The Best Splurge Brunch in Toronto

The rich flavours of Istanbul elevate dishes above the norm at this Leslieville restaurant. Few sights are as gorgeous as a tabletop crowded with jam-drizzled pancake stacks, zesty kofte, smoky hünkâr and baskets of fresh pide and simit. Just don't visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when the restaurant is closed. 

At this Liberty Village mainstay, brunch is the fervent team's sole raison d’être. Available seven days a week, it's defined by just-baked biscuits and lofty buttermilk pancakes doused in wild blueberry compote, loaded egg plates and breakfast sandwiches that leave no finger unsullied. In short, it's a jubilant ode to midday dining. 

On weekends, join the crowds shuffling into this Beaches locale for robust comfort-food faves. Brimming with fresh ingredients, the menu is a who's-who of brunch staples, from country breakfasts and eggs Benedict, to French toast, pancakes, frittata, and more. Best of all? The restaurant accepts reservations.   

At the Rosedale location of this local darling, brunchers begin their days with unfussy fare done right. Some nurse frothy lattes as they progress across plates of soft scrambles or shakshuka, while others hungrily clutch hot-sauce-laced breakfast sandwiches loaded with tasty tidbits. This being Rosedale, fresh-shucked oysters are also on offer.

This Roncesvalles Village destination tempts weekend diners with a brunch menu populated with novel takes on classics. Though the menu is concise, it complicates decision-making with options like toast layered with duck confit and oyster mushrooms, loaded hummus breakfast bowls and French toast crowned with caramelized pears, whipped ricotta, maple syrup and generous handfuls of crunchy pistachios.

Force yourself out of bed on the weekend, and celebrate your efforts with brunch at this popular Niagara St. spot. On the menu, you'll find chichi lobster Benedict and tartines topped with smoked salmon or mushrooms, along with hearty bacon and egg plates and towering Tavern burgers so coveted that they're also available at lunch and dinner. 

A distinctly Parisian air inspires the look, the service and the menu at this chic Cabbagetown restaurant. Pop in for "le brunch," and sup on eggs benedict crowned with petite crab cakes, omelettes plumped with jambon and Gruyère or French onion soup reimagined as the meatiest, messiest cheeseburger you've ever met.

A lack of gluten doesn't hinder the team at this cheery Dundas West bakery cafe. Instead, ovens burst with muffins and granola, the flattop sizzles at the drop of pancake batter and tables are filled with brunch classics at a brisk clip. Available daily, brunch is extra special on weekdays when mimosas can be had for $5 a pop. 

No matter the craving, it's likely diners at this buzzy spot in The Well will find something to appease it on the massive brunch menu. Divided between sweet and savoury, dishes range from the classic, think eggs and bacon, to the innovative, such as panko-crusted French toast blanketed with coconut caramel sauce, bananas, dates and walnuts.