Early morning brunch in Toronto might be an oxymoron (or more plainly, it might just be breakfast), but it's not exactly nonexistent. Some of Toronto's best brunch restaurants open their doors in the wee hours so you can get your fix before the rush.

Here are our picks for restaurants to get your brunch on first thing in the morning in Toronto.

Bonjour Brioche

Skip the lineup at this French bakery cafe in Riverside by taking advantage of their 8 a.m start time. Here, the early birds get first pick from the selection of fresh baked goods on display, or can opt for sandwiches on ultra-fresh baguettes, tarts and quiches.

George Street Diner

This fire-engine-red diner is open at 8 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Go here for classic Irish breakfasts, frittatas and tall stacks of pancakes Beware, you might have to wait in line, but it'll be worth it.

Pigeon Cafe Toronto

The first Toronto location for this Montreal-based brand, Pigeon Cafe offers brunch dishes from a wide array of influences like American, French and Middle Eastern cuisine starting at 8 a.m. every day.

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Lazy Daisy's Cafe

This Little India staple is open for brunch daily at 8 a.m., and is most well known for their buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwiches, but offer a full menu of breakfast classics both sweet and savoury.

Lakeview Diner

This Dundas West spot is one of Toronto's oldest and most venerated 24-hour diners. That means you can have all your favourite brunch offerings at anytime of the day, including in the wee hours.

OEB Breakfast Co.

Now with two locations in Toronto including one in Liberty Village, this chain restaurant serves breakfast classics like Eggs Benedict and mimosa flights.

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1 Kitchen Toronto

Located in the 1 Hotel near King and Bathurst, this restaurant is open at 7 a.m. every day, offering their sustainably sourced farm-to-table cuisine and large selection of fresh smoothies.

Lady Marmalade

Brunch is the forte of this popular East Chinatown destination and is available from 8:30 a.m. onward, making it a magnet for early risers. Breakfast poutines and cheddar and spinach waffles are just two items on the delectable menu.

Daily Grind

One of the later-openers on this list, this Bloordale Village restauramt opens at 8:30 a.m. and serves up a mix of Vietnamese-inspired dishes and re-imagined breakfast classics like Ube French Toast.

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Evviva

This chain restaurant opens at 7 a.m. every day and now has 5 locations in and around the city. For "breakfast classics with a modern twist," Evviva could be worth setting a weekend alarm for.

Cafe Paradise

This Bloorcourt restaurant opens at 8 a.m. every day and serves as both a to-go coffee shop and a sit-down restaurant. With a ton of lighter and more substantial options, there is something for everyone here.

Maha's Restaurant

Open at 8 a.m. daily except Wednesday, this Little India spot has an Egyptian twist on morning staples. 

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Emma's Country Kitchen

Beat the line at this popular St. Clair West brunch spot by arriving when they open at 8 a.m. Biscuits and gravy, baked oatmeal and next level pancakes are just a few of the tasty menu items you can sink your teeth into. 

Figs

Don't be deceived by this restaurant's tiny Corktown restaurant space, Figs serves up diner-style breakfast classics, and they do it well. Open at 7:30 a.m. every day, Figs is a great option for a classic breakfast and great service.

Rosemary & Thyme

This Scarborough restaurant serves breakfast alongside an extensive menu including Greek food, fish and chips and poutine from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., seven days a week.