International brunches of Toronto
In a multicultural city like Toronto, it’s easy to find delicious eats from far and wide. Hogtown boasts fare from the Philippines to the Middle East to Scandinavia. Most people don’t know that the restaurants which serve the best international suppers also do brunch, too. Here’s where you’ll find the best globally inspired brunches in the 6. [Image credit: iStock.com/Eurngkwan]
Maha's Fine Egyptian Cuisine
226 Greenwood Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 2R2Run by a mother-son-daughter team who immigrated to Toronto in 2000, Maha’s Egyptian kitchen is hard not to love because every dish is cooked with care. The Basturma scramble is a savoury delight: butter, fenugreek, garlic and Egyptian spices. And the date grilled cheese is also one of a kind too – dates sautéed in butter and added to a killer combo of Havarti, Swiss and Gouda. The east end brunch restaurant is both rustic and modern – and it’s a go-to among locals for a refreshing spin on the weekend breakfast.
Tavoos Restaurant
1120 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1B6If you’ve never had an OMG moment with Persian cuisine, head straight to Tavoos’ College Street spot for brunch and order the infamous Kalleh Pacheh dish. This is the stuff that celeb chefs like Anthony Bourdain travel the world for, and we can find it right in our backyard. A soup made from sheep’s head, hooves and tongue, with picked garlic, lemon juice and a glass of house-made chai. You’d think you were in Iran.
Fat Pasha Inc
414 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V9Falafel, shakshuka, a whole head of cauliflower and a mint tea. Is there anything that sounds more tantalizing than brunch at Fat Pasha? This Dupont Street establishment has a developed a great rep for serving up one of the city’s best Mediterranean dinners, and the brunch is on point too. The back patio is great for groups, and don’t forget to order a round of labneh for the table to start.
La Cubana
392 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M9There aren’t many places where we wish that brunch was served in the evening, since La Cubana’s breakfast plate is one of the city’s must-try dishes, this would be one. The Cuban breakfast is perfectly balanced – slow-cooked pork, spicy slaw, rice and beans, and topped with creamy poached eggs. And to finish: a cup of Cuban coffee paired with La Cubana’s just-fried, cinnamon-sugar doughnuts.
Otto's Bierhalle
1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H3Where do Brits turn when they have an unyielding desire for baked beans and black pudding? None other than The Bristol. This curry house, pub and “classic fry” joint has become the place across-the-pond transplants can rely on for thick-cut rashers, homemade beans on toast and pud. And by the way, a Pimm’s Cup at brunch is totally warranted.
Le Baratin
1600 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T8With the variety of French brunch offerings in Hogtown, trust us when we say that Le Baratin is legit. They’re especially known for their Farcous, French spinach pancakes which come with a range of toppings depending on your mood. We’re addicted to the “traditional” – bacon, red, onion and cheddar. Not to exclude their Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur – they’re equally satisfying options.
Karelia Kitchen
1194 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N2Scandinavia is known for its potato hashes and smoked salmon. Lucky for us, Karelia serves up the finest of those on its brunch menu. There’s not many things here you’ll find that aren’t made in house, from the ketchup to the Finnish-cardamom bread. They even smoke the salmon right on site. Skål (or, cheers), as the Scandinavians say!
