THE FOODIE MOM
The place: Behind Pacific Mall, bustling Chung King Gar­den (4394 Steeles Ave. E., Markham, 905-513-8788) eschews ubiquitous Cantonese fare for rare dim sum treats from Shanghai.
The food: Dumpling fans enjoy steamed xiao long bao, filled with veggies, shredded pork and hot broth. Green onion pancakes are a savoury standard, while crunchy jellyfish pleases esoterica lovers. Special occasions call for noodle soup—the wriggly threads promise long life and good luck.

THE SOPHISTICATED MOM
The place: On the second floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, the light-filled Studio Café (21 Avenue Rd., 416-928-7330), where the stylish set (no bed head allowed) eyes other tables for local scandals and visiting celebs.
The food: A globe-trotting menu includes ethereally light and fluffy lemon ricotta hot cakes ($17), and poached eggs atop chorizo hash ($19) with zingy chipotle hollandaise. Sandwiches and black cod provide the day’s second meal for early risers.

THE NO-NONSENSE MOM
The place: Dating back to 1948, the Senator (249 Victoria St., 416-364-7517) offers the ur-diner experience, from checkered floors to worn wooden booths to eggs just the way you like them.
The food: After a wait (this place is perennially popular), expect all the classics: French toast and sandwiches featuring thick-cut challah, blueberry pancakes made from scratch, and a bagel plate loaded with cream cheese and house-smoked Atlantic salmon.

THE SCENESTER MOM
The place: The artfully converted butcher shop Czehoski (678 Queen St. W., 416-366‑6787). On the main floor, booths make for cozy meals; upstairs, close tables are for gregarious moms eager to share child-rearing techniques with fellow diners.
The food: Eggs are organic, greens are from Cookstown and yogurt comes via Monforte. But come on, it’s her day—she should have Dessert for Breakfast ($8), which might be vanilla crème brûlée drizzled with calvados.