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10. Butler's Pantry - Walking down Roncessvale Village one can't help but ponder which European neighbourhood it is most reminiscent of. Staying true to its surroundings local eatery Butler's Pantry offers international flavours one has no problem pegging as simply delicious. Best known for its French toast with heaps of fresh fruit and topped off with whipped cream, the portions are big for very affordable prices. Vegetarians can also eat safely here. Got there late and can't handle the wait? Might be worth the trek to the Queen W location, ambiance not as good but the food is just as excellent. Go for the great food. Go for the bohemian atmosphere. Simply go! 371 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-504-3414 9. Le Petit Dejeuner - King East is known for its upscale pricey furniture shops so why not start the weekend shopping spree with breakfast at an affordable great little place? Located across from George Brown college, expect to find school profs. and Art Centre students during the week. On weekends you can be sure to see the same high-end clientele you will run into at the furniture shops. Eggs Benedict served with pemeal bacon are the sure-fire hit and make sure to try the spiced chai latte. This narrow, high ceilinged joint is so comfy in fact you may get tempted to skip out on the shopping all together. 191 King St. E, 416-703-1560 8. Fressen - For vegan and veggie-loving fans, owned ironically enough by same owner as Taro Grill located a few doors down. Unlike Taro, the only animal you'll see at Fressen is the odd puppy tied up outside waiting for its owner. Faves at this veggie haven are the gluten-free waffles with seasonal fruit toppings or the scrambled tofu rancheros. Your meal is not complete unless you order the fresh fruit juices. Fressen boasts an earthy atmosphere with trees and twigs throughout resembling a forest. You don't need to be vegan to enjoy this place, as long as you enjoy good food and don't mind paying a little bit extra for it, that will do! 478 Queen St. W., 416-504-5127 7. Only Café - This Danforth watering hole has more character than the abstract works that cover its walls. Relaxed bar atmosphere geared towards those of the more eccentric form. Feast on huevos rancheros with fresh guacamole or have a choice of stuffed French toast with cream cheese and fruit or French toast dipped in banana nut oatmeal. Portions are generous. If you're not from the neighbourhood you might feel a little left out seeing as everyone seems to know someone there but the down to earth staff and friendly bar owner make you feel right at home. Hangovers are definitely welcomed, if not expected here. 972 Danforth Av. Toronto, 416- 463-7843 6. Mildred Pierce - Whether on a date or a Sunday outing with your honey this is the place to be. Tucked away on an otherwise industrial Parkdale street, once inside you can't help but notice the beautiful cathedral ceilings, unique décor and spacious ambiance. Order the scrambled eggs with little chunks of sausage neatly worked in, or Mildred's signature spinach eggs. Nouveau cuisine never tasted this good. All the brunch items on the menu are named after, you guessed it, Mildred Pearce characters. Impress her with the atmosphere and satisfy his tummy. Can somebody say "win-win situation"? 99 Sudbury St., 416-588-5695 5. Hot House Café - If indulgence and variety is your fancy then this is the brunch spot for you. The Hot House all you can eat buffet offers every breakfast food under the sun, hot and cold dishes as well as waffles and desserts. Listen to live jazz in this spacious bright bar as you catch up with friends in an upbeat atmosphere. Should your conversation carry you over into the later hours of the afternoon making you hungry for lunch, there are plenty of lunch-type dishes awaiting your second wind. Be sure to make a reservation, especially if there are more than two of you, this place always has a huge waiting list. Eat until your heart's content or until you realize that will be your first and last meal of the day. Basically go hard or go home! 35 Church St @ Front St, 416-366-7800 4. Aunties & Uncles - After its Bathurst St closure faithful late-comers will line up at the College St location hoping to get a table in time for the Belgian Waffles, which are served as they last. This very reasonably priced kitschy restaurant attracts all sorts. Much like going to your own auntie's house you go there for the fresh home cooked meals and the good company. Eggs are prepared in all the traditional ways and the Belgian Waffles with poached pears are to die for. Excellent java as well. Be prepared to wait… and wait some more… so arrive early. 74 Lippincott St., 416-324-1375 3.Bonjour Brioche - If pink is the new black then cozy must be the new crowded. Located on Queen East this breakfast nook attracts local homeowners as well as arty patrons. Though it serves eggs and smoked salmon, Brioche is more of a French style patisserie specializing in delicious homemade breads and pastries. For a taste of Paris sip on a café au lait, with a buttery croissant or a brioche and expect the moody staff to give you attitude. Inevitably listen in on the conversation from the table next to yours but rest assured no one will blow cigarette smoke in your face or ask you for a light, à la Parisienne. Decent patio located on the side street off of Queen, available in the summer time. 812 Queen St E., 416 406-1250 2.Swan - Located in the lofty neigbourhood of Trinity Bellwoods', this 1940's art deco style restaurant offers one of the most popular brunches in the city. Is it the food or the fact that it's cool to be seen sipping coffee at Swan that attracts so many? Perhaps it's the old fashioned styled Coke machine that sits next to a fridge of the same era that make you forget exactly where you are. Order the breakfast specialty of steak and eggs Benedict or the huevos rancheros. Service is friendly and fast leaving you plenty of time to check out the local art shops. Get there late and you'll see why it's the most popular brunch spot in the area. 892 Queen St. W., 416-532-0452 1.Bar One - Don't let the minimalist chic décor of this place fool you, just because a place is trendy doesn't mean your food will suffer. The breakfast menu consists of yummy traditional breakfast choices that are delivered by a friendly staff but the real showstoppers are the pancakes. Cool yet intimate ambiance filled with stylish scenesters; perfect for a date. In the summer you can enjoy a Mimosa under the sun on the slick deck patio located in the back. Show up looking like you just rolled out of bed, having gone to bed with your party clothes on, and you're good to go.
924 Queen St. W., 416- 535-1655
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