Now get ready to toast your gastronomic adventure, one forkful at a time.

The Best Brunch Spots in Toronto

Insomnia Restaurant and Lounge

Location: 563 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Website: insomniarestaurant.com

Voted “Best Brunch” in Now Magazine’s Reader’s Choice awards, this spot blends brunch classics like Bacon Grilled Cheese ($18.95), Eggs Lorraine ($22.95) during the weekdays, and weekend plates including Steak & Eggs ($35.95) or Benedicts paired with mixed greens and gently seasoned home fries, topped with their talked-about “legendary barbeque” sauce. Brunch runs from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with takeout on deck.

Petit Déjeuner

Address: 191 King St E, Toronto
Website: petitdejeuner.ca

Petit Déjeuner by LPD Café is a charming downtown brunch spot that feels like a cozy Belgian hideaway. Its menu offers a delightful mix of breakfast classics and Belgian-inspired treats — think light, crispy waffles ($10–$14), Eggs Benedict ($14–$18), croque madame ($15–$18), and a spinach & brie omelette ($12–$16). The interior has a warm, character-filled vibe, with antique waffle irons and vintage décor adding a nostalgic touch. Service is friendly and attentive, making it a great place to linger over a leisurely brunch. Whether you’re craving a sweet waffle or a savoury benny, Petit Déjeuner strikes the perfect balance between comfort and culinary flair.

Lady Marmalade

Location: 265 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
Website: ladymarmalade.ca

Recognized as a go-to all-day brunch location, Lady Marmalade dishes out wallet-friendly Eggs Benedict like Salmon Benny and Mango Benny, plus Moroccan Scramble and Braised Beef Torta. Brunch is served daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring breakfast and lunch entrees priced between $7 and $24, with optional add-ons. One can enjoy a meal on-site all week long or grab takeout on weekdays.

Bonjour Brioche

Location: 812 Queen Street East, Toronto
Website: bonjourbrioche.com

A long-standing French brunch destination where guests can dine in or swing by for pastries. Menu highlights include Avocado Toast ($15.50) paired with Smoked Salmon (+$4), Spicy Bacon ($13), Moroccan Tofu Scramble ($16), and soups ($7). Brunch is available Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Maha’s Restaurant

Location: 226 Greenwood Avenue, Toronto – 978 Queen Street East
Website: mahasbrunch.com

Once noted in the MICHELIN Guide with praise to “dine like a pharaoh,” Maha’s channels Egyptian brunch flavours with the Cairo Classic ($22), notable Lentil Soup ($18), Pharaoh’s Po’ Boy ($21), and the Chef’s Appetizer Platter with Balady bread ($28). Maha’s Brunch (located at Greenwood Avenue) operates daily until 4:30 p.m., except Wednesdays, offering both dine-in and takeout. Maha’s Café, located on Queen Street East, is open everyday and features a curated selection of items from the brunch menu.

School Restaurant

Location: 70 Fraser Avenue, Toronto
Website: schooltoronto.com

Built around comforting ingredients and a back-to-basics approach, School is known for brunch hits like Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles ($27), Hashbrown Poutine ($23.50), and Apple Crumble Cakes ($23), with extras such as Sugar Cured Ontario Bacon ($7.50). Brunch is served Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

HOTHOUSE

Location: 35 Church Street, Toronto
Website: hothouserestaurant.com

If an all-weekend brunch in the St Lawrence neighbourhood sounds ideal, HOTHOUSE maintains that quality dining shouldn’t cost a fortune. On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch includes Avocado Toast for $20 and Ontario Spring Pasta at $23. Their Sunday buffet is set at $34.95, with desserts like Waffles with Chocolate or Strawberry Sauce, and hot items like Jerk Chicken and Chipotle Mussels. Weekday lunches feature Mediterranean-style options and delivery is available throughout the week. If you like to try a bit of everything, this is the spot to go. It is also very family friendly and in a great location to explore after your meal.

