Breakfast in Toronto, ON

Eggnog is a holiday classic in Canada and the United States. This dairy-based drink is made with sugar, cream and/or milk, whipped eggs and, often, bourbon, rum or brandy. If you're looking to elevate your eggnog experience this winter, order an eggnog cocktail at these Toronto spots.

Some of Toronto's best baguettes, breads and butter tarts are baked in the east end, their heavenly aromas pouring out of the oven and onto the bustling Queen Street East strip. Other bakeries in Riverside and Leslieville feel like true hidden gems, tucked up side streets that only the locals frequent. Here are the spots to visit on the east side. [Feature image: Bobbette & Belle]

You may not be able to fit a pancake excursion into this week’s Fat Tuesday, but if the occasion inspires you to hunt down some of the best stacks in town, this list is the guide for you. Whether you’re an incurably sweet-toothed bruncher, or an all-around flapjack connoisseur, Toronto is stacked (high five) with gourmet pancakes, loaded with all the fixins.

You don’t need to own a bulky waffle iron or get messy with batter to enjoy delicious waffles. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, Toronto's got you covered with a wide variety of enticing waffles to choose from. [Photo by Stephanie Tudin at Junked Food Co.]

Toronto is a heavily caffeinated city. We like coffee no matter what time, day or night. Here are my top five picks for a cup of joe around town:

For most, the traditional diner is synonymous with greasy food, drip coffee and an overall grungy atmosphere. These old-school establishments are anything but. While these Toronto diners maintain an authentically vintage vibe, they’ve evolved to include fresh, wholesome foods and globally inspired dishes. [Image credit: iStock.com/nickfree]

Move aside oatmeal, there’s a new breakfast bowl in town. What started as the açai bowl craze – an ice cream meets smoothie bowl, rich in antioxidants – has evolved into all sorts of flavoured inventions. If you’re looking to start your day with more fruits and veggies, or craving a colourful smoothie bowl topped with fruits and grains, here’s where to find them in Toronto. [Image credit: iStock.com/Mizina]

How you recover after a workout is as important as the workout itself. Being a bustling urbanite probably means you’re often on-the-go and under tighter time constraints. If you find yourself downtown and in need of a pick-me-up after your yoga class or cross-fit session, check out these healthy spots for a delicious post-workout boost. [Image credit: iStock.com/Magone]

Move over caffeine and say hello to sweet, colourful, energy-boosting juice. Whether you’ve decided it’s time for a cleanse or you’re simply hooked on the limitless fruity elixirs nature has to offer, cold-pressed juice is the organic solution to your afternoon crash. Best of all, these healthy spots  in Toronto will deliver your daily or weekly supply of juice right to your door. [Feature image: Anti Vice Juicery]

Bagels and lox or eggs Benedict with peameal? Freshly-squeezed orange juice or bottomless coffee? If it’s 10 am and you’re craving Belgian waffles, Yonge and Eglinton is a good place to be. Check out some of our favourite breakfast spots around midtown.

There’s just something about the savoury combination of egg, meat and cheese that’s worth getting out of bed for. Stop hitting the snooze button and start your morning off right with one of these breakfast sandwiches.

Many breakfast lovers will stop at nothing to stand in line for the best Bennies, crispy bacon or delectable pastries. Others want to by-pass the crowds and lineups, opting instead for a simple, quick and easy brunch menu for dining and dashing. Here is a list of great Toronto brunch bistros: