Amelie CameronWhoever decided that pancakes are a breakfast food was a genius. Biting into a light, fluffy pancake that’s been smothered with decadent maple syrup and then topped with fresh fruits? The best way to start the day if you ask me!
While I love whipping up my own pancakes at home, sometimes, I go out to eat, usually for brunch with friends or family. And when I do, best believe I’m ordering the pancakes from the menu every time.
Right now, these are the restaurants in Toronto that I believe serve the best pancakes!
Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House
– From: stackedpancake
Address: 425 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 3 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—7 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14164611011
As you can expect from the name, stacked pancakes are the signature dishes at Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House. Seriously, if there’s only one restaurant you can check out from this list, let it be this one because you have so many options.
The chocolate brownie caramel pancakes are my favorite because they’re just sugary perfection. I mean, fluffy pancakes topped with fudgy brownie pieces and drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces. That sounds like the best combo if you ask me!
| Pro Tip: This restaurant often has special promotions. One promo you can take advantage of is the breakfast special, which is only available from 7 am to 9 am (dine-in). |
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
– From: mildredstemplekitchen
Address: 85 Hanna Ave #104, Shops at King Liberty
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday—10 am to 3 pm
- Thursday—10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14165885695
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is undoubtedly one of my favorite brunch places mainly because of its pancakes.
The buttermilk pancakes are absolutely thick and fluffy, almost like a pillow. To make things better, they’re topped with whipped cream, organic maple syrup, and a wild blueberry compote, so every forkful is a sweet and tangy delight.
Sometimes, I can’t get enough of this dish, so I order an extra blueberry pancake just to satisfy my cravings.
| Pro Tip: Mildred’s has a shop that sells all sorts of pantry items. In particular, you can get the wild blueberry compote that’s served with the pancakes. There’s also a pancake essentials kit if you want to cook your own at home. |
Old School
– From: oldschoolyyz
Address: 800 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday and Friday—10 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14168158790
Old School really sticks by its name: this restaurant features old-school food classics.
The bestseller here is the Blueberry Hill, which is sometimes referred to as THE Old School Legend. This dish features a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes that are smothered with a blueberry compote. The sweet-sour flavors are strong with this one.
But what makes these pancakes stand out is that they have bacon and brown sugar butter. So, there are salty notes with every bite, and I actually really like that.
| Pro Tip: You can host a private event here. Be it an intimate gathering or a large party. |
White Lily Diner
– From: whitelilydiner
Address: 678 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169017800
What I love about White Lily Diner is its rustic vibe. Somehow, it makes me feel like I’m dining in the countryside, with only the meadow around me, instead of a restaurant in Toronto’s East End.
The buttermilk griddle cakes here are a simple affair, but they still taste so good—so buttery and sweet—that I have to recommend them. Usually, I add on a strip of bacon or sausage just to have something salty and savory to counter all the sweetness.
| Pro Tips: They have a griddle cake recipe up on the website. If you want to try making your own at home, try this recipe. Give a fellow pancake lover a gift card from this restaurant. |
Good Fork
– From: thegoodforkto
Address: 1550 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday—10 am to 3:30 pm
- Thursday and Friday—10 am to 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 3:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473525955
If you’re in the West End, then one restaurant you might want to check out is Good Fork. What I like about this place is that the dishes have Turkish and Middle Eastern influences, so the flavors are interesting.
Their blueberry halva pancakes are a delight. They’re soft and fluffy, with a bit of crunchy texture thanks to the halva (a type of confectionery found in the Middle East).
As for the flavor, you can expect sweet and tangy from the lemony blueberry. It’s also creamy and fruity because of the orange blossom ricotta.
| Pro Tip: You can host any kind of private event here—from casual birthday celebrations to corporate gatherings. |
Eggstatic
– From: eggstaticto
Address: 1568 Bayview Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday—10 am to 3 pm
- Tuesday to Friday—9 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473521568
Speaking of restaurants that serve Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, Eggstatic is another must-visit. My friends told me to try the Middle Eastern breakfast here, and though I love that one, what won my heart is actually the pancakes.
