If Torontonians do one thing well, it’s brunch; the Annex, a bustling neighbourhood home to students, families, and professionals, is no exception. Situated between Bloor and Dupont Streets, west of Bathurst Street and east of Avenue Road, you’ll find plenty of shops, salons, coffee shops, and restaurants. Looking for a place to satisfy your brunch cravings? Check out these 10 great spots.
El Furniture Warehouse
Between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street on Bloor, El Furniture Warehouse offers a host of tasty treats at unbelievable prices, making it particularly student-friendly. Brunch picks include salads, soups, poutine, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. The exposed brick backdrop enhances a laid-back atmosphere for your mid-morning (or early-afternoon) meal.
Rose & Sons
Rose & Sons’ small space, cozy ambience, and stellar food explains a steadily growing queue of diners waiting to eat at this popular spot. Must-try brunch picks include ricotta pancakes topped with sour cherries and sweet maple syrup goodness. On the savoury side, try the delicious grits, paired with poached egg and green sauce. And be sure to check out the griddled brie cornbread with brisket, fried egg, maple syrup, and chili sauce. Plan to arrive early if dropping by for a weekend bite.
Chadwick’s Craft Kitchen & Bar
Restaurant, Thai
Chadwick’s Craft Kitchen & Bar. Feeling something light? Order Chadwick’s house-made granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit with house-made preserves. Savoury? Try the three-egg ‘drowned’ omelet, topped with salsa Roja, salsa verde, and cottage cheese. Sweet? Dig in to the Finnish pancakes topped with honey ricotta and pear Thai basil compote. Chadwick’s also takes its carbs seriously, allowing diners to explore different toast options: gluten-free, sourdough or multigrain.
The Grapefruit Moon
The Grapefruit Moon’s fun and unique brunch menu rewards the adventurous. Try the Bike Rider’s Special, Big Bang Breakfast, or a Morning Glory breakfast burger. The morning poutine with cheese, caramelized onions, breakfast gravy, and a fried egg is inviting. Go all-out vegan with the Vegan Morning special’s tofu scramble, sautéed veggies, vegan cheese, fresh cut fries, and toast. Make note of the special brunch menu served from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The White Brick Kitchen
Located west of the Annex, The White Brick Kitchen is comfort food at its finest. One of the staple Sunday brunch dishes is the ‘Scotch-ish’ egg; a spin on the traditional Scotch egg, White Brick Kitchen’s version includes an eclectic mix of soft boiled eggs, croissant, caramelized onion jam, and hollandaise. This friendly spot is popular, so go early. Even if there’s a bit of a wait, you’re right in the heart of Koreatown, so take advantage! The White Brick Kitchen, 641 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, Canada +1 647 347 9188 http://instagram.com/p/w7HcVMEAPv/
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Big Crow
There’s no doubt that Torontonians take their barbecue seriously, and they’re grateful to Big Crow for bringing tasty barbecue options to brunch. Relax at this back-porch addition to Rose & Sons in warmer seasons, or head inside during the cold winter months; picnic benches fill the space complete with patio lanterns affixed to pressure-treated wooden slat walls. Choose a Caesar salad, chocolate banana bread with maple butter, hot smoked salmon, fried egg tostada, or a verscht on toast.
Schmaltz Appetizing
If you’re in the mood for bagels and fine fish, Schmaltz Appetizing is the place to go. Order the chazzer (smoked pastrami, gravlax, salmon caviar, horseradish, and cream cheese) or try the popular chub chub (smoked whitefish salad, gravlax horseradish, cream cheese and dill cucumbers). Schmaltz Appeal has perfected the art of doing two things really well and if you’re going to do something well, it might as well be fish and bagels.
Union Juice
Bar, Juice Bar, Canadian
Fancy a liquid brunch? Head to Union Juice,a modern minimalist juice bar, with a simple, fresh approach to menu ingredients. Union Juice specializes in healthy juices in every tantalizing colour of the fruit and veggie-based rainbow. Must-sample ingredients include green apple, pineapple, kale, spinach, celery, and ginger. Smoothies and milkshakes are up for grabs with tempting, nutrient-rich choices including avocado, almond, and coconut milk. Union Juice serves healthy snacks including açai bowls, chia pudding, and if solid foods are more your jam, salads and paninis.
Over Easy
Over Easy knows eggs. Try the Montréal smoked meat hash and the ‘eggstro’, which includes oven-baked eggs with bacon, mushroom, with a stand-out, three-cheese sauce. Experience a brunch like no other with either smoked salmon or tomato and goat’s cheese scrambles and your choice of crispy home fries, French fries, soup, or fresh salad. Regardless of what egg dish you order, from a place with a name like Over Easy, you know it’ll be good. Over Easy, 208 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, Canada and 56 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada +1 416 922 2345 http://instagram.com/p/BBxXUOcvpHb/?taken-by=mahaliastanley92
Future Bistro
Bistro, Restaurant, European
Future Bistro, you had us at ‘all-day breakfast menu’. Head to this Bloor West spot any time of the day for a delicious brunch. For savoury brunch-goers, try the spinach and feta omelet, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a strawberry/blueberry/Nutella crêpe combo or the banana/blueberry/apple pancake option. Bonus tip: Enjoy a 20% discount on all-day breakfast items when you show your post-secondary student card.
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