and one suggests it for family outings.

Dundas St W

12 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Golden Diner on Carlton is an old-style diner that several people choose for breakfast, and two diners say they keep going back. One diner picks the omelette, another loves the old-style feel, and one notes it looks worn while still finding it charming.

Carlton

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Overall, people recommend Saving Gigi's for breakfast, and many praise its biscuit sandwiches. Some single out a mushroom version on a jalapeño biscuit, and one diner who is not usually a biscuit fan says they loved it. One diner says it may not rank as their top breakfast sandwich.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people name OEB as a breakfast or brunch pick in Toronto, and several count it among their favourites, including one diner who calls it a longtime favourite. It is a chain from western Canada, and the Toronto Street branch is the one that two commenters name.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO, r/toronto

Dough Bakeshop on the Danforth near Broadview draws many recommendations for its breakfast sandwich. Diners call it excellent, simple and satisfying, and some mention the challah bun.

Danforth

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Many people recommend Union on Ossington for breakfast and brunch, and one diner says it reliably delivers. One calls the bacon amazing and another loves it for brunch. One diner wants potatoes or greens served with the sandwich.

Ossington

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Most commenters recommend The Senator, and many name it as a breakfast spot. Some call the food tasty, and one would pick it for breakfast if limited to one day. One diner who once loved it says they stopped going.

10 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Overall, most people recommend Flipper's, and several diners single out its Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, with one calling them light and fluffy. A few people list it among brunch spots. One diner doubts it has the best pancakes in town but finds the regular pancakes good.

Elm St

10 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Many people recommend the Skyline in Parkdale for breakfast, and one calls it a classic diner with a retro feel while another has gone for about 25 years. Others are mixed: one found the eggs had runny whites, and one feels it is now similar to The Federal in feel.

Parkdale

10 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Most people recommend Insomnia, a brunch spot at Bloor and Bathurst. Some people name it for eggs benny, and one says the potatoes are a highlight. One diner says the brunch is great and the back seating is comfy, and another mentions good gluten-free options.

Bloor

10 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

People recommend The Daily Grind for breakfast and brunch. Some diners praise its pancakes, with one naming the lemon ricotta blueberry version, and one calls its non-traditional benedict a standout. One diner found the pancakes less impressive than they looked, with a strong egg flavour that clashed with the sweet toppings, though they liked the other dishes.

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Scenic Coffee + Brunch on Gerrard East for its Japanese-influenced brunch. One calls the brunch genuinely good, one calls it their current favourite, and two praise the sesame latte while one praises the cookies.

Gerrard At Jones

9 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name Easy Restaurant in Parkdale as a brunch pick. One praises its Mexican-inspired breakfasts at Queen and Roncesvalles, and another calls it a good middle ground between a basic diner and a trendier spot.

Parkdale

9 people recommendvia r/askTO

Diners recommend Vesta Lunch, a Dupont Street diner, for breakfast. One says breakfast there is great, another loved the grilled bacon and bread on a late-night visit, and two describe it as a greasy spoon.

8 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Donna's on Lansdowne for breakfast sandwiches, and one rates the steak-and-egg sandwich very highly.

Lansdowne

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend The Morning After as a downtown brunch spot. One calls it their top brunch with tasty food and a great atmosphere, another enjoyed the food and atmosphere a lot, and one suggests it for its photogenic feel.

8 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name Eggstatic as a breakfast and brunch pick; one calls it a Middle Eastern and Western blend, another a Turkish-Canadian fusion, and one highly recommends its pancakes. It has more than one outlet and most commenters do not name one; the Scarborough branch is the one a single commenter names.

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Sammi on the Danforth for Hong Kong-style brunch, praising its pineapple buns, French toast and omelettes. One finds most of the menu solid but the noodle options underwhelming, and another feels it clashes with the spirit of traditional cha chaan teng dining.

Danforth

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name SCHOOL in Liberty Village as a brunch pick, and one recalls the blueberry pancakes as tasting good though unsure it is the top spot. Two say it has declined from how it used to be.

Liberty Village

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend When The Pig Came Home, and two say its peameal should be on the breakfast sandwich list. One says everything there is excellent, and another calls the sandwiches classic and great rather than unusual.

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Chadwicks for brunch. One calls its benny great and a long-time favourite, another says it does an amazing brunch, and one calls the breakfast awesome.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Le Sélect Bistro for brunch. One calls it pleasant, another calls it a family favourite with a great ambience and cooking, and one loves going for brunch.

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name Gateau Ghost on College as a brunch pick, and one mentions its sourdough pancake.

College

7 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend the Lakeview Diner as a classic, unpretentious diner for breakfast, and one praises its hollandaise.

