brunch annex

The top 10 brunch in The Annex

Brunch in The Annex can satisfy a broad range of cravings. Whether you're in need of a hangover remedy - like breakfast poutine - or you're searching for something a bit more sophisticated, such as gravlax-topped latkes or French charcuterie, this neighbourhood that has it all.

Here are my picks for where to brunch in The Annex.

Rose & Sons
The menu at Rose & Sons changes frequently, though recent brunch features have included fried chicken and cornbread, ricotta pancakes and spicy braised lamb with soft scrambled eggs and chickpea salad.

Fresh
There are plenty of vegetarian brunch options at this meat-free eatery at Bloor and Spadina. Start the day with fluffy banana nut pancakes and brunch burritos stuffed with scrambled tofu, veggies and faux cheese sauce.

Grapefruit Moon
Morning poutine is just one of the items on the menu at this Bathurst St. stalwart. There's also eggs Benedict and weekly variations of fancy French toast smothered in toppings like apple strudel or figs and sherry-poached grapes.

Harvest Kitchen
The farm-to-table menu at this Harbord St. spot features corn 'n' millet pancakes, kale Bennies, and a power breakfasts packed with baked eggs, beans, pico de gallo and guac' along with a house-baked English muffin and either bacon or smoked tofu.

Insomnia
There's lots to like at this student fave including one of its seven variations on eggs Benny, citrus-laced French toast, huevos rancheros and a menu of brunch-time cocktails. Skip the coffee in favour of something stronger like the Rye & Shine, which blends Earl Grey-infused rye with lavender bitters and black pepper.

Rasa
Wake up with doughnuts before moving on to heartier brunch options at this subterranean restaurant on Harbord. Highlights include pastrami-cured salmon on grilled sourdough with creamed kale and poached eggs, and a sticky bun-inspired dish dressed with cream cheese, pralines and candied bacon.

Universal Grill
Upscale comfort food is where this Dupont diner excels. The brunch menu boasts buttermilk pancakes with raspberry compote, cheesy scrambled eggs with spuds and toast and potato latkes topped with gravlax, sour cream and capers.

Bar Begonia
Start with an order of apple cinnamon beignets during breakfast served daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anthony Rose's French restaurant also offers up a selection of classic dishes including pain perdu, omelettes and croque monsieur sandwiches .

Harbord House
This two-storey haunt on Harbord Street serves brunch on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include the crab cake Benedict, corned-beef hash and ultra-filling two egg breakfasts served with peameal bacon, sausage, baked beans, toast and house-made strawberry jam.

Chadwick's
Finnish-style pancakes with honey ricotta, brisket hash, sticky buns and build-you-own-Benny options are best enjoyed with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa at this casual brunch destination on Dupont.

What did I miss? Add your favourite Annex brunch spots in the comments.

Photo of Rose & Sons by Jesse Milns.


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