Duck & Waffle

You're walking into one of those places that's somehow pulled off being both effortlessly cool and genuinely welcoming. Duck & Waffle has nailed that balance on St James Crescent—a neighbourhood that's had its fair share of openings, but this one feels properly settled. The menu swings between breakfast-to-lunch fare done right (think elevated brunches, not just avocado toast) and dinner plates that don't try too hard but land properly. There's a real sense they've thought about what people actually want to eat and drink, rather than chasing trends.