A bright, unfussy Roncesvalles brunch spot that delivers exactly what the neighbourhood wants: crispy hash browns, fluffy pancakes, properly runny eggs benedict, and a short-rib melt that regulars talk about in the same breath as the weekend specials. No reservations, minimal pretension, maximum satisfaction.
Neighbourhood: Roncesvalles · Address: 89 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON · Hours: Daily 7am–4pm · Phone: (416) 516-1555
Why Visit
Come for the short-rib melt and eggs benedict — two dishes that demonstrate what happens when a brunch kitchen focuses on execution over gimmicks. The neighbourhood vibe is genuine, the coffee is strong, and the pretension is nonexistent.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike downtown brunch spots that chase trends and Instagram moments, Toasted is a neighbourhood restaurant that happens to serve breakfast all day. The no-reservations policy, the limited-batch short rib, and the regulars who treat it like their kitchen table all create a sense of place that's increasingly rare in Toronto's brunch scene.
Toasted on Roncy is the kind of neighbourhood brunch spot that doesn't need to announce itself. Tucked into a storefront on Roncesvalles Avenue with a simple wooden sign, it serves the west end with the kind of straightforward, well-executed breakfast that makes people regulars. The room is bright and unfussy, the menu is focused, and the kitchen's priority is clear: make everything on the plate taste better than it needs to.
The eggs benedict is the menu's technical showcase. The hollandaise is made fresh, the poached eggs hold their shape until cut, and the English muffins are toasted properly — not just warmed. The result is a benedict that doesn't rely on heavy sauce to compensate for loose eggs or under-toasted bread. It's the version you want when you're craving something classic done correctly.
The short-rib melt is the dish that generates the most conversation. Braised short rib, shredded and piled onto grilled sourdough with melted cheese and caramelized onions, it eats like a brunch sandwich and a dinner entrée at the same time. The meat is cooked until it falls apart, the onions are properly reduced (sweet, not burnt), and the bread holds together under the weight. It's rich, it's generous, and it regularly sells out before the kitchen closes.
The pancakes and hash browns round out the breakfast essentials. The pancakes are fluffy without being cakey, and the hash browns are properly crisped — shredded potatoes pressed and fried until the exterior is golden and the interior is tender. These are the details that separate a neighbourhood brunch spot from a place that just happens to serve breakfast.
Service is friendly and fast, and the no-reservations policy means the line on weekend mornings is real. Locals know to arrive early, grab counter seating if it's available, and order the short-rib melt without hesitation. The neighbourhood regulars treat it as an extension of their kitchen — a place where the coffee is hot, the food is consistent, and the pretension is nonexistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Toasted take reservations?
No — Toasted operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekend mornings typically see a line forming by 9:30am. Arriving before 10am gives you the best chance of a short wait. Counter seating is usually faster than tables for smaller groups.
What is the short-rib melt and why does it sell out?
The short-rib melt is braised beef short rib, shredded and piled onto grilled sourdough with melted cheese and caramelized onions. It's a generous, rich brunch sandwich that regulars order reflexively. The kitchen braises a limited batch daily, and it frequently sells out by early afternoon — especially on weekends.
What are the best things to order at Toasted?
The eggs benedict (properly executed classic), the short-rib melt (the signature), the pancakes (fluffy, not cakey), and the hash browns (properly crisped). The weekend specials rotate and are worth asking about.
How do I get to Toasted on Roncesvalles?
Toasted is at 89 Roncesvalles Ave, near Dundas West. Take the TTC to Dundas West Station (Line 2) and walk 10 minutes south, or catch the 504 King streetcar. Street parking on Roncesvalles can be competitive on weekend mornings.