Who doesn’t love brunch? Whether it’s a let loose moment with friends or a wholesome one with family, brunch is a great reason to head out, catch up with good company, and bond over delicious food. Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood in the East End is chock-full of options for your next brunch date.
Here are six brunch spots in Riverside you must check out:
Photo credit: White Lily Diner
White Lily Diner (@whitelilydiner)
Address: 678 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G8
Known for their all-day brunch menu, White Lily serves a wide range of comfort food, from light bites such as toasts and sandwiches to heavier fare like meatloaf with grits and steak & eggs. There can be a bit of a wait during peak hours so make sure to join the waitlist before coming, so you don’t have to wait too long.
MENU | Brunch hours: 9am-10pm, Wednesday-Sunday (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Photo credit: Bonjour Brioche
Bonjour Brioche (@bonjour_brioche)
Address: 812 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7
Over the years, this East End favorite has cemented itself as a brunch institution in the city. The Croque Madame and the Bonjour Benny (available only on Saturdays and Sundays) are some of the bestsellers on the menu, but you can never go wrong with their assortment of freshly baked goods, such as quiches, croissants, tarts, and breads.
MENU | Brunch hours: 8am-2pm, Wednesday ; 8am-3pm, Thursday-Sunday (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Photo credit: ēst Restaurant
ēst Restaurant (@est.restaurant)
Address: 729 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1
For a more upscale kind of brunch, ēst is the place for you. The modern European restaurant has taken beloved brunch items and given them an elevated, more refined iteration. Truffle Grilled Cheese, Short Rib Poutine, Chicken & Waffles with Prosciutto, Truffle Burrata–if any of these things whet your appetite, make that reservation stat.
MENU | Brunch hours: 10am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday
Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher + Bar
Duke’s Refresher + Bar (@dukesriverside)
Address: 709 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1
Whether you’ve worked up an appetite or just looking to cure a hangover, head over to Duke’s Refresher + Bar, one of the new additions to the Riverside community. Brunch offerings include The Canadiana Benny and the Chilaquiles, which is their take on breakfast nachos. If you’re a sweet tooth, Duke’s French Toast will definitely hit the spot.
MENU | Brunch hours: 10:30am-2pm, Saturday & Sunday
Photo credit: Prohibition Social House
Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)
Address: 696 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
Although they’re most known for their bar and late night happy hour, who says you can’t start the party early? With classics like Buttermilk Pancakes and Eggs Florentine to pair with cocktails such as the Prohibition Mimosa and the Bloody Cesar/Bloody Mary on the brunch menu, one thing’s for sure: early weekend fun is not at all prohibited.
MENU | Brunch hours: 10am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday
Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company
Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)
Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
Aside from the drinks on the regular menu, they’ve also got a few additions for brunch such as the Eastbound Michelada and the seasonal Radler. For food, standouts include the Sausage & Egg Taco-tasticos and House-smoked Trout Bowl, as well as stellar vegetarian options like The Traveller Breakfast Burrito and the Crispy Eggplant Sandwich.
MENU | Brunch hours: 10am-2pm, Saturday & Sunday
For more content like this, make sure to check the Riverside BIA blog for new posts every week and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates!