Restaurants
Figs
Figs is a small, sunny restaurant near the corner of Queen and Parliament that draws in locals for breakfast, brunch and lunch. As someone who loves brunch, but sometimes works weekends, I am always thrilled to find spots that serve good brunch fare during the week.
Figs has the feel of a family-run operation with nice touches sprinkled throughout, like the addition of fresh flowers and plants, and local artwork on the walls. I had heard this place described as Diner-style food so was pleasantly surprised to see a wide selection on the menu; with lighter options like yogurt with honey and granola, and rice pudding with saffron. And as a bruncher who love Eggs Benedict, I'm happy to report there are several variations of the dish for the choosing.
After some deliberation, my friend and I select the Royal Eggs Benedict ($12.99) which consists of smoked salmon and spinach. It's a hearty serving with three eggs, a generous serving of home fries, and fresh grapefruit, melon, and grapes. The notes of lemon in the homemade Hollandaise sauce (rich, but not heavy) are complimented by the sprigs of fresh dill. The eggs are poached to perfection, soft and slightly runny. This version of Eggs Benny is absolutely satisfying, and even feels healthy.
At a crossroads choosing our next dish, we opt for the Full Breakfast. Designed for the bruncher who wants it all, this dish involves bacon, eggs, sausage, toast, fresh fruit, and Belgian Waffle (also $12.99). The waffle has the winning combination of being very light and fluffy, while maintaining a slightly crisp shell. I also like my bacon on the crispy side and Figs delivered, but the shredded potato accompaniment is the standout for this dish; seasoned with paprika, it's addictive. I will return on the basis of these potatoes alone!
My only complaint here would be the coffee ($1.79). I generally enjoy Diner-style coffee, but this cup just didn't cut it for me, and I made a stop-off at another coffee shop after leaving.
The portions are large, the service attentive, and the price reasonable for what you get. Figs may be a little bit out of the way for some, but definitely worth the visit if you're in the area, or just looking for a weekday brunch fix.
Writing by Celeste Percy-Beauregard
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No matter what, Figs is my FAVOURITE brunch spot in the city. The salmon eggs benny, pictured above, is excellent and I am also totally impressed with the steak and eggs. The owner told us she gets the steaks fresh from a butcher in St. Lawrence Market. The fruits are always fresh, too, and handpicked by the owner.
You can definitely tell the owner is hardworking and committed to great food. The comment in this article that there are "nice touches sprinkled throughout" rings absolutely true.
It is a little out of the way, it's true, but there is street parking and it's certainly a diamond in the rough for that neighborhood. Try it out!!!
I actually think "a little out of the way is a fair comment"
Unless you live and/or work right around the corner (so probably less than 0.001% of the GTA's population) Queen and Parliament can be reasonably considered out of the way. On a Sunday morning, no one says "let's go to Queen and Parliament for a stroll".
They say "let's go to the Beaches... Danforth... Leslieville...King West... Yorkville"
Queen and Parliament is not associated with a particular neighborhood and it's in the middle of several great neighborhoods. SO to go to Queen and Parliament, you have to divert from the great neighboorhoods. In most cases, you end up at Queen and Parliament because you actively choose to go there, not because you decided to go for a stroll in Moss Park.
I do live here, actually! haha
But you're absolutely right, the Queen and Parliament area is developing into a bustling neighborhood.
I didn't mean to dismiss this part of town because poor people live here. I think I make a fair point and it's not meant to put down the area. Just state the facts.
Also, my "bullshit" statistic is close to accurate. Corktown has a population of approximately 6000 people and the GTA has 5.5 million.
Do the math :)
It's our 'go to' brunch spot on weeekends.
I love coming to Figs - its the next best thing to coming home for brunch. Great job! And thanks for spreading the word with such a great review! Everyone should get a chance to eat here!