7 Black-Owned Brunch Spots in Toronto You Need to Check Out ASAP
Who else misses brunch dates?
Everyone knows I do.
Even though we can’t currently go out to enjoy it, I’ve been collecting a list of spots to support via takeout and delivery as well as to visit when they reopen.
And it’s particularly important to support Black-owned businesses at this time.
In the US, 40% are not expected to survive the coronavirus lockdown, which is more than double the rate of white-owned businesses (only 17%).
I haven’t found any equivalent research in Canada (let me know if you have!) but considering 61% of Toronto businesses are concerned they’ll have to close if the coronavirus closures extend much longer, it wouldn’t surprise me to think we’re seeing similar numbers here.
All that to say: support local businesses in general, and Black-owned businesses in particular!
To help you do so, I’ve collected this list of all the Black-owned brunch spots in Toronto in alphabetical order.
Ready to discover their culinary delights? Let’s go!
1. Chicpeas Veg
Chicpeas is a little different than the others on this list: rather than being a restaurant, they host vegan brunches to which you can purchase a ticket.
(And let me just say, they are delicious and allow you to try a wide variety of East African inspired dishes! As well as being lots of fun.)
Although they’re not currently hosting events, they’ve been sharing amazing vegan recipes via IG Lives; they also offer a vegan meal plan that you can order.
2. Friday Roots
876 Dundas St W, Toronto ON
Friday Roots offers brunch with a Southern twist along Dundas St W. In normal times, they also host DJ events and live music, so that their brunch is more of an experience than just a meal!
They’re currently open for takeout and delivery with a reduced menu.
3. Kaspace Cafe
1183 Queen St E, Toronto ON
This Leslieville joint aims to create a blend of cafe and restaurant that also fills their patrons with inspiration and delight! Using locally and ethically sourced ingredients, their vegan and vegetarian creations are sure to satisfy.
They currently offer brunch via takeout.
4. King Rustic
905 King St W, Toronto ON
Looking for some comforting brunch classics in the heart of King West? King Rustic has you covered!
Their brunch changes seasonally and is centered around homemade comfort food. (Out of what’s currently listed on their site, I would love to try the Skillet Souffle!)
They’re currently open for takeout and delivery with a reduced menu.
5. Roux
2790 Dundas St W, Toronto ON
This Southern Creole restaurant in the heart of the Junction offers hearty and delicious meals in a relaxed environment.
They currently offer brunch via takeout (and now I’m craving some Cornflakes Crusted French Toast!)
6. True True Diner
169 King St E, Toronto ON
True True Diner was one of the most popular brunch spots to open up in Toronto last year. They serve classic Southern dishes with their own special spin. The cover image for this post features their White Bean Shakshuka and Gorgonzola Flatbread.
Head Chef Suzanne Barr is also a noted social advocate who has built equality and social responsibility into the foundation of True True, starting with equal, liveable pay for staff. Even their name refers back to the history of Black liberation: according to their website, “a handful of diners and casual restaurants turned a blind eye to the social norm of the time and became safe spaces for leaders and supporters of the civil rights movement to congregate and strategize.”
They are currently closed, so stay tuned for news of their reopening!
7. Vegwood
540 Oakwood Ave, York ON
Located in the heart of Oakwood Village, Vegwood provides vegan food that’s both delicious and affordable.
Although not a traditional brunch spot, they offer a very satisfying-looking Saturday Breakfast that I just had to share!
They’re currently open for takeout and delivery if you want to get your fix!
And there you have it: 7 Black-owned brunch spots in Toronto that it’s well worth your while to try.
(And don’t forget to check out this list of Black-owned cafes too!)
Which one will you be trying first? Let me know in the comments!
