In an age that favours athleisure and now, le sigh, sleepleisure, over formal attire, big holiday dinners at restaurants have been replaced by brunch - and in some very rare cases, lunch and dinner.
Whether you prefer an elevated meal at a hotel or something more casual, Toronto restaurants are here for you. Until late afternoon, anyway. Which is probably a good thing - it gives you the rest of the day to do other things, including digest the big midday meal.
At your service
Sit back and enjoy an elegant repast at a downtown hotel.
Easter Brunch is in effect at Cafe Boulud ($89) in the Four Seasons Hotel, The Imperial Room ($99) at Fairmont Royal York, Maxx’s Kitchen ($60) at Hotel X, Victoria’s Restaurant ($95) at Omni King Edward Hotel, and TOCA ($74) at The Ritz-Carlton this year.
For something later in the day, head to Bosk at The Shangri-La for an Easter Lunch Buffet ($95), and The Drake Hotel for Feaster Dinner* ($39), both happening on Sunday, April 21st.
*Also available at Drake Devonshire, Drake Commissary + Drake One Fifty.
#Brunchgoals
Restos are into serving brunch this year.
Auberge du Pommier ($70), FK Restaurant ($48), Globe Bistro ($39) and The Guild Inn ($44.95) are just a few restaurants favouring the late morning meal this holiday. Miku is doing lunch instead with Easter Zen ($48) featuring a selection of kobachi and aburi sushi, and Easter Egg Choux Cream for dessert.
Limited time only
Select restaurants are including festive features alongside their regular dishes this weekend.
Executive Chef Matt Simpson of Constantine at The Anndore House has created Fūl Medames ($18), a fresh edamame dip using fresh local Ontario edamame, served with spring crudité, flatbread, hen’s egg, and fresh herbs. And check out the Easter treat in their Ekura Blossom ($16) made with Hayman’s London Dry Gin, Lime, Strega, Easter egg white, and cherry blossom syrup, garnished with matcha powder.
Chef Julian D'Ippolito of La Palma is serving “Pigna di Pasqua," an Easter Pound Cake from the Campania region of Italy on Easter Monday.
Enjoy Easter-inspired items at The Local Café and Restaurant’s weekend brunch buffet ($18) on Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21.
Flapjacks get a sweet touch at Yorkville’s newly renovated ONE with Chocolate Easter Egg Pancakes (pictured above) this weekend.
Change it up
Think: Beer, boats and moats this year.
Bunny hops
In the mood for something more laid-back? Brunch and brews is a winning combo. Craft Beer Market is serving up Family Style Easter Brunch ($23 pp) on Sunday, April 21st & Monday, April 22nd, while Eastbound Brewery has a few Easter features on tap for Sunday brunch: House-Cured Rainbow Trout Benny ($15) and Mini-Egg Pancakes ($13).
Water works
Cruise the Toronto Harbour while taking in the city skyline and delving into breakfast and lunch selections ($64.90) on Mariposa’s Easter Sunday Brunch Cruise.
Princess diaries
It doesn’t get more lush than dining in a castle. Get the royal treatment at Casa Loma’s Easter brunch ($75).
Sweet escape
Easter treats are easy – when someone else does the baking.
Stock up on Sourdough Hot Cross Buns at St. John's Bakery until Saturday April 20th.
Head to Sweet Trolley Bakery in The Junction (3056 Dundas St. W.) for Helen and her family’s homemade holiday baked goods made in-house with fresh ingredients - no preservatives or additives, either. Choose from cookies, cakes, loaves, the best cinnamon buns and spanakopita, and more.
Hide nor hare
Egg hunts: proof kids can find things when they want to.
With 10,000 chocolate eggs to find, appearances by the Easter Bunny, and live music, Sunday’s Corktown Easter Egg Hunt is sure to be memorable.
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Note: Prices do not include taxes and gratuities. Menu items and prices subject to change. For children’s pricing and more information, visit the restaurant site provided.
