reakfast is primordial for everyone I know who equates French toast or croissants with Mom and unconditional love. That's why I think the new Eat Café, with its almost-all-day breakfast, is worthy of some kind of local prize. Stuck way to far west on Dundas near Ciccone Simone’s showroom, Eat is sort of a “Clafouti” for the Dundas West crowd.

A deuce of poached eggs atop croissants or a breakfast special -- two eggs, bacon or Italian sausage & challah toast just might be worth the drive. And the best part - staff listens to you; you want your eggs done some obscure way? Done. And my quest for the oatmeal with honey & fresh fruit of my midwestern childhood is finally - well, almost - satisfied. It is awfully close to lunch, and Eat’s plump exuberant beauty, a now-and-then special or baked custom order, is only a tad too sweet.

The café welcomes diners with contoured chairs, dark wood wainscoting, a three-stool counter a small street patio, and a small retail section for signature products. But even more welcoming is the warm greeting from a youthful floor staff.

There is no better way to start a meal at Eat than with a pear & goat cheese salad and walnut vinaigrette ($6.00) that packs a kick from roasted garlic. An order of cassava (or potato) frites $3.50 for a rich start. Frites are served with red pepper aloli. Daily soups might include a butternut squash version.

Salmon Provencal ($9) wraps a thin, grilled salmon fillet served with French beans topped with cherry tomato & herb compote. Savory crepes ($9) wraps a thin layer of mozzarella & tomatoes served mixed greens ($9). And pollo il diavolo is a hit: Tender pieces of chicken are pan seared with spices, served with French beans, new potatoes and pearl onions.

Other options include the pedestrian-sounding but flavour-packed paninis, simple desserts - including a free-form bakeless cheesecake (torta di formaggio) cracker crust topped with fresh berries & mint. A crème de pain de chocolat is brioche chocolate bread, surrounded by crème anglaise. And a chocolate brownie topped with French vanilla ice-cream.

Down-home desserts by caterers/owner Anila Dhanji warrants a separate visit -- and you will be back. Shockingly large portions and alarmingly cheap prices leave no mystery as to how the seven-table spot won regulars so quickly. - Aaron Jacobs.

Review This Spot

Reader Reviews

the food was unbelievable.
Steve J. Toronto
September 21, 2004
I can understand why this little spot on Dundas West gets rave reviews from everyone I have spoken to. Went for dinner and the food was unbelievable. For two of us with appetizers, mains, and a bottle of wine, it was less than $80. I heard their brunch is great too. Will definately be back on a Sunday to try that out.


No way Roze!!
michael, toronto
March 14, 2004
Unfortunately a sad and bad experience after many high recommendations from many friends. The sevices was very bad. The waiter had no clue of what was happening. We came in, there was only one table occupied and 6 tables available of which 5 out of 6 were still dirty so we sat at the cleanest one. Very small place. We went there on a sunday afternoon, hoping to get at least a fresh OJ. No way Roze!! Only minute maid. Big disappointment. The location of EAT is already very special. I do not understand why the people enjoy that place.


Toronto
September 1, 2003
The review for EAT looks great! just a couple of mistakes. the lunch for 2 would not cost more than $25 (you mentioned $40). as well, because the prices are so low, i think it should be a $$ not $$$. also, under the listing for EAT in the directory of restaurants, it says "EAT Cafe", not "EAT Cafe".


Great prices
Joan Marzo Toronto
September 1, 2003
Fantastic food at great prices. Wonderful staff and service. Will
definately be back again!


gem
local breakfast junkie, Toronto
August 30. 2003
This place is a gem in the neighbourhood. Good prices, yummy food and
all just around the corner. I plan to be a regular.


Cute spot
August 25, 2003
Randy Demers, Toronto, ON
Cute spot. It's a little hard to find, but is nice enough, but probably not worth the half an hour drive. Pastries really are good,Just steer clear of the odd-tasting sauce that comes with the frites.