Ratings:
Critic’s pick
NNNNN Brunchalicious
NNNN Eggs ‘traordinary
NNN Quiche me quick
Prices:
$ Under $15 per person (minus alcohol)
$$ $15 to $20 per person (minus alcohol)
$$$ Over $20 per person (minus alcohol)
Patio
Harbord Room
89 Harbord, at Spadina, 416-962-8989. Named 2008’s second-best new resto by NOW, Cory Vitiello’s super-happening bistro is one of the hottest tables in town. The scene’s not nearly as frenzied by the cold light of Sunday morning. Best: have the defibulator handy when ordering Poutine For Breakfast, a heart-attack-inducing combo of roasted baby potatoes layered with applewood-smoked cheddar, bacon gravy and fried eggs the Egg McMartin, grilled peameal, fried eggs, roasted tomato, aged cheddar and chicken liver mousse on toasted challah the 7-ounce house burger topped with sharp cheddar and ripe plum tomato, sided with skin-on fries and house-made ketchup. Open Sunday 11 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations accepted for 11 am only. Licensed. Access: three steps at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNN $$$
Live Organic Food Bar
264 Dupont, at Spadina, 416-515-2002. Stylishly done up in mod lime green and saturated orange, raw food diva Jennifer Italiano’s 30-seat bistro comes highly acclaimed for its mostly uncooked card. Vibrant flavours, eco-friendly presentation and a completely organic wine and beer list, too. Best: banana bread French toast with blueberries and almond milk black bean and quinoa chili with scrambled tofu, tempeh bacon and sprouted sunflower toast spread with miso butter sprouted buckwheat granola with apples, hemp and chia seeds walnut crepes with shaved pear ‘n’ strawberry compote and cashew cream squeezed-to-order juices. Open Sunday 11 am to 2:30 pm. Licensed. Access: 11 steps at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNNN $$$
Also in the area…
Annex Live
296 Brunswick, at Bloor, 416-929-3999. Former Dooney’s major-domo Graziano Marchese resurfaces at the old Poor Alex Theatre with a Mediterranean spin on brunch Open Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm. Licensed. Access: one step at the door, washrooms in basement. $$
Grapefruit Moon
968 Bathurst, at Follis, 416-534-9056. Although some of this mostly vegetarian storefront café’s original charm was demolished on a recent episode of a local restaurant makeover show whose name escapes us, much of its socially conscious card based on locally sourced products remains. Open Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 4 pm. Licensed. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor. $$