Emma’s Country Kitchen

Location: 810 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
Website: emmascountrykitchen.com

Centred on homestyle classics, Emma’s offers brunch Friday to Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with mains like Buttermilk Pancakes ($18), Brunch Poutine ($17), and the ECK Beltbuster ($36). Guests can also order all-day extras such as glazed apple fritters ($8). You can make it a festive celebration with a donut party pack ($40), available with 24 hours’ notice.

The Morning After

Location: 88 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Website: themorningafterto.com

The Morning After follows the mantra, “If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the most meaningful meal of the week.” Serving daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends, their menu spans vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options. You’ll find Stacked in Dubai for $22, Chicken Wings for $18, and Caesar Salad also for $18. Their signature timed challenge, called Blackout, is priced at $86. To top it off, guests taking on the Blackout menu are expected to clear the full brunch spread within 60 minutes to earn a Hall of Fame reward on the restaurant’s page.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Location: 85 Hanna Avenue, Suite 104, Liberty Village, Toronto
Website: mildreds.ca

Gathering with friends or browsing pantry picks, Mildred’s offers weekday B’lunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dishes include Chix & Waffles ($26) and Wally’s Cheesy Savoury Tart ($18). For home enjoyment, their pantry favourites feature Buttermilk Pancake Mix ($9.95), Frozen Currant Scones ($16.95), and the Daybreak Brunch Box ($160), crafted to bring people together around the table.

1 Kitchen Toronto

Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Website: 1hotels.com/toronto/taste

A farm-to-table concept that places sustainable ingredients up front, offering staple food items like its Brunch Burger ($33), The 6ix combo ($22), House Maple Roasted Granola ($17), and Charcuterie Board ($29), alongside making reservations. Breakfast and lunch run Tuesday to Friday; weekend brunch goes from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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The driving force for this menu is the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Executive Chefs Danvee Kwok and Kevin Shawcross who both have travelled and worked in restaurants extensively around the world. But this newest collaboration with Craig and Ivy is considered a homecoming and welcomed with open hearts and open arms.

The dishes are more than “just a twist”. They are created with intent and purpose. We actually had a teaser taste last summer when hints were dropped at a celebratory event at Patois. Patiently we waited for the announcement and it was worth the wait. AYLA has reawakened our curiosity and love for dining out. Expect the unexpected. Truly.

“Nowhere else in the world, not LA or New York, would this work. Toronto is not as separated and we feel we can have more fun with dishes here”, said Kevin.

AYLA, meaning “halo of light around the moon”, was inspired by their serendipitous friendship that began on Moon Street in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district. It was there that Kevin and Craig had their first pop-up collaboration and that’s when the wheels started turning — what was the next move?

Chefs Kevin and Danvee have both worked in restaurants on various islands, countries and continents. Having led kitchens in Vancouver, Japan, Hong Kong and Barbados, they have a deep understanding, love, and respect for traditions and culinary techniques. Between their personal and professional experiences combined, they have something truly unique to offer.

AYLA  is bold, innovative, exciting, unexpected and intimate. Each dish feels familiar, yet one bite of anything on the menu, and it will tell you otherwise. It’s like someone had taken the best parts and then made them very personal. Each dish feels as though it has a story to tell and inspires storytelling amongst diners.

It’s not just about the food. If you feel like you’ve stepped into a Wong Kar-wai film set here, you’re not the only one. AYLA is also a feast for the eyes and the details are worth exploring. The restaurant itself is intimate, warm and full of curiosity.  AYLA has a nostalgic Hong Kong’s Golden Era vibe from the moment you step through the doors. From traditional “Yut Lik” calendars to vintage ads and clay pots — it all reminds me of treasures that I’d find at my PoPo’s (grandmother’s) home.

Here are some of the stand-out dishes with global flavours we’ve tried already …

ALYA’s take on a favourite go-to dish Char Siu (barbecue pork) will definitely be on repeat. This stand-out and hearty pork dish comes to the table plump and juicy over a surprising Bajan green sauce and a glistening cassareep glaze. A fun twist that really showcases the intersection of cultures and cuisines!

Cha Chan Teng Risotto is inspired by the comforts of the popular Hong Kong style borscht soup. “Cha Chan Teng is Hong Kong’s version of a diner where you can get a cheap and cheerful meal. At many of these diners, you would usually get for free is this Hong Kong style borscht soup”, said Chef Kevin. Ahhh, yes!  But unlike the European borscht soup, this one at AYLA is tomato-based although they did add a few beets over top. The chefs here also made their version with an oxtail gravy to give it more richness in flavour.

The Wagyu Steak Tartare Cheung Fun with an umami vinaigrette is an exciting twist to the popular dim sum dish. Chef Kevin tells us it’s his favourite dish but being born and raised in Alberta he showcases this with his love for beef wrapped in rice-based rolls alongside fresh herbs.

Drunken Sablefish was another favourite at our dinner table. The delicate sweetness of the brown sugar is balanced by pickled shimeji and shiitake mushrooms. Melts in your mouth!

A smooth, and exquisite, Mentaiko Tarama is topped with wild ikura (salmon roe) is served with warm toasted sourdough and you’ll want to scoop up every savoury shmear and leave nothing behind. My mind immediately thought of the popular Greek dish “taramasalata”…but also discovered that Tarama is also known as “the most beautiful village in Japan” and the only village in the Okinawa Prefecture. I’ll be back to ask the chefs more about the story here!

You may think salads are boring but we were completely taken by surprise by the delicious flavours of their Chrysanthemum Caesar. The leaves of the chrysanthemum along with red watercress are topped with puffed buckwheat tossed with pecorino, sesame, and miso made this salad far from ordinary.

For dessert, we really enjoyed the HK Egg Custard — a very pretty and not-too-sweet finish with so many favourite elements including mango bits, sago, pomelo and sesame brittle. A delightful balance of flavours!

AYLA (794 Dundas Street West, upstairs) is for the curious and food adventure seekers who want something that excites and surprises. Its intimate, warm and inviting dining room is officially open now for your flavourful exploration.

Website: www.aylaupstairs.com

The post AYLA is a delicious love letter from Hong Kong to Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The Best Caribbean Restaurants in Toronto

Scotthill Caribbean Cuisine – 1943 Avenue Rd

The family-owned restaurant’s name comes from a street located in Moneague, a town in the Parish of St. Ann, Jamaica. In this town, families and friends would share meals crafted with love. The sharing of meals was the inspiration for the creation of Scotthill. Here, guests can enjoy authentic and savoury-crafted traditional Caribbean dishes in a small upscale atmosphere.

Besides the variety of options, what many guests enjoy the most about Scotthill are their generous portion sizes.

Visit their website

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen – 104 Portland St

To commemorate their 20+ years of friendship, Chubby’s came to life as a passion project by co-founders Janet Zuccarini, Gusto 54 Founder and CEO, and Angela Lawrence, Gusto 54’s Chief Culture Officer. The restaurant’s name represents the good tummy feeling after enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal.

Served in small portions, many guests have recommended the jerk chicken, oxtail, and saltfish fritters. Another plus is that guests can bring the restaurant’s flavours to their homes as they sell bottles of their hot sauces, jerk sauce, and spices.

Visit their website

SugarKane – 699 Danforth Ave

In 2013, this female-owned business started as a catering business called Spiked Punch after years of occasionally cooking good food for relatives and friends. The catering business was an instant success and became SugarKane, a dine-in restaurant and catering service. The restaurant serves Caribbean dishes mixed with Cajun influences.

Guests can find delicious, unique dishes such as jerk corn on the cob and jerk chicken tacos. They can also find classics like the creole jambalaya and the braised oxtail.

Visit their website

Patois – 794 Dundas St W

Patois restaurant is known as the place where Caribbean cuisine and Asian cuisine come together to become one. With both cultures merged into one, the restaurant serves its dishes family-style. So if you ever feel like going there, it is best to go there and enjoy the food accompanied by at least one other person.

Guests can find infusions of their jerk chicken chow mein, jerk pork belly yakisoba, and Chinese “pineapple” bun burgers.

