Brunch Is a Competitive Sport Here
Liberty Village takes brunch seriously. On any given Saturday or Sunday between 10 AM and 1 PM, half the neighbourhood is either eating brunch, waiting for brunch, or walking to brunch. The good news: you have options. The bad news: so does everyone else.
Here is the honest ranking.
Tier 1: Worth the Wait
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
Mildred's Temple Kitchen on Liberty Street is the undisputed brunch champion of Liberty Village — and honestly, one of the best in Toronto. The blueberry buttermilk pancakes are the signature dish, but the real move is the Temple Brunch Board: a shareable spread of the kitchen's greatest hits.
The details: Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. No reservations for brunch — it is first come, first served. Expect a 30-to-45-minute wait by 10:30 AM. The trick is arriving at 9:50 AM and being at the door when they open. Dishes run $18 to $28.
Pro tip: Weekday brunch (Wednesday to Friday) exists and is virtually wait-free. Same menu, no crowds. If your schedule allows it, this is the cheat code.
OEB Breakfast Co.
OEB Breakfast Co. is the newer contender that has earned serious loyalty. The lobster benny is the headliner — decadent and worth the price — but the croque madame and the SMBFC (Soul in a Bowl) are equally strong. The space is bright and modern, the portions are generous, and the coffee is solid.
The details: Open daily from 7 AM to 3 PM. Weekend waits hit 20 to 30 minutes by 11 AM. Slightly less intense than Mildred's on Saturdays. Dishes run $16 to $26.
Tier 2: Excellent and Easier to Get Into
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery is the most underrated brunch in Liberty Village. The menu leans hearty — think steak and eggs, beer-battered French toast, and build-your-own caesars with house-brewed beer. The space is massive, which means shorter waits even on peak weekends.
The details: Weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 2 PM. Rarely more than a 10-minute wait. Dishes run $15 to $24. The beer flights alongside brunch are a differentiator no other spot offers.
Impact Kitchen
Impact Kitchen is the health-conscious brunch option. If you want avocado toast that is actually well-executed, grain bowls with real flavour, and smoothies that do not taste like punishment, this is the move. It is lighter than the traditional brunch spots, which is exactly the point.
The details: Open from 8 AM daily. Minimal waits on weekends because the vibe is more grab-and-go than linger-over-mimosas. Dishes run $14 to $20.
Tier 3: Solid Casual Options
LOCAL Public Eatery
LOCAL Public Eatery does a reliable brunch with the added bonus of patio dining and CN Tower views. The eggs benny and the brunch burger are the popular picks. It is not groundbreaking, but it is consistent, and the atmosphere — especially on the patio in warm weather — elevates the experience.
Pizza Libretto
This is an unconventional pick, but Pizza Libretto opens for lunch service on weekends and their brunch pizza (yes, brunch pizza — with egg, pancetta, and bechamel) is a legitimate option for the person who finds traditional brunch boring.
Brazen Head Irish Pub
Brazen Head Irish Pub runs a weekend brunch that is hearty, affordable, and unpretentious. The full Irish breakfast is the draw — eggs, sausage, black pudding, toast, and baked beans. Not delicate, not artisanal, just filling.
The Coffee Situation
Every brunch needs coffee, and Liberty Village delivers. Balzac's Coffee Roasters is the best in the neighbourhood — full stop. Dark Horse Espresso Bar is the espresso purist's choice. Arvo Coffee brings Melbourne-style pour-overs if you want something different.
If you are grabbing coffee before or after brunch, see our full coffee shop guide.
Brunch Strategy
Beat the Crowds
- Arrive at Mildred's at 9:50 AM for a 10 AM seating - Hit OEB before 10:30 AM on Saturdays - Sunday is slightly quieter than Saturday at most spots
Best for Groups
Liberty Commons handles large tables better than anyone — the space is designed for it. Mildred's can accommodate groups but the wait multiplies.
Best for a Quiet Morning
Impact Kitchen on a weekday morning. Or Arvo Coffee with a pastry if you want something lighter.
Best Value
Liberty Commons and Brazen Head both deliver generous portions at the lowest price points.
For the full neighbourhood food picture, see our restaurants guide and the broader brunch guide.
