15+ Best Brunch Spots In Leslieville: An Insider’s Guide To The East Side

If you live in Toronto’s east end, you know the drill. Saturday morning hits, the sun peeks over the Victorian row houses, and suddenly everyone has the same idea: brunch.

I have spent years navigating the sidewalks of Queen Street East and Gerrard, dodging strollers and hunting for the perfect eggs benedict. Leslieville isn’t just a neighbourhood; it’s a small town within the big city. The vibe here is different. It’s slower than West Queen West but cooler than the Beaches. And the food? It’s arguably the best in the city.

We aren’t just talking about bacon and eggs here. We are talking about Egyptian feasts, Turkish spreads, and duck confit waffles. If you are looking for the Best breakfast restaurant Toronto has to offer, you often have to cross the Don Valley to find it.

Here is my honest, verified guide to eating your way through a Leslieville morning, expanded to include 17 essential spots.

Disclaimer: Restaurant hours, menus, and prices can change. We recommend checking the official websites or calling the venues directly before your visit.

The Ultimate Guide to Brunch in Leslieville

Maha’s: The Egyptian Powerhouse

*Photo via Maha’s Egyptian Brunch 226 Greenwood/ Maha’s Café 978 Queen East (@mahasbrunch)*

You cannot talk about Brunch Leslieville without starting at Maha’s. This place is legendary for a reason. Located just north of Queen on Greenwood, it’s a family-run spot that changed the game for east-side dining.

The lineup here is a rite of passage. You will see people waiting outside rain or shine. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Cairo Classic is the dish that put them on the map. It’s a massive platter of foole (fava beans), falafel, tomato feta, and charred balady bread.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Mind Blowing Chicken sandwich or the Cairo Classic. Get the Honey Cardamom Latte. It’s non-negotiable.
The Vibe: Bustling, cozy, and smells incredible.
Insider Tip: Go on a weekday if you can. If you go on a weekend, get there 15 minutes before they open or be prepared to wait. Note that they are typically closed on Wednesdays.

Lady Marmalade: The Benny Queens

Best Brunch Spots in Leslieville — *Photo via Lady Marmalade*

Long-time locals remember when Lady Marmalade was a tiny spot on Queen Street. They moved to a beautiful, airy space on Broadview a few years back, and it solidified their status as the best brunch Toronto staple.

Plus, they focus on fresh ingredients and arguably the best hollandaise in the city. They don’t do reservations, so you just show up and put your name on the list. The system moves pretty fast.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Huevos Migas (scrambled eggs with sausage, pico de gallo, and black beans) or the B.A.B. Benny (Brie, Avocado, Bacon). If you want something sweeter, their bread pudding is famous.
The Vibe: Bright, wood-paneled, and full of plants.
Insider Tip: Their house-made hot sauces are fantastic. Use them liberally.

White Lily Diner: The Michelin-Recommended Classic

Technically just steps west of Leslieville in Riverside, White Lily Diner is too important to skip. This spot holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and makes everything in-house, from their bread to their donuts.

It captures the nostalgia of an old-school diner but with elevated, high-quality ingredients. It’s widely considered one of the best breakfasts in the entire city.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Grand Slam platter or the Hot Turkey Sandwich. Always, always grab a donut to go.
The Vibe: Retro cool, bustling, and warm.
Insider Tip: They sell their frozen meals and pantry items (like their pimento cheese) at the front. Stock up.

Pasaj: A Taste of Istanbul

If you walk down Queen Street past Jones, you will find Pasaj. This spot feels like you stepped into a greenhouse. The back room—the “Glass House”—is flooded with natural light, making it perfect for those grey Toronto winter mornings.

They specialize in Turkish brunch. It is less about a single plate and more about grazing. You tear off pieces of warm Simit (a circular bread covered in sesame seeds) and dip it into shakshouka or spreads.

What you need to know:

The Order: Grandma’s Pancakes are fluffy, topped with sour cherry jam and tahini halva. The Turkish Breakfast spread is great for sharing.
The Vibe: Elegant but relaxed. It feels like a vacation.
Insider Tip: Check out their bakery counter at the front before you leave. The cookies and pastries are dangerous.

Lazy Daisy’s Cafe: The Biscuit Haven

Located on Gerrard near Coxwell, Lazy Daisy’s is the undisputed champion of breakfast biscuits in the east end. It’s a bright, cheerful spot that champions local ingredients and sustainability (they are B Corp certified!).

If you want a sandwich that will keep you full until dinner, this is the place. It’s also incredibly family-friendly.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Son-of-a-Rise. It’s a biscuit sandwich with egg, cheddar, bacon, avocado, and tomato.
The Vibe: Farmhouse rustic and community-focused.
Insider Tip: Their breakfast burritos are also a sleeper hit if you aren’t in a biscuit mood.

Maple Leaf Tavern: The Upscale Pub

Sometimes you want brunch to feel a bit refined. Maple Leaf Tavern on Gerrard is a stunningly restored historic building with a wood-fired grill. The interior is dark wood, leather, and cozy vibes, making it perfect for a rainy Sunday.

Their brunch menu is smaller but perfectly executed, leaning into high-quality meats and comfort classics.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Steak & Eggs from the wood-fired grill or the Banana Toffee French Toast.
The Vibe: Gentleman’s lounge meets neighbourhood pub.
Insider Tip: They have some of the best cocktails in the area, so it’s a great spot for a “boozy” brunch.

Nola Eatery & Bar: The Southern Twist

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A post shared by Nola Eatery Bar (@nola_eaterybar)

Sometimes you just want comfort food with a bit of soul. That is where Nola Leslieville comes in. Located right on Queen East, they bring a distinct New Orleans flair to the neighbourhood.

While they do dinner and cocktails, their brunch game is strong. They offer a fusion that feels unique to the area. You get the classic bennies, but you also get dishes with that Southern kick.

What you need to know:

The Order: Look for their Po Boy sandwiches or the Eggs Royale if you want a classic done right.
The Vibe: Fun, slightly louder, and very welcoming.
Insider Tip: It’s a great spot for groups since the tables are a bit more accommodating than the tiny cafes nearby.

Yaya Greek Bistro: The Mediterranean Morning

For years, people ignored Greek spots for brunch, thinking it was just a dinner cuisine. Yaya Leslieville proves them wrong. “Yaya” means grandmother, and the food here reflects that home-cooked care.

They serve dishes that break the mold of standard bacon and eggs. Think eggs with savory meats, fresh tomatoes, and incredible cheese.

What you need to know:

The Order: Start with the Feta with Sesame and Honey—it’s the perfect mix of salty and sweet.
The Vibe: Casual and friendly.
Insider Tip: You can grab a great coffee here and sit by the window to people-watch on Queen Street.

O’Somae: Picnic Style Perfection

O’Somae sits on Broadview and offers something visually distinct. They serve their brunch in a way that feels curated and special, often utilizing wooden boards or “picnic” aesthetics.

If you search for Best brunch spots in leslieville reddit threads, you will see locals debating their favorite dishes here. They lean towards the indulgent side. The Duck Waffles are a standout—crispy duck leg confit on a waffle.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Duck Waffles or the Crab Cake Benedict.
The Vibe: Modern, clean, and Instagram-friendly without trying too hard.
Insider Tip: It’s a bit further north than the main Queen strip, so it’s often a good backup if the Queen Street spots are overflowing.

Avling Kitchen & Brewery: The Sustainable Feast

Avling isn’t just a brewery but also a farm-to-table experience with its own rooftop garden. Located on Queen East, their brunch is fresh, seasonal, and pairs perfectly with their house-made beers.

It’s spacious and bright, making it one of the most comfortable spots to dine in the neighbourhood.

What you need to know:

The Order: Their menu changes with the seasons, but look for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken or any dish utilizing their rooftop veggies.
The Vibe: Scandi-minimalist, airy, and cool.
Insider Tip: This is arguably the best spot in Leslieville for large groups or families with strollers due to the space.

Hastings Snack Bar: The Hidden Gem

Tucked away on Hastings Avenue just off Queen, this spot is a time capsule. It’s an old-school Polish snack bar that serves incredible comfort food. It feels like you’ve discovered a secret.

It’s unpretentious, affordable, and deeply satisfying. Note that they are typically open Wednesday through Sunday.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Breakfast Pierogies or the classic Polish breakfast plate with sausage.
The Vibe: Retro, authentic, and cozy.
Insider Tip: The counter seating is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to take it to go.

Impact Kitchen: The Healthy Fix

If you’ve overindulged all week and need something that fuels you without the food coma, Impact Kitchen on Queen East is the go-to. It’s 100% gluten-free and focuses on high-quality, nutrient-dense foods.

This is where you go for a “Power Breakfast” that actually tastes good.

What you need to know:

The Order: The Power Bowl with eggs and avocado or their Paleo Waffles.
The Vibe: Gym-chic, energetic, and fast-casual.
Insider Tip: Their smoothies are excellent if you just need a liquid breakfast on the run.

Chula Taberna Mexicana: The Spicy Start

*Photo via Chula Taberna Mexicana (@chulatabernamexicana)*

Located on Gerrard, Chula offers a vibrant Mexican brunch that is a fun departure from the standard eggs benny. The space is colourful and they have a great heated patio setup for year-round vibes.

If you believe brunch should always involve a margarita, this is your spot.

What you need to know:

The Order: Huevos Rancheros or the Breakfast Tacos.
The Vibe: Fiesta-ready and colourful.
Insider Tip: Check out their back patio if the weather is nice—it’s one of the best on the strip.

Quick Bites for Breakfast in Leslieville

Sometimes you don’t have time for a sit-down meal. If you just need a quick Breakfast in Leslieville, check out:

Bonjour Brioche: The French classic at Queen and Degrassi. The croissants are world-class and the lineup moves fast.
Bodega Henriette: A lovely spot on Gerrard for a quick pastry and coffee that feels like a neighbourhood secret.
Pilot Coffee Roasters (Wagstaff): Hidden down a laneway (Wagstaff Drive), this industrial roastery and cafe is the coolest place to grab a high-end pour-over and a fresh pastry.

The east side has transformed into a culinary destination. Whether you want the spice of Maha’s, the biscuits at Lazy Daisy’s, or the comfort of Lady Marmalade, you really can’t go wrong. Just remember to bring your patience on the weekends, grab a coffee while you wait, and enjoy the neighbourhood.

Looking for a place to get some work done after brunch? Check out our guide on where to set up your laptop in the city: Best Coffee Shops For Remote Work In Toronto: A Guide To Cafes With Wi-Fi & Outlets

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