Visit their website

The Diner’s Corner – 678 Yonge St

Right in the heart of downtown Toronto is where you can find this restaurant filled with an array of authentic Jamaican dishes. You can find classic Jamaican dishes from fried plantains to ackee and saltfish.

While the guests enjoy the classic meals, they are encouraged to leave room for the bread pudding, pineapple upside-down cake, or sweet potato pudding.

Visit their website

Rhum Corner – 926 Dundas St W

Rhum Corner is a laid-back place that specializes in Haitian cuisine. In 2013, a married couple, the owners, always wanted to operate a Haitian restaurant with a refreshing atmosphere and put that idea to fruition. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in business this year, the restaurant sells Haitian dishes and cocktails at an affordable price.

The menu might be small, but guests are guaranteed a great selection of choices. Popular menu items include the saltish cod patty, macaroni au gratin, and the griot.

Visit their website

Albert’s Real Jamaican – 542 St Clair Ave W

Albert’s Real Jamaican has been a popular go-to Caribbean restaurant in the west end for nearly four decades. The inspiration for the restaurant’s opening came from the owner’s mother’s talent, hard work, and passion for cooking creative dishes.

Along with the patties, curry goat, and jerk chicken, guests love the portion sizes of rice and peas with gravy.

Visit their website

Boukan – 774 Danforth Ave

This newly opened Haitian cuisine restaurant sells Haitian street food in a unique and fun way. The inside of the restaurant gives guests an “at home” vibe with the incorporation of Haiti’s history and culture. During its short time in business, the restaurant has achieved quite a few accolades, like being featured in Black Restaurant Week

Besides the fritay, many guests have raved about how good the beignets are.

Visit their website

La Cubana – 92 Ossington Ave, 392 Roncesvalles Ave, 456 Oakwood Ave

La Cubana is a family-owned restaurant selling Cuban dishes made from scratch in-house and even their own brewed crafted beer.

Their sandwiches are a popular menu item, with many guests describing the bread as “heavenly.”

While take-out joints are a go-to for many who crave Caribbean cuisine, these nine restaurants continue to do a fantastic job of satisfying those cravings.

Visit their website

The post The Best Caribbean Restaurants in Toronto to Dine-In appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Coffee Shops in Roncesvalles

It is no secret that hipsters love a good well crafted cup of Joe, and Roncy is bumpin’ with beanie hats and Doc Martens. The good news is that there are a BUNCH of excellent independent coffee shops to choose from as you walk down Roncesvalles high street. Some of these coffee shops include:

• Reunion (385 Roncesvalles Ave) – A Canadian, family-owned specialty coffee roaster.

• Cherry Bomb Coffee (79 Roncesvalles Ave) – Freshly baked pastries & coffee drinks brewed from house-roasted beans served in a snug setting.

• Ethica Coffee Roasters (213 Sterling Rd) – Espresso drinks made from house-roasted, ethically sourced beans, served in an industrial setting.

West Toronto Rail Path 

Roncesvalles is next to the emerging Sterling Road development, with the West Toronto Rail Path running along side it. Ramblers can enjoy less a less crowded urban stole along a shared bike path, with plenty of stopping off points. Some of our favourite places to check out include:

• Henderson Brewery (128A Sterling Rd) – Brewery that was also included in our list of The Best Breweries in Toronto.

• Ethica Coffee Roasters (213 Sterling Rd) – A specialty coffee roaster that has amazing pour overs.

• House of Anansi Press (Lower Level, 128 Sterling Rd) – A publishing house and bookshop.

• Museum of Contemporary Art (158 Sterling Rd #100) – A museum of contemporary works.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Also off the Rail Path, Toronto’s Museum of Contemporary Art is an inclusive space that showcases modern work with a focus on the relationship between people, nature, culture and geography.  The building in itself is beautiful and a real historic landmark to an ever condofied city.

Hot tip: pop by on a Friday night! MOCA Free Friday Nights powered by Scotiabank where you can see exhibits brought to life with live performances, installations and pop-ups. 

