Solena Brunch and Bar is a Mediterranean-inspired brunch spot in Toronto that serves everything from cocktails to coffee.

Located on the eastern edge of Corso Italia, the restaurant first opened its doors in July 2026 and held its grand opening a few weeks later.

The name "Solena" was chosen to evoke the concept of the sun, specifically a sunrise over the Mediterranean coast.

Owner Kugendran Perampalam, an experienced restaurateur with several other businesses in the GTA, tells blogTO that he wanted Solena to have a distinctive identity and an aesthetic to match.

"We wanted to create an atmosphere of accessible luxury," he explains. "A restaurant that was both modern and elegant without being overly formal or intimidating."Though opinions may differ on whether Kugendran’s team achieved this goal, I personally believe that they hit their target square on the nose. After all, nothing says "affordable luxury" like a teal-and-gold dining room.

Solena's menu comprises a mix of brunch staples and traditional Mediterranean fare. The restaurant additionally boasts an impressive selection of drinks, including coffee, cocktails and mocktails.The Protein Breakfast ($24) is a filling meal, consisting of three eggs, fresh tomatoes, house salad and toast, served with sliced avocados and your choice of protein. We opted for the smoked salmon, which paired nicely with the fruits and vegetables.The Solena Avocado Toast ($14) comes with all the fixings, including smashed avocados, roasted tomatoes and scrambled eggs. The base is made from two slices of toasted sourdough, giving it a deliciously crunchy texture.The Southern Chicken and Waffle Benny ($24) combines soft Belgian waffles with velvety poached eggs and crispy fried chicken, topped with chives and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. Blueberry ricotta pancakes ($22) come in stacks of three, piled high with fresh blueberries, maple syrup and ricotta frosting. Though some diners might find this dish a tad sweet, I enjoyed the sugary toppings, especially the frosting.The summer berry French toast ($22) is another sweet dish. Instead of blueberries, strawberries take center stage, accompanied by the same combination of maple syrup and ricotta frosting.The Atlantic salmon bowl ($25) consists of a grilled salmon fillet on a bed of quinoa. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, peppers and tomatoes, are scattered throughout.The Solena Steak Sandwich ($25) is a sizable entree, consisting of two AAA steaks on a crusty ciabatta bun. Lettuce, tomatoes and caramelized onions help to fill out the sandwich, while home fries are served on the side.The strawberry mojito mocktail ($9) is a fun, fruity drink made with strawberries, mint and soda water. Despite being non-alcoholic, this drink wouldn't feel out of place at a fancy beachside bar.The Solena Bloom ($15) is a beautiful lavender-coloured cocktail, whose mild, floral flavour pairs well with almost anything. Overall, Solena is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood's growing collection of restaurants and bars. Whether you’re scoping out a spot for a brunch date or simply looking for somewhere to treat yourself, Solena's sure to have exactly what you're looking for.Solena Brunch and Bar is located at 1224 St. Clair Avenue West.