The Best New Brunch Restaurants in Toronto, 2009

Brunch in Toronto -- the fork in the road where breakfast meets lunch, where the hungry and/or hung-over turn to satiate their weekend cravings for fat, starch, and caffeine. A little bit of breakfast, with a dash of lunch -- who could ask for a more perfect culinary melding of the minds?

Everyone has their go-to, tested and true, good 'till the last drop Toronto brunch spot. But 2009 has seen some impressive new contenders enter the ring, new slingers of hash who are eager to prove their eggs the benniest, their homefries the tastiest and their pancakes the fluffiest in Toronto.

Some (like Mitzi's on College and The Hoof Cafe) are satellites of already popular restaurants, while the rest are new kids on the block who must prove they're worth their salt.

Here are the 8 best new brunch destinations that opened during 2009.

Previously:

The Best Brunch in Toronto
The Best All Day Breakfast in Toronto
The Best Eggs Benedict in Toronto
15 Killer Brunch Spots on Queen East

Lady Marmalade

Even Patti LaBelle would approve of this popular Queen East brunch spot. Taking over the former Pulp Kitchen space this past July, Lady Marmalade offers up tasty and organic-where-possible standards like eggs benny, French toast, and yogurt parfaits plus creative originals like the Good Morning Poutine. There are lots of thoughtful vegetarian options (like the Kung Foo Organic Tofu Scramble) too. Expect lineups. More »

Lola's Commissary

This kick-ass girly run resto serves up some kick-ass brunch. Lola’s opened this past summer in an old Victoria church right on Church street, a stone’s throw from the Village. With dishes like cheesecake stuffed French toast, the Kitchen Sink scramble, deceptively delicious multigrain waffles (some of the best I've ever had), and a seasonal variety of weekend specials, the gang at Lola’s really loves brunch. More »

Littlefish

Littlefish is a calm brunch oasis in the Junction where yummy classics like huevos rancheros and French toast are served alongside the popular mac’n’cheese or BLAT (that’s with avocado), all with a distinctly home-cooked vibe. Friendly service and great prices make this sweet new cafe a great place to check out. More »

Starving Artist

This addition to the Wallace-Emerson ‘hood serves up waffles like you've never seen. Waffles benny, mini waffles, waffle burgers, waffle shaped rice, and waffle desserts. You get the picture. Or you can paint it. Starving Artist aims to be a hub for the artistic community, serving up reasonably priced creative grub while they’re at it. More »

Harlem Underground

Like its sister location on Richmond East, the Harlem Underground is a restaurant and lounge inspired by the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance. What does that mean for their brunch menu? You can expect all of the classics, many of which have a soulful twist like the French toast filled with rum soaked raisin cream cheese, or the potato hash served with a sunny side up egg, spicy sausage, biscuits and greens. More »