January 31, 2022 | Neighbourhoods
Breakfast in the Junction: Our Favourite Spots
As the restrictions begin to ease, again, we are starting to dream about Sunday brunch with good friends and family. We are eager to get back to supporting our community and restaurants that make the west end the vibrant part of town it’s known as. The Junction, perhaps one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods as far as restaurants and cafés go, is no exception. This list is by no means exhaustive, and the changing landscape of Dundas West means new and exciting places are popping up all the time. However, it also means some of our favourites have had to close their doors for good, miss you Vesuvio’s!
If you’re new to the area or simply don’t know where to start, we have the west end on lock over here. Brunch in Roncy? We got you. Patios in Parkdale? Right here. Breakfast in the Junction? Don’t mind if we do! Check out our list of our favourite spots to get our scramble, poached, sunny side up and over-easy fix!
Cool Hand Of A Girl
This cute little corner location helmed by chef Lucia Maceda offers a very delicious breakfast option from 8AM-4PM. Here you can order up a classic breakfast sandwich, an avocado toast, or choose something with a little more spice from their Mexican specialties. Lucia Maceda, born and raised in Mexico City, learned her craft as a little girl. Taught by her grandmother, a passionate cook and hostel owner renowned in Mexico city for her delicious Sunday brunches! Chef Lucia sources her ingredients from local farmer’s markets and bakeries, of which there are plenty in the west end. At Cool Hand Of A Girl, you can count on fresh, delicious food and warm welcoming service.
Cool Hand Of A Girl 2804 Dundas St. West
Farmhouse Tavern
This one pushes the boundaries a bit of what is considered the Junction, however we would be remiss if we did not include it in a brunch round up. The front door is covered in ‘Best Of” stickers from the last 10 years, so you know it’s going to be good. Serving up a seasonally changing menu, the brunch here has something for everyone. Get messy with their breakfast burger topped with a soft duck egg, indulge your sweet tooth with blueberry pancakes and chantilly cream, wash it down with bottomless coffee or a perfected house Caesar. The Farmhouse brunch is available Saturday and Sunday 11-3PM and it fills up fast. Book a table ahead on their website to avoid disappointment.
Farmhouse Tavern 1627 Dupont Street
Junction Grill
Every neighbourhood needs one of these, A dedicated breakfast joint. Junction Grill is just that. Serving up an all day breakfast menu as long as the phone book (remember those?) there is definitely going to be something for everyone here. Open daily from 8AM until 4PM get your eggs Benny fix without having to wake up early on a weekend, win win. They also have a great selection of vegan friendly and vegetarian breakfast options. Fast service, friendly staff and fresh ingredients make Junction Grill an easy choice when you need your breakfast stat!
Junction Grill 390 Pacific Ave
★ For more on life in The Junction check out:
- The Junction Neighbourhood Guide
- Our Favourite Patios in the Junction
- Top 5 Reasons Families Will Love Living In The Junction
- Just When You Thought The Junction Strip Couldn’t Get Any Cooler?
Carmelitas Restaurant
Carmelitas is a standout on this list as it offers an exclusively Mexican and Salvadoran brunch. Choose from the incredibly flavourful Desayuno Salvaroreño, a Salvadoran breakfast staple of eggs plantains, refried beans, avocado, and homemade tortillas or try the Chilaquiles smothered in a spicy red or green sauce, topped with eggs and refried beans. Their quaint interior and friendly service will have you dreaming of your next sunny getaway. Until then, check out Carmelita’s and let your beachy daydreams roll.
Carmelitas Restaurant 2982 Dundas St. West
Luna Junction
Luna Cafe is a Toronto brunch favourite. Formerly located on Queen St. West for over 20 years, Luna opened its doors in the Junction with a goal of continuing that that delicious brunch tradition while also adding a delicious Mediterranean and Portuguese inspired dinner menu. But today, we’re here for the brunch. Serving up a multitude of Toronto brunch staples, think sourdough eggs Benny, avocado toast and buttermilk pancakes, Luna brunch takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 9AM-3PM. Another super cute interior (the Junction is full of charm like this!) when the weather is right, don’t miss their adorable little patio at the back!
Luna Junction 2800 Dundas St, West
Noctua Bakery
Honourable mention for Noctua Bakery, a beautiful and delicious little cafe/bakery located in the former Vesuvio’s location on Dundas West. Named after an independent bookstore, located in the heart of the Junction. Combining ancient grains and exceptional ingredients with long fermentation and classic techniques, hand-crafted into refined breads and pastries for everyday enjoyment. With all their sweet and savoury treats baked on site, this is an excellent place to stop for a coffee and a lemon scented, delicate medialuna (they are the best here!)
Noctua Bakery 3014 Dundas St. West
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