Toronto’s appetite for brunch is endless, but patio season is short and sweet. That’s why we recommend combining the two – eat your eggs au plein air this season, with some of Toronto’s best brunches that you can enjoy outside.
Caesars optional, of course.
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1
Bonjour Brioche
We have to be honest. You’re going to have to wait in line to get a seat at this popular east end spot if you’re going on a weekend, so expect an even longer wait for a spot on the charming patio that runs along Degrassi. We advise getting there early or, even better, taking advantage of the all-day continental breakfast on a weekday.
The menu is always changing, but is consistently brunchalicious: master baker Henri Feasson and partner Lori Feasson serve up French favourites like quiche, flan and house-baked baguette alongside fresh salads and rich cheeses to keep the flavour coming.
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2
Aunties & Uncles
Do you like a side of nostalgia served with your brunch? Then Aunties & Uncles is exactly what you’re looking for, with its cute decorative nods to the 50s and 60s. Outside, you may find yourself eating next to hungry folks lined up for your spot.
It’s tough to pick a favourite here because everything is so good. Challah is given the French toast treatment, breakfast burgers are killer and the breakfast tacos are a must-try.
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3
Barque
This local smokehouse knows its brunch, too, but is probably a better choice for the carnivores in your life (although apple and brie French toast sure sounds great right about now!). Those lucky enough to snag a patio spot will enjoy some umbrella shade and a nice view of Westminster off of Roncey.
Smoked duck pancakes are positively delectable, but purists may prefer the benedicts, which come with 12-hour brisket, cold-smoked salmon or Pommery pulled pork. And just like a good smokehouse should, you will get some cornbread with that.
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4
Farmhouse Tavern
Prepare to be transported to the coolest farm-inspired environment with quaint accents and locally-sourced ingredients. The frequently changing menu isn’t for the faint at heart: breakfast sandwiches are piled up high and oozing with yolks and the pear pancakes come with a side of foie gras.
Make your Sunday feel endless with Farmhouse’s “F*ck Mondays” specials that rotate every hour: $3 mimosas are available from 3 to 4 pm, when the Caesar special starts for $4 and so on until 10 pm. On Fridays, enjoy brunch between 11:45 am and 1:45 pm.
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5
Harvest Kitchen
Here’s where you should bring your vegan pals, where a gorgeous Norway maple tree branch winds its way above tables.
Harvest Kitchen is about consciously sourcing ingredients from its own farm and suppliers who also appreciate ingredients like organic tofu (for their crispy smoked tofu) and eggs. The steel cut oats are anything but boring, cooked in coconut milk and served with walnut honey and bananas sautéed in a little maple syrup. Don’t miss the housemade juices, smoothies and spritzers.