7 people recommendvia r/askTO

Diners recommend The Broadview Diner in the east end for breakfast. One calls it a small, charming place that served one of their top breakfasts lately, and another enjoys breakfast there on weekdays.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Mars Diner at Yonge and Eglinton for breakfast. One names the peameal eggs Benedict as their current favourite in the city, and another calls Mars Diner exactly what they were looking for.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend JJIN Toast on Bathurst in Koreatown for Korean-style egg sandwiches. One calls them incredible and another says the bread suits the sandwiches well.

Bathurst

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Ohiru Cafe on College for Japanese-style brunch. One says its bennies are excellent, another calls it a go-to for brunch and praises the matcha latte, and one finds its Japanese-style benedict strong. One notes it does not serve a full traditional Japanese breakfast.

College East of Bathurst

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/ontario, r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Free Times Cafe for its Jewish-style brunch with live klezmer music. One calls it the best brunch in Toronto, others call it very good or excellent, and one says they now miss it.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Manita on Ossington for breakfast. One picks its breakfast sandwich as the morning stop, another says it is really good, and one loves the sandwich.

Ossington

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name House on Parliament as a breakfast and brunch pick. One says it is not a greasy spoon but rates its weekend brunch and breakfast well, and another calls it nice brunch.

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie in the Distillery District as a brunch pick, and one rates its coconut parfait chia pudding as their second-best breakfast.

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend The Gingerman in the east end, at Victoria Park and St Clair, for old-school diner breakfast. One regularly orders the eggs benny, and another calls the food tasty.

6 people recommendvia r/askTO

Diners say Sneaky Dee's serves a strong breakfast and brunch. One calls it one of the best breakfasts in Toronto, another would pick it for a hangover brunch, and one recalls great breakfast fare from years ago.

6 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend New Sunrise Grill on Dundas West near Dufferin for diner-style breakfast. One calls it a favourite breakfast spot and praises the fruit bowls, and one found it by chance and really enjoyed it.

Dundas W Dufferin

6 people recommendvia r/askTO

Diners recommend Frankie's Diner on Queen West for breakfast. Some say it is good for breakfast, and others recall it fondly for the old-school diner atmosphere and bottomless coffee.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Purple Penguin Cafe, at Queen and Logan, for breakfast and sandwiches. One praises the bagel sandwiches and fritters, and another calls the breakfast and sandwich menu amazing though casual.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name Avling as a brunch pick. One calls the pastrami breakfast sandwich on an English muffin outstanding, and others call the brunch decent or great. One says it was once top-tier but has declined.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Janelle's Kitchen on College as a breakfast sandwich pick. One calls it the top pick, another says the scone is the best they have had in Toronto, and one loves its homey feel.

College Near Ossington

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name MIA Brunch Bar in Midtown, at Yonge and Eglinton, as a brunch pick. One says the pancakes are quite good, another calls it fantastic, and a third mentions a good back patio.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name Ted's Restaurant in Scarborough as a breakfast stop. One likes it for a classic eggs-and-bacon breakfast, another calls its bacon unbeatable, and one suggests it on the way east out of Toronto.

Scarborough

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name Emmer as a breakfast pick. One calls its egg sandwiches good and tasty, and another picks its sandwich for breakfast.

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name The Wren on the Danforth as a breakfast and brunch pick. One rates it as their next choice after White Lily, and another calls it very good.

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name Hugs and Sarcasm on Queen West as a brunch pick. One says it has good brunch, and another notes it offers black or white pudding.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name Café Boulud at the Four Seasons in Yorkville as a breakfast option. One says hotel restaurants like it usually have full breakfasts and comfy seating, and another calls it outstanding.

Four Seasons

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners recommend Takht-e Tavoos on College as a Persian breakfast and brunch spot. One highly recommends it as a comparison to Maha's, and another is a regular.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name The Homeway on Mt. Pleasant as a brunch pick. One recalls it as a solid brunch place in the past with patio seating, though they have not been recently.

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Our Spot on the Danforth for diner-style breakfast. One says its eggs Benny is well made, another ate there often and was never let down, and one prefers it for being more homemade.

Danforth

5 people recommendvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners recommend Parallel for its Middle Eastern brunch. One calls it a good brunch option and another very good, though one says it is not really a breakfast spot.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name Sunny Morning Breakfast & Lunch on The Queensway in Etobicoke. One calls it great for a small chain, one stops in every holiday visit and praises the Eggs Freddy, and another loved the Etobicoke branch from when it opened. It is a small chain, and the Etobicoke branch is the one that two commenters name.

Queensway

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askTO, r/FoodToronto

Diners name ViVetha Bistro on Queen East as a brunch pick. One rates its benedict as top quality and another picks its special morning meal, while one visited once and found it very mediocre.

Far End of Queen St East

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodToronto, r/askTO

Diners name Saving Grace as a brunch pick. One calls it a cozy small spot with unusual brunch options beyond standard Benedicts, while one dislikes it.