Toronto: The Brunch Capital
Toronto is a city that wears its love for brunch on its sleeve, especially as weekends roll around. The communal act of brunching has morphed into a cherished reset for many, where friends and family gather to re-energize over classic and innovative dishes. Among the brunch staples, French toast reigns supreme, evolving from its humble beginnings—using up stale bread—to a versatile delight served in countless exciting ways. Our resident tasting chefs, Nuit Regular and Anthony Rose, took to the snow-covered streets to uncover Toronto’s best French toast offerings.
Winner: Layer Slayer
At the top of the list is the French Toast Trifle from OEB, located at 125 E. Liberty St. This dish is a sensory experience that expertly balances textures and flavors. Featuring soft brioche layered with bright citrus curd and fresh berries, the addition of tiny pavlovas adds a delightful crunch. Anthony couldn’t contain his enthusiasm, declaring it his favorite: “I love this. I’m a huge lemon curd fan.” Nuit echoed his sentiments, praising the interplay of textures: “The custard is soft, and the pavlovas are crunchy—just perfect.” It’s a well-deserved crown for this $21 indulgence.
Runner-Up: Berry Blissful
In second place, we have Cafe Landwer with their Berry Bliss French Toast, priced at $16.95 and located at 1912 Avenue Rd., North York. This dish captures the comforting essence of brunch, creating a delightful experience that both chefs appreciated. Anthony praised its comforting flavors, stating, “It’s classic in a really good way.” Nuit was particularly taken with the thick slices of baked challah toast: “I love how it feels really substantial when you bite into it, not just thin bread.”
Ciao Cocoa
Moving on to Café Atelier, located at 1450 Clark Ave. W., Thornhill, this French toast offering, dubbed Tiramisù French Toast, is a luxurious choice at $22.95. The coffee-soaked bread, combined with mascarpone and the right amount of cocoa, creates a rich, indulgent dish. Anthony enjoyed the custardy texture, while Nuit was enamored with the layering and the originality of a shot of espresso served on the side.
Bringing Home Bacon
Next up, we have a sweet and savory creation from Tiarré’s Brunch & Bistro at 1614 Bayview Ave. Their Candied Bacon and Apple Stuffed French Toast offers a delightful $23 twist on classic flavors. Initially hesitant, Anthony found himself won over after a few bites: “This is a nice crossover, which I appreciate.” Nuit elaborated on the dish’s uniqueness, describing it as “fun and balanced.”
Petal Party
Bringing floral notes to the table is the Lavender Love from Almond Butterfly, found at 792 Dundas St. W. Priced at $23.50, this French toast delights with its creamy ricotta-mascarpone filling. Anthony felt the bread was a bit heavy but noted the flavors were compelling. Nuit adored the almond crunch paired with raspberry compote, stating it made all the difference.
Going Bananas
Last but not least is the Banana-Walnut Crispy French Toast at Yolks on 2245 Bloor St. W., which is a steal at $21. The crispy edges combined with banana slices offer instant appeal. Anthony lauded the texture, saying, “I like the crispiness of it and the walnuts.” Nuit also noted the extra effort in achieving that perfect crunch, making this dish a worthwhile addition to the brunch repertoire.
Toronto’s brunch scene not only exemplifies culinary creativity but also brings people together, making each outing an experience worthy of celebration. Each unique French toast offering stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to this beloved weekend tradition.