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
Universal Grill
1071 Shaw, at Dupont, 416-588-5928. This reconfigured diner might seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but once found, will feel just like home – one furnished with venetian blinds, wooden booths, mother-in-law’s tongue and swivelling stools, mind. Best: to start, half a pink grapefruit follow with potato latkes with salmon gravlax, capers and designer greens Tex-Mexesque huevos rancheros with a side of grilled chorizo Black Angus steak and eggs with house home fries buttermilk pancakes with fruit salad and raspberry compote. Open Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Licensed. Access: two steps at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNN $$$
Yasi’s Place
299 Wallace, at Symington, 416-536-9888. Yasemin Zorlutuna’s upper west side lunch-counter-slash-corner-store retains the room’s original 30s fittings and adds a health-conscious card to the reactivated space. Kids’ menu, too. Bonus: brunch Monday! Best: Turkish breakfast for two or more of warm sesame bagels topped with optional feta, labne cream cheese or chèvre as well as olives, tomato, avocado spread, Turkish sausage, house-made tempeh sausage and/or Turkish jam four types of grilled cheese sandwiches sided with spuds, soup or salad tofu scramble du jour. Open Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm, Monday 8 am to 4 pm. Unlicensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNN $
Also in the area…
Clinton’s
693 Bloor W, at Clinton, 416-535-9541. One of Toronto’s oldest alternative venues (old-timers might remember that the Cowboy Junkies got their start here back in the 1980s), this log-lined multi-storey tavern serves brunch seven days a week. Open daily 11 am to 5 pm. Licensed. Access: one step at door, small washroom on same floor. $