Top 10 Brunch And Breakfast Spots In Riverdale Toronto

The east end of the Toronto has no shortage of breakfast and brunch spots, but Riverdale takes the cake (or the pancake anyway) for the most deliciousness per kilometer with an abundance of options. We list some of the best places to start the day here.

Bonjour Brioche

Bakery, French

A staple on the Riverside scene, Bonjour Brioche is a French-style bakery and café. With daily quiche and omelette options as well as classics like the croque madame, this busy spot has comfort breakfasts down! Be sure to check out the chalkboard for delicious crêpe specials and eggs Benedict options before settling on your selection.

The Combine Eatery

This family run Southern comfort spot on the Danforth offers up an assortment of weekend brunch delights. From egg and chorizo quesadillas to their New England benny, switching up the traditional for a crab cake and roasted red peppers served atop a croissant, topped with poblano hollandaise and pickled red onions, The Combine Eatery is a casual spot that offers a new twist on old classics.

Riverdale Perk

Nestled cozily on the corner of Logan and Withrow Avenue, Riverdale Perk is a local favorite serving delicious coffee, pastries and a comprehensive brunch menu with delights for both savory and sweet lovers. With a variety of eggs benny options, the PERK Benedict is an absolute winner with avocado, double cream brie, sun-dried tomatoes and hollandaise served up on cheesy jalapeño cornbread with organic greens.

Joy Bistro

Bistro, Restaurant, Canadian

This neighborhood staple serves up a full brunch menu each weekend. As an added bonus for the brunch lover, Joy Bistro serves up a limited menu every weekday with the delicious joy scrambler, Leslieville and Québec eggs Benedict making the cut. Make sure to indulge in the homemade jam with your toast, delicious doesn’t begin to describe it.

Mad Dog Café

Cafe, Canadian, Tea , Coffee, Fast Food, Vegetarian

This independent café with craft coffee and a great value menu of brunch options, breakfast sandwiches and Montréal-style bagels is a neighborhood gem. Serving brunch daily, and with free wifi available, the Mad Dog Café is the perfect relaxed spot to get some work done or take a laid-back morning break.

Café Fiorentina

The chalkboard brunch menu at this Danforth spot changes frequently, though it’s guaranteed to offer a mixture of classic breakfast delights. With egg options a plenty, from quiches to bennies and omelettes, there’s also regular inclusion of French classics like the croque monsieur or madame and brioche French toast at Café Fiorentina.

The County General

Down-home seasonal cooking means a regularly changing menu, so check in often to sample all of the goodness on offer at The County General. Offering brunch staples in the form of the greasy spoon, eggs benny as well as pancakes and French toast delights, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your craving.

Allen’s

Known for their patio and legendary burgers, Allen’s brunch presents another delicious reason to visit this Danforth delight. Favorite classics include eggs Florentine, served with sweet potato hash browns, and wild salmon hash with poached eggs. Diners enjoy bottomless cups of coffee with quaint checkered tablecloths and always stellar service.

Prohibition Gastrohouse

A larger venue than most on the list, line-ups and wait times are no issue for the Prohibition Gastrohouse. With all the classic brunch staples available, the specialities menu takes it one better with the decadent breakfast poutine. With three poached eggs, smoked pork belly lardons, truffled hollandaise, marinated PQ curds and tater tots done in duck fat, this dish doesn’t mess around.

Lady Marmalade

Restaurant, Canadian

Lady Marmalade focuses on organic and local produce when possible, this restaurant also offers gluten-free modifications for your sensitive or coeliac companions. For guaranteed goodness, sample from the list of customizable eggs Benedict including avocado is always a good start.

About the author

Nicole Egan

Born in Toronto to Irish parents, Nicole made the move to her ancestral home to study and satisfy her wanderlust at the tender age of twenty. While completing her undergraduate degree in Management & Information Systems she spent weekends travelling Europe and developed a love of cultural exploring. Following up with a Master's degree in Political & Public Communication at Dublin City University, she views the world with an open mind through a critical eye. Back home after more than a decade abroad, when she’s not travelling (or planning future travels) you can find her at yoga classes, cottaging or exploring and food touring in Toronto.