There are several choices for pancakes, so I always come back to try them all. So far, I love the kunafa pancake because it’s just so sugary and cheesy. The Biscoff Lotus Pancake is also rich and decadent. I can already feel my blood sugar spiking at the thought!
| Pro Tip: If you want to hire this restaurant as a caterer for your special event, you need to fill out this form. |
Pasaj
Address: 1100 Queen St E
– From: pasajtoronto
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: +14165511957
Pasaj is a popular brunch spot in Leslieville, so you can’t go wrong checking that place out. This one specializes in Aegean cuisine, which is often hard to find in the city.
If you come here for brunch, you should get Grandma’s Pancakes. These milky soft pancakes are topped with sour cherry jam and tahini halva, so sweet and sour are the prevalent flavors. It’s also extra tangy because it’s served with labneh (Greek-style yogurt) and nutty because of all the crushed pistachios.
| Pro Tip: I recommend booking your reservation about two weeks in advance. Also, bear in mind that the maximum party size here is six people. |
Emma’s Country Kitchen
– From: emmacountrykitc
Address: 810 St Clair Ave W
Operating Hours: Friday to Monday—8 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14166523662
Tucked away on St. Clair Avenue is Emma’s Country Kitchen, a cozy nook where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and just enjoy good food. I normally get The Classic, which is their take on English-style breakfast, but the buttermilk pancakes are just as good.
I love the cinnamon-flavored ones. The pancakes taste rich and earthy because they’re cooked with brown sugar and cinnamon. Then they’re topped with whipped brown butter and maple syrup, so every bite becomes even more decadent.
| Pro Tip: Keep in mind that there’s no dedicated parking lot here. If you prefer to drive, parking is on the curb, so you’ll have to pay the meter. |
Daily Grind
– From: dailygrindto
Address: 426 St Clarens Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—8:30 am to 3 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8:30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165466933
I love how minimalist the decor of Daily Grind is. Somehow, it makes me feel at ease like I’ve pressed pause on my life.
For pancakes, you have two options. I personally prefer the pandan pancake, which is made with four buttermilk pancakes with pandan custard, coconut sauce, and toasted coconut flakes. It’s sweet and nutty and smells amazing as well.
The other option is the lemon ricotta pancake. With wild blueberries, blueberry sauce, and lemon curd, this dish has the classic sweet and sour combination. I quite like this one, too.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant carries gluten-free and dairy alternatives! |
Fran’s Restaurant and Bar
– From: fransrestaurant
Address: 20 College St
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14169239867
The great thing about Fran’s is that it’s a 24-hour restaurant, so I can treat myself to pancakes no matter when I want. Usually, it’s around midnight because somehow, that’s when my cravings for pancakes always hit.
The pancakes here may appear simple, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that they’re still so delicious, even on their own. They have a lovely caramelized exterior, and the inside is so fluffy.
If you want to make them even tastier, I recommend adding toppings. My go-to choices are banana and chocolate chips, but mixed berries and walnuts are also good.
| Pro Tip: If you want to have them as a caterer for your party, fill out this form. |
The Morning After
– From: themorningafterto
Address: 88 Fort York Blvd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16473687620
I mostly know The Morning After as a hangover spot, but it delivers a fantastic brunch experience as well. There’s also a wide variety of pancake options, which I appreciate because I love trying out new flavors often.
My favorite so far is the Shorty’s Got Cake because it’s just so indulgent. The pancakes are smothered in strawberry syrup, covered in mascarpone custard and strawberry coulis, and then finally topped with fresh strawberries. Every bite is a fruity, tangy symphony.
| Pro Tip: Planning a private event with friends or family? You can book your spot by filling out this form. |
SCHOOL Restaurant
– From: schoolresto
Address: 70 Fraser Ave, Toronto Carpet Factory
Operating Hours:
- Monday—10 am to 7 pm
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165880005
Housed inside a restored industrial space, SCHOOL Restaurant is always bursting with a vibrant atmosphere, making it a fun place for brunch.
