Toronto’s Top 10 : Brunches – Top 10 Best Snacks

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  1. Verveine

    The
    decor is soothing (soft lighting and linens), the food high-end
    comfort: smoked salmon with truffled scrambled eggs, poached eggs on
    croissant .




    Verveine

  2. Lakeview Lunch

    Slide
    into a booth – part of the old-style diner decor – and choose from a
    menu that focuses on eggs and burger classics. Good milkshakes.

    • 1132 Dundas St W

    • 416 535 2828




    Lakeview Lunch

  3. Courtyard Café

    This
    elegant restaurant in the venerable Windsor Arms Hotel has for decades
    been a city favorite for a romantic Sunday brunch. The traditional-style
    buffet includes salmon, made-to-order omelets, roasts, and desserts.

    • 18 St Thomas St

    • 416 921 2921




    Courtyard Café

  4. Bonjour Brioche

    This
    bakery cum café is popular with locals, so arrive early to get a seat.
    Brioches and croissants (in several flavors) are baked on the premises
    and melt-in-your-mouth fresh. Sandwiches on chewy baguettes are
    excellent.

    • 812 Queen St E

    • 416 406 1250




    Fruit tart, Bonjour Brioche

  5. Gallery Grill

    The neo-Gothic splendor of the University of Toronto’s
    Hart House sets the tone of refined tradition, and the menu adds
    sparkle to the sedate surroundings. Fine sandwiches, soups, and an
    extensive selection of wines by the glass.

    • 7 Hart House Circle

    • 416 978 2445

    • Closed Sat

  6. Pink Pearl

    The Chinese tradition of selecting dim sum
    items such as shrimp and pork dumplings, stuffed noodles, sticky rice,
    and barbecue pork buns from passing carts turns brunch into a festive
    occasion at this Yorkville restaurant.

    • 120 Avenue Rd

    • 416 966 3631

  7. Dooney’s

    This
    Annex institution hops on the weekends, when locals line up for tasty
    omelets, blueberry pancakes, “samnscram” – scrambled eggs with smoked
    salmon and scallions – and strong lattes. Some patrons, local writers
    among them, hold down tables for hours, immersed in the neighborly
    atmosphere.

    • 511 Bloor St W

    • 416 536 3293

  8. Xacutti

    Cardamom
    scented butter milk biscuits and Bombay scrambled eggs spice up brunch
    at this Little Italy standby. Cool your tastebuds with a free shooter of
    the daily smoothie. The weekend brunch menu is also great, though it
    veers away from Indian food. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

    • 503 College St

    • 416 393 3957

  9. Aunties and Uncles

    A
    charmingly eclectic place. Arrive early, before the crowds scoop up all
    the Belgian waffles. Soups, salads, omelets, and sandwiches are
    excellent, the juice freshly squeezed.

    • 74 Lippincott St

    • 416 324 1375

  10. Swan

    A
    Formica-topped counter and reclaimed diner booths lend this bustling
    spot a 1950s feel, but the food is decidedly contemporary. Eggs are
    scrambled with smoked oysters and pancetta, sautéed spinach accompanies
    trout eggs benny. Excellent Americano coffee, but alas, no free refills.

    • 892 Queen St W

    • 416 532 0452




    Counter seating at Swan


Top 10 Best Snacks

  1. Chinese Buns

    Steamed dough filled with savory meat, vegetables, or sweet coconut and red bean paste. Eat piping hot.

  2. Souvlaki

    Grilled chunks of marinated lamb, beef, pork, or chicken smothered in garlicky Greek tzaziki sauce and often wrapped in pita bread.

  3. Falafel

    Deep-fried chickpea balls in pita pockets stuffed with tahini sauce, onion, and tomato – a Lebanese specialty.

  4. Bubble Tea

    An Asian concoction of sweet, flavored cold tea, milk, and tapioca pearls.

  5. Gelato

    More refreshing and lighter than ice cream, Italian ices come in an assortment of flavors, from lemon to caramel.

  6. Corn on the Cob

    Little India street vendors prepare grilled corn glazed with lemon juice and spices.

  7. Hot Dogs

    Ubiquitous
    outdoor carts grill hot dogs, veggie dogs, and sausages. Polish sausage
    is a favorite, piled high with all the fixings – pickles, sauerkraut,
    and hot mustard.

  8. Jamaican Roti

    Soft flat bread encase a variety of fillings, from curried goat or chicken to spinach and squash. Hot sauce is optional.

  9. Churrasco Chicken

    Spiked with tangy Portuguese piri piri sauce, then barbecued to perfection; served on a bun or with roasted spuds.

  10. Roasted Chestnuts

    Sidewalk vendors sell steaming-hot smoky-flavored chestnuts in summer and fall.