Downtown Toronto’s restaurant scene sometimes feels like a show. Most of the spots focus on vibe, aesthetic, clout. Some of the top spots are designed as places to see and be seen. But, midtown has a more small-town vibe, especially when you start moving away from Yonge St.
I love classic diner food, but I want options. A restaurant with only one vegetarian brunch option has to do a lot to make me want to come back. So if you’re out with friends or you need a new brunch spot, here are some of my favourites in midtown Toronto.
Yonge St
Mia’s Brunch Bar
Minimal, upscale, big mirrors, and cheap bottles of wine make this a great spot to meet the girls. While this spot is right on Yonge Street, the enclosed back patio with hanging lights and a big overhanging tree make this a little oasis. I am a sucker for a breakfast burger, and you can add an egg to their portobello burger for some real good vegetarian eats.
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 9am – 3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Vegetarian Options:
- Granola Yogurt
- Avocado Toast
- Portobello Burger
- French Toast
- Pancakes
- Mia’s Everything Salad
Patio:
Yes, they have 2 – the back patio is definitely a place you want to sit!
Uncle Betty’s Diner
Home-style comfort food with a cute side and front patio. This is exactly what you’d expect for a family-oriented restaurant on Yonge Street, but the grilled cheese has Mac & Cheese in it! Yes. It’s grilled cheese with mac and cheese inside. This is everything I want when I’m looking for comfort food. I don’t know how much more Canadian you can get.
Hours: Breakfast –
Monday – Wednesday: 11am – 7pm
Thursday & Friday: 11am – 9pm
Brunch –
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Sunday: 9am – 7pm
Vegetarian Options:
- Sweet Potato Hash
- Ultimate Grilled Cheese
- Breakwich
Patio:
Yes
Mt Pleasant
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 7am – 4pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Vegetarian Options:
- Eggs Florentine
- Vegetarian Omelette
- Pancakes
- French Toast
- Waffles
- Parfait
- Salad
- Sides
Patio:
During summer via CafeTO
Starving Artist
If you haven’t made your way out to one of the 6 Starving Artist locations in Toronto, I encourage you to do so ASAP. I am a sucker for anything slathered in hollandaise, and this place puts it on waffles.
This is one chain that has so many vegetarian brunch options.
The potato waffles are wonderful and hearty. All of their cafes also feature art from local artists. Not only can you submit your artwork, but you can discover new local talent and decorate your place. And, 100% of the money goes to the artist. This is such a great way to grow the Toronto culture.
Hours:
9am – 6pm
Vegetarian Options:
- Parfait
- Waffle Grilled Cheese
- Any Benny can have the meat subbed for tomato or avocado
- Mixed Veggie Waffle Sandwich
- Chive & Cheese Waffle
- French Toast Waffles
- 8 Dessert Waffles
Patio:
During summer via CafeTO
The Homeway
A staple in midtown since 1948, this is still a family-owned restaurant in Toronto with great food. The food is what you’d expect, benny’s, waffles, french toast, etc. The waitresses get to know the regulars by name, and the patio gets planted up like a home garden every summer.
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9am-2pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am-3pm
Vegetarian Options:
- Eggs Florentine
- Grilled Veggie Omelette
- Bree and Asparagus Omelette
- Buttermilk and Cinnamon Pancakes
- Challah French Toast
- 4 fruit and veggie-based ‘Healthy’ options
- Homeway Wrap
- Sides
Patio:
Yes, 2
Bayview
Sophie’s Kitchen
Bayview is always a pleasant walk, and because of adjoining Leaside, they get interesting retail. And they have Craig’s Cookies, which I have been known to skip into on occasions. If indulgences are the name of the game here, then Sophie’s Kitchen came to play. The chefs here create great meals, and everything is flavourful. Their cocktail menu is also interesting, and their mugs of coffee are huge. Come hungry.
Hours:
8am-3pm
Vegetarian Options:
- Make Your Own Salad bar
- Greek Yogurt Bowl
- Avocado Toast
- Eggs Bennington
- Millwood Frittata
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Strawberry Chocolate Pancakes
- Pecan Cornflake Crusted French Toast
- The Best Stuffed French Toast Ever
Patio:
Yes
Where’s your favourite vegetarian brunch spot? In the City, or abroad? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll post more Toronto Guides soon.
