The Federal

The brunch menu at The Federal is just one page long. It’s not massive, but it allows the Dundas Street West restaurant to do something that few other dining spots in Toronto can claim to do — nearly everything they serve, from the ketchup to their main dishes, is handcrafted.

“Pretty much everything is made from scratch,” says Zach Slootsky, The Federal’s co-owner. “If it’s not made from scratch it’s for a deliberate reason. For example, French’s mustard is just such a classic.”

With a daily brunch menu that remains consistent, The Federal’s dinner menu is a testament to their versatility. Constantly changing, it’s based on the seasonality of produce and the chefs’ whims. But one thing always remains the same—in a dining landscape where the focus is on innovation, The Federal is getting back to basics, serving homemade dishes with a fast food flare.

“It’s got that mix of fast food and taking a lot of care for your food,” says Zach. “I think it's a restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously.”