Le Toasteur Villeray: Where Community and Families Come Together

A stroll through Villeray is enough to see it: this neighbourhood is a true haven for families. Green laneways, pedestrian streets, lively parks, bike paths… All of these draw more and more parents looking for quality of life. Close to downtown without the hustle and bustle, Villeray offers schools, daycares and local shops, all in an inclusive and vibrant setting.

As real estate brokers, we know that families aren't just looking for a house, but for a way of life. One question comes up often: “Can we go out to eat with our kids?” Because yes, parents also like to eat well without giving up a warm welcome for the little ones.

If you think Villeray is all wine bars and trendy restaurants, think again. This neighbourhood also knows how to pamper families. Spotlight on a must-visit spot where young and old alike enjoy a feast: Le Toasteur. More than just breakfast, a true moment of shared enjoyment.

Le Toasteur: a reflection of a friendly Villeray

A decade ago, Villeray was just one neighbourhood among many in Montreal. Not yet the trendy place it has become today, but already rich in an essential quality: a neighbourhood life where people know each other, greet each other and support each other. It was in this context that Le Toasteur Villeray opened its doors in 2012. And from day one, it bore witness to this vibrant neighbourhood life.

The restaurant didn't just welcome customers. It welcomed neighbours. People who already knew each other or who would get to know each other over a coffee, a piece of toast or a shared joke. Quickly, Le Toasteur became more than a place to have breakfast – it became a place of connection. A space where stories intersect and where it's nice to see familiar faces.

A place of human connection

There is something rare about the way Le Toasteur has grown. Not through flashy advertising or rapid expansion, but through attentiveness, consistency and an authentic presence. During the pandemic, when so many businesses were faltering, it was the regulars who supported the restaurant. They didn't just come for a meal – they came to protect an institution that is part of their daily lives.

Claudia Murray, one of the three owners, shares an anecdote that sums it all up. Over the years, they have watched babies grow into teenagers and then young adults. Some of those children, who grew up in the neighbourhood, even ended up working at the restaurant. And, in a wonderful full-circle moment, their third partner is one of those children: a longtime regular who went from dishwasher to co-owner. That is the whole strength of a place like Le Toasteur. It's not just a restaurant. It's a thread that ties a neighbourhood together. Even graffiti artists respect its walls, as if this place embodied something too precious to be touched.

Families at Le Toasteur

There is one truth Claudia has learned over the years: for children, a standard menu isn't enough. A crêpe, some fruit, an egg on toast… They don't want an exhaustive menu, they want adaptability. And that's exactly what Le Toasteur offers. While adults explore a menu full of local products, creative recipes and freshness, children get something even better: made-to-order dishes. No rigidity, no “choose between A or B.” In fact, Claudia knows that families need much more than good food. They need flexibility, and attention to the little details that turn a simple meal into a family experience. That's why Le Toasteur has designed its space to accommodate strollers with ease. With expansions under way and a new bathroom equipped with a changing table, Le Toasteur keeps thinking of every little detail. Back in 2021, a makeover by Alphabet Mobilier transformed the dining room into a bright, functional space, ideal for families. And with an ambitious two-storey project, they are going even further, creating a place where simplicity, conviviality and relaxation come together.

And what about the weekend lineups that keep getting longer? (Because yes, everyone wants a spot.) They have an elegant solution: an app that lets you know when your table is ready. In the meantime? No stress. There's a park just steps away, a real playground for the kids. Claudia laughs as she tells us that sometimes the children have so much fun at the park that they're disappointed to have to come back to the table. Imagine that: a restaurant where even the wait is part of the fun.

More than a menu, an ode to community

Their menu? A treat that adapts to everyone's cravings: winter French toast, Chakchouka, Brouillade Ibérica and comforting grilled cheeses, in turkey or vegan versions. But there are also a few stars…

Take the Béné Panache : poached eggs, cheddar, ham or tofu, crunchy apples, silky hollandaise sauce and a touch of maple syrup, all on golden brioche bread. Or the Béné Raclette, where Québec raclette from the cheese shop Anne & Frères meets sautéed vegetables and house-made pickles. And for the curious, there's even a breakfast poutine or the surprising vegan Loumi sandwich.

When quality meets local commitment

Claudia likes to say she wants to bring the quality of a gourmet dinner to breakfast. To achieve this, the menu changes every two months, following the rhythm of the seasons and local products. They work with neighbourhood artisans: the coffee comes from Café Larue, the bread from the bakery Le Pain dans les Voiles, and the cheeses and meats from local producers. This attention to detail isn't just about offering the best – it's also a way to support the local ecosystem. By collaborating with GUTA, an organization that promotes local food, they also educate their customers: knowing where food comes from means reconnecting with what we consume.

Authentically Villeray

Located at 767 rue Villeray, Le Toasteur is much more than a restaurant. It's a place where families come together to share a meal in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With tasty dishes, a space designed for children and a focus on local products, it embodies Villeray's community spirit. It's the ideal spot for a young family looking for a stress-free brunch, where simplicity, conviviality and quality time come together.