The Best Pancakes in Toronto

The best pancakes in Toronto are superior weekday pick-me-ups, welcome weekend hangover cures, and often, too big for one person to tackle alone. Whether classic buttermilk or jazzed-up and compote-clad, there's something oddly comforting about a big stack of an ol' faithful morning food. The pancakes that have made it on this list come in a whole variety of forms — some elegantly adorned with smoked duck and chevre, others glistening proudly (though likely, that can be blamed on the maple syrup) with nothing but an oatmeal base and a traditional recipe in its corner. Either way, pass the syrup.

Here is the list of the best pancakes in Toronto.

See also:

The best brunch in Toronto
The best new brunch restaurants in Toronto, 2011
The best donuts in Toronto
The best cupcakes in Toronto
The best macarons in Toronto

Saving Grace

Of course Saving Grace wins. The Dundas West brunch spot has that perfect, cozy, “this place definitely has great pancakes” feel, plus unique takes on the breakfast staple that you probably won’t find anywhere else. Look to the board to find the daily pancake special, which might include Japanese pancakes, corn pancakes with onions, and the much beloved poached pear pancakes stack. Plates are usually $9-$10. More »

Parts and Labour

Parkdale knows good pancakes, and Parts & Labour certainly leads the pack. It offers traditional buttermilk blueberry pancakes, of course, which come topped with whipped cream, maple syrup, and caramelized bananas. But Parts & Labour also recognizes the value of the pancake in savoury form, offering the P&L pancake topped with pork belly, potato hash, and a fried egg. So much for berries. More »

Mildred's Temple Kitchen

Who is this Mrs. Biederhof, and why does she make such good pancakes? Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is the home of “Mrs. Biederhof’s Infamous Light & Fluffy Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes,” a brunch must-have that definitely lives up to its name. Served with Lanark County maple syrup and whipped cream, these pancakes are unbelievably fluffy while incredibly filling all at the same time. Beware. Pancakes here are $13.50. More »

Mitzi's Cafe

Those who know Mitzi’s know it’s all about her oatmeal buttermilk pancakes. While the toppings may switch from one out-there option to the next (candies, cookie dough, or simply fresh fruit) the classic oatmeal buttermilk base always stays the same. Fluffy and reliable, the plate is rounded out with homefries, fruit, maple syrup, and whipped cream for $13.95. More »

Universal Grill

Usually “grill” and “great pancakes” don’t go together in the same sentence, but I can make an exception for Universal Grill in the Annex. The chocolate chip pancakes made here come a little thicker than normal, baked in a cast iron pan instead of made on a griddle (ironically). Served with a side of raspberry compote and fruit salad, only true legends can devour the entire $10 plate. More »

Barque Smokehouse

These are not your plain old buttermilk flapjacks. Barque Smokehouse on Roncy makes smoked duck pancakes (yes, smoked duck), which are served with chevre and blueberry compote. So yes, even pancakes can be made “gourmet.” The plate is priced at $14, and is highly recommended with an extra side of smoked candied bacon. More »

Aunties and Uncles

As one of Toronto’s longstanding favourite brunch spots, Aunties and Uncles does impeccably well in the realm of classic pancakes. Its version comes Jack Johnson style (that is, with bananas), served with a generous heaping of fruit and maple syrup to go alongside. These are definitely your traditional, comfort-food-type pancakes, priced at $7.50. More »

Frank

Frank Restaurant does its pancakes more refined, which is appropriate for a place set inside the Art Gallery of Ontario. Served during weekend brunch, this buttermilk “tower” (as it is immodestly called) is made of a heap of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, served with fresh Ontario fruit, pure Kawartha Lakes maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream. Call it art for $18. More »

School Bakery and Cafe

While some spots skimp when it comes to pancake adornment, School Bakery smothers its “Black & Blueberry” buttermilk pancakes with berries of all creeds. The stack set before you is marvelously high, with whipped cream and maple syrup filling out the plate for $14. If berries aren’t your thing, you can always channel your inner eight-year-old and go with the peanut butter banana pancakes for the same price. More »

Littlefish

Bacon alongside your pancakes? No, bacon inside your pancakes. Littlefish definitely has the right idea. This is your Junction go-to spot for delicious pancakes and more, with the aforementioned bacon variety offered alongside traditional blueberry and banana. Scrumptious baked treats to take home too, that is, if you find you have enough room. More »

Queen and Beaver

I know what you’re thinking. “Ugh, pub brunch?!” But alas, just wait until you try Queen and Beaver’s buttermilk pancakes. Soft, fluffy, and slathered with maple butter, just close your eyes and think of daisies as you dig in. I promise, you’ll feel like you’re in a mom & pop Annex brunch spot. Uh, until someone at the next table orders, “a mighty mound ‘uh black puddin’!” More »