The Riverside neighbourhood on the East side of downtown Toronto is growing in popularity by the day. Known for fantastic places to eat and drink, it has become a weekend destination for those living all around the city of Toronto.
It’s one of our favourite neighbourhoods to spend an afternoon, checking out the various boutiques, with coffee in hand. It’s a brunch destination for many and on Saturdays and Sundays, make sure you plan to spend an extra long time there for brunch and shopping.
Best Places for Brunch in Riverside
Brunch in Riverside deserves a dedicated section in this post all to itself. Brunch is an institution in Toronto and this neighbourhood is likely at the top of everyone’s list. Noted as the most popular brunch in Toronto, Lady Marmalade is located here, on Broadview, just north of Dundas Street.
This popular all-day brunch spot serves some of Toronto’s best eggs benny and breakfast poutine. They use free-run eggs, quality meats, sustainable fish and local produce as often as possible, and many items are highly customizable to suit gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Our go-to favourites include the Huevos Rancheritos, the Eggs Benedict with braised beef, horseradish crema & crispy onions, and if you have room, order the Poutine for the table – you won’t be disappointed.
Prohibition Social House is another staple in the Riverside neighbourhood that’s not only great for brunch, but for drinks anytime of the day, any day of the week! Their brunch menu has been updated recently, and to your Keto-friends delight, you’ll find many options on the menu that cater to the Keto way of eating.
Choose from the breakfast burger, poutine or even the Vegan tacos – they really do have something for all tastes and preferences at this traditional watering hole. And if you’re looking to cure that pounding headache caused from the night before, we recommend the Bloody Caesar or Bloody Mary. Several of them should do the trick.
Riverside’s Best Places for Dinner and Drinks
If you’re making weekend plans and you’re looking for something delicious but a little on the casual side, our recommendation has to be Tabule on Queen East and Boulton Avenue. The authentic Lebanese menu will satisfy any cravings – we suggest starting with the trio of dips to share with your table and the olives.
Anything from the grill is guaranteed to be delicious so order a variety, and don’t leave without trying the Muhalabiya, a Lebanese custard topped off with pistachios and rose water syrup. If you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday, inquire about their corkage fees and bring your own bottle of wine.
Searching for a nightcap or a destination that will impress your friends for a night out? Look no further than The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel. With stunning views of the Toronto skyline, The Rooftop is a place you can settle into for an entire evening.
With so many great places in Riverside, it’s no wonder everyone from first-time-buyers to seasoned investors have this neighbourhood on their radar.