Some brunch spots are worth crossing the city for. Lady Marmalade, at 265 Broadview Avenue just north of Dundas Street, is one of them. And if you live in Riverside, it's just down the street.
A family story that started out west
The first Lady Marmalade opened in Victoria, B.C., in 2005. Toronto-born siblings Carla and David Cherry built the little brunch joint into a Victoria staple, known for its eggs Benny and Mexican-inspired dishes.
In 2008, David moved back to Toronto with his wife, Natalia Simachkevitch, while Carla stayed on in Victoria. David and Natalia searched the city for the right location, and in July 2009 the second Lady Marmalade opened on Queen Street East in Leslieville. David cooked and Natalia served. Today they do a bit of everything, and you'll often see them around the restaurant and the neighbourhood.
The Victoria location closed in 2015 when Carla, after more than 20 years in the restaurant business, decided it was time for a break. Since then, Toronto has been the only place to get your Lady Marmalade fix.
A forever home on Broadview
After nearly a decade in Leslieville, David and Natalia wanted a permanent home. They bought a boarded-up 19th-century row house on Broadview, on the edge of East Chinatown, and brought it back to life.
They kept the historic brick exterior. The inside was completely reworked, with a light-filled atrium, skylights, exposed beams, more than 5,000 square feet of blond Baltic birch and hanging plants throughout. It's bright, calm and green, a great place to spend a slow weekend morning.
The two-storey atrium, wrapped in Baltic birch and greenery.
What's on the menu
Lady Marmalade made its name on eggs Benedict and Mexican-inspired breakfasts, and both are still at the heart of the menu. Every plate looks as good as it tastes.
Brunch for the table.
My go-to orders
Two dishes are always on my shortlist:
Huevos Migas: three scrambled eggs with sausage, cheese, pico de gallo, brown rice, black beans, sour cream and organic corn chips. It's hearty, fresh and full of flavour.
The B.A.B. Benny: brie, avocado and bacon under two poached eggs and hollandaise, served with home fries and your choice of salad or tomatoes.
The Huevos Migas, one of my favourites.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of the Bennys. If you want something lighter, try the Granola Bowl, made with Balkan yogurt, house granola, pepitas, fruit and honey.
To drink, I love the fresh-pressed beet, apple and ginger juice and their lemonade.
You really can't go wrong with any of the Bennys.
Poached eggs, hollandaise and crispy home fries.
Good to know
Address: 265 Broadview Avenue (just north of Dundas Street East), Toronto
Phone: 647-351-7645
Hours: open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tip: it's a popular spot, so expect a wait at peak weekend brunch hours.
Hours can change, especially around holidays, so it's worth calling ahead.
Why it matters for the neighbourhood
Lady Marmalade pulls in regulars from Riverside, Riverdale, Leslieville and even Cabbagetown, which says a lot about the community on this side of the Don. Riverside offers historic homes, independent shops and restaurants, and easy streetcar access along Broadview, all a short trip from downtown. Being able to walk to a place like this on a weekend morning is part of what makes the east end such a great place to live.
Thinking about a move to Riverside, Leslieville or elsewhere in the east end? Book a complimentary consultation and I'll show you around the neighbourhood, with a brunch stop included.
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