The Black N’ Blue Flapjacks is an absolute banger. It’s topped with brown sugar butter and then with a generous heaping of blackberry and blueberry sauce. The rich sweetness always hits me first, followed by the fruity tanginess. My taste buds are always delighted!
| Pro Tip: If you have a friend who loves pancakes as well, give them a gift card from this restaurant. |
Lazy Daisy’s Cafe
– From: lazydaisto
Address: 1515 Gerrard St E, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—8 am to 3 pm
- Thursday to Sunday—8 am to 3 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm
Contact Number: +16473414070
It’s hard not to brighten up when I stop by Lazy Daisy’s Cafe. The interior design is bright, and the energy is always high. Plus, the food is delicious. What more can I possibly want?
The classic pancakes are perfectly golden with crispy edges. You can add toppings like blueberries, bananas, and chocolate chips to make them taste even better.
My favorite, though, has to be the cinnamon bun pancakes. They really taste like cinnamon buns—richly sweet with earthy notes. There’s also a bit of tanginess, thanks to the cream cheese drizzle.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has a shop where you can buy some goodies like their bestselling buttermilk biscuits! |
Evviva Breakfast and Lunch
– From: evvivarestaurant
Address: 25 Lower Simcoe St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—7 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473514040
If you’re looking for a brunch spot with a vegan menu, then you should check out Evviva. It has multiple locations throughout the GTA, but my go-to is the one on Lower Simcoe Street.
I still can’t believe that The Fluffy Vegan Pancakes are indeed vegan. They’re just as soft and pillowy as their non-vegan counterparts, and they’re also creamy and fruity sweet because of the coconut whipped cream and the homemade berry compote.
These pancakes look pretty as well because they’re served with edible flowers.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant can get really busy during brunch. So, it’s better that you book a reservation ahead of time. |
RUNWAY06
– From: runway06toronto
Address: 132 John St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday—4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday—4 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—11 am to 4 pm, 5 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16476607948
RUNWAY06 is best known as a spot to get late-night food, but on the weekends, it becomes brunch heaven. And thankfully, there’s pancakes on the menu.
The pancakes are paired with pieces of coconut and kiwi, so the flavor is mellow sweetness with strong notes of citrus. Sometimes, I like to order sausage as a side dish because I love how its smoky-savory flavors complement the sweetness of the pancakes.
| Pro Tip: You can host a private event here. You can even have weddings! |
Almond Butterfly Bistro
– From: almondbutterflybistro
Address: 792 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—10 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14168622030
Almond Butterfly is one of my favorite bakeries, so I’m glad to know it also has a bistro that serves brunch food!
The banana Nutella pancakes are my go-to order here. If you’ve tried Nutella before, then you can expect the same for these pancakes: so decadently sweet. The pancakes taste even better because they’re topped with banana pieces and hazelnuts.
If you want something less sugary, go for the apple pancakes instead. These are simple, but the fruity sweetness is irresistible!
| Pro Tip: You can give a gift card to a loved one who’s also a pancake enthusiast. |
Fuwa Fuwa Dessert Cafe
Address: 408 Bloor St W
– From: fuwafuwapancakes
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169449999
If you’ve never tried Japanese pancakes (also known as souffle pancakes) before, you’re missing out because they’re so good. Fortunately, you can fix this mistake by stopping by Fuwa Fuwa Dessert Cafe.
The pancakes here are extra fluffy. In fact, they’re so fluffy biting into them feels like biting into a cloud.
There’s a wide variety of flavors available as well, and my favorite is the crème brulée one. It’s so satisfying to break the crystallized sugar on top of the pancake. And the silky cream that’s poured over the pancake is utterly divine. I can’t get enough of this one!
| Pro Tip: Check their website for coupons. One that’s currently active (until December 31, 2024) gives you a free matcha drink per pancake order! |