Bandit Brewery

In a city with a thriving micro-brewery scene, Bandit is an absolute must-visit. Not only is the tap room stunning with a gorgeous year-round patio, Bandit Brewery also serve some of the best food in Roncy. I’ve long since suggest I might revolt if they ever take their beer-battered cheese curds off the menu, but there are also more refined dishes with a light Asian influence. The brews here are top notch and flights are available for the epicurious. It was also included in our list of The Best Breweries in Toronto.

Revue Cinema

What a delight it is to visit an old movie theatre! Revue claims to be Toronto’s oldest operating cinema. This not-for-profit community run picture house was established in 1912 and screens cult classics, indie movies and special features.

Check out their schedule HERE.

What to do in High Park

If you fancy a stroll with that coffee in hand, Roncy is right next to High Park, one of the city’s biggest and most accessible green spaces. In the winter, the trails are well maintained for hikes and those who pack skates can skate on the ice rink. In the summer, the park comes alive and even plays host to Shakespeare in the Park for the season, which is a pay what you can cultural delight. Love animals? The High Park zoo is open – for free – year round!

Find our more on our post of Things to do in High Park.

Independent Stores in Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles High Street is one of the last remaining strips in this city where small, independent shops outnumber chains. From second hand book stores to cute markets, plant shops, vintaging clothing spots, jewellery stores and a pretty awesome 3D printed design shop, Roncy is worth a jaunt for the window shopping alone. Some shops you may want to check out include:

• Sunnyside Provisions (287 Roncesvalles Ave) – a specialty grocery, bottle shop with take out food at good prices & very kind staff. 

• Scout (405 Roncesvalles Ave) – independent gift shop with a focus on Canadian handmade and independent gifts and cards.

• Another Story Bookshop (315 Roncesvalles Ave) – independent book store that specializes in books on social justice, equity and diversity.

• Bossanova (103 Roncesvalles Ave) – Wine and beer shop that sells unique non-LCBO alcohol with knowledgeable staff.

• Fevers Vintage (55 Roncesvalles Ave) – A great vintage clothing shop.

• Outclass (343 Roncesvalles Ave) – A Canadian made menswear brand.

Restaurants in Roncesvalles

Home to a multitude of cuisines, Roncesvalles is a tasty delight at all times of the day. The newly revived Ace continues to be a hot brunch spot in the city, with Easy Diner also hitting the right notes at the end of the strip. La Cubana (392 Roncesvalles Ave) brings Cuban comfort food, Barque Smokehouse (299 Roncesvalles Ave) delivers barbecue to the neighbourhood and there is huge buzz for Musoshin Ramen (9 Boustead Ave). Indian cuisine restaurant, Dil Se (335 Roncesvalles Ave), was recently featured in the Toronto release of the Michelin Guide as well as being included in our Best Restaurants in Toronto post. Other restaurants to check out include:

• Ace (231A Roncesvalles Ave) – Also mentioned in the Michelin guide.

• AM Bagel (53 Roncesvalles Ave) – Delicious bagel sandwiches with many vegan options.

• Cafe Polonez (195 Roncesvalles Ave) – Longstanding restaurant with delicious polish food.

• Gold Standard (385 Roncesvalles Ave) – One of the best breakfast sandwiches around.

• Pizzeria Defina (321 Roncesvalles Ave) – Inventive wood fired pizzas that have won several awards.

Sorauren Farmers Market 

Sorauren Farmers Market (50 Wabash Ave) is one of the city’s best farmers markets for local produce and absolutely POPPING in the summer months. During winter the market still runs, although it is indoors and a little more low key. Check out their website for their most up to date schedule. 

Pottery 

Looking for a fun and hands-on activity? Clay With Me (2112 Dundas St W) pottery studio has just opened up a second location in Roncesvalles. Wheel and hand-built pottery classes are available for three hour, four week and eight week classes, as well as special events.

Jewellery Making

Become a goldsmiths, because why not! Roncesvalles is home to Jewel Envy (151 Marion St), a bright blue building worth a jaunt for the exterior alone. Here you can learn how to set jewels, make your own statement pieces, work with metals and hone your craft. We’re into it!  

