Amelie CameronI love brunch, especially with my friends. That’s the only time we can get together and catch up on what’s been happening in our daily lives. It’s also the only time we can enjoy drinking mimosas and eating breakfast dishes at the same time.
Leslieville has become our favorite neighborhood for brunch. There are just many amazing brunch spots in this area, and they all specialize in a variety of cuisines—from classic English to Greek!
If you also want to brunch with your gang, here are the ones that I wholeheartedly recommend!
White Lily Diner
Address: 678 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169017800
Featuring a clean, rustic interior, White Lily Diner makes me and my friends feel like we’re in the countryside. That’s why we’re always at ease here, just taking our time finishing our dishes and gossiping.
My go-to order is the White Lily Standard, which is basically their take on the classic English-style breakfast. It has everything I want in a breakfast: bacon, eggs, sausage, hashbrown, and toast.
The Southern Breakfast is also a great choice because I do love the buttermilk biscuit and gravy combination. It also has bacon, eggs, and fermented greens, making it a filling meal.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has a store called White Lily Farms, where you can purchase fresh produce by the box or a la carte! |
Pasaj
Address: 1100 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Thursday—11 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday—11 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473989010
Looking for a restaurant that serves Middle Eastern cuisine for brunch? Pasaj has got you covered!
My ultimate recommendation here is the shakshouka, which is essentially eggs poached in a tomato sauce. This dish is so hearty and flavorful; the sauce is tangy and peppery, and the runny yolks make it richer and creamier.
If you love sweet things, then you should try Grandma’s Pancakes. The three pancakes are soft and fluffy, and they’re topped with sour cherry jam and pistachios. Sweet, sour, and nutty—a wonderful flavor combination, if you ask me!
| Pro Tip: This is a popular spot, so you need to book your reservation 14 days in advance. Also, keep in mind that the maximum number for group dining is six. |
Lady Marmalade
Address: 265 Broadview Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +16473517645
Lady Marmalade is best known for its different versions of eggs benedict, so you better try one. My favorite is Mango Benny because it’s a food combo (the rich savory flavors of the eggs and the sweet-tangy of the mango) I didn’t expect to love.
The Breakfast is also a great choice, especially if you want something heartier. This dish is jam-packed with eggs, toast, fries, and salad, so you’ll feel full after eating.
If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the bread pudding. The base flavors change often, but you can expect to find fruit, berry coulis, and Ontario maple syrup with the dish.
| Pro Tip: Don’t like any of the eggs benedict dishes? You can build your own! |
Lazy Daisy’s Cafe
Address: 1515 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—8 am to 3 pm
- Thursday to Sunday—8 am to 3 pm, 4 to 8 pm
Contact Number: +16473414070
Spend a lazy brunch with your friends at Lazy Daisy’s Cafe! This restaurant boasts an inviting atmosphere, with its friendly staff and charming, colorful interior. Gotta love the giant daisies on the walls!
I personally love the cinnamon bun pancakes. They’re so soft and fluffy, and I love how strong the sugary cinnamon flavor is. Plus, the cream cheese drizzle and fresh fruits add even more sweet-tangy notes to the dish!
Any of the breakfast dishes are a must-try as well. I recommend the Daisy’s Breakfast Burrito, which is loaded with scrambled eggs, spiced chorizo, salsa, and more. Just half of the burrito is enough to fill my stomach!
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has a shop that sells freshly baked biscuits, ready-to-bake-at-home biscuits, jams, and more. |
Bodega Henriette
Address: 1801 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14165466261
Bodega Henriette is a jack-of-all-trades seeing that it’s a restaurant, bar, cafe, and convenience store at the same time! They serve breakfast and lunch all day, and on weekends, you can enjoy a special brunch menu.
I love getting the bacon breakfast sandwich because it’s loaded with everything I want (bacon, scrambled egg, and cheddar cheese), and it’s also served with fingerling potatoes.
The Sweet French Toast is also a favorite of mine. The French toast has a nice crispy exterior and a soft middle, and the berries add sweet and tangy flavors to the dish.
| Pro Tip: Complement your dish with a glass of wine! This restaurant has an impressive selection. |
Purple Penguin Cafe
Address: 889 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7:30 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14164658448
Purple Penguin Cafe is best known for its apple fritters. They’re always served hot and fresh, and I love biting into these fluffy, sweet treats.
Aside from the fritters, I recommend getting the California Bagel. It’s packed with ham, bell peppers, egg, brie, and avocado, so every bite is satisfying.
Brunch isn’t complete without a drink. My go-to order is the Purple Rain Tea Lemonade, which is such a refreshing beverage. When the weather is cold, I like to get a mocha latte or cappuccino.
| Pro Tip: Planning a special event? You can book this restaurant’s catering services. |
Prohibition Social House
Address: 696 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 12:45 am
- Thursday and Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 12:45 am
Contact Number: +14167924499
Prohibition Social House is more well-known as a late-night destination, but did you know it’s also a great brunch spot?
Whenever I come here, I always order the Chicken N’ Watermelon N’ Waffles. The chicken has been brined for 24 hours, so the meat is incredibly tender, while the Belgian-style waffle is crispy and fluffy. The watermelon slice is also a bit spicy.
For your drinks, be sure to order any of the brunch cocktails. Mimosa is the most popular choice, but you can also opt for the Bloody Caesar or the Bloody Mary.
| Pro Tip: You can book an event or a private dining experience with a small group at this restaurant if you’re interested. |
YAYA Greek Bistro
Address: 1186 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164639292
Named after the Greek word for “grandmother,” YAYA is all about comfort Greek food. The restaurant also has a comforting vibe, which is why it’s a popular spot for brunch.
I’m a big fan of the Greek salad, which is refreshing and bursting with savory and earthy flavors. I also recommend getting feta cheese with sesame and honey. I love how the flavors—tangy, salty, sweet, and nutty—work well with each other.
For the main course, you can’t go wrong with the classic YAYA Kebab, which has two juicy meat skewers and thick-cut French fries.
| Pro Tip: YAYA offers catering services if you’re planning a party. |
O’Somae
Address: 357 Broadview Ave
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—10 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14164611072
Do you love fried chicken? Then O’Somae is a must-visit!
This restaurant specializes in chicken and waffles, and wow, do they deliver! The chicken is perfectly crispy, and the salty-peppery flavors seep into the meat. Meanwhile, the waffles are crunchy and fluffy, and I love pouring the maple syrup all over them.
Another dish you should try is the Farmer’s Breakfast, which is jam-packed with eggs, bacon strips, sausage, toasted sourdough, and chipotle bean salad. It’s also served with a mayo sauce that adds a kick of heat to every bite.
| Pro Tip: The portion sizes here tend to be generous. If you don’t think you can finish such a plate, you can order half-portions instead. |
Bonjour Brioche
Address: 812 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday—8 am to 2 pm
- Thursday to Sunday—8 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14164061250
If you prefer sweet over savory, then Bonjour Brioche is the brunch spot for you. This bakery and bistro specializes in European pastries and desserts.
I love getting the baked French toast. The toast is lightly crisp on the outside, with a soft and moist inside. Drown it in sweet maple syrup (that’s what I like to do), and then add a slice of fresh fruit to every spoonful. Yum!
To balance out all the sugar, you should order something savory. I recommend the Bonjour Benny, which is two poached eggs on a croissant. The hollandaise sauce adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish, making you want more.
| Pro Tips: Bonjour Benny is also available on the weekend.If you’re planning an event, you might want to book the bakery’s catering services. |
