Starving Artist

Rated this place:

584 Lansdowne Ave., Toronto, ON, M6H3Y6

Great breakfast spot: I know everyone is raving about the waffle sandwiches here, but when I made the trip out to the west end, I took the advice of my service and went for the straight-up breakfast that had a little of everything. Yes, the waffles are light and tasty, and I would go back to see what else they can do with them. My bacon was also saucy and a little spicy, which I don't think Ive had before in Toronto. It has both back and front patios... I suggest the cozy rear patio with high fences.

Te Aro

Rated this place:

983 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M4M1K2

Friendly, cool atmosphere: Another new Leslieville addition, this Coffee-shop in a garage is a some-what new laid back place to sip some freshly roasted coffee. For you who are intimidated by Mercury and the Dark Horse, this place might be more your speed. The Latte I had was frothy and smooth, and next time I visit I'll likely grab some of their in house air-roasted big-bro espresso beans.

Okay, Okay

Rated this place:

1128 Queen St. E., Toronto, Ontario, M4M 1K8

Try the Huervos breakfast burrito: This place is usually packed, and has a pretty intense line. But, I enjoyed the breakfast burrito last time I was there, it was cheesy and not too spicy.

True Brew Cafe

Rated this place:

2116 Danforth Avenue Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4C 1J9

Don't miss it!: Now don't get me wrong, I love the sketchy Coffee Time shops that litter the east end of downtown Toronto, but except for Leslieville and the Beaches, we are seriously lacking some half decent coffee options. Thankfully this shop has opening up in the last year, and is providing a welcome touch of class to the neighborhood. Susan, the owner, makes everything fresh everyday, so get there early for her amazing muffins, or try some of her awesome soups and sandwiches for lunch... but don't wait too late, because she always sells out! Personally, I would love it if they would sell the 20-ounce cups of coffee (they brew Reunion Island), and if they would stay open late beyond 5pm on weeknights.

St. Clair Ice Cream Factory Outlet

Rated this place:

2 Kelvin AVE, Toronto, Toronto, ON, M4C 5C8

Best ice cream in Toronto!!: If you like your ice cream fresh, you can't do any better than St. Clair (which is actually in the Danforth Village area). From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but every summer this place is perpetually packed and features a wide selection of frozen yogurt and sorbet as well as many classic ice cream flavours. Portions are also huge and cheap, and you won't feel ripped off like at some other trendier ice cream shops.

Lady Marmalade

Rated this place:

898 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON

Most favourite brunch in Leslieville: After unsuccessfully trying to enjoy a weekday breakfast a couple weeks ago (I seemed to have visited one of two days they were closed), I finally got to try out this new spot last Friday. It was awesome! Prior to this week, I hadn't heard much about the spot (of course, a pile of notable reviews have emerged), but the new place caught my eye with it's bright green exterior paint job, and inside, some of Matt Durant's incredible paintings. Lady Marmalade has a kitchy-cool kind of vibe, and runs on the small side, so be prepared for lineups on the weekend. The food? From what I had, it was awesome... I had the "Good Morning Poutine," which was baked Hash browns with aged white cheddar and hollandaise sauce. That was a lot of starch, so I had a bowl of fruit on the side and a coffee. It was hot and delicious, and I can't wait to go back to try more dishes! For you who miss the old OKOK, this might be your speed!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Loved the Good Morning Poutine!