The post Things to do in the Roncesvalles Neighbourhood of Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The Best Breweries in Toronto

East End Breweries

Avling

Address: 1042 Queen St. E.
Website: Avling.com

Go to Avling for the beer, but stay for the incredible food menu. A conceptual urban farm with a stellar lineup of experimental beer, Avling exudes an atmosphere of Nordic hipster chiq. Beanie hats and colour pops punctuate a clean space, replete with on-tap brews made in house. Staples include a Pilsner, Saison and an I.P.A, and more exciting seasonal releases see tasty adventures such as a Lavender Sour, the Carillon Biere de Miel with raw honey from Ontario’s Rosewood Estates. The largers and grisettes are also highly worthy of a swil. Avling is great at any time of day, but is especially popular for brunch and dinner. Try the smorgasbords; they’re iconic.

Black Lab Brewery

Address: 818 Eastern Ave
Website: blacklab.beer

Want to bring your pooch to the pub? No problem! Black Lab Brewery in the Eastend is fully dog friendly. Or, if you’re an aspiring dog mom like me, chances are you’ll get to pet a few good boys and girls while you’re there. The Black Lab tap room offer flights, which is a major draw for those looking to try a little something of everything. The beer list rotates seasonally but you’ll always be able to sip the Conerstone Black Larger, the Anubis Baltic Porter, a Double Dry Hopped IPA and the Needs More Dog Munich Dunkel and a Kennel Sour with a some weather appropriate iteration or another. There is no kitchen here, but Black Lab plays host to frequent culinary pop-ups.

Godspeed

Address: 242 Coxwell Ave
Website: godspeedbrewery.com

“Made with struggle and love in Toronto” is the Godspeed tagline, and the love at least is evident in each refined sip from this Japanese inspired brewery. Famous for their beloved Yuzu Citrus Saison, Godspeed also sell this in canned format through the LCBO. The Ochame Green Tea IPA is another menu must order, with the rest of the beer list presenting a twist on classic Czech and German beers. When the kitchen is operational it serves up snacks such as edamame and satay skewers to accompany your pints. 

Left Field 

Address: 36 Wagstaff Dr.
Website: leftfieldbrewery.ca

Left Field is the feel good hit of the East End with its vintage and lightly kitsch sports branding. ICE COLD BEER anyone? Sure! But Left Field also has an extensive list of bangers including the many iterations of the Squeeze Play Sour, the classic Bang-Bang sour (available in the LCBO), the Lazer Show Double IPA, Skipper IPA, Ephus Oatmeal Brown Ale and more, depending on when you pop by. If you’re looking to try a little of everything, you’ll be pleased to know that Left Field are celebrated for their flights. 

Another brewery that allows four legged friends to join the party, you’ll find as many people hitting the bottle shop here as those angling for bar stools.

Radical Road

Address: 1177 Queen St E.
Website: radicalroadbrew.com

The draft beer list is small but with focus and, like most breweries, shifts with the seasons. You’ll always be able to find a sour, a largered ale (Beer Beer), an IPA and some iteration of a brown ale (the Peanut Butter Brown Ale release was a real banger). Canned classics such as their Yuzu Pale Ale and Blackberry Sour are also available in-house. The vibe inside is more dive-bar than hipster brewhouse, with a cocktail menu that befits the mood. The kitchen plays host to beloved Toronto snack chain, Mean Bao, which is true joy. Tofu & Enoki Mushroom Bao and a larger? YES PLEASE. 

Rorschach

Address: 1001 Eastern Ave.
Website: rorschachbrewing.com

Rorschach declares that “life’s too short for ordinary beer” and they hold true to their promise. Their bottle shop is the most exciting in the city, with offerings such as Decadence (Peach Cobbler or Blueberry Cream) Chocolate Milk Stout, the Reverie Dreamsical IPA in all its seasonal iterations and the many releases of the Hedonism sorbet sour IPAs (one of which I distinctly remember pouring blue), and the frankly always mental Afterglow ( a “Rum Runner” Tiki sour with pineapple, orange, blackberry, banana and pomegranate). Inside the brewery there is an excellent array of food on the menu too. Praise. 

