Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year – which means you can skip the prix fixe menus and celebrate love over pancakes, pastries, and coffee instead.
From fluffy pancakes to cheesy Croque Monsieurs, Now Toronto rounded up the best brunch spots in Toronto that are less Sunset Grill, more Mon Chéri.
Alder
Location: 51 Camden St
Brunch hours: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
From the mastermind behind Alo and Aloette, Alder features a wood-fired grill and hearth-driven kitchen at its centre. The brunch menu, designed by Chef Patrick Kriss, draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, with dishes like salmon tartare and shakshuka. With a setting that feels both grand and intimate, Alder offers a warm and elevated atmosphere ideal for a romantic brunch in the city. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Lady Marmalde
Location: 265 Broadview Ave.
Brunch hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lady Marmalade is an Eggs Benedict lover’s dream, offering six different Bennies on the menu plus a build-your-own option. Known for its all-day breakfast and lunch, the Toronto brunch spot features a bright, Scandinavian-inspired space. The restaurant is walk-in only with limited seating, so expect a wait during peak hours.
Aloette Spadina
Location: 163 Spadina Ave 1st Floor
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Think classic diner fare – but elevated. Aloette on Spadina has cozy booth and bar seating with a polished yet welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a relaxed but romantic brunch. The diner vibe will have you craving cheese burgers and pies, and you’re in luck because they serve both. Pro tip: share a slice of their Lemon Meringue Pie with your beau for dessert. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Le Baratin
Location: 1600 Dundas St. W.
Brunch hours: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Le Baratin keeps things simple and authentic, focusing on classic French essentials: good food, good wine, and good vibes. This cozy Toronto joint also features a bottle shop with French wines from regions you won’t typically see at the LCBO. Brunch is offered on a walk-in basis only, so expect a wait during peak hours.
Milou
Location: 1375 Dundas St. W.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located at the corner of Dundas St. W. and Beaconsfield Ave., Milou is a French-inspired neighbourhood bistro and wine bar with a warm and laid-back atmosphere. The cozy setting makes it an ideal spot for a romantic brunch. Reservations are available through Resy.
White Lily Diner
Location: 678 Queen St E
Brunch hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (all-day breakfast)
Where quality meets comfort, White Lily Diner has been a Toronto brunch favourite since opening in 2016. The restaurant sources ingredients from small, family-owned suppliers and is known for its all-day breakfast, house-baked bread, and fresh donuts made daily. While reservations aren’t accepted, guests can join their online waitlist to avoid waiting outside.
Bar Koukla
Location: 88 Ossington Ave., Unit 2
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bar Koukla brings a taste of Athens to downtown Toronto, serving Mediterranean-inspired brunch every Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is best known for standout dishes like the Koulouri Troufa and Baklava Pancakes, both drawing from classic Greek flavours. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Union
Location: 72 Ossington Ave.
Brunch hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
Union is more than just another French restaurant in Toronto, with a strong focus on organic, farm-fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu highlights seasonal fruits and vegetables, with dishes prepared in a lively open kitchen that brings the experience straight to the table. Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Maison Selby
Location: 592 Sherbourne St.
Brunch hours: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Set inside the 139-year-old Gooderham House, Maison Selby stands out for its unmatched atmosphere and historic charm. If the restaurant’s $130/person Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner isn’t what you’re after, its French-inspired brunch menu offers a more relaxed way to dine. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
Le Sélect Bistro
Location: 432 Wellington St. W.
Brunch Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Le Sélect Bistro is nestled along historic Wellington Street and has been a Toronto staple for more than 50 years. While the neighbourhood has evolved, the French bistro has remained committed to delivering excellence – from its classic interior to its carefully curated dishes. It’s a timeless spot for a romantic meal, where perfect pairs can linger over conversations about hopes and dreams. Reservations are available on OpenTable.