Our brunch list is finally here! May and I recently drew up a crazy matrix chart giving scores to the brunch places we've recently visited downtown Toronto. Each brunch place is evaluated on five categories: Ambience (AMB), Originality/Variety (O&V), Taste/Execution (T&E), Presentation (PRS), Service/Satisfaction (SER). We of course like to try new inventive dishes, but also expect a good overall brunch experience and therefore we have weighted all categories equally. 0-1pts warrants a failed expectation, 2-3pts is average/par, and 4-5pts for exceptional standards.
Where do we hear about these brunch places? We read about it, hear about it from all over the place and almost always we reference BlogTO. Our ratings are based on actual memories of our visits (and in some cases multiple visits); all we can say is first impressions do mean a lot. This by no means a complete spectrum of brunch places in Toronto, but if someone wants to sponsor us to brunch more often, we'd gladly oblige! So.. without further adieu, here's our list!
#10 - Bellvue Cafe 14 pts = AMB 3 + O&V 3.5 + T&E 2 + PRS 3.5 + SER 2
One of the few brunch dedicated joints in Kensington market, our experience here was a little underwhelming. The hipster servers were a little more into themselves socializing, than serving us and my steak was overdone, and the biscuit was stale. It doesn't help that we were the only patrons in the house on Saturday at noon.
#9 - Harlem Underground 15.5 pts = AMB 2.5 + O&V 3 + T&E 3 + PRS 4 + SER 3
All in all, everything was average. It did feel like we were brunching at a Bar, and we were the only ones. We did enjoy the clean & colourful plating presentation on the long rectangular plates.
#7 (tied) - Universal Grill 16 pts = AMB 3.5 + O&V 3 + T&E 3 + PRS 3 + SER 3.5
A warm, low key diner-like brunch joint on Dupont + Shaw. The burgers + fries is really where its at, the brunch dishes are average. They do have really good fresh juices though.
#7 (tied) - Grapefruit Moon 16 pts = AMB 3.5 + O&V 3.5 + T&E 3 + PRS 2.5 + SER 3.5
Right in our neighbourhood, this is one of our quick staple brunch spots. Most dishes have a mexican flare to them, but also tends to be a little greasier and messier than most. This place is always bustling with people, but you never have to wait too long and the outdoor patio is great in the summer.
#6 - Mitzi's on College 17 pts = AMB 3 + O&V 4 + T&E 3.5 + PRS 3 + SER 3.5
A wide selection on their menu includes staple breakfast/brunch items, but they also have daily specials. May had their famous oatmeal pancake which was unique, tasty and very filling. I had their Calilou eggs benny with coconut bread special, a dish nothing like i've ever had and it was really good. The ambience, presentation and overall experience met our expecations.
#5 - The School Bakery & Cafe 17.5 pts = AMB 4 + O&V 4 + T&E 4 + PRS 4 + SER 1.5
Yes, we weren't impressed with their service, and apparently we've heard other people have similar experiences too. We'd like to give them a chance, as they seem to have a good formula for a brunch experience. The school thematic is present, but not in an obvious or cheesy way. The dishes were tasty, and very well presented. I particularly like the Staubb cast iron pans they use for the eggs benny. If they can work on their attention and appreciation to their customers, they could easily bounce a couple spots up on our brunch list. our extended review here.
#4 - Lola's Commissionary 19.5 pts = AMB 4 + O&V 4 + T&E 4 + PRS 3.5 + SER 4
The setting is inside a large house, and it really feels like you're at your friend's place for brunch. Wall hooks are filled with everyone's winter coats. Cozy brick walls with lots of space yet every table has a lively conversation. We liked the sexy potatoes, unique items like egg white fritattas and cheesecake french toast were winners. Every plate had a side of cut fruit. Service was warm and the overall vibe is very relaxed and non pretentious. our extended review here.
#3 - Saving Grace 20.5 pts = AMB 4 + O&V 5 + T&E 4.5 + PRS 4 + SER 3
A neighbourhood favourite for those along Dundas West. There is always a lineup out front, with a self serve queuing list. Unfortunately and fortunately, this place is small and while we love the intimacy, you really need to have a patient stomach, which we can't say we ever have. The menu is always changing, with small treats, fresh juices and endless hot beverages. All dishes are full, with a good veggie balance, well executed and not heavy. Chicken + waffles, Bacon wrapped figs gorgonzola frittata, need i say more? oh, and add on a lamb sausage, its incredible, trust me. our extended review here.
#2 - Mildred's Temple Kitchen 21.5 pts = AMB 4.5 + O&V 4 + T&E 4.5 + PRS 4.5 + SER 4
This is probably the most refined brunch places on our list. The open kitchen, large modern open architectural space, with a gorgous window wall to view the trains passing by and grasses in the wind. We find the extra you pay at Mildred's, goes a long long way. The only knock we have on them is that they don't change their menu too often, however the execution on every dish is absolutely superb. Simple things like freshly made biscuits and jams are on a whole different level. We dare you to find a better Huevos Rancheros in the city. The blueberry pancake is pretty darn good too, just ask Eric, May's 11 year old brother who wolfed it all down in a flash. our extended review here.
#1 - The Hoof Cafe 23.5 pts = AMB 4.5 + O&V 5 + T&E 5 + PRS 5 + SER 4
The top of our brunch list is kinda bitter sweet for us. When we first compiled the scores, we had no idea that our number one brunch place was actually closing down. Yepp, you read correctly, if you don't already know, they are closing down because the owners want a new challenge and have a new ambition. So if you have a chance you better head over there before Feb 28th, when it officially closes; chances are you'll probably see us there. the hoof is legendary.
Expect an incredible culinary adventure and more. Known for meaty extra parts in their dishes, everything is balanced, playful and deeply refined. You can tell the chefs have put a lot of heart, patience and care into every dish. There is no better way to start off your meal than with bone marrow beignets. Cow Tongue grilled cheese was explained as a slow cooked process, that is then thinly sliced with a tiny bit of pastrami and layered with delicate brie. Foie Gras on brioche french toast is scrumptious beyond belief; salty-sweet and buttery fireworks in your mouth, apple matchsticks with coarse salt help lighten the entire dish. However, the thing that impresses us most is the simplest and cheapest thing on the menu, $3 baked beans; it renders me speechless, without culinary words to explain, and nothing but drool. We love this place, and will miss it dearly. our multiple reviews here.
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wuhoo! so there's our top 10! Agree? Disagree? have suggestions? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. We love this great city of Toronto and all the great culinary adventures; the brunch scene is no different. Since we've created this list, we've visited a few other brunch places including "The Beast", so stay tuned for stories posted. We also have Bloordale Pantry, some east-end/leslieville eateries (since we haven't been around there in a while) and many other other brunch places on our radar. Feel free to suggest us some. Thanks for visiting and happy brunching!
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