West End Breweries

Kensington Brewing Company

Address: 299 Augusta Ave.
Website: kensingtonbrewingcompany.com

Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s hipster Kensington Market neighbourhood, the Kensington Brewing Company is small and snug with a variety of board games to play while sampling a flight of their classics and seasonal beers. Well known for their Stout, and Hazy IPA, Kensington have also been playing in the fruity seltzer space. 

Blood Brothers

Address: 165 Geary Ave.
Website: bloodbrothersbrewing.com

Experimental beers galore can be found at this small but punchy tap room, replete with a kitchen run by Beast. Regular hop drops and sours on the wilder side are available on tap and in cans. Industrial glam plays backdrop to some of the best beers in the city. 

Bellwoods Brewery

Address: 124 Ossington Ave.
Website: bellwoodsbrewery.com

Bellwoods Brewery has been a Toronto staple for nearly a decade now and is a real highlight of the ever gentrifying Trinity Bellwood’s ‘hood. Well known for their Jelly King sour series and their hoppy Jutsu and Ghost Orchids and of course the long lost Witch Shark, you can’t go wrong with a Bellwoods beer.  Things have been on the rise for this microbrewery for a while; they have a second uptown taproom location and a brand new adjoining gastro brewpub space which creates FANTASTIC pairing dishes. 

Burdock 

Address: 184 Augusta Ave.
Website: burdockbrewery.com

If a trip to the infamous Dufferin Mall isn’t enough to steal you away to this spicy little pocket of town, Burdock Brewery create some true gems, including their Tuesday saison, the Cherry-B dry hopped sour, and the tart and juicy Nula pale ale. Burdock are also currently producing some pretty excellent beer-wines with their grape ales. The kitchen here has always been solid with its menu of elevated bar food. 

Bandit Brewery 

Address: 2125 Dundas St. W.
Website: banditbrewery.ca

It doesn’t get more Toronto than a micro-brewery with racoon branding, does it? As beloved for their beer battered cheese curds as they are for their accessible and tasty beers, Bandit has been making waves in Roncesvalles for five years now.  Flights for days and a wide selection of rotating beer as well as a few rockstar hits, there is something for all beer drinking palates. The space is curated to reflect brewery-chiq at its finest. The patio is a real feel-good hit of the summer, but it is also incredibly beautiful as an enclosed glass winter garden during the colder months. 

Halo 

Address: 247 Wallace Ave.
Website: halobrewery.com

A taproom with a mathematical and low key spacey style, Halo brings light and some reasonably “out-there” beers to a weird part of town worth venturing to for the Event Horizon stout and and Shapeshifter sour series. The patio in the summer is pretty cute too. 

Henderson Brewing Co.

Address: 128A Sterling Rd.
Website: shophendersonbrewing.com

Squirreled away off Toronto’s Railpath, Henderson is the perfect pit-stop on a multi-brewery bike ride adventure. Known best for their Food Truck largered blonde which can be found in Beer Stores and LCBOs, there are plenty of on-premise specials worth making the journey for. There are boardgames and dogs are welcome, need I say more.

High Park Brewery

Address: 839 Runnymede Rd.
Website: highparkbrewery.com

With a large taproom and event space, High Park Brewery has become a popular spot for weddings in the city. A dog-friendly winterized patio keep this a place for year-round fun and micro-brew joy. With 12 rotating taps and a food menu of fried chicken and smash burgers, there are some solid vibes being served up on Runnymede. 

Rainhard Brewing Co.

Address: 100 Symes Rd.
Website: rainhardbrewing.com

Rainhardt is one of three breweries in Toronto’s Stockyards district, which is the perfect location for a mini-crawl and definite stop on that aforementioned malt-brewery bike day of fun. Rainhart serves some pretty typical microbrewery vibes and my award for best beer name goes to their “Satanic Panic” Imperial stout. The flagship Armed ‘N Citra is pretty great, as is their dark